Audubon adds 2 new member services
Audubon International recently introduced two services to better serve its members.
A phone-based Golf Tech Hotline and a monthly Field Notes e-newsletter are designed to expand the society’s reach.
The Golf Tech Hotline (518-874.4677) gives the organization’s members access to eco-friendly best practices advice and direction from golf course superintendents who lead Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary for Golf-certified courses. With every call they receive answers to questions covering areas of operational sustainability, including:
- Environmental planning
- Wildlife and habitat management
- Water conservation and quality management
- Waste and procurement
- Chemical use reduction and safety
- Outreach and education
Introduced in October and distributed to Audubon International golf course, country club, resort and community members, as well as corporate supporters, in a comprehensive, quick-read format, Field Notes delivers the latest news about Audubon International certification programs, initiatives, events, member milestones and spotlights, expert tips and more.
Searle named GCSAA government affairs award recipient
Bob Searle, golf course superintendent at the Abenakee Club in Biddeford Pool, Maine, has been named the recipient of the GCSAA 2027 Excellence in Government Affairs Award for his advocacy for his profession.
The award recognizes an individual, chapter or coalition/alliance that demonstrates outstanding advocacy or compliance efforts in government affairs. The recipient is selected by the GCSAA Government Affairs Committee.
Searle grew up in the industry, following in the footsteps of his father, Greg, who spent more than 27 years as superintendent at Cape Arundel Golf Course in Kennebunkport, Maine, before taking the helm at The Abenakee Club. Bob succeeded his father at Abenakee in 2012. Both are past presidents of the Maine GCSA Chapter.
It was during Bob’s tenure as Maine GCSA president that his advocacy efforts began in earnest.
In 2016, the mayor of Portland, Maine, appointed Searle to the city’s Pesticide and Fertilizer Task Force. After nearly a year and approximately 10 public meetings, the task force recommended a ban on pesticide use on public and private property throughout the city. Through Searle’s leadership and collaboration with others, golf courses received an exemption in the ordinance that was ultimately adopted and remains in effect.
Since then, Searle has provided public testimony before municipal committees and select boards considering pesticide restrictions. He has also shared his experience with fellow superintendents, including a presentation on local advocacy at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.
Beginning in 2020, Searle served four years on the GCSAA Government Affairs Committee. During his tenure, he helped develop the GCSAA Priority Issues Agenda, met with officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., participated in the signing of a memorandum of understanding between GCSAA and the EPA, and met with members of Congress to advocate for the golf industry. He currently serves on the board of the GCSAA Political Action Committee (GCSAAPAC).
Searle was also instrumental in changing pesticide-exemption standards in Falmouth, Maine. Under the revised standards, golf courses that follow the Best Management Practices for Maine Golf Courses qualify for an exemption without obtaining third-party certification. The change could have broader implications if other municipalities use Falmouth’s ordinance as a model, establishing BMP compliance as a standard for golf course exemptions.
Searle will receive the award Jan. 21 during Government Affairs Session at the 2027 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in New Orleans.
SiteOne creates new R&D position
SiteOne recently named Ken Hutto, Ph.D., to the newly created role director of agronomic research and development that is focused on advancing innovation across its LESCO brand.
Hutto will be responsible for identifying opportunities for new products, strengthening research and helping identify and address emerging agronomic challenges. He will work with SiteOne’s supply partners, research universities and other independent scientists to evaluate product performance and find solutions to evolving market needs.
Hutto will also expand customer access to technical information and education.
Hutto spent 17 years with FMC Global Specialty Solutions before joining SiteOne. There he held roles in technical service and product development before becoming assistant director of research and development. Most recently, he served as solution development manager for North America with Envu, focusing on professional pest management and mosquito management.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Auburn University and a master’s and doctorate in weed science from Mississippi State University.
