PROFILE vacation time,” she said.“ A few years ago at Horseshoe Bay, we added a putt-putt event so members, vendors and their families could all interact. At our winter conference, we started a cornhole tournament, which has also been a big hit.”
Flowers plans to expand these events to strengthen connections. Though conference planning is demanding, meeting attendees reminds her why the work matters.
STRENGTHENING TTA’ S VALUE“ There are so many ways for industry members to earn CEUs and education,” she said.“ We have to figure out why some choose TTA over others. Having a great show is key— if we make an impact, they’ ll remember it when they plan their budgets and advocate to come back.”
“ Keeping members engaged strengthens vendor support and attendance,” she said.“ None of this would be possible without the support of our sponsors and industry partners.”
LOOKING AHEAD“ If we can continue growing education tracks and presenting golf, sports, commercial law and landscape topics in new ways, we’ ll keep strengthening the association,” said Flowers.
TTA relies on advisors from Texas A & M, Texas Tech and statewide turf programs to help members navigate environmental and regulatory challenges.“ We also survey members to understand their biggest concerns and our board of advisors determines speakers and content based on real-world issues they face,” she added.
WOMEN IN TURF While turfgrass has traditionally been a male-heavy industry, Flowers encourages other women to get involved and find a position where they can make an impact.
“ There are so many wonderful professionals in this industry,” she said.“ You’ ll make lifelong friends and connect with people you never would have met otherwise. A woman’ s perspective is different and this industry needs diverse voices and ideas. These guys will listen and they listen with open arms.”
Flowers also believes that increasing diversity within the TTA strengthens the industry.“ We learn so much from new board members or first-time attendees. Getting different people in the room means we’ re all educating each other.”
Katie Flowers
A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE Flowers’ work with TTA has given her children— ages 16, 15 and 9— a glimpse into the industry.“ Now, I want my older kids to start coming to shows to learn the value of networking. Shaking hands, looking people in the eye— that’ s a skill that will help them in whatever career they choose.”
Reflecting on her time with the TTA, she credits her husband of 18 years again for leading her into the industry and sees her role as a way to give back.
“ He got me into this, and I see how much work turfgrass professionals do,” she said.“ I don’ t think most people realize it. If I can help promote that, I’ ve done my job.”
Cecilia Johnson is media and content manager at Sod Solutions. Based in Charleston, S. C., Sod Solutions has spent more than 30 years developing and releasing leading turfgrass varieties. For more information, visit sodsolutions. com. sportsfieldmanagementonline. com September 2025 | SportsField Management
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