Landscape Architect Articles

2008 November LSMP PGMS: A Fond Farewell12-03-08 | News

A Fond Farewell

By Eric Grammer, Communications Manager, Professional Grounds Management Society

Eric Grammer, Communications Manager, Professional Grounds Management Society.

This month?EUR??,,????'???s article for PGMS gives me an opportunity to say goodbye and thank you to so many of you I?EUR??,,????'???ve met and networked with at PGMS events since 2002. I move on to another opportunity knowing that the grounds management profession has a great advocate to communicate its broad swath of issues in new Communications Manager Erika Williams.

I just wanted to impart to you how much my respect for the profession has grown over the past few years. First, each of you must face unique challenges and job responsibilities. No two positions or organizations are alike. Let?EUR??,,????'???s face it, that?EUR??,,????'???s part of the challenge and also partially why you?EUR??,,????'???ve selected the profession ?EUR??,,????'??? it keeps you on your toes. I?EUR??,,????'???ve toured grounds operations and their unique challenges all across the country and the level of innovation that you?EUR??,,????'???ve shown me has been tremendous. I?EUR??,,????'???ve witnessed the grounds team at Discovery Cove in Orlando, Fla. do battle with the sand, seen a tropical paradise indoors at Nashville?EUR??,,????'???s Gaylord Opryland Resort, seen how the other half live at the British Embassy grounds in Washington, D.C., realized that everything is bigger in Texas at Southern Methodist University, and witnessed the campus of the future at Ohio State University. There are just too many others to mention.

Another aspect of the job that will forever be etched in my memory is the breadth of knowledge it requires. You have to be a jack of all trades, understanding when tree injections or lightning cables make sense, knowing what natural fertilizer solutions are available, employing a myriad of water-efficient practices, possessing the know-how to perform maintenance on green roofs, and much, much more. Going hand in hand with this is a natural sense of curiosity. At every site visit or facility tour another thing that stands out are your questions. If you are unsure about something or see some aspect that can be employed at your facility, you are never afraid to ask questions and admit you don?EUR??,,????'???t have all the answers.

?EUR??,,????'??The Ohio State University in Columbus is just one of many grounds operations that PGMS has visited during recent years.?EUR??,,????'?? Photo courtesy of Professional Grounds Management Society

Additionally, many of you are trendsetters. You don?EUR??,,????'???t wait to see whether your colleagues are employing propane equipment at their facilities or installing native landscapes or creating their own guidelines regarding sustainability. You just do it, not afraid to be a little different from the rest and a little ahead of the pack.

Finally, for those of you out there in the profession who have yet to take advantage of membership in PGMS or involvement in PGMS activities, I again urge you to do it for your profession, your professional society, and most importantly for yourself. It?EUR??,,????'???s a great way to advance your career and deepen your network.

Again, thanks for teaching me so much and keep making our world a better, greener place!

PGMS Recognizes Individuals for Their Efforts

At its recent 2008 School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky. (Oct. 22-25) the Professional Grounds Management Society announced recipients of its annual awards. In addition to recognizing the nation?EUR??,,????'???s top grounds operations with its Green Star Awards (see page 22 for details) the Society also honored several individuals.

George Gaumer, vice president and general manager of Davey Commercial Landscape Services, was named the recipient of PGMS?EUR??,,????'??? 2008 Gold Medal Award, it was announced today by Greg Nichols, President of PGMS.

Gaumer, a professional in the Green Industry for over 40 years, has served as the President of the GIE as well as a member of the boards of PGMS and the American Landscape Contractors Association. The PGMS Gold Medal Award is presented each year to an individual or entity to recognize them for outstanding and long-term achievements and/or contributions to the Green Industry. Past recipients of the PGMS include Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and sports field guru George Toma.

PGMS President Greg Nichols also recognized Mark Feist and Stephanie DeStefano of American University with the PGMS President?EUR??,,????'???s Award in honor of their tireless efforts in organizing the Society?EUR??,,????'???s successful Regional Grounds Management Seminar & Sites Visitation held in Washington, D.C. this past July.