November/December 2013 Volume 37, Number 6

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Honoring the Best of the Best: The 2013 Green Star Award WinnersSmall Site CategoryHonor Award - University of Missouri - Francis Quadrangle

Residential Landscape CategoryHonor Award - North Carolina State University Chancellor’s Residence

Hospital or Institution CategoryGrand Award - Providence St. Peter Hospital

Government Building or Complex CategoryMerit Award - Port of Long BeachMerit Award - Smithsonian National Zoological Park

Park, Recreation Area or Playground CategoryHonor Award - City of Henderson - Madeira CanyonHonor Award - Wildwood Metro Park - ToledoHonor Award - Bonita Bay Community Assoc. Riverwalk Park BocceHonor Award - City of Henderson - O’Callaghan Park

Hotel, Motel, or Resort CategoryGrand Award - The Venetian Resort - SandsHonor Award - The Palazzo Resort - Sands

Athletic Fields CategoryMerit Award - Arroyo Grande Sports Complex City of Henderson

Golf Course CategoryHonor Award - Berkeley Hall Golf Club

School Grounds CategoryHonor Award - Lake Forest Academy*

University and College Grounds CategoryGrand Award - University of MississippiHonor Award - Southern Methodist UniversityHonor Award - Western Kentucky University* Honor Award - Texas Woman’s UniversityHonor Award - University of Rochester - Mount Hope CampusHonor Award - Queens University of Charlotte* Honor Award - Marymount CollegeHonor Award - University of Texas at DallasHonor Award - Baylor UniversityHonor Award - Ohio Northern University*Merit Award - Franklin W. Olin College of EngineeringMerit Award - University of the CumberlandsMerit Award - Virginia Wesleyan CollegeMerit Award - University of Iowa

Urban University Grounds CategoryGrand Award - University of GuelphHonor Award - University of Puget SoundHonor Award - University of NevadaHonor Award - University of AlbertaHonor Award - Southern Baptist Theological Seminary*

*grounds overseen by Sodexo

The Forum Newsletter is published six times a year by theProfessional Grounds Management Society

720 Light StreetBaltimore, MD 21230

410-223-2861 / Fax 410-752-8295E-mail: pgms@assnhqtrs.com

pgms.org

Board of Directors:President Walter Bonvell, CGMPresident-Elect John Burns, CGM

Vice Pres. John DoironTreasurer Marion Bolick, CGM

Past President John Van Etten, CGM

Directors Cary Avery, CGM

Diana Bramble Gerry Dobbs, CGM

Mark FeistTed Heywood, CGM

Ron Hostick, CGM, CSFMGerald Landby

Joe Payne, CGMSusanne Woodell, CGM

StaffThomas C. Shaner, CAE

Executive DirectorKelly Mesaris

Associate DirectorMonica Shaner

Financial ManagerMolly Baldwin-Abbott

Director of CommunicationsMeghan Brady

Assistant Director of Communications

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.

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My Old Kentucky Home

Walt Bonvell, CGMPGMS President

Of all the years that I have been going to the GIE+EXPO in Louisville, I can honestly say that this year felt like I was truly in “My Old Kentucky Home.” On the way over to Huber’s Orchard, Winery, & Vineyards our bus driver started singing “My Old Kentucky Home” and sang the whole song. It was a great and wonderful welcome to Louisville and the “Blue Grass” Common Wealth of Kentucky where I have resided for the past 36 years. Little touches like this enhance the exciting experiences of the annual GIE+EXPO. In addition, it is always

a pleasure to catch up with colleagues and friends that we may only see once a year. I also enjoy the anticipation of meeting new folks as well.

I especially want to thank my mentor, colleague, friend, and now Past President, John Van Etten, CGM. During the past year John has inspired me to become a better leader in my mission to take PGMS to the next level of professionalism. I would also like to congratulate President-Elect John Burns, CGM for developing an outstanding educational track for the School of Grounds Management (SGM). Inspirational sessions included the Breakfast of Champions on Thursday morning with John Ikerd, professor emeritus of Agriculture Economics from the University of Missouri and on Saturday morning Jeff McManus, CGM, from the University of Mississippi presented “Turning Weeders into Leaders.” They were both outstanding speakers as were all of the presenters for the SGM. My congratulations to John once again for a job well done. As always, my sincere thank you to Tom Shaner and his staff for putting the entire program together and making it yet another successful conference.

My goal this year is to help support and develop PGMS branches. When I was a new member of PGMS 15 years ago, I was asked by Kevin O’Donnell from Villanova University in Philadelphia to be part of a committee to help develop PGMS branches. I jumped at the opportunity and now our branches are growing and getting stronger. For example last year, with the help of Jimmy Viars, CGM, a new branch was started in Virginia. And just last week, I had the honor of attending the first election of officers for the newest branch in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a great group of grounds professionals. I want to thank Gerry Dobbs, CGM for being instrumental in the formation of the new Michigan Branch.

As you have probably noticed, I have referred to several individuals with the professional title CGM. PGMS has the only certification program that recognizes grounds managers and brings them to the highest level of professionalism and leadership. I’m proud to have that next to my name, as are the other 150 members who have achieved that status. Also, PGMS is proud to recognize the Certified Grounds Technician (CGT) program. It is for those striving for the opportunity to get started in a new career.

One exciting moment from this year’s conference was the approval by the Board of Directors to award PLANET the PGMS Gold Medal Award. Another highlight was the presentation of the E. Earl Wilson Award to Gene Pouly, CGM. There is nothing more gratifying than to see the expression on the faces of those leaders that are so worthy of the PGMS awards. This is truly what PGMS is all about, recognizing the Green Industry leaders who make a difference in our lives. What a way to recognize our members at the GIE+EXPO. All awards were well deserved. Finally, be sure to keep watching the PGMS website for our newest program that’s about to hit the Green Industry called the PGMS Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation program. Leading the program is Past President Joe Jackson, CGM.

The GIE+EXPO not only brings together professionals, but also friends. While on tour at the winery, one of our members walked up to me and said, “Walt, is that you?” It was one of those embarrassing moments where I knew he looked familiar but couldn’t place him. He said, “Walt you and I went to college together at SUNY in Delhi, N.Y. from 1972-1974.” It was David DiBenedetto and this was the first time I had seen him since we graduated in 1974. David is the Grounds Supervisor at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. Thirty-nine years later, PGMS brought us back together. It certainly made my day to renew an old friendship with a new colleague. PGMS members, this is who we are - great managers, great people. Our association keeps growing because we grow people. Let PGMS become a part of you.

Walt Bonvell, CGMPresident’s Welcome

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By Walt Bonvell, CGM

For the past year, Gerry Dobbs, CGM, PGMS board member and North Central Regional Director, has been working with grounds professionals from the state of Michigan with high hopes of developing the newest PGMS branch. As the grounds professionals of Michigan decided that they were ready, Ken Stanton, CGM of Grand Valley State University (GVSU) and past PGMS board member reached out to me asking if I could attend a meeting in Grand Rapids at the Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital. Without hesitation, I headed to Michigan on a two day mission.

Ken picked me up at the airport and we were off to see the campus of Grand Valley State University which has 1,000 acres total with about 500 acres in use. A grand campus it was! As I often enjoy seeing sites that are managed by CGMs, as soon as I stepped on-site, I knew the grounds were being managed by a CGM. What a great one-on-one tour I was given. Ken was proud to showcase his work, including the recently completed Elizabeth Murray Garden which was dedicated to the Past Presidents of GVSU, and has since become one of his many “Grand Landscaping Challenges” while working at GVSU. With 25,000 students, 6,000 who live on campus, the grounds were clean and immaculate.

The next morning, Ken and I headed into Grand Rapids to meet Bruce De Vrou, CGM who manages the grounds at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital. Bruce had set up a conference room for the meeting. As we drove around the hospital, once again I knew a CGM was managing the grounds. The hospital is also a 2012 Green Star Award

recipient. Here, Bruce hosted the Michigan grounds professionals who were anxious to start their new branch.

I met some of the finest grounds managers in the state of Michigan, including Will Gasper with Ferris State. Will took charge of the meeting and what an organized meeting it was.

After introductions, I presented the Cincinnati Branch slide show and what would be their next step. After an open discussion of all the attendees, it was time to start the elections. This was my first time of being on-site at the beginning of a new branch. What a moment in PGMS history.

Before I left the State of Michigan, I learned the difference between Michigan State and the University of Michigan with a little help from Marvin Pettway. As

elections began, the first officer to be elected was Ken, the new Treasurer/Secretary. The President-Elect was Ryan Stehouwer with Hope College and the President elected was Marvin Pettway of the University of Michigan. This was certainly a day for PGMS to celebrate as I had the honor of welcoming the Michigan Branch to the PGMS family.

Photo captions: In the top photo, Ken Stanton, CGM at Grand Valley State University, the campus he oversees.

In the middle photo: The Michigan Branch Executive Officers were elected into office. From left to right is President-Elect Ryan Stehouwer, Treasurer/Secretary Ken Stanton, CGM, President Marvin Pettway and PGMS President Walt Bonvell, CGM.

In the bottom photo: Grounds professionals from all over Michigan met to discuss the creation of their branch.

What’s Growing On With...the New Michigan Branch

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It was another PGMS event for the books! Professionals from all over the country came together in Louisville for networking, education, inspiration and camaraderie. From Oct. 23-26, green industry leaders gathered for the School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO. This year, PGMS had 49 professionals who attended the event for their first time ever.

Also this year, we held a special registration event that quite a few people took advantage of. In honor of 9/11, for anyone who registered that day, PGMS pledged to donate $25 in their name to the Wounded Warrior Project. Twenty-five attendees registered that day, leading to PGMS donating a total of $625 to the project.

This year’s event was full of special events and memories made. So let’s get right into it!

PGMS Announces 2013-2014 BoardWalt Bonvell, CGM of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio (pictured left in photo) was elected and installed as the new president of the Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) during the Society’s annual awards and induction dinner held on Friday, Oct. 25 in conjunction with the 2013 School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 23-26.

The 92nd grounds management professional to hold the office, Bonvell succeeds John Van Etten, CGM (pictured right in photo) as the chief elected officer of the 102-year-old green industry organization.

In addition to Bonvell, PGMS members elected John Burns, CGM of the University of Texas at Austin as their president-elect. John Doiron of Concord Hospital in Concord, N.H. was elected vice president and Marion Bolick, CGM of West Columbia, S.C. was elected as treasurer/secretary.

The regional directors are as follows: North East Regional Director, Ted Heywood, CGM of the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass.; North Central Regional Director, Gerry Dobbs, CGM of Rancho Cordova, Calif.; North West Regional Director, Gerald Landby of Carroll College in Helena, Mont.; South East Regional Director, Susan Woodell, CGM of Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.; South Central Regional Director, Joe Payne, CGM of the City of Springfield in Mo.; and South West Regional Director, Ron Hostick, CSFM of San Diego State University.

Directors at Large include: Cary Avery, CGM of the University of California-Davis in Camino, Calif.; Diana Bramble of Baltimore, Md.; and Mark Feist of American University in Washington, D.C.

Welcome to Louisville!Attendees kicked the week off right with a welcome reception enjoying appetizers, cocktails, catching up with old friends and making new ones!

PGMS Invaded Louisville

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PGMS Honors Industry ProfessionalsEugene Pouly, CGM of the E.F. Pouly Company in Orrville, Ohio (pictured left in photo) received the E. Earl Wilson Award. The E. Earl Wilson award is the pinnacle achievement award for any PGMS member. These honorees not only gave their time, talents and nurturing support to PGMS, but gave back to their profession but strengthening their industry. Gene has served both on the PGMS general board and the executive board. Gene continues to spread the word on PGMS, whether it is in his hometown where he serves on the town’s tree committee or to a much larger presence on the Ohio plant selection committee. Gene recently has seized an opportunity to involve PGMS in the Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) A300 committee. During Gene’s presidency, he helped to strengthen and improve our partnership with PLANET and proved to be a very effective communicator with PGMS’s management company and board members.

Gerald Dobbs, CGM of Cordova Recreation and Park District in Rancho Cordova, Calif. (pictured right in photo) received the PGMS Special Award of Distinguished Service. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding service from a board or committee member. This award is given to acknowledge outstanding service to for an individual that goes above and beyond. Gerry spent tireless hours working with members in his region working on cultivating and growing three different branches in his area. Gerry continues to be a dynamic board member that always contributes to PGMS’s growth and success and is always ready to roll up his sleeves and jump in where ever he is needed.

PGMS recognized PLANET Professional Landcare Network with the PGMS Gold Medal Award. The PGMS Gold Medal is given to an individual or entity to recognize them for outstanding and long-term achievements and/or contributions to the green industry. PLANET has been a PGMS partner in the GIE since the beginning. The PGMS Gold Medal Award not only respectfully salutes our Partner, but commends them for their continual commitment to society and our industry through their generous volunteer work.

Each year the PGMS President is asked to give a President’s Award to a member or members they feel have shown outstanding service and contributions to the Society. This year

Past President John Van Etten, CGM honored two professionals with this award.

Ed Harman, CGM of Bryn Mawr College in Bryn Mawr, Pa. (pictured left in photo) received one of the PGMS

President’s Awards. Ed led the charge and utilized the skills, hard work and talents of the PGMS Philadelphia Branch to host a tremendous summer regional. Ed continues to help PGMS achieve greater success as he continues to work on the new PGMS Regional Seminar Committee lining up vendors for the spring regional in central Florida.

Jimmy Viars, CGM of Gloucester County Public Schools in Gloucester, Va. (pictured right in photo) received the other PGMS President’s Award. As a relatively new member, he led and orchestrated an excellent spring regional in Colonial Williamsburg this past year. If this endeavor wasn’t challenging enough, Jimmy worked extremely hard achieving his Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) designation in July.

“I had a great time and think it was the best GIE I have attended yet.”

“I think PGMS is getting better and better. I look forward to more.”

“The opportunities are there for people willing to do the work and take advantage.”

“I wanted to let PGMS know that this was my last year coming to the conference. I will be retiring from Belle Meade Country Club in late spring. I have been a member of PGMS since 1983 and I have not missed one annual conference in thirty years. I’ve had a great career with the country club and a great relationship with PGMS. I will miss seeing all of the people that I have become friends with over all of these years.”-Doyle Watson, pictured left, after announcing his retirement from the industry

“What a nice group of professionals! Everyone made me feel welcome and part of the group.”

“The presentations were relevant. I learned something from each presentation I attended.” “I saw a lot of familiar faces and

made some new friends. It was great talking to people who face some of the same challenges and it was nice to get their perspective.”

“This is an excellent show. No complaints.”

YOU Said it Best

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The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) unveiled a dynamic new landscape recognition program, the PGMS Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation, during an information session held Friday, Oct. 25 during the School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky.

The purpose of the program is to determine if a campus landscape/management system is utilizing best management practices. The first part of the evaluation requires the candidate to review their program as they relate to the three principles of the PGMS accreditation program: Environmental Stewardship, Economic Performance and Social Responsibilities.

The key principles to be evaluated in each category are as follows:

Environmental Stewardship: provide leadership and effective communication, value ecosystem services, manage resources within natural limitations, evaluation of existing natural resources to preserve and conserve, establish environmental policies and evaluation processes and implement environmentally sustainable initiatives.

In the economic performance area, candidates for the accreditation designation will be asked to address the key principles: use of renewable and sustainable resources, eliminate or reduce the use of resources that are difficult or impossible to renew, improve grounds managements performance through policies and programs, investigate the use of advanced and emerging technologies, conduct life cycle assessment and costing and produce contingency plans that reflect budget reductions.

Social responsibility key principles set for evaluation included: ecosystems are safe, healthy and productive, natural processes and human activities co-exist, involve stakeholders to define and link long-term maintenance strategies, find new resources and technologies that enhance the user’s quality of life, the environment, routine assessment of training and development needs is being performed and workforce environment is responsive to employee’s health, safety and welfare needs.

Successful candidates will receive a one-, two-, three-, or four-star accreditation based on their level of meeting best practices. This rigorous evaluation process examines more than just general maintenance of a landscape. It strongly stresses best practices and sustainability procedures and, in all of the program’s test sites situations, it has proven to be a challenging evaluation.

“This may end up being the greatest member benefit and professional grounds management advancement program ever developed by PGMS,” said Joe Jackson,

CGM. “The value it will give to professional grounds managers and the recognition it will provide them and their campus will be well worth the investment.”

While initially focused at the education campus, the program will quickly be modified so that a grounds professional overseeing any type campus, i.e., cemetery, hospital, golf course, etc., will be able to achieve accreditation.

The inaugural training session for PGMS members that are eligible to participate in the site evaluation phase of the program was held at the School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky. Open to active Certified Grounds Managers (CGMs) and PGMS Board members meeting specific term requirements, a total of 20 interested members attended the session. The program’s overall intent, its methodology and details of the on-site evaluation phase were among the topics presented to the group. The members receiving this training will potentially play a vital role in implementing the on-site evaluation procedure. Their participation will be critical to the decision making process for accreditation. By all accounts, this program will be well served by an energetic group of very experienced and knowledgeable grounds managers.

PGMS Unveils New Landscape Accreditation Program

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Member in the News:

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PGMS Knowledge Center Wants Your SubmissionsThe 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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PGMS Northeast Branch Gathers for Snow Summit at the University of RochesterMembers of the Northeast branch attended a snow summit organized by Dan Schied, CGM in Rochester, N.Y. Topics covered included an in-depth discussion of liability, issues in snow and ice removal by John Allin.

John McClean, a meteorologist from the Rochester area, presented his thoughts about weather trends in the next ten years. After a break for lunch, John Allin spoke about different ice melt characteristics. John Doiron wrapped up the day with his presentation of Concord Hospitals unique snow removal program.

Dan’s efforts attracted snow professionals who were not PGMS members. John Van Etten, CGM offered a reduced cost PGMS membership to all in attendance. The event was a great success!

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Communication CenterHave you been receiving PGMS e-mails? If not, here's what you've missed since September:

Nov. 15 - Help Us Help You - Fill Out the PGMS Survey Today

Nov. 12 - Please Help PGMS and Give Your Feedback...Last Chance to do so

Nov. 7 - Renew Your 2014 PGMS Membership!

Nov. 6 - PGMS is Waiting for Your Feedback...

Oct. 31 - Relive the Memories of the 2013 School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO!

Oct. 21 - 2013 School of Grounds Management Education Sessions Handouts

Oct. 18 - PGMS Grounds for Thought Monthly E-mail - October 2013

Oct. 14 - Help Grow the Next Generation of Green Industry Professionals!

Oct. 14 - Stand Out in the Green Industry Field by Becoming the Next PGMS Scholarship Winner!

Oct. 8 - You’re Headed to Louisville in October...Help Spread the Word

Oct. 8 - Flights Are Booked, Schedule is Set...All that is Missing is YOU!

Oct. 3 - Time Is Running Out - Don’t Miss Out on the 2013 School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO!

Oct. 2 - Pre-Conference Field Trip Almost Sold Out - Last Call for Registrations!

Sept. 26 - There’s Still Room for You in Louisville!

Sept. 24 - Extra, Extra! Get it Fresh off the Press!

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.

Calendar of Events3rd Friday of every month

PGMS Greater Ozarks Branch “Grounds for Thought” Live Forum

Environmental Resource Center’s Community Room Springfield, MO

Dec. 2 – 5, 2013The Mid-Atlantic NOFA Accreditation Course in Organic

Land CarePhiladelphia, Pa.

Dec. 5, 2013Advanced Green Roof Maintenance

Casey TreesWashington, D.C.

Jan. 7, 20142014 Green Industry ConferenceDelaware Valley College Campus

Doylestown, Pa.

March 3-4, 2014PGMS Spring Regional Seminar and Site Visit

Orlando, Fla.

Visit http://pgms.org/calendar-of-events/ for event details.

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The 2013 GIE+EXPO was held at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville during the last week of October. Known as the largest trade show for the greens and landscaping industries, GIE+EXPO has been a destination for manufacturers, equipment dealers, landscape contractors and end-users for decades.

A long-time exhibitor, The Toro Company, based in Bloomington, Minnesota, took the opportunity to showcase six new products at the 2013 show.

Among the new products was the Toro® Z Master® Professional 5000 Series Mowers with Rear Discharge Decks, which made their debut at the 2013 show. The new rear discharge mowers promote enhanced productivity in taller grass and weed conditions, and incorporate a number of time-saving features. Cleanup is minimized since the clippings are contained within the path of the mower. They’re ideal for applications where it is essential to contain debris -- for example, roadside mowing, median mowing, and mowing around parking lots, cemeteries, and flower beds.

Also new to the show was the EVOLUTION™ Series Controller for irrigation systems. Based on years of customer research, the EVOLUTION™ Controller delivers the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The modern-day programming, expandable design and smart capability make it an ideal choice for users seeking an advanced irrigation controller without the complexity. The EVOLUTION™ Controller has a number

of water-saving upgrade options, including a wireless weather sensor, up to three wireless soil moisture sensors, as well as historical maximum and monthly ET data, making it an extremely flexible and adaptable smart controller.

Additionally, Toro showcased innovative new onboard technology for select Z Master® Professional 6000 electronic fuel injected (EFI) zero turn mower models. This technology is intelligence platform enhancing overall performance in a wide range of mowing conditions, increasing

fuel efficiency compared to carbureted models. The technology also tracks engine temperature and oil pressure to ensure longevity of Z Master mowers.

Toro also unveiled an enhanced 21” Commercial Heavy-Duty mower line with new features for increased durability, reliability and performance. All five models are equipped with the latest commercial-grade components, as well as the Recycler® cutting system and a wide, easy-empty bag to ensure optimal performance. These models also feature premium engines and

Innovating for the Green IndustryA feature article from PGMS Platinum Partner in Professionalism The Toro Company

maintenance-free transmissions to help operators stay productive. The new 21” Commercial Heavy-Duty mower line-up features a robust 4-point height-of-cut system for maximum life and

durability. Models are equipped with either a Honda® or Kawasaki® engine, and select models feature a new 3-speed internal differential, maintenance-free transmission. Plus, all five mowers come equipped with a self-propelled Zone Start or Blade Stop System. The Blade Brake Clutch system enables operators to disengage the blades without shutting down the engine. For maximum durability, the decks are constructed from corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, and

the engine guard is a durable tubular design, rather than wire form. Models are also equipped with replaceable steel wear plates to protect the deck against damage from impacts.

Also in the spotlight at GIE+Expo - the new 36” Power Broom, which is designed to reduce labor costs for landscape contractors and snow removal specialists. By significantly decreasing the amount of cleanup time on the job, the Power Broom is quickly becoming a very popular unit. The Power Broom comes equipped with both snow and concrete bristles, but can be easily configured for use on turf. The Toro Power Broom is equipped with a powerful Kohler® 208CC Command Pro Multi Season engine. The variable speed, shift on-the-fly transmission has six forward and two reverse positions, making it easy to set the appropriate speed for the job.

The final product Toro unveiled was the single-stage Power Clear® commercial snowblower. The Power Propel™ drive system on this model virtually eliminates the need for operators to push or lift the machine during operation. And, the Power Clear’s unique pivoting scraper keeps the Power Curve® rotor in constant contact with the pavement. This feature pulls the snowblower forward and efficiently clears snow down to the pavement, throwing it up to 35 ft. With the ability to cut one pass in more than a foot of snow, the Power Clear snowblower can clear a path up to a width of 21 in. with extended life paddles. The extended life paddles are designed to last more than twice as long as standard paddles for less downtime.

Since its beginning in 1914, Toro has created innovative products, services and solutions to help customers care for their outdoor environments - from golf courses and sports fields to public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields. The principles that have guided the company from the very beginning - a commitment to innovation and building lasting relationships - remain a key focus today as Toro looks to its next hundred years.

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PGMS recently checked in with Joe Payne, CGM, PGMS South Central Regional director. Joe is the Public Works operations supervisor over Public Grounds for the City of Springfield, Mo. Joe manages program activities of the Public Grounds Section including vegetation management of public rights-of-way, waterways, streets and facilities landscaping, and urban forestry. Joe also oversees planning, construction and continued maintenance of landscape-related City Capital Improvement Program projects. Joe is currently working to promote sustainable landscape initiatives. Joe is also an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist, Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor and a PGMS Certified Grounds Manager (CGM). Let’s see what Joe had to say!

PGMS: How long have you been with the City of Springfield, Missouri? Joe Payne (JP): I have been with the city for 18 years.

PGMS: Tell us about your current position. JP: My current position is Public Works Operations Supervisor over Public Grounds. This includes many different responsibilities and tasks including arboriculture, urban forestry, horticulture, street cleaning and waterways workgroups.

PGMS: What are some of the challenges you face? JP: In my position with the city I have had to face a 20% increase in service area over the past 10 years. Budgeting and staffing cutbacks is a big challenge I have had to face recently. With the advent of economic leveling and slight recovery, requests to restore/improve levels of service has been an issue.

PGMS: How long have you been in the green industry? JP: I have been in this great industry for 43 years! My career began in a family-owned garden center/nursery.

PGMS: How long have you been a PGMS member? JP: I joined the society in 1996 and I received my CGM designation ten years later in November of 2006.

PGMS: I know you have been very active with the PGMS Greater Ozarks Branch. Can you tell us some of the benefits of being active in the branch? JP: Since joining the branch I have created some great friendships. The networking opportunities are a huge benefit. I also think the public awareness of our industry, the training offered and being able to stay abreast of current industry issues is a great benefit. Lastly, the ability to share ideas among your fellow green industry professionals is very beneficial.

PGMS: How has PGMS helped you? JP: Joining PGMS has helped me to form some amazing friendships. The connections I have made with professionals from all around the country is astounding. Not to mention earning my CGM designation has been very helpful to me personally and professionally. Lastly, the training PGMS offers through the School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO, the Regional Seminars and Site Visits and even branch events and meeting has been one of the biggest benefits of being a PGMS member.

Member Profile: Joe Payne, CGM

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PGMS Welcomes Newest Members! New members since Sept. 19, 2013

Shawn BaileySouthern Methodist University

Clay Bakker Crystal Bridges Museum of

American Art

C. David BlanksJ & H Lawn Service, Inc.

Lancy Camacho Columbia University-

Baker Athletics Complex

Gary A. Davis Providence St. Peter Hospital

Ryan Ellis

Robert W. Erickson Dallas Baptist University

Ryan Gaffey

Jason GrahamSpringfield Park District

Trevor Hall Bartlett Tree Experts

Neil Hendrickson Bartlett Tree Experts

Jimmy Holt All Around Town Outdoor Services

Nick Huseinorski Columbia University-

Baker Athletics Complex

Robert Imhoff Watercraft Irrigation Inc.

Jay Eldred Jones Dorchester County Public Schools

Kevin C. Kenney Bartlett Tree Experts

Charles King Bartlett Tree Experts

Len Lawhon NWCC

Richard Lemcke R.M. Landscape Inc.

Kevin Lewis Atlantic Irrigation

Eugene Chunsung Loew City of Alexandria

Pete Macaluso Columbia University-

Baker Athletics Complex

Drew O’NeillWeeds, Inc.

Chris Preuss Watercraft Irrigation

Kerry L. Shanebrook Taylor University

Matthew WeaverCentral Michigan University

Know someone who isn’t a member? Help grow your profession and spread the word

about joining PGMS!

Membership details can always be found on the PGMS website at

www.pgms.org.

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On Nov. 5 Aaron Boggs, assistant director for Facilities Maintenance and Renovations at the University of Louisville, posted the following question to PGMS’s LinkedIn page: “Anyone using biodiesel in their grounds maintenance equipment? I’m talking about tractors, skid loaders, backhoes and diesel powered mowers. No trucks, cars or busses.”

Here is what you all had to say in response to his question:

Ellen Newell, associate director at Arizona State University posted Nov. 7

We are using B99 in our lawn mowers (Walkers, TORO), TORO Workmen, Kawasaki Mules, and Vermeer chipper. We have had no mechanical or performance issues or problems at all!

Ryan Stehouwer, Grounds Dept. work coordinator at Hope Collegeposted Nov. 7

We are using B99 and B20 in Toro, Bobcat, and Kubota equipment. Mainly Toolcats and mowers. We have seen no major issues other than filters getting plugged when switching back and forth.

Aaron Boggs, assistant director for Facilities Maintenance and Renovations at University of Louisville posted Nov. 8

Awesome. Two great responses from two different environments! Ryan, what about winter performance? I’m guessing that’s when you switch from the B99 to the B20? I’d say the Arizona climate is what allows Ellen to always run the B99? Also, I’m wondering if you have both used the fuel in brand new equipment as well as equipment that had been running on non-blended diesel fuel? Ryan, how much down-time did you experience when a filter got clogged? 10 minutes? 30 minutes? More? Don’t you have to “bleed” the diesel engine every time this occurs? Thanks for the responses. You guys ROCK!

Ryan Stehouwer, Grounds Dept. work coordinator at Hope Collegeposted Nov. 8

We switch blends in mid October, when temps are dropping consistently below 45. we will then switch back to B99 sometime in April. When we first started

having issues, we had a lot of downtime, now that we know what it is, we plan maintenance after the fuel switch has been made creating zero down time. The biggest problem is in the spring when we switch back to B99, it works as a cleaner in the system. We have run B99 in brand new equipment, a Toro 4100 and 328 to be exact, with no issues. Toro was the only company willing

to honor their warranty with the B99, Kubota and Bobcat told us we were on our own. We have had no issues. I know we did have to go to a viton hose in some of the equipment, but most everything we buy now has that type of hose.

Ellen Newell, associate director at Arizona State University posted Nov. 8

When it gets cold here (end of Dec-Jan) we will mix the B99 with

some regular diesel and run the equipment that way. We are using both old and new equipment and have had fewer problems with filters than we thought we would. Half of our Kawasaki Mules have only been run on the B99 while our older ones were switched when our B99 fuel station went in.

PGMS Members Answer Call for Advice

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SCHEDULE:Monday, March 37 - 8 a.m. - Registration in Hotel Lobby (breakfast buffet starts at 6:30 a.m. and comes with your hotel reservation)

8:30 - 10:30 a.m. - Horticultural Tour of Sea WorldTour the award-winning, lushly landscaped grounds of SeaWorld Orlando. Members of the SeaWorld Horticulture leadership team will share the established processes, practices, and work environment that result in a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment for park guests. Operational areas covered in the tour include landscape design, installation, maintenance, tree management, turf management, pest control, irrigation, and floral operations. Other topics include sustainability and labor-saving initiatives.

10:45 - 11:45 a.m. - Education Program: “Dealing with Difficult Co-Workers” - SeaWorld Orlando Human Resources Manager Dale Daley

11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Lunch

12:30 - 1 p.m. - Board Bus

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Tour of Harry P. Leu Gardens

4 - 5:30 p.m. - Social

5:30 - 6 p.m. - Board Bus Back to Hotel

Tuesday, March 4(breakfast buffet starts at 6:30 a.m. and comes with your hotel reservation)

7 - 7:15 a.m. - Board the bus to go to the University of Central Florida at the hotel

8 - 8:30 a.m. - Coffee and Networking with Vendors

8:30 - 9:20 a.m. - 1st Education Session

9:20 - 9:40 a.m. - Coffee Break

9:40 - 10:20 a.m. - 2nd Education Session

10:20 - 11:15 a.m. - Break for Vendor Networking

PGMS is heading to sunny Orlando, Florida March 3-4, 2014 for the Spring Regional Seminar and Site Visit and we want YOU along with us for the ride! PGMS recommends you book your flight and hotel room quickly as March is a popular time for spring break.

11:15 a.m. - noon - 3rd Education Session – “New Annual, Perennial, and Shrub Introductions for Warm Climates” – Tom Ewing of Proven Winners• Learn about the latest introductions from the nation’s #1 plant brand• Get familiar with new warm weather landscape recommendations, Annuals, Perennials, and Shrubs• Get ideas for successful combinations, containers, and baskets• The presentation will include live plant samples and landscape photos• Take away useful informational handouts• Learn more about (1) the Proven Winners Signature Garden at The Duke Mansion in Charlotte, N.C. and (2) Proven Winners Disney Trials

Noon - 1 p.m. - Lunch

1 - 3 p.m. - Tour of University of Central Florida

3:30 p.m. - Board the bus at the University of Central Florida to return to the hotel

HOTEL:Residence Inn Orlando at SeaWorld11000 Westwood BoulevardOrlando, FL 32821-7380Room rate - $99

Rooms should be reserved by midnight on February 2, 2014 to receive room block rate. Make reservations by calling 1-800-331-3131 and requesting a reservation under the Professional Grounds Management Society room block.

REGISTRATION:On/Before Feb. 21: After Feb. 21:PGMS Member - $145 PGMS Member - $170Non-Member - $175 Non-Member - $195Spouse - $75 Spouse - $80

Register now and find more details at http://pgms.org/2014-spring-site-visit.

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An important part of PGMS objectives has been establishing mutually beneficial partnerships with organizations and suppliers in the Green Industry. Green Industry Suppliers can meet their marketing needs by becoming a PGMS Partner in Professionalism. Find out more at pgms.org/partnersinprofessionalism/

Partners in Professionalism

The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) has announced that Ron Hostick, CGM, CSFM of San Diego, Calif. has become the 151st grounds management professional to successfully complete its Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) program.

Hostick currently serves as the lead groundsworker at San Diego State University. PGMS recently spent a few moments getting to know Ron, who has been a PGMS member since 2005.

PGMS: Why did you want to become a CGM?Hostick: Over the last ten years of participation in PGMS I have watched CGM’s model professionalism and growth of our association’s standing in our industry. I want to be a part of that level of excellence.

PGMS: How has the CGM program helped you further your career?Hostick: At this point I don’t know what CGM will mean for my career but I know qualifying has required me to quantify, document, and review what is involved in running, as a team member, our Landscape Services department.

PGMS: What advice do you have for aspiring CGMs?Hostick: Go for it, the experience is an opportunity to recognize your life accomplishments!

PGMS: Did your experience on the PGMS board help you at all?Hostick: My board experience and contact with fellow landscape professionals is what drove me to apply.

PGMS: How has working in a warm and sunny climate helped you to prepare for the CGM program?Hostick: In my climate there is never a slow season balancing accomplishing the work load and professional development is a constant challenge.

CGM Program - Year in ReviewPGMS is proud to announce 13 green industry professionals earned their CGM designation in 2013! Congratulations to those leading professionals! Currently

PGMS has 11 people working on the closed book portion and 12 people working on the open book portion. Good luck to those professionals!

PGMS Announces Ron Hostick as the 151st CGM!

Classifieds/ResumesThere is a $10 fee for PGMS members, $20 for non-members required to place a classified posting on the website and in an issue of PGMS newsletter the Forum. Postings will remain online for one month. The editor will have final editing rights. To place a classified ad on the PGMS website and in the PGMS Forum, please e-mail the ad to Meghan Brady at meghanbrady@assnhqtrs.com. For a payment form please visit pgms.org/job-bank/.

As a free, PGMS members only benefit, we will post your resume for two months on the PGMS Job Bank webpage. For more details please visit pgms.org/pgms-member-resumes/.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Landscape and Grounds Supervisor - Colorado College/Colorado Springs, Co.

• Lead and mentor staff and student workers; provide communication, training, coaching, conducts performance reviews, and partner with Human Resources for optimal employee performance. • Provide direction and supervision of shop activities to include ordering and maintaining material inventory, coordinating work schedules and prioritizing work requests; identify, plan and perform routine preventive maintenance tasks throughout the campus. • Plan, lay-out, supervise, inspect, and assist in the work of groundskeepers involved in mowing, watering, spraying, trimming, planting, cultivating, snow removal, and general clean-up operations. • Develop a strategic plan for campus landscaping and grounds. • Support campus goals related to sustainability specifically related to resource efficiency and conservation strategies to include reducing the college’s carbon footprint. • Develop cost estimates and oversee new landscape projects and sprinkler systems, inspect contracted work. • Oversee related contract work and in-house work to insure quality of workmanship and materials. • Responsible for painting, striping, minor patching and maintenance of parking lots, and for the maintenance of curbs, gutters and sidewalks. • Responsible for maintenance of grounds equipment and vehicles.

Landscape Manager - Cal Poly State University/San Luis Obispo, Calif.

The Landscape Manager has assigned management and full supervisory responsibilities for the daily coordination and delivery of landscape services. Responsibilities include establishing landscape maintenance and project priorities, procures all materials and contracts for services, manages all aspects of personnel management, and other administrative duties.

A few simple moves can result in serious savings for your vehicle fleet.

In a webinar hosted by inthinc Technology Solutions, a global provider of telematics, fleet management, and driver safety solutions, inthinc account development manager, Chace Merritt, provided a rundown on five steps companies can take to improve fuel efficiency.

1. Obey the speed limit. Vehicles that honor the speed limit maintain a higher miles per gallon ratio – in fact, the most fuel efficient speed to travel is 55 miles per hour. The longer employees are on the road, the more likely they are to start speeding or stop paying close attention to their speed.

2. Avoid aggressive braking and accelerating. Stop-and-go driving significantly decreases miles per gallon and creates unnecessary wear and tear on tires and engines, which can increase maintenance costs by as much as 20 percent. Merritt recommends coaching drivers to slowly accelerate and brake. As an added perk, improved fuel economy means employees make fewer stops for gas, so they have more time in the day to get work done.

3. Eliminate idling. Idling accounts for nine percent of all carbon dioxide emissions in the United States, according to Merritt. “Imagine the impact of having a fleet of 100 vehicles idling one hour a day,” Merritt says. “If everyone cut idling out, we would reduce emissions in our cities and everyone would get better fuel economy and reduce wear and tear on engines.”

Encourage employees to turn off vehicles even for short stops. Idling for only ten seconds uses the same amount of gas as restarting a commercial vehicle, and one hour of idling is the equivalent of 80 miles of wear on an engine. Plus, Merritt cautions, leaving a company vehicle idling while employees run an errand isn’t great advertising – and may even be a liability.

4. Check vehicles regularly. Performing regular maintenance, including checking tire pressure and replacing oil (with the manufacturer-suggested grade), is worth the trouble. Underinflated tires or improper oil levels can decrease fuel economy by 1.5 percent. “It doesn’t sound like a lot,” Merritt admits, “but it adds up.”

5. Plan trips ahead of time. Mapping routes in advance can help cut down on the amount of time vehicles are out on the road. “You can design a route so you’re continually going in the most efficient way and maximizing routes back to the office,” Merritt says. Selecting the smoothest, easiest routes reduces vehicle wear and tear. And taking steps to avoid rush-hour traffic and construction zones can help minimize time spent en route.

Source: www.lawnandlandscape.com/ll-110813-Steps-fuel-effi-ciency.aspx

Five Steps to Improved Fuel Efficiency