IGM's Melanie Mark Recertified as CGCS

Congratulations to Melanie Mark, IGM’s East Florida Regional Manager for having completed her recertification and retaining the designation as of Certified Golf Course Superintendent. Melanie has also received special recognition for her designation as our company’s most attractive certified golf course superintendent.

Certification is achieved through the GCSAA which offers golf course superintendents a professional certification program enabling them to be recognized for their superior levels of achievement in golf course management. The professional designation (CGCS) Certified Golf Course Superintendent is bestowed upon those who voluntarily meet the stringent requirements. This designation is the most widely recognized in the golf industry and the highest level of recognition to be achieved. Only 25% of GCSAA Class A members are certified golf course superintendents.

"Melanie exemplifies the kind of hard work and dedication needed to achieve and maintain the turf industries' most prestigious designation. She is truly an asset to our team" commented Greg Plotner, IGM Executive Vice President.

From the entire IGM team, congratulations Mel!

IGM Maintained Mystic Dunes to Host Kickoff Golf Classic

Mystic Dunes would like to invite golfers to kickoff the football season at the "Kickoff Golf Classic" on August 29th, 2009 to celebrate the beginning of another great football season. This fun, two-man team scramble golf tournament is sure to offer some exciting plays. Bring your clubs, teammate, and favorite team gear while Mystic Dunes supplies all the football fun!

Registration for the two-man scramble will begin at 7:00 a.m. followed by an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start. Price includes an awards banquet and tailgate party with all your favorites!

A portion of the tournament's proceeds will benefit United Way, the nation's largest nonprofit. Since 1973, the National Football League (NFL) has partnered with United Way, and today it is the most visible and longest running charitable collaboration of its kind.

Tournament fees are $55 per player (if paying individually) or $100 per two-some (if one joint payment) plus tax. The deadline for entry is Thursday, August 27, 2009. For more information or to register for the tournament, please contact Keith Bielski at 407-787-5639 or visit the Mystic Dunes Web site at http://www.mysticdunesgolf.com/email/kickoff_09/.

About United Way
United Way is a worldwide network in 46 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. that advance the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: LIVEUNITED.org.

About Mystic Dunes Golf Club
Mystic Dunes Golf Club, a high-end daily fee course, is open to the public and is located at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Celebration, Florida, which is owned and operated by Tempus Resorts International, Ltd. Designed by Champions Tour player and NBC Golf Analyst Gary Koch, this premier Central Florida course is a par 71, 7,012-yard golfer's dream. The course is ranked a 4 ½-star facility among Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play", has been honored as a Course of Distinction among Golfweek's "Best Resort Courses", and is ranked #2 among "Orlando's Top 5 Golf Courses" by TravelGolf.com. Tee times can be booked online at www.mysticdunesgolf.com or by calling the pro shop at 866-311-1234 or 407-787-5678.

IGM at The Habitat Recognized for Environmental Excellence

We are pleased to announce that The Habitat, managed by IGM, has retained its designation as a “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International Program. Golf Course Superintendent Jim Moller led the effort to maintain sanctuary status on the course.

A round of golf at The Habitat will yield many encounters with nature such as the Sandhill Cranes shown here crossing a bridge on the back nine. As advertised, The Habitat truly is "Where nature and golf join in harmony".

The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, Mexico, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program. For more information on golf and the environment, visit http://www.golfandenvironment.org/.

For more information on IGM and the professional golf course services offered, please contact the IGM Business Development Office at 800-413-5500 or on the web at www.igminc.net.

August Milestones

We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.

10 Years
James Moller – Superintendent – IGM at Habitat

7 Years
Richard Chandler – Equipment Technician – IGM at Highland Lakes
David Kiesow – Superintendent – IGM at Tarpon Springs

4 Years
Maurice Miyo – Superintendent – IGM at Savannahs
Martin Bojorquez – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Date Palm

3 Years
Steve Adams – Superintendent – IGM at King’s Point
Daniel Chavez – Equipment Technician – IGM at Country Creek

2 Years
Richard McQuillen – Equipment Technician – IGM at Ridgewood Lakes
Donald Bookwalter – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at ChampionsGate

1 Year
Jim Smarz – Crew Foreman – IGM at ChampionsGate

Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

August Birthdays

Members of the IGM team with August birthdays:

Robert Lendak - Equipment Technician - IGM at Silver Lakes

David Fletcher - Equipment Technician - IGM at Tarpon Springs

Dennis Welch - Equipment Technician - IGM at Country Wood

Jesus Salinas - Equipment Technician - IGM at Mirror Lakes

Chuck Carnite - Equipment Technician - IGM at ViewPoint

Edward Bakle - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Mirror Lakes

Michael Heckenstaller - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Habitat

Robert Cassese - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Silver Dollar

Terry Peacock - Crew Foreman - IGM at Lake Henry

We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!

IGM's Brad Rook Recertified as CGCS

Congratulations to Brad Rook, Director of Agronomy for IGM at Silver Lakes Country Club for having completed his recertification and retaining the designation as of Certified Golf Course Superintendent. Brad was first certified on July 19th, 1994 and this is the second recertification he has completed.

Certification is achieved through the GCSAA which offers golf course superintendents a professional certification program enabling them to be recognized for their superior levels of achievement in golf course management. The professional designation (CGCS) Certified Golf Course Superintendent is bestowed upon those who voluntarily meet the stringent requirements. This designation is the most widely recognized in the golf industry and the highest level of recognition to be achieved. Only 25% of GCSAA Class A members are certified golf course superintendents.

"Achieving and maintaining such a high level of expertise in this field is truly something to be proud of" commented Steve Gano, IGM VP of Operations. The rest of us at IGM agree. Great job Brad!

Attention IGM Staff Members

Do you have a special event or a staff member accomplishment that should be recognized? An innovative idea or insight that should be shared with our other Superintendents? Want to share your Audubon and environmental stewardship success stories? Maybe just a suggestion about information that would be helpful to your own operation. Then let's put in on this blog.

Please be on the lookout for information and think about things that you might like to share. Any suggestions/information can be sent to tminamyer@igminc.net. Thanks in advance for your participation!