January/February 2015
Volume 39, Number 1
Warm Weather Ahead..Thaw Out with PGMS in California Frigid weather has taken over the country! How is PGMS getting through it? We have booked our trip to Sacramento, Calif. on August 3-5 for the 2015 PGMS Summer Education Conference! Thaw out from the freezing winter with PGMS and enjoy the exciting tentative schedule we have planned! Throw on your shorts and tennis shoes and come explore the beautiful 4-star Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation campus of the University of California - Davis, visit AT&T Park - the home of the San Francisco Giants and also an optional trip to tour Wine Country. Stay tuned, more details will be released shortly! Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ProfessionalGroundsManagementSociety. Link up with us at www.linkedin.com/groups/Professional-Grounds-Management-Society-4173565. Watch us on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/PGMSheadquarters.
John Burns, CGM President’s Welcome
The Forum Newsletter is published six times a year by the Professional Grounds Management Society 720 Light Street Baltimore, MD 21230 410-223-2861 / Fax 410-752-8295 E-mail: pgms@assnhqtrs.com pgms.org Board of Directors: President John Burns, CGM President-Elect John Doiron Vice Pres. Marion Bolick, CGM Treasurer Gerald M. Landby Past President Walter Bonvell, CGM Directors Cary Avery, CGM Diana Bramble Bruce L. De Vrou, CGM Gerry Dobbs, CGM Ted Heywood, CGM Joe Kovolyan Jeff McManus, CGM Joe Payne, CGM Susanne Woodell, CGM Supplier Member Rep Paula Sliefert Staff Thomas C. Shaner Executive Director Stephanie Dodd Associate Director Monica Shaner Financial Manager Molly Baldwin-Abbott Director of Communications
I am sitting in the airport in Baltimore, writing this message just before Christmas. It is definitely my favorite time of the year! I just visited PGMS headquarters; it was a great visit and a good excuse to be able to see where everybody sits as they take care of PGMS business. PGMS headquarters is located in Baltimore, Md. in a great office right next to the Baltimore Inner Harbor. During the visit, I was able to sit and talk with everyone about what they are working on and how things are going with PGMS. Tom Shaner and I talked for hours about where we are and what’s ahead. I also talked with Stephanie Dodd (Associate Director), Monica Shaner (Financial Manager), Meghan Brady (Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing), and Rachel Schley (Meeting Registrar and Receptionist). I really did miss seeing Molly Baldwin-Abbott (Director of Communications and Marketing); she was a little busy when I arrived on December 15. That day Molly and her husband, Kevin Abbott, became the proud parents of Paige Ann Marie Abbott! I am so happy for them and wish I could have seen the new baby while I was there, but it was a bit too soon. Alright back to business. In my last message I talked about the GIE and all the great education and networking that had taken place. Wow what a great time it was! I haven’t come down off the high of being with the PGMS family. PGMS is doing very well and membership renewals are coming in quickly. If you have not renewed your membership, please take a few moments to take care of this simple but very important activity. One of the things we discussed while I was in Baltimore was the PGMS “Member-Get-A-Member” campaign which was just announced. A milestone we have been trying to break is the 1,000 member barrier. We finished 2013 with 850 members and 2014 with 942 members. We are very close to having 1,000 members! I fully expect us to hit this mark and hopefully exceed it in 2015. Another big event on the horizon for us is in March when the board of directors meet in Baltimore for the spring board meeting. The board will be working on regular PGMS activities during our meeting and then we will devote approximately a day and a half to work on a new strategic plan. It has been four years since our last strategic plan. Since that time, we have improved in many ways and we have met many of our goals that were set in 2011. While we did not meet all of the goals, we had a good road map to guide us. Now it is time to see how we need to adjust our direction for the roads ahead. The last four years have been wonderful and I am very excited about the future for PGMS. I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday season and I wish everyone a happy and prosperous 2015!
Meghan Brady Assistant Director of Communications
Happy New Year PGMS!
Opinions expressed in PGMS Forum are the opinions of the authors and do not necessarily express the opinions or policies of the PGMS Board and its membership. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission.
John Burns, CGM PGMS President
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A New Year for PGMS
Would you enjoy winning prizes such as an all-expense paid trip to the 2015 PGMS School of Grounds Management and GIE+EXPO (Louisville, Oct. 21-24) or the PGMS 2015 Summer Education Conference in Sacramento, Calif. (Aug. 3-5)? Perhaps you would like a complimentary PGMS membership for 2016? Over the last few years PGMS has increased membership as well as the number of dynamic industry vendors who are supporting us as Elite Partners in Professionalism. One of the ways in which we accomplished this was through the help of many of YOU who participated in our past “Member-Get-A-Member” campaigns. So, let’s keep the momentum going, let’s have fun, and do it again! By recruiting new members you could win: • EB508RT backpack blower (sponsored by ECHO) • EPRR-24 Rolled Rim Planter (sponsored by EarthPlanter) • Oregon® Premium Full-wrap Chain Saw Safety Chaps (sponsored by Gempler’s) • Jacto 3-Gallon Backpack Sprayer (sponsored by Gempler’s) • 100,000 TLC points (sponsored by Toro) • $100 gift certificate to Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse in Louisville, Ky. (sponsored by John Deere) • $100 bill (11 to be awarded) • All-expense paid trip to the 2015 PGMS School of Grounds Management and GIE+EXPO (airfare, three nights hotel and tuition) • All-expense paid trip to the 2015 PGMS Summer Education Conference (airfare, two nights hotel and tuition).
The deadline to recruit new members is Tuesday, March 31, 2015. It’s easy to participate. Just sponsor a new active member. For every member you sponsor, your name goes into the contest. The more new members you sponsor, the more often you have a chance to win. To make sure we give you credit when you recruit a new member(s), simply ask the member you recruit to download the application form, print it, write your name on the form as his/her sponsor and fax, scan and email or mail it to PGMS. As an incentive to help attract new members, PGMS will lower first year dues for every new member you recruit to only $100. (Note: this special 1st year membership fee is only for members recruited by another PGMS member and it does not include any branch dues.) Help grow your association by recruiting just one new member – remember, the more new members you recruit, the more often you have a chance of winning one of our great prizes. The more members we have, the more we can grow PGMS and our profession!
Details and an application form are posted at pgms.org/member-get-a-member-campaign. Help grow your association and recruit a new member today!
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Member Profile: By John Doiron
Adam Falkenmeyer
John: How did you find out about PGMS? Adam: I found out about PGMS from my former boss. He felt that it would be a great idea to find an organization that could help us both grow as grounds managers. John: Having met you years ago at our meetings, how long have you been a member in PGMS? Adam: I joined PGMS in 2007. That means I have been a member for seven years and I just sent in my renewal for 2015. I haven’t found another organization out there where you can have a tight knit group of professionals that are willing to help out anyone at the drop of hat. Small enough to care about all members, yet large enough to impact the grounds management industry. John: I know that you and I have exchanged several ideas about snow removal and grounds management over the years that we have known each other, but what other benefits would you say that PGMS has brought to you ? Adam: PGMS has brought me another family. Kind of funny to say, but it is the truth. It is truly amazing to see the compassion that the members have for each other. I know you feel the same way John because we have talked a lot about this. PGMS has also taught me that whenever I have a question on a certain problem I am having, I can contact another PGMS member that has had a similar problem. I found out that it is not just me that has daily issues. Being able to attend the PGMS School of Grounds Management GIE+EXPO in Louisville has been a huge asset also. This trip lets me connect with those that I have only spoken with on the phone or via e-mail. It also allows me to have fun and test new equipment that can make our jobs more efficient. For anyone that has not attended, you need to go! I was unable to attend this year and I truly missed seeing old friends and making new ones.
John: Being a grounds manager takes several hours of our work week and I wanted to know- what you enjoy on your own time? Adam: Several hours a week is an understatement! We can compare hours at the end of this snow season. Being a husband and father to two little girls, I don’t have a whole lot of free time. When I do have some free time, I love to play golf. Turns out that my daughters like to play golf also and they have been taking lessons once a week. I am pretty sure they will be beating me soon. Not a bad way to spend my daddy daughter time! I have a camp on a small lake in the Fingerlakes region here in New York. This is where I can truly relax because it has no cell phone service. In the winter, my wife and I both have snowmobiles that we love to ride. John: What would you consider to be the best part of your job? Adam: What we do is sometimes a thankless job. People just think that we mow the grass and plant the flowers, but then there is that one person that takes the time to stop, look around and take in the beauty that we are able to achieve. This is probably the best part of my job. Seeing the look on their faces and the point of a finger when they notice that one small detail that you were hoping someone saw. Being able to take the time with that guest and answer what questions they may have regarding our landscape makes our job fulfilling. We as grounds managers are artists to some degree and our landscape is our painting. Everyone should take the time to stop, look around and just take it all in!
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What’s Growing On With...the North Carolina Branch For the second year in a row the PGMS North Carolina Branch is hosting an outreach project at the Odd Fellows Cemetery, a landmark in Winston-Salem, N.C. that has fallen into disrepair. The project goals are to do general cleanup over much of the 13 acre site and to completely restore a one acre portion of the grounds. Read the important details below and please consider volunteering your time and services!
When: February 21, 2015 Time: The event will begin at 10 a.m. and run until 3 p.m. or once the project is completed, whichever comes first. Lunch will be provided. Where: The Cemetery is located at 2881
Shorefair Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. Parking is available in the large parking lot directly west of the Cemetery.
What to expect: Volunteers will be doing
a variety of tasks including: picking up litter, removing and loading brush and wood, using wheel barrows, shoveling, raking, sowing grass, spreading straw and removing English Ivy from the base of trees. There will be work from light to heavy to accommodate most strength and skill levels. However, the terrain is uneven with tripping hazards, brush and debris. Those wishing to participate should take this into account. Jeans or heavy work pants, long sleeved shirt, work gloves and boots (if you have them) would be appropriate attire. As February weather in North Carolina can be quite fickle, volunteers are encouraged to dress accordingly. Due to the heavy equipment that will be in use and the nature of the site, we ask that those under age 16 absolutely must be accompanied by an adult.
Volunteers are needed for this project!
If you would like to volunteer please e-mail Chairman David Davis, CGM at davis@wfu.edu. Please put in the subject line in capital letters “I want to volunteer for the Odd Fellows project.”
Partners needed:
If you are interested in joining this project as a partner or if you would like to send a donation, please e-mail David Davis, CGM at davis@wfu.edu, please put in the subject line in capital letters “I want to partner for the Odd Fellows project.”
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Please join the list of local partners and volunteers who have committed their time, talent and energy: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Carolyn Albright Photography Cutting Edge Frank L. Blum Construction Company Gempler’s G L Hutchens Sand & Stone Hauser Rental Service The Home Depot Larmore Landscape Associates LTD Farm and Garden & Clemmons Milling Lusk Tree Service Mid-South Irrigation Mirimichi Green Express NetUnlimited Cabling Solutions LLC PGMS NC Branch Piedmont Rent-A-Jon Riverside Farm and Garden Supply Shouse Nursery Sunbelt Rentals Tommy’s Stump Removal Village Tavern Wake Forest University Athletic Department Wake Forest University Volunteer Service Corps Wake Forest University Sustainability Department Winston Salem State University Volunteer Service Corps
Georgia Institute of Technology Honored with PGMS Accreditation The Georgia Institute of Technology has recently been awarded a 3-star rating from the PGMS Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation program. The campus has a variety of wonderful spaces with natural features and elements that combine to deliver a landscape rich in diversity and ecological interest. The university also possesses many of the typical complexities that test the effective functionality of the landscape services operations with its stewardship responsibilities. The keen attention given to this challenge by the university was obvious and a factor during the Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation process. The appropriate use and placement of necessary resources for the upkeep and maintenance of the grounds was clearly evident. Having the right personnel with the right skill sets performing correctly in critical areas contributed heavily to their success in the accreditation program. Georgia Tech is demonstratively pursuing an intense approach to protecting and preserving its natural resources. The landscape services team’s understanding and implementation of sound grounds management best practices is instrumental to the success of these efforts. The mastering of these requirements is reflected in their accomplishment in the Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation program. The PGMS Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation program is a dynamic evaluation tool designed to be used by facilities and organizations that have a landscape services or grounds component. Through peer expertise, the program evaluates strategic grounds management principles and practices that produce and guide the delivery of properties to an attractive, healthy, sustainable and high quality state. PGMS accreditation focuses on three categories: environmental stewardship, economic performance, and social responsibilities. For more information on the accreditation program please visit http://pgms.org/accreditation/.
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New Member Profile: Gary By John Doiron
Nedorostek
John: Hi Gary, I first met you at a Northeast Branch meeting at the College of Holy Cross. Could you tell me a little bit about your background in the green industry and how you ended up working for Bartlett Tree Experts? Gary: My passion and career for landscapes began early when I attended the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and the University of Massachusetts. I earned an Associate and Bachelor of Science degrees in Arboriculture and Urban Forestry. I pursued my career, establishing a tree care firm in 1987 and in 2001 joined Bartlett Tree Experts. My current position as the New England Assistant Division Manager carries responsibilities for fifteen Bartlett offices located throughout New England. I have been a Connecticut licensed arborist and Massachusetts certified arborist for 33 years. I also am an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Board Certified Master Arborist. John: How did you hear about PGMS? Gary: I became aware of PGMS through Bartlett colleagues in our Auburn, Mass. office who are members and encouraged me to attend a PGMS meeting at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. John: After your first meeting with PGMS members, you ended up joining PGMS and supplied us with a great presentation at our next meeting. What is your take on PGMS so far and it’s membership? Gary: The welcome I received at my first Northeast Branch PGMS meeting was exceptional and the personal attention I received from you (John Doiron) in seeing I receive an application, supported the unquestionable decision to become a member. It was apparent that the PGMS organization and its leaders and members were outstanding and dedicated to our industry and most importantly, each other. John: I know that working for Bartlett Tree Experts you are heavily involved with the work day. What do you like to do for enjoyment or what are your hobbies outside of work? Gary: In my free time I enjoy being with my family. I like to spend time outside in any weather. Running is one of my most enjoyable and favorite ways to spend time outdoors.
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Snow Blower Safety Tips Remind Users of Safe Handling With winter in full force, it’s even more important to keep snow blower safety in mind. Anyone using a snow blower should never place their hands inside the auger or chute. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), is offering more tips to educate snow blower users about safe handling and operation. Snow blower safety starts before the first flake falls. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the winter of 2014-15 will see below-normal temperatures for about three-quarters of the nation. That means snow blowers could be getting a workout this winter. OPEI offers the following safety tips to assist homeowners, contractors and business owners as they power up their snow removal equipment. Make sure your snow blower is in good working order before the first flakes fall. Change the oil. Install a new spark plug and inspect the belts to be sure they are in good working order. If you forgot to drain the fuel last winter before storing your snow blower, drain the tank now. Check the auger (always in the off position) and adjust any cables. Make sure it starts.
recommended by your equipment’s manufacturer. It is illegal to use any fuel with more than ten percent ethanol content in outdoor power equipment. Handle fuel carefully. Use non-spill containers with spouts. Fill up the fuel tank outside before you start the engine and while the engine is cold. Never add fuel to a running or hot engine. Store fuel in a clean, dry, ventilated area, and never near a pilot light, stove, or heat source. Never smoke around fuel. Operate your snow blower in visible conditions. Never operate the snow blower without good visibility or light. Aim carefully and avoid people and cars. Never throw snow toward people or cars. Do not allow anyone to stand in front of your snow blower. Also, keep children or pets away from your snow blower when it is operating. Use extreme caution on slopes and hills. Do not clear snow across the face of slopes. Be cautious when changing directions on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.
Before it snows, clear the pathways you intend to use. Snow can sometimes hide objects that might clog the chute of a snow blower, or cause damage to the machine or people nearby. Remove doormats, sleds, boards, wires and other debris from the pathways you intend to clear.
Turn off your snow blower if you need to clear a clog or repair it. If you have to repair your machine, remove debris or unclog built up snow, always turn off your snow blower. Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop. Then disconnect the spark plug wire or power cord.
Use the right fuel. It’s important to have the proper fuel on hand, as filling stations may be closed if there is a power outage after a snowstorm. Store fuel properly and buy the type of fuel
Article source: http://landscapeonline.com/research/article.php/20169.
TRAIN W I O
NG
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JOHN ALLIN PRESENTS
FOR
At this event, we will cover how to: Streamline Your Operations Track Your Crews Develop Your Snow Response Plan
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JUNE 15-17, 2015 PGMS Members qualify for a discount and 4.5 CGM/CGT Continuing Education Credits
S T
G M
A RO U N D N NA GE ME
Snow Training for Grounds Management
Call us today to reserve your seat! (814) 455-1991 www.snowfightersinstitute.com info@snowfightersinstitute.com
PGMS Announces Kevin Mercer as the 156th CGM! The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) has announced that Kevin Mercer of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. has become the 156th grounds management professional to successfully complete its Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) program. Mercer currently serves as the grounds manager for Vassar College. PGMS: Why did you want to become a CGM? Mercer: I wanted to step up to the challenge and better myself as a grounds manager. There is high demand in the college campus grounds management arena that require you to have the CGM status, so I really wanted to step up my game so I can put the CGM next to my name. I also wanted to become a CGM so I could stand alongside some of the best in country who hold this prestige certification, which is truly an honor all by itself. PGMS: How has the CGM program helped you further your career? Mercer: I have been in the grounds management industry for over twenty years now. I have learned a lot of things from educators, mentors, conferences, colleagues, etc. This has given me a lot of experience and tools in my tool box to be successful as a grounds manager; but the one tool I was missing was measuring my own deficiencies such as forming convenient habits aka “shortcuts” I picked up along the way. The CGM program has not only helped me identified my shortcuts, but has taught me to be more efficient in the day to day grounds management operations, cost analyses, budgeting, labor tracking, as well as inputs and outputs with the daily administration responsibilities. PGMS: What advice do you have for aspiring CGMs? Mercer: Don’t give up! It will seem overwhelming at first and it will also be challenging, but this is why the CGM is a nationally recognized certification that showcases the professionalism of grounds management. The other advice I would like to offer is listen to your CGM mentor. They have been down this road before and offer great insight and wisdom to help you strive to be successful.
Take a good look. You may never see them again.
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Digitaria sanguinalis
Eleusine indica
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PGMS: How did your mentor help you along the way? Mercer: My mentor was a great resource! He relaxed me and walked me through the whole process, especially when the day to day responsibilities from my job were piling up. He would help me put things in prospective and kept me on target. The Certified Grounds Manager program, developed and offered by PGMS, is the premiere program of its type in the Green Industry. With certification, your presentations, requests for funds and equipment, and recommendations carry more weight. To learn more about the CGM program and how to apply please visit: http://pgms.org/certifications/certifiedgrounds-manager/.
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The Pros of Propane By the Numbers . . . • $1.75 - The average cost per gallon for U.S. propane for commercial fleet owners during the summer of 2013 • $3.62 - The average cost per gallon of gasoline in the U.S. in the summer of 2013 • $2.44 - After factoring in gasoline’s higher BTU value, the amount of average-priced gasoline that is equal to the averaged-priced gallon of propane • 50% - Fewer hydrocarbon emissions produced by the Kohler 824cc Propane EFI engine when compared to a typical carbureted gasoline engine - Source: Kohler Co. Power Group • 98% - The amount of the propane we use in the U.S. that comes from the U.S. • 6,000+ - Individual propane marketers in the U.S. ‘’It’s pretty easy to say we have 100% coverage in this country.’’ - Jeremy Wishart, Deputy Director of Business Development, Propane Education & Research Council
‘’The natural gas production boom has caused a fundamental shift in the economics of propane such that there is a 20 to 40 percent advantage in the price of propane compared to gasoline on a per energy basis or a per BTU basis.’’ - Eric Hudak, Senior Product Manager, Kohler Gas Engines America Added Benefits . . . As a cleaner burning fuel, propane can used when Ozone Alerts or Ozone Action Days, which can occur in cities and towns across the country (particularly in urbanized areas in the Midwest), limit mowing with carbureted gasoline engines. Propane-fueled equipment can help commercial cutters win business contracts with municipalities and other organizations seeking ‘’green’’ fuels and technologies. Propane eliminates the issues associated with ethanol-blended fuel. Besides the cylinder exchange method of refueling, contractors can opt for a 500 to 1,000 gallon tank with a dispenser. According to Wishart, the investment is between $2,000 to $10,000, which is mostly absorbed by the propane retailers themselves. There are efforts in the works to develop alternatives to the cylindrical tank. Through the end of this year, the Propane Education & Research Council is doubling the amount that participants can earn through their Propane Mower Incentive Program. The new amounts are $2,000 for the purchase of a new propane-powered mower and $1,000 for a qualified conversion. Article and photo credit: http://landscapeonline.com/research/article. php/19946
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Calendar of Events Feb. 5, 2015 PGMS DC Branch Meeting Bartlett Tree Experts Gaithersburg, Md. March 5, 2015 PGMS DC Branch Meeting Maryland Extension Derwood, Md.
Commercial-Grade Outdoor Work Gear
Safety fOr every SeaSOn • Horticulture • Safety • Shop Supplies • Workwear • Footwear • Pest Management • Tires & Repair Supplies • Sprayers & Parts
April 2, 2015 PGMS DC Branch Meeting Tudor House Washington, D.C. May 7, 2015 PGMS DC Branch Meeting Smithsonian Washington, D.C. June 4, 2015 PGMS DC Branch Meeting Mount Vernon Mount Vernon, Va. July 2015 PGMS DC Summer Field Day American University Washington, D.C. Aug. 3-5, 2015 PGMS 2015 Summer Education Conference Sacramento, Calif. Aug. 6, 2015 PGMS DC Branch Meeting Waverly Farms Adamstown, Md. Oct. 1, 2015 PGMS DC Branch Meeting City of Gaithersburg Gaithersburg, Md. Oct. 21-24, 2015 PGMS School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO Galt House Hotel Louisville, Ky. Visit pgms.org/calendar-of-events for details.
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Communication Center Below is a list of recent e-mail blasts: Jan. 29 - Are You Going to Help PGMS Grow? Member-Get-A-Member Campaign is BACK! Jan. 13 - Special Announcement from PGMS Silver Partner in Professionalism Wright Commercial Products Jan. 12 - PGMS Grounds for Thought Monthly E-mail January 2015 Dec. 16 - Help Grow the Next Generation of Green Industry Professionals! Dec. 15 - PGMS Grounds for Thought Monthly E-mail - December 2014 Dec. 12 - Special Announcement from PGMS Platinum Partner in Professionalism Toro Dec. 10 - Renew Your 2015 PGMS Membership! If you are not receiving PGMS e-mail blasts visit pgms.org and make sure we have a current e-mail address in your profile.
Got News? Has something exciting happened to you or do you know of a PGMS member who doesn’t want to toot their own horn? Have you received an award or honor? Have you received a promotion or been named to a new position? Has your grounds crew been making headlines in your local paper or favorite trade magazine? If you have any ideas for topics you would like to see articles on or if you would like to submit articles please contact Molly Baldwin-Abbott at mollybaldwin@assnhqtrs.com or 410-223-2861.
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PGMS Welcomes Newest Members! New members since Nov. 14, 2014
Paul Ambrogi Great American Landscapes, Inc.
Joe Greipp Meadow Lakes
Evan Anderson Sam Houston State University
Richard Grendol The Hanover Insurance Group
Ryan Arnold
Adam Haba Great American Landscapes, Inc.
James Ballard Biltmore Estate Chris Bamman University of Central Missouri David Bowman Mount St. Mary’s University Doug Brunner Messiah College Peter Burke C. Caramanico & Sons, Inc John Burke The University of Houston - Victoria Bill Catanzarita Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Kathy Conner Point Loma Nazarene University Kevin Courtwright University of Central Missouri Jake Cruz Amarilllo Indepeent School District Tim Cullinan Aramark K-12 Michael David Abilene Christian University Michael David Abilene Christian University Jimmy Felton Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Michael Flood Tuskegee University Mark Graybill Messiah College
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Deborah Hamlin Irrigation Association Justin Holmes The Biltmore Estate Roger Houchins SSC Services Commerce Fidel Jaquez The University of Houston - Victoria Burnett Jones The Toro Company Mike Kacsor University of Central Missouri Henry Katerberg Spectrum Health Hospitals Kurt Klask University of Alberta John Lane SSC Service for Education Sergio Lopez Sodexo Jeff Lynch The Chanticleer Foundation Brad Mackey University of Central Missouri Deb Mailhot SSC Services for Education Thomas McCutchen Northland College Luke McSherry Abilene Christian University Dan Miller Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
PGMS Welcomes Newest Members! Continued from page 16.
Mike Miller Marian University
Christopher Van De Moortel Cosmos Club
Steve Montes The University of Houston - Victoria
Scott Wackowski
Kevin Myers The University of Houston - Victoria Robert Ramirez Texas Women’s University Pete Ramsey Messiah College Michael Risell Great American Landscapes, Inc. Juan Rodriguez Texas A&M International University Juan Rodriguez TAMU - Texarkana Nicholas Romano University of Maryland Baltimore County
Scott Warren Abilene Christian University Jared Weaver Cross Keys Village - The Brethren Home Community Kent Willocks Northwest Christian University Toni Wisdom Mclennan Community College Know someone who isn’t a member? Help grow your profession and spread the word about joining PGMS! Don’t forget PGMS has its “Member-Get-A-Member” Campaign going on right now until March! Check back on page three for details and recruit a new member! Membership details can always be found on the PGMS website at www.pgms.org.
Gilbert Santana Texas A&M Kingsville James Schmidt The Biltmore Estate Joshua Smith Rockford College Joe Standridge Texas Women’s University Rob Staudt Princeton University Norman Stewart University of South Carolina Grant Tharp Crawford School Corporation Julia Thome Chevy Chase Club Garrett Thompson Mclennan Community College Philip Turner Cross Keys Village - The Brethren Home Community
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PGMS Knowledge Center Wants Your Submissions The PGMS Knowledge Center is a resource for members to increase their knowledge base in grounds management. PGMS members are the experts in your industry, why not share you knowledge with your peers? This is an ongoing campaign so please send in any articles, case studies, etc. that you see fit. Need some suggestions on topics to write about? PGMS has a few to get your head spinning with ideas:
• snow removal • recycling practices • alternative ways of lawn care • natural turf vs. artificial turf • keeping staff happy • staff benefits/education • budgets • what does sustainability mean to you • sustainable practices you use and why • dealing with difficult bosses • safety in the workplace • exciting landscapes you have visited • tips you have received from other landscape professionals • if I could go back and change [blank] I would...and why... • greatest landscape accomplishments So we have started you off on the right foot, it’s your turn to grab a hold of the topic, write up an article (it doesn’t have to be long) and submit it to share with your green industry friends! Please e-mail it to Molly Baldwin-Abbott, PGMS Director of Communications at mollybaldwin@assnhqtrs.com.
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Classifieds
To view details on any of the positions below visit pgms.org/job-bank/.
Horticulturist – Asheville, N.C. The Horticulturalist will act as an area/ team specialist to provide specific horticultural care to an assigned area of the estate gardens and grounds. As a subject matter expert, the Horticulturalist will ordinarily be involved with and/or responsible for (but not limited to: design; training; plant maintenance; presentations/ talks; ordering and procurement; and special projects and functions as needed. This is a “hands on” position that will also offer general support to the horticulture crews as well as the leadership teams. Gardener – Cambridge, Mass. The MIT Department of Facilities’ Grounds Services area seeks an individual to service the gardening and horticultural needs of the campus landscape. Duties will include pruning; fertilizing; pesticide application; planting trees, shrubs, and flowers; designing, installing, and maintaining landscape features; installing and maintaining seeded and sodded lawns including fertilizer and pesticide application; setting up, monitoring, and repairing irrigation systems; operating power equipment including chain saws, brush chipper, sodcutter, and walk-behind aerator; operating all Grounds Services’ vehicles including front-end loader, Bobcat, forklift, street sweepers, and large trucks; plowing and/or shoveling snow; and directing other Grounds Services’ personnel in tasks such as pruning, planting, fertilization, and irrigation repair. Will use a computer to communicate with customers via e-mail. Asst. Nursery Manager – Berryville, Va Casey Tree Farm in Berryville, Virginia, seeks an Assistant Nursery Manager. The incumbent assists in tree production operations to support Casey Trees’ programs and conducts general farm maintenance. The ideal candidate has experience/background in woody plant production; can manage a small field staff; possesses good interpersonal and communication skills; functions well in a team setting; and; has a genuine interest in the conservation mission of Casey Trees.
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