In an effort to help the green industry meet the surging demand for sustainable grounds maintenance practices, PGMS announced its faculty and curriculum for the 2008 School of Grounds Management.

School of Grounds Management Addresses Surging Demand for Knowledge of Sustainable Grounds Maintenance

In an effort to help the green industry meet the surging demand for sustainable grounds maintenance practices, the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) has announced its faculty and curriculum for the 2008 School of Grounds Management. The event is scheduled to take place October 22-25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky. 


“This year’s education program will provide grounds management professionals with the knowledge to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the push for sustainability,” said PGMS Education Chair Monica Higgins, CGM.


She said courses will cover the following topics related to green practices: sustainable maintenance of perennials and shrubs, using LEED guidelines to manage landscapes, managing green roofs, preserving trees and the latest information from the Sustainable Sites Initiative.


Even with a heavy emphasis on green practices, the School of Grounds Management will also provide attendees with an outstanding multidisciplinary education schedule including the following course titles: Taking the Mystery Out of Managing and Motivating Employees,


Leading Change from the Front Line, Project Management for “Accidental” Project Managers,


Building a Customer Service Culture, and Effective Management of Snow and Ice Sidewalk Crews.


“With a faculty of green industry experts and a wide offering of courses ranging from LEED and conservation issues to management to horticulture, the School offers grounds superintendents and landscaping professionals a great opportunity to further their professional development,” said Higgins.


                There will also be plenty of interactive education opportunities in the field with behind-the-scenes tours of the grounds operations of Louisville’s Department of Parks and Recreation and Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.


The School is targeted at in-house grounds managers overseeing an assortment of facilities ranging from universities to commercial facilities to municipalities, but the range of topics covered makes it relevant to all green industry professionals. In addition to this dynamic curriculum, tuition also includes free admission to the GIE+EXPO, providing attendees with full access to exhibits from 650 green industry suppliers as well as a 20-acre outdoor demonstration area adjacent to the indoor exhibit. The program will also offer countless networking opportunities with over 25,000 industry professionals in attendance as well as an opportunity to relax and enjoy free concerts featuring performances by 38 Special and Lonestar.


Considered the premiere educational event for grounds management professionals, this year’s School of Grounds Management also includes Educational Breakfast programs, and other social and educational opportunities.


 


PGMS to announce 2008 Green Star recipients


At the conclusion of the program on the evening of Saturday, October 25, PGMS will announce its 2008 Green Star Award recipients. The Green Star Awards program complements other national landscape award programs that recognize outstanding landscape design and construction by saluting the grounds superintendent and staff responsible for maintaining a well-manicured landscape year round.      


Sites will be honored in 15 categories: small sites; residential landscapes; public works sites; shopping areas; hospitals or institutions; government buildings or complexes; cemeteries or memorial parks; industrial, commercial sites or office parks; parks, recreation areas or playgrounds; multiple sites under management companies; condominium or apartment complexes; hotel, motel or resorts; amusement parks, theme parks or zoos; athletic fields, professional fields or golf courses; and school grounds, university and college grounds, or urban university grounds.


 


Take the Certified Grounds Manager exam and save


If you’re interested in pursuing the Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) designation, you’re in luck. Developed and offered by PGMS, it is the premiere program of its type in the green industry. With CGM certification, your presentations, requests for funds and equipment,


and recommendations carry more weight. PGMS will be offering a reduced $100 testing fee for all of those who are prequalified for the CGM exam by Oct. 1 and registered for the PGMS School of Grounds Management. For further information on the CGM program, visit PGMS online at www.pgms.org/cgmcertification.htm.


Additional information, such as online registration, informational brochures, a full schedule of events, list of faculty, and hotel registration materials are available online at www.PGMS.org/2008school.htm or by contacting PGMS at 800-609-PGMS.