The Midwest Regional Turf Foundation recently honored Purdue alumnus and Bayer Environmental Science Sales Representative John Turner with its 2006 Distinguished Service Award.

The Midwest Regional Turf Foundation, founded in 1946 for turfgrass research and education at Purdue University, presented the award to Turner for his continued commitment to the turfgrass industry.

Turner, who was national formulator account manager for Bayer Environmental Science from 2002–2005, recently took on a new role with Bayer as senior sales specialist for the lawn and landscape division, covering the northern Midwest. Prior to joining Bayer Environmental Science, Turner worked for TUCO and Bayer Garden and Professional Care as a turf, pest control and formulator sales representative.

In addition to being honored with the 2006 Distinguished Service Award by the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation, Turner has been the recipient of such awards as the Bayer Masters Award, the Bayer Leadership Award, Howard Johnson’s Enterprises Achievement Award and the Illinois Turf Foundation DSA in 1995.

A 1980 graduate of Purdue University, Turner earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy with a minor in turfgrass management. Throughout the years, Turner has continued to support his alma mater and the MRTF, serving as president for two terms in 1989 and 2000.