MSTMA members Mike McDonald, CSFM, University of Minnesota, far left,
and Tom Rudberg, CSFM, S&S Tree Specialists, far right, celebrate two new
CSFM's to their club at the STMA National conference in Orlando, Fla. on
January 15. The two new members are Roger Weinbrenner, CSFM, University
of St. Thomas, (second from right) and Herb Combs, CSFM, (second from left)
The Pennsylvania State University. Herb has Minnesota ties as he worked
under Mike McDonald at the University of Minnesota early in his career.
Minnesotans Enjoy a Great Time in Orlando
For the 2010 STMA Conference in January

The 2010 Conference & Exhibition took place at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort & Convention Center in Lake Buena Vista the week of January 11-16.

The thought of Florida in January seemed very appealing as Minnesotans were weathering 15 below temperatures through the holidays. When MSTMA members landed in Florida early in the week the temp was only 38 degrees, a little disheartening but still about 50 degrees warmer than Minnesota. Each day warmed up a bit and by the end of the week the temps were near 80.

The conference was well-run and very educational. Speakers covered a variety of topics. It was tough to attend every seminar that was of interest.

Highlights

+ MSTMA Treasurer Roger Weinbrenner's passing of the CSFM test. Only five other Minnesotans have this status: Tom Rudberg, CSFM, S&S Tree Specialists; Connie Rudolph, CSFM, Midway Stadium/St. Paul; Dale Getz, CSFM, The Toro Co.; Boyd Montgomery, CSFM, The Toro Co., and Mike McDonald, CSFM, University of Minnesota.

+ Minnesotans performed well at the SAFE golf tournament. Vice President Steve Gilbertson and Executive Secretary Jeff Turtinen finished in third place with a 9-under-par scramble score. They teamed with Darin Kain, Milan, Ill., and Chris Pearl, Lexington, Ky. Finishing just behind at 7-under-par was the group of Greg Brodd, Turfco, and Mike McDonald, CSFM, University of Minnesota. They teamed with Rich Jordan, Rochester, MI, and Herb Combs, Penn State University. Steve Young, Peat, Inc., also participated. His group was 1-under-par.


Capturing third place
honors were, from the
left, Steve Gilbertson,
Jeff Turtinen, Chris Pearl
and Darin Kain.

+ STMA's well-attended welcoming banquet provided beverages and great food.

+ Jim Schmitz, Reinders; Greg Brodd, Turfco; Rick Gabler and Rick Grannes, Superior Tech Products, and Tom Rudberg, S&S Tree Specialists, sponsored the Minnesota Hospitality Night on Orlando's Boardwalk which featured fine food and a fun-filled night at a piano bar.