Smithco, manufacturer of turf sweepers, bunker rakes and turf sprayers, has pledged its support of GCSAA and its members through participation in the association’s Partner Recognition Program. Smithco will invest resources at the program’s Silver Partner level.
“Partners likes Smithco allow us to provide our members with top education and services,” says GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “We are grateful to Smithco for their generosity, and we congratulate them on celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.”
As part of its investment, Smithco will have a large booth presence at the annual Golf Industry Show, and a monthly spot in the GCSAA’s flagship publication, Golf Course Management magazine. Smithco has also been a donor to GCSAA’s philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG). The company is recognized in the EIFG’s cumulative giving program at the Governor’s Club level for organizations that have given between $50,000 and $99,999 since 1987.
“Respect and admiration for the golf course superintendent has been part of our business model since our founding in 1967,” says Don Smith, president of Smithco. “We’re proud to be a Silver Partner, because we know that through GCSAA, we are making an investment in golf course superintendents and the future of the game.”
GCSAA’s Partner Recognition Program provides year-round exposure based on a prescribed level of investment. GCSAA industry partners can choose from the Platinum, Gold or Silver level as a means of achieving marketing objectives. Each level provides partners unique communications and recognition options to position themselves in the marketplace. Vehicles in the program include the Golf Industry Show, GCSAA Education Conference, Golf Course Management magazine, media communications, social media and GCSAA.org. Additional opportunities for exposure within GCSAA membership, committees, chapters, career services and more exist as well.
The program offers industry partners strategic, diverse and ongoing communication with members. The association’s primary communications vehicles are the most-read in the industry and are considered the cornerstone of marketing activities by the industry. Additional program features desired by companies in their marketing mix are maximizing year-round visibility, securing proprietary options, and engaging in philanthropy in a strategic manner by supporting the Environmental Institute for Golf.
Ted Smith founded Smithco in 1967 in Wayne, Pa., and that same year launched the well-known Red Rider utility truck, a vehicle to transport people and walking greens mowers. Smithco has grown through the years, adding factories in Kansas and Wisconsin, where it manufactures sprayers, sweepers, green rollers, bunker rakes and athletic field groomers. Smithco continues running strong with Don Smith as president, Bill Kenney as vice president, and 70-plus dedicated sales, engineering and administrative staff.