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October 2006 News
 



PLANET selects CEO

PLANET's board of directors announced that it has selected Tanya K. Tolpegin to serve as chief executive officer of the organization, effective immediately.

“Over the past two-and-a-half years, Tanya has led PLANET through significant changes, including the merger of the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA). Most recently, she has overseen the alliance of the OPEI Expo and PLANET’s Green Industry Conference/Green Industry Expo (GIC/GIE). Throughout these historic industry steps, Tanya has maintained a pattern of continued membership growth and unparalleled industry education,” states PLANET President John E. Gibson, CLT. “In each instance, she demonstrated a steadfast focus on the needs of the PLANET member and a broad vision for the green industry as a whole.”

Tolpegin is widely credited with renewing and sustaining PLANET’s alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in providing flagship safety materials and resources to the green industry. Since she joined the organization in 2004, membership has grown from approximately 3,580 to 4,400 member companies. She also has led PLANET in delivering exceptional educational programs and opportunities throughout the year, offering a mix of academic and industry expertise. Her analysis and contributions regarding the GIE Expo alliance will result in previously unmatched education and exhibition in one industry event.

“I am honored to accept the leadership challenges facing PLANET in the coming years,"says Tolpegin. "The energy and vision of PLANET’s volunteer leaders make serving as the chief executive officer one of the most exciting opportunities within the entire green industry. I look forward to continuing to work with PLANET leadership, members, and our exceptional staff, while advancing PLANET’s vision of being the voice of the green industry.”

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OSHA 10-Hour Course at GIC addresses industry needs

A green industry-specific OSHA 10-Hour Course will be held at the upcoming Green Industry Conference (GIC) in Columbus, Ohio. It will provide general health and safety training for associates at all levels who work on or around lawn maintenance or landscaping sites.
(GIC Optional Workshops)

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"Experience" PLANET at GIC

Attendees at PLANET’s Green Industry Conference (GIC), November 1–4, 2006, in Columbus, Ohio, will have the opportunity to “experience” PLANET by visiting its trade show booth and GIC Resource Room.

PLANET’s trade show booth is the destination for all green industry professionals. Visit the booth to network with industry leaders, learn and share business solutions, and simply sit and relax. Members are encouraged to invite nonmembers to drop by and discover the PLANET experience as well. Nonmembers will not only be welcomed but will have the opportunity to learn more about PLANET membership and the many resources it provides.

The booth also will be the site of a T-shirt contest. On Friday, November 3, 2006, free T-shirts will be given to members and nonmembers who come to the booth (while quantities last). Those who wear the T-shirt on Saturday, November 4, 2006, will have a chance to win an exciting prize. Refreshments will be available.

The GIC Resource Room is PLANET’s information hub at the conference. Attendees can experience PLANET by browsing and purchasing industry-specific publications; learning about its many programs, services, and benefits; and networking with other green industry professionals. John Deere is the proud sponsor of the 2006 GIC Resource Room.

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Think certification at GIC 

If you are certified, you can earn two education points toward certification renewal by attending education sessions at the Green Industry Conference (GIC). And for those interested in becoming a Certified Landscape Professional (CLP), both a CLP review session and the certification exam will be offered at the conference. Sign up to take the exam by October 18, 2006.
(More about Certification


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A new look for the 2007 Executive Forum format

With a whole new twist to its Executive Forum, PLANET announces a new format for its 2007 event in Bonita Springs, Florida.
(More


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Educator of the Year Award applications available

Now you can nominate your favorite faculty member for the Educator of the Year Award. The 2007 nomination form is available online.
(Nomination Form)

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It’s time to apply for AEF scholarships

Students, don’t forget to apply for an AEF scholarship. The application deadline for the 2007 scholarships is December 1, 2006. The scholarships will be presented during Student Career Days, March 29–April 1, 2007, at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan.
(Scholarship Application)

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Certification exams to be offered in several locations

Give your career a boost. PLANET’s certification exams will be offered at several locations throughout the year.
(Exam Schedule)

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Monopolizing the marketplace

Judith Guido’s presentation at PLANET’s marketing workshop proved valuable to green industry participants.
(Recent Events)

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Wiley takes on business development role

PLANET has named Dina Wiley director of business development. Wiley’s focus in her new position at PLANET is to increase participation of PLANET’s supplier members, and, with the help of the membership department, venture into new territory and bring new supplier members into the association. She plans to enhance existing relationships and develop new ones so that PLANET can better partner with industry suppliers, providing them with the representation they need to get more return on their investments.

Wiley began her association career with PLANET in 2004. During her tenure at PLANET, she has served as marketing assistant, production coordinator, creative services/advertising manager, and now as director of business development. She also serves as the staff liaison to the Industry Recruiting Committee and the Supplier Committee.

“What I love most about working for PLANET has been developing relationships with members and the satisfaction in knowing that I’m helping them grow professionally and helping their businesses grow as well,” Wiley says. “My new role will allow me to develop relationships with another sector of PLANET’s membership — supplier members — and I look forward to representing them.

“Also, I really enjoy my work with the Industry Recruiting Committee. From the moment that I learned that one of the biggest challenges for members is finding qualified employees, I began searching for a solution — you can say that it’s my personal mission to find the solution and make a significant impact on the industry. The association is definitely making headway in that area, and I’m excited about what the future will bring.”

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Green Matters Calendar now available

Photos of green spaces are showcased in Project Evergreen’s newly released 2007 Green Matters Calendar. PLANET is one of the sponsors of this beautiful calendar and promotes National Lawn Care Month on the April 2007 page.
(Order Form)

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Spotlight on Suppliers
CNA provides insurance for the green industry

CNA provides comprehensive business insurance programs for the green industry. The CNA/PLANET business insurance program offers a variety of standard and specialized insurance coverages tailored to the needs of landscape and lawn care firms.
To find an agent and obtain a quote, visit our Web site at www.cna.com.





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PLANET Events
Green Industry Conference
November 1
4, 2006
Hyatt Regency Columbus
Columbus, Ohio

Executive Forum
February 1518, 2007
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point
Bonita Springs, Florida

Student Career Days
March 29
April 1, 2007
Michigan State University
Lansing, Michigan

Summer Leadership Meeting
June 20–24, 2007
Sheraton on the Falls
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada 

Legislative Day on the
Hill Renewal and
Remembrance
July 15–17, 2007
L’Enfant Plaza Hotel
Washington, DC 

Specialty Symposium
August 24–26, 2007
Marriott Indianapolis Downtown
Indianapolis, Indiana