Bridging Communities for a Stronger Turfgrass Industry

The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina is thrilled to announce the launch of its Regional Ambassador Collaboration Channel, a groundbreaking initiative designed to deepen connections within the turfgrass community and strengthen the organization’s local impact across the state. With a team of passionate ambassadors representing various regions, this program marks an exciting step forward in TCNC’s mission to foster education, advocacy, and collaboration in the turfgrass industry.

What is the Regional Ambassador Collaboration Channel?

It is a network of regional representatives who serve as the local faces of TCNC. These ambassadors are dedicated to sharing industry news, recruiting new members, and supporting initiatives that enhance the value of TCNC membership. By creating a strong local presence, the program bridges the gap between TCNC leadership and its diverse membership base.
Ambassadors play an active role in:

• Sharing updates and resources with their regions.
• Recruiting new members and industry partners to grow our community.
• Gathering feedback to help TCNC better address the needs of its members.
• Acting as liaisons to connect members with opportunities for education, networking, and advocacy.

Why was this program created?

With members spread across North Carolina, we recognized the need for a structure that could provide more personalized regional engagement. The ambassador program was created to ensure that every corner of the state feels connected to the larger TCNC mission. By having boots on the ground across eight regions, we can better understand and address local challenges while fostering a sense of community among members.
This program also aligns with TCNC’s commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, ensuring that members benefit from the Council’s resources and contribute to its growth and success.

Meet the Ambassadors

The inaugural team of ambassadors represents the dedication and diversity of the TCNC community. These individuals bring a wealth of expertise, local knowledge, and passion for the turfgrass industry. Here are the faces leading the charge in their respective regions:

Channel Liaison
Mike Hrivnak, NCCTP

Northcentral
Markese Burke
Northcentral1@turfgrasscouncilnc.org

Northeast
William Keep
Northeast1@turfgrasscouncilnc.org
and
Buckley Brockmann
Northeast2@turfgrasscouncilnc.org

Piedmont Triad
Joseph Dipaola
Piedmonttriad1@turfgrasscouncilnc.org

Southwest
Spencer Stubbs
Southwest2@turfgrasscouncilnc.org

and

Evan Hager
craig@brokawlawn.com

Sandhills
Chris Kelso
sandhills1@turfgrasscouncilnc.org

Southeast
Joshua Stutts
southeast2@turfgrasscouncilnc.org

Each ambassador is equipped with tools and resources, including rack cards, branded items, and a dedicated communication channel to represent TCNC and provide valuable support to their regions effectively.
Additionally, the program includes a dedicated liaison, Mike Hrivnak, who ensures seamless collaboration among ambassadors, board members, and staff.

The Benefits for Members and the Industry

The Regional Ambassador Collaboration Channel isn’t just a win for TCNC but for everyone in the turfgrass community. Here’s how members and the broader industry stand to benefit:

1. Stronger Local Connections: Ambassadors bring TCNC closer to its members, making it easier to share resources, answer questions, and build a sense of community within each region.
2. Tailored Support: By understanding the unique needs of their regions, ambassadors help ensure that TCNC initiatives and resources are relevant and impactful for local professionals.
3. Expanded Membership and Partnerships: Ambassadors are actively recruiting new members and partners, strengthening the Council’s ability to advocate for the turfgrass industry and provide valuable services.
4. Increased Access to Opportunities: With ambassadors sharing updates and organizing local events, members have more opportunities to engage in professional development, networking, and advocacy.

Looking Ahead

The Regional Ambassador Program is an investment in the future of North Carolina’s turfgrass industry. It reinforces our commitment to fostering a thriving, connected community of professionals dedicated to excellence. As the program grows, it will undoubtedly become a vital pillar of our organization’s success.

Together, we can continue building a stronger, more collaborative turfgrass community. If you are interested in becoming an ambassador for one of the outlined regions, please email TCNC at info@turfgrasscouncilnc.org.