A Matter of Trust

Finally! The election is over, so now what? The outcome won’t instantly change the fortunes of the stock market, home values and job opportunities. But we have to trust that our elected officials can make decisions that will improve upon those most critical issues.

So what can we do in our corner of the world – here in the Green Industry?

Trust, when you think about it, is a keystone to all our successes.

If you are a turf professional, your customers trust that you are working hard at keeping the course healthy and playable and the homeowner’s lawn both lush and green.

They can trust you. The turf will be ready for them.

And, in turn, you trust that the help you rely on to perform at its best. Be it chemicals, fertilizer or steel. You trust the manufacturers that provide those goods and services.

The companies that stand behind their products. You can trust them.

And when things don’t go according to plan, you’ve called on one of them for help, and they came through for you.

I bet that reinforced the trust you have with that manufacturer.

Or did that trust erode because they couldn’t offer any help or weren’t even there to take your call?

The economy will rebound, more people will get out and golf, and homeowners will continue to invest in lawn and landscape services.

It will all come back, I think we all trust that it will. It’s the nature of our business. So while you are planning for 2009, you’ll want to think about trust.

It is essential that BASF develop new products and effective innovations for the turf professional to support the level of trust we have with you. Products you can trust to help you meet the expectations of your customers, and fight the weed, disease and insect pressures you face.

This past year BASF launched three new innovative products for the turf market: Drive® XLR8 herbicide and Onetime™ herbicide for turf, and FreeHand™ 1.75G herbicide for landscape beds. In addition, we expanded our herbicide offering by adding the grass selective postemergent herbicide Segment™ to our portfolio.

In 2009, BASF expects to receive federal registration of Tower® herbicide for use on golf courses. Tower, which is currently registered in the ornamentals market, contains the active ingredient dimethenamid-P.

Beyond that we’ve got more new fungicides, herbicide and insecticide solutions in the pipeline. You’ll see and hear more about those new products soon.

Products from a company you know to have a rich history of innovation and can trust to be here tomorrow – even when times are tough.

Thank you.

Toni Bucci
Business Manager, BASF Turf & Ornamentals