PGMS, the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) have announced that they will combine their two trade shows, the Green Industry Expo (GIE) and the OPEI Expo in 2007.

This merger will be a win-win for all parties involved. The biggest winner is you, the grounds management professional. Now you can attend one super-show featuring all of the latest and greatest in green industry supplies and services. There will be more hands-on demonstrations and more suppliers than GIE and OPEI attendees had ever experienced previously. Perhaps more importantly, attendees will still be able to attend the PGMS School of Grounds Management in conjunction with the trade show. And with 25,000 green industry professionals and suppliers anticipated to attend this mega-show, the school?EUR??,,????'?????<

So, while the merger is a significant change, attendees will continue to be treated to the best program possible and PGMS remains committed to offering grounds professionals the best bang for their education dollar.

Another change involved with the merger is that the Expo and School of Grounds Management will now be held in Louisville, Ky. on an annual basis.

This means the school will no longer be rotating throughout the country.

However, PGMS will continue to be offering educational programs to grounds management professionals throughout the country via its recently introduced series of regional grounds seminars & site visitations. The inaugural seminar was held in Tempe, Ariz. this past March and in Delaware this month. Again, while changes abound, PGMS remains committed to offering local education programming and networking opportunities for grounds professionals throughout the country.

Even though changes are ahead, PGMS is presently focusing on the 2006 PGMS School of Grounds Management & GIE to be held in Columbus, Ohio (November 1-4). Offering more than 60 education programs and 250 green industry exhibitors, it should be a can?EUR??,,????'?????<

The School will also feature the recognition of the top grounds managers in the country with the announcement of the 2006 Green Star Awards. There will also be opportunities galore to develop a network of fellow professionals.

So what are you waiting for? One of the most important things that you can do to advance your career is to continue your professional development. With the certificate of completion and knowledge gained from the PGMS School of Professional Grounds Management your presentations, requests for funds and equipment, and recommendations carry more weight!

More information is available online at www.pgms.org.

If you have never attended the School and GIE and have questions give me a call at 800-609-PGMS or send me an email at ericgrammer@assnhqtrs.com.