The Irrigation Association (IA) is gearing up for Smart Irrigation Month, an initiative designed to increase the public’s awareness of the value of water-use efficiency as well as water-saving products, practices and services.
Smart Irrigation Month, which first launched in 2005, will take place in July, when water demand in North America typically is highest.
“July is a great opportunity for the irrigation industry to come together around a common message: promoting water-use efficiency,” said Derick Wright, president of the Source Inc. and chair of IA’s Smart Irrigation Month committee. “It also gives individual companies an opportunity to position themselves as a leader in water stewardship and pays dividends for both their business and the customers they serve.”
Irrigation industry professionals and companies are invited to participate in the campaign, which is designed to:
- educate businesses, homeowners, growers/producers and other users about efficient irrigation,
- encourage industry firms and professionals to promote smart irrigation practices and technologies, and
- position organizations as leaders in smart water management.
Resources and promotion ideas are available through the IA. They include a Smart Tips e-newsletter featuring tips on how businesses can participate in the campaign, statement stuffers with simple watering tips, Smart Irrigation Month logos that businesses can use on their web sites and marketing materials, sample press release businesses can adapt and distribute to local media, articles that can be included in customer and employee newsletters, a sample proclamation that a company’s local government can use to declare July Smart Irrigation Month, coloring and puzzle books businesses can distribute at schools and community events, and pre-recorded public service announcements.
In addition, a free webinar includes suggestions and success stories to help manufacturers, dealers, distributors and contractors conduct a winning Smart Irrigation Month campaign.
Participants may enter the Smart Marketing Contest once the campaign is over. It will recognize winners in a variety of categories and irrigation disciplines — from agriculture to turf and landscape and from businesses small to large. A neutral panel of judges will weigh entries on messaging, quality, creativity and integration of the Smart Irrigation Month mission. IA members may enter the contest at no charge whereas nonmember may enter for a fee.
