Project EverGreen debuts at GIS

The inaugural Golf Industry Show in Orlando featured more than just new products and services. For many, the real highlight was seeing superintendents, owners, builders, architects and other industry partners all gather together to network under the same roof.

One new exhibitor – Project EverGreen – marked a successful debut by presenting a message relevant to the entire industry: well-maintained green spaces provide economic, lifestyle and environmental benefits to consumers, and Project EverGreen is here to deliver that message.

Project EverGreen is a nonprofit alliance of green industry professionals in all facets of the business. The group has enjoyed the support and financial endorsement of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America since its inception in 2003.

“Our message resonated well at the show,” says Den Gardner, executive director for Project EverGreen. “Many industry leaders I spoke with strongly identified with the need to further educate consumers about the positive impact golf course green spaces can have on their community.” 

Project EverGreen is strongly pursuing efforts to expand its presence in the golf course industry. Gardner plans to conduct further discussions with the Golf Course Builders Association of America, American Society of Golf Course Architects and the Professional Caddies of America, among others. All showed a strong desire to meet about possible collaborations.

Fundraising goals for 2005 include reaching a target of $1.1 million in cash and donated services for a trade and consumer media campaign, which was launched last year. The national campaign was established to inform U.S. consumers of the positive effects of well-maintained green spaces, including lawns and landscapes, sports turf, golf courses, parks and other green spaces. In 2004 Project EverGreen received orders for more than 110,000 consumer “thank you” pieces, designed for service providers to distribute to consumers, thanking them for maintaining their yards and landscapes.

Jeff Bollig, director of communications for GCSAA and a Project EverGreen board member, agrees that the organization helps bring much-needed consumer education to the forefront. 

“It’s encouraging to see so many golf industry partners standing behind the Project EverGreen message,” says Bollig. “We all try to individually communicate the value and benefits of our services – but we can present a stronger message together with Project EverGreen’s consumer campaign.”