Rotten tomatoes and cool inventions

GCI's Pat Jones reports on the first day of the trade show, his initial impressions, and why he loves the Carolinas Show so much.


Published November 13, 2012

Two things struck me as I walked around the show floor at the Carolinas GCSA trade show during the opening cocktail hour/expo.

(Well, actually three things struck me but one was a rotten tomato thrown by a reader who disagreed with something I wrote, but that happens all the time.)

As I was saying, two things struck me:

  • There’s a ton of innovation going on right here in the Carolinas. Homegrown companies are bringing new products to market. The one that really jumped out at me was NuTec’s Turf Geeks autocontrol spray system (http://nutecsoil.com/products/sprayers/). Incredible accuracy, delivery of nutrients based on data instead of guessing and vastly reduced waste. This stuff has been around in ag for a while so it’s awesome to see the technology finally coming to turf. And kudos to Marc Thigpen for tackling me in the aisle and making me listen. Big things are brewing with this little company so pay attention.
  • The national folks are really starting to show up at this “little” regional show. I saw many of the key players from big or mid-sized companies this year and I suspect I’ll see more tomorrow. The word is out that this is an important event and companies are starting to send their “A-Team” representatives to see what all the fuss is about. That’s very good news for the event.


I also have a confession to make. One of the reasons I love this show so much is the love you show us. It’s just awesome to have folks stop me and tell me how much they like GCI (and, of course, the Carolinas Green). I’m so grateful I get paid to write lunatic stuff and people actually read it!

Finally, a few predictions for the big show day tomorrow:

  • The perfectly-timed cold front that moved through this afternoon will mean fewer folks being tempted to skip out to enjoy one of Myrtle’s 140 golf courses, and that will make for a busy show floor.
  • After mentioning one company by name in this story, I’ll hear from 29 others who also have great new products. (Bring it on!)
  • At least one other rotten tomato will be hurled my way…because you can’t make everyone happy!


As always, we want to hear what you think of the show.

Click here (pjones@gie.net) to send me a quick note and tell me your impressions of this year’s Carolina Conference & Show.



 

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