For those of you who don’t know, TOCA is the Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association, a trade organization for editorial and marketing professionals in the green industry (golf, lawn care, horticulture). TOCA is unlike any other organization I’ve been a part of because it brings together so many types of professionals—editors, PR folks, graphic designers, photographers, etc.—for networking and professional development. I’ve built some great business relationships through TOCA and developed some life-long friendships as well.

In addition to designing TOCA’s new 20th Anniversary logo for this year’s annual meeting in Puerto Rico (thanks Adam), Canyon is actively involved with TOCA in other ways, such as providing pro bono web development services for its member newsletter, TOCA Talk. At the annual meeting last month, Canyon took home three communications awards, I led the post-awards banquet sing along (see photo below) and I was elected president of the board. The TOCA board presidency is a distinction that I’m quite proud of and I look forward to helping lead this organization over the next two years.

Next year’s TOCA meeting is in Tucson, Arizona, so Canyon will definitely be in full effect. If you are a communicator in the green industry, I highly suggest that you join the association. If you are already a member, get someone else in your organization to join. And make sure to attend the annual meeting next year. We need more people who know all the words to “Santeria” by Sublime.