John Deere Golf and Watertronics Inc., two of the industry's top performers, are excited to announce a new manufacturing agreement in which Watertronics will build Orion pump stations customized to interface with John Deere Golf's Aurora control systems for golf course irrigation. This arrangement will answer the need for a complete golf course pumping system by combining the Aurora irrigation management system with the Orion pump station.

"By combining the benefits of a Watertronics Orion pump station with a John Deere Golf Aurora irrigation control system, we now provide a completely integrated irrigation system," said Gregg Breningmeyer, group director of sales and marketing, John Deere Golf. "Thanks to this partnership, we're able to offer a full-range platform for golf irrigation that complements our existing best-in-class control systems. Customer-oriented solutions for golf irrigation have never been stronger from John Deere."

John Deere Golf is excited to announce a significant development within its sales and marketing team: Nicole Chase, former business manager, has accepted the newly created role of golf sales and marketing director for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Chase will relocate to Germany in order to more effectively focus on worldwide growth opportunities for John Deere Golf.

"As emerging markets continue to provide potential for growth, we need to consider alternative options beyond our traditional approaches," said Gregg Breningmeyer, group director, sales and marketing for John Deere Golf. "And with the recent introduction of several new product platforms, this is the perfect time to take advantage of new, exciting opportunities abroad."

John Deere Golf announces a new partnership with LebanonTurf, established to provide superintendents with a wider range of agronomic products. Available immediately through John Deere Golf are five analyses of LebanonTurf's Country Club line of Greens Grade (SGN 100) fertilizers, with three created specifically for John Deere Golf. There are plans to bring additional LebanonTurf fertilizer products to market through John Deere Golf in the future.

"We're excited about this new partnership because LebanonTurf shares core values with John Deere, including its dedication to advanced technology and high-quality products," said Steve Vincent, North American sales manager, John Deere Golf. "Expanding our agronomic product support, John Deere will offer these fertilizers through our Stores on Wheels and golf sales representatives."

During this year's Golf Industry Show in New Orleans, La., John Deere Golf announced its top distributor of the year, Austin Turf & Tractor.

"The entire staff at Austin Turf & Tractor deserves this recognition, as they have continued to set an outstanding example of customer support by providing the best service in the industry," said Gregg Breningmeyer, director of sales and marketing, John Deere Golf. "Especially in today's economic climate, we're looking to leaders to be role models for us all. Thanks to this company's dedication and teamwork, John Deere Golf will continue to be a leader in this industry.

Austin Turf & Tractor was presented with the Mark Rostvold Award for the third time since 2001 during the Annual Distributor Awards Dinner held at Mardi Gras World on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2009. Named for the former senior vice president of the Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division, the award is given each year to the golf distributor who illustrates superior salesmanship and industry dedication. The award is based on a number of factors, but focuses mainly on equipment sales, parts sales, participation in company initiatives and asset management.