INDUSTRY NEWS
Grand Plaque recipients announced at 2023 NRPA conference
The American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration ( AAPRA ), in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association ( NRPA ), announced the 2023 Grand Plaque recipients in the National Gold Medal Awards for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management . Musco Lighting , LLC serves as the award sponsor .
Founded in 1965 , the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities in the United States that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning , resource management , volunteerism , environmental stewardship , program development , professional development and agency communications . Nominations are separated into six classes , with five classes based on population and one class for armed forces .
The following agencies received the Grand Plaque award October 11 , in Dallas , Texas , at the 2023 NRPA Annual Conference :
Class I ( population 400,001 & over ): Virginia Beach Parks and Recreation , Virginia Beach , Virginia
Class II ( population 150-001 – 400,000 ): City of Plano Parks and Recreation Department , Plano , Texas
Class III ( population 75,001 – 150,000 ): Champaign Park District , Champaign , Illinois
Class IV ( population 30,001 – 75,000 ): Hoffman Estates Park District , Hoffman Estates , Illinois
Class V ( population under 30,000 ): Cullman Parks , Recreation , and Sports Tourism , Cullman , Alabama
Armed Forces Recreation : Naval Air Facility Atsugi , Kanagawa , Japan
State Parks : Texas State Parks , Austin , Texas Agencies are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of community members , staff members and elected officials . Each of these recipients received the Finalist Plaque in their category . For the Grand Plaque round of judging , each Finalist submitted a five-minute video that supports their application and the judges reviewed progress on the agency ’ s strategic plan .
Bill Dunn retires from DLF
DLF announced that seed industry veteran Bill Dunn will retire at the end of 2023 .
Dunn has been instrumental in the evolution of the company in North America , starting with Seed Research of Oregon 23 years ago in the aftermath of the ABT bankruptcy . As a sales leader , he led his groups through several acquisitions while continuing to build presence in both domestic and international markets .
“ I am proud that Seed Research of Oregon remains a valued brand within the DLF portfolio and is supported by the most knowledgeable group in the industry ,” said Dunn .
Dunn originally planned to retire in 2022 , but eventually agreed to stay an extra year and help lead DLF ’ s bentgrass production in the Willamette Valley .
“ Building relationships is essentially a sales function , whether it ’ s with customers or growers . You need to figure out the best way to communicate with people , and be responsive , honest and respectful ,” said Dunn .
Dunn has been a leader throughout his career , not just within DLF but the seed industry . He is a past president of the Atlantic Seed Association ( 2001 ), Oregon Seed Trade Association ( 2011 ) and Oregon Seed Council ( 2013 ). He began his career with eight years in sales at Rockland Chemical covering New York and New Jersey , before becoming sales manager for Lofts Seed . Five years later , Dunn joined ZAJAC Performance Seed , where he worked five years as national accounts manager before returning to Lofts Seed , which had been purchased by ABT , the company that sent him to Oregon .
Knowing DLF is in good hands made the decision to retire much easier . Dunn pointed to improved turnaround times for customers and a renewed focus on the entire supply chain as positive signs for the future .
“ The recent investments by DLF have been strategic , and the new leaders ’ approach shows everyone is valued . I feel confident about the company going forward ,” said Dunn .
DLF thanked Dunn for his many years of service and wished him a happy retirement .
Bill Dunn
46 SportsField Management | December 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com