The Turf Equipment Technicians Association of the Carolinas (TETAC) 14th annual Conference in Myrtle Beach, S.C., teed off Monday with a golf tournament at Arcadian Shores, sponsored by Revels Turf and Tractor/John Deere.
Horry Georgetown Technical College hosted more than 100 registrants Tuesday with educational sessions held in its conference center. Mickey McCord of McCord Golf Services and Safety started off the sessions with a presentation on developing a safety program on the golf course. Many equipment techs also act as safety officers for the maintenance department – this session gave them the necessarily elements of a comprehensive safety plan for the department.
Technicians also tackled new Tier IV emissions standards, with a Tuesday afternoon discussion featuring representatives from each of the big three equipment distributors: John Deere, Toro and Jacobsen. The new standards could make a big difference for technicians.
“I’m looking forward to hearing from the manufacturer’s reps,” says Clayton Ennis, Equipment Tech at Devil’s Ridge Country Club in Holly Springs, N.C. “I want to know what it’ll mean for turf equipment, and if it’ll have an effect on the maintenance of diesel engines.”
The technicians also got a chance to network through the TETAC conference, like their superintendent counterparts.
“I’ve met a lot of guys through this organization that I now call anytime I want a second opinion,” says Preston Burl of MacGregor Downs Country Club in Cary, N.C., president of TETAC.
TETAC techs will also join the Carolinas GSCAA members on the trade show floor Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons to connect with more industry pros and new equipment.