Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States: Syngenta has announced the opening of the application process for the 2022 Syngenta Business Institute (SBI) professional development programme.

To be staged from December 6-9, the programme will return in-person at the Graylyn International Conference Centre. Golf course superintendents have until August 22 to apply online.

“Two years of virtual SBI certainly exceeded our expectations, but we are really excited about the idea of being back in-person for the 2022 programme,” said Stephanie Schwenke, Turf Market Manager for Syngenta, an Executive Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

“While our virtual programmes have been very successful, learning together in person helps create even stronger bonds for the participants. We will continue monitoring updates from government and health authorities and will be fully prepared to transition the programme online via Zoom if needed,” added Schwenke.

In partnership with the nationally ranked Wake Forest University Executive Education, the 2022 programme curriculum features educational courses designed to teach superintendents critical industry skills.

Superintendents will also be given the opportunity to build valuable connections with industry professionals during various networking sessions. Upon completion, participants will earn 1.5 GCSAA Education Points.

Topics to be covered during this year’s programme include:

• Work/life balance
• Negotiations
• Financial management
• Tools for managing employees
• Leading across cultures and generations

“The faculty and I are very excited that SBI will return to in-person learning for the 2022 programme,” said Ken Middaugh, Faculty Director for SBI at Wake Forest University.

“We feel that the intangible benefits that result when superintendents can informally share experiences, knowledge and successes are much greater when they can meet face-to-face. These benefits only enhance the development activities of SBI,” he added.

Class size for SBI is limited to establish a strong interaction among participants and instructors. Attendees must be employed as a superintendent, director of agronomy or at an equivalent level in the US to be eligible.