Landscape Architect Articles

January Association Report01-08-13 | News

January Association Report

The Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) is composed of editors, writers, publishers, photographers, public relations/advertising practitioners, industry association leaders and others involved in green industry communications.

TOCA Scholarship

The Turf and Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) will award a fall scholarship in the amount of $2,500, to an undergraduate college student pursuing a career in green industry communications, for the 2012-2013 academic-year.

To qualify, students must major or minor in technical communications or a green industry related field such as horticulture, plant sciences, botany, agronomy, plant pathology, etc. The applicant must also demonstrate an interest in using this course of study in the field of communications.

The deadline to nominate an outstanding student is March 1st 2013. For more information about TOCA or to nominate a student please visit toca.org.

IA Expanding Certification

Since 1983 the IA's "Select Certified" program has promoted business growth through education, and now offers seven different credentials.

The Irrigation Association (IA) expands its "Select Certified" certification program; an entry-level certified irrigation technician program is now being developed. The technician exam is slated to be available by the 2013 Irrigation Show and Education Conference in Austin, Texas, November 4th – 8th.

The Irrigation Association Certification Board (IACB) will be completing a job analysis, working with a focus group of current industry professionals to define the specific knowledge, skills and abilities needed to perform the technician job.

A survey will be launched in early 2013, aimed at individuals within the industry to confirm the focus group's criteria. Shortly after, the IACB will develop a detailed content outline for the technician exam.

"The IACB is excited about this development, as the program is something the industry is currently missing," said IA Certification Director Sherrie Schulte. "It will be a great addition to the IA certification program."

To learn more about IA's "Select Certified" program please visit irrigation.org.

PLANET Hosts GIGE Event

PLANET is a national trade association that represents landscape industry companies, who create and maintain healthy, green living spaces.

The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) announces the Green Industry Great Escape (GIGE) schedule. GIGE, an annual meeting created for lawn care and landscape company owners, upper level management, and key personnel will be held in Las Vegas, February 21–23, 2013 at the Cosmopolitan Hotel.

GIGE is focused on providing a balance of education and fun, with more peer-to-peer discussions, networking opportunities, and enticing recreational activities.

Executive level sessions include topics such as becoming a more powerful leader, presented by nationally recognized media expert Janine Driver, getting a business edge presented by engagement expert Jon Petz, and looking at ways to rethink your company with entrepreneur Tony Bass. The conference also includes sessions on how to get a business edge using cause marketing, branding initiatives, and peer groups.

GIGE includes time for networking during receptions and special events like the Pink Jeep El Dorado Tour, Bellagio Gardens Tour, and Scoot City Tour through Red Rock Canyon.

GIGE is approved for PLANET Landscape Industry Certified recertification at 1 CEU per hour of instruction attended. To view a list of scheduled events please visit Great Escape.

For more information about PLANET please visit landcarenetwork.org

AOLP Annual Conference

The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals' mission is to establish standards, educate industry professionals and increase awareness of the outdoor lighting industry.

The Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals (AOLP) announces their annual conference and expo, which will be held on Thursday, February 14th – Saturday, February 16th at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to the conference and expo, the AOLP will also host year-two, and year-four Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD) courses, as well as the Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician (CLVLT) exam.

Certified Low Voltage Lighting Technician (CLVLT)
The CLVLT exam will be held Wednesday, February 13th beginning at 8:00 am. The cost to attend is $450 (includes study guide and conference call study session one month prior to exam). A review session will be held 7:30 am – 8:00 am.

Certified Outdoor Lighting Designer (COLD)
The year-two course will be held Monday, February 11th and Tuesday, February 12th Tuesday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm for a cost of $200.

The year-four course will be held Tuesday, February 12th from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm for a cost of $200.

Registration
Early Bird pricing for conference and expo registration is $425 for a member and $525 for a non-member. The deadline to register with early bird pricing is Tuesday, January 15th, thereafter general registration will cost $475 for a member and $575 for a non-member.

For more information about the AOLP conference and expo or to learn more about the association, please visit aolponline.org.