PLANET, the national trade association that represents more than 100,000 landscape industry professionals, has announced that their academic foundation, AEF has raised more than $170,000 for scholarships.

The Professional Landcare Network's Academic Excellence Foundation (PLANET AEF) has announced that they raised more than $170,000 for scholarships that support landscape and horticulture education. The funds were raised at this year's Green Industry Conference at GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky.

James River Grounds Management and Pacific Landscape Management became the newest PLANET AEF ambassadors by pledging $25,000. Highgrove Partners and The McCutcheon Family, and Husqvarna became Platinum Ambassadors by increasing their pledge from the $25,000 level to the $50,000 level. The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association (ONLA) also provided $25,000 in funds through its matching program.

For the second year, a Take Stock in a Student $25,000 scholarship was created from funds raised from dozens of people who bought "shares" throughout the conference and during the PLANET Awards and PLANET AEF Recognition Ceremony. In addition, Go iLawn and The Rorie Family agreed to match the funds that were raised through Take Stock in a Student, and, as a result, they donated approximately $25,000 which, added to their past contributions, makes them a new Platinum Ambassador as well.

"We are really excited about taking PLANET AEF to the next level," said Tom Fochtman, Landscape Industry Certified, PLANET AEF president. "The generous donations from industry leaders make it possible to grow the foundation to be able to support more educational opportunities."

For more information about PLANET AEF, please visit planetaef.org.

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