Football Legend Bill Bergey to Serve as Keynote Speaker at Annual Turfgrass Event

The Florida Turfgrass Association (FTGA)  announced that football legend Bill Bergey will serve as the Keynote Speaker during the Association’s Awards Luncheon and Annual Meeting on September 17, 2008 at the 56th Annual Conference & Show.

A former college, AFL and NFL linebacker, Bill Bergey’s career has been notably one of the best in the league.  His outstanding career includes breaking records for tackles (nearly 1,200), fumble recoveries and interceptions, a Super Bowl appearance, as well as being named All-Pro four times, and Eagles MVP three times.  Although Bergey retired from football while with the Eagles in 1980, he continues a close relationship with the game, by doing pre- and post-game radio and TV commentary for the Eagles.


“The FTGA Annual Conference & Show is THE event to attend if you are involved or interested in the Florida turfgrass industry, said FTGA President Darren Davis.  “One of the highlights of the event in previous years has been the dynamic keynote speakers, and Bill Bergey is certain to extend this tradition.”    


While playing for the Eagles from 1974 to 1980, All-Pro middle linebacker Bill Bergey was a player who possessed great passion, intellect, talent, and was known as one of the hardest working individuals to ever grace his defensive position. Today, once again he is using the same passion, intellect and work ethic to his advantage in his present-day career endeavors. Thus, he is successful in the business world just as he was on the football field before retiring from the game in 1981.


The FTGA Conference & Show, scheduled for September 16-19 at the PGA Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, will emphasize the importance of driving attendees’ business and future.  The event, Drive 2008: Accelerate Your Business & Future, will provide educational and networking opportunities for sports turf, golf, lawn care, leisure services and sod farming professionals, as well as industry suppliers.


Conference sponsorship and trade show exhibitor opportunities are available. For more information regarding sponsoring, exhibiting, registering information or for a list of session and events, visit www.ftga.org or call 800-82-6721.


The Florida turfgrass industry has a $5 billion economic impact in the state and provides about 84,000 jobs.  FTGA, founded in 1952, advocates for and promotes the turfgrass industry with research, continuing education, and networking opportunities for turfgrass professionals.  For more information, visit www.ftga.org.