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Gerry Dobbs (right) with PGMS President Joe Jackson

Grounds professionals from across the country gathered in October in Louisville, KY to attend the Professional Grounds Management Society's (PGMS) 2011 School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO. Gerry Dobbs, certified grounds manager (CGM) and landscape services manager received the PGMS President's Award from President Joe Jackson, CGM. Dobbs actively serves on the PGMS board as a director-at-large. Dobbs is being honored for his exceptional skills as a grounds manager at Michigan State University.

Susan Rieff (left) with PGMS President Joe Jackson

During the PGMS annual awards and induction dinner the society honored several grounds professionals. Susan Rieff, executive director at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at The University of Texas at Austin, received the 2011 PGMS Gold Medal Award. The Gold Medal is given to an individual or entity in recognition of outstanding and long-term achievements and/or contributions to the green industry.

Don Bottger (left) with PGMS President Joe Jackson

The 2011-2012 PGMS board of directors was also elected and installed as part of the induction dinner. Don Bottger, CGM of General Growth Properties, Inc. in Chula Vista, Calif. was elected as the new president of PGMS. Bottger is the 90th grounds management professional to hold the office. He succeeds Joe Jackson, CGM as the chief elected officer of the 100-year-old green industry organization.