OK . . . That will probably be an annual tongue twister, since this is the Annual LSMP ?EUR??,,????'??Mower?EUR??,,????'?? Issue. So, how much more can I say about mowers? Well, check out this issue to find out how much more you can mow with more mowers . . . Allright . . .That?EUR??,,????'???s enough . . . You get the picture . . .

Anyways . . . Many of you are reading this issue at the GIE/EXPO 2007 in Louisville or at the 2007 WTLE show in Pomona, CA. If so, be sure to stop by booth #763 at the GIE or booth #124 at the WTLE and say ?EUR??,,????'??Hi?EUR??,,????'?? to the LSMP Staff. Trade shows are one of the best ways for us to see you all and hear, first hand, what you are thinking and what you want to read in the publication. So, please don?EUR??,,????'???t be shy and stop by to say ?EUR??,,????'??Hey?EUR??,,????'?? . . .

And while you are saying hi . . . Be sure to say Happy Anniversary as well . . .

That?EUR??,,????'???s right . . . LSMP is gearing up for its 5th year in publication in 2008 and to celebrate our first major anniversary we are adding a 12th issue. Yep . . . LSMP will be monthly in 2008, which is a good thing since there is so much more than more mowers to talk about . . . (Sorry about that . . .)

For instance next month we will be featuring the Annual PGMS ?EUR??,,????'??Green Star Award?EUR??,,????'?? winners. These winners are the best and brightest Landscape Superintendents at the best-maintained facilities across America. The PGMS has done a great job of compiling applicants for these annual awards and every winner deserves at least a strong pat on the back. As more and more facilities recognize the benefit of the landscape to their bottom lines and to their client base . . . Whether that be students, vacationers or visitors of the more permanent residents (OK . . . That was a cemetery joke . . .) those facilities are recognizing more and more that the professional in charge of the landscape is one of the strongest assets they have.

Throughout next year LSMP will pick several of these award winning facilities and Landscape Superintendents and feature their work in the magazine. Who better to learn from than to learn from the best . . .

By the way . . . If you are not a member of the PGMS . . . You should be. There are several national and local associations that address the landscape profession but only one that looks after the Professional Grounds Manager. With so much responsibility it is good to know that there is an association that is working to make your job easier and more fruitful. But please don?EUR??,,????'???t take the PGMS for granted. It is simple to join and the more of you that do, the better off the profession will be . . .

Many years ago the head groundskeeper was just some guy with dirty knees, calloused hands and a John Deere cap on his head. Today the Landscape Superintendent is a well educated, computer savvy manager of huge budgets, many men and millions of dollars of equipment. Check out the article on page 40 about the LS at Texas A&M and look for the acreage and equipment list . . . There just aren?EUR??,,????'???t that many people out there who could do that good of a job and keep track of all that land and equipment . . .

So . . . Have a good time at the shows, do what you can to learn, and join the PGMS . . . All those things will help you get more out of your mowers and more out of those that are mowing . . .