The Water Zone Awarded Best New Live Radio Show for 2015

January 27, 2016 – The Water Zone radio program has been named the Best New Live Radio Show of 2015 by NBC Radio affiliate KCAA 1050 AM / 106.5 FM. Launched in June 2015 amid California’s record drought and sponsored by The Toro Company, The Water Zone focuses on key topics surrounding water and providing solutions to improve water efficiency. With more than 50 years of experience in the irrigation industry, hosts Mike Baron and Rob Starr started the radio program to help educate audiences on the water directives issued by California Governor Jerry Brown and local water agencies.

‘KCAA radio is extremely happy to bring this type of programming to our listening audience. The show offers great information about our current drought from the show’s various guest perspectives,’ says Mark Westwood, KCAA general manager. ‘I even learned how I can keep my lawn, while reducing my water usage through best practices and by using the latest in irrigation technologies.’

‘We are truly honored to receive this recognition from KCAA, especially as we are dedicated to developing water-saving innovation and to educating the community on the importance of protecting such an important resource,’ said Phil Burkart, vice president of The Toro Company’s Irrigation and Lighting Businesses. ‘We are proud to have our efforts recognized and to have the outlet to share our expertise.’

Since the show’s introduction, a stream of key guests has appeared including state legislators, water agency general managers, meteorologists, horticulturists, authors, agricultural specialists, landscape contractors, residential builders, and real estate industry professionals. This includes Felicia Marcus, Chair of the California State Water Resources Control Board; Marcie Edwards, General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power; Stephanie Tanner, Products Lead for EPA’s WaterSense® Program; Karen Guz, Conservation Director for the San Antonio Water System; and, Wade Crowfoot, Senior Advisor for the Office of California Governor Jerry Brown, among others.

‘We are looking forward to a great line-up of special guests in 2016, including radio host and environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., State of California Secretary of Natural Resources John Laird, New York Times bestselling author Seth M. Siegel, Israeli Consul Yaki Lopez, and Mark Lambert, CEO of IDE Technologies – just to name a few,’ says Mike Baron.

The Water Zone airs and streams live at www.kcaaradio.com every Thursday at 6 pm PST. Podcasts are also available immediately after broadcast.

About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf, snow and ground engaging equipment, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. With sales of $2.4 billion in fiscal 2015, Toro’s global presence extends to more than 90 countries. Through constant innovation and caring relationships built on trust and integrity, Toro and its family of brands have built a legacy of excellence by helping customers care for golf courses, landscapes, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties and agricultural fields. For more information, visit www.toro.com.