This year marked a pivotal moment for the Professional Grounds Management Society® (PGMS), as they implemented their two-year strategic plan aimed at supporting grounds management professionals through: Transformative Education, the Promotion of Individual and Organizational Excellence, Innovative Partnerships, and Community and Peer Engagement.

Over the past year, the Society made significant strides toward these goals.

 
Transformative Education:
PGMS® introduced a new portal for Annual Conference presentation submissions and launched a survey to better understand how members learn, ensuring that educational offerings meet member needs. The Society's North Carolina Regional Meeting in March received high praise, and a successful short course with Stanley Black & Decker provided valuable networking and CEU opportunities. PGMS® was also proud to provide a nine-session Seminar Series featuring PGMS® experts at The 2024 Landscape Expo (TLE) in Anaheim, California on September 18-19.

Building Strategic Alliances:
PGMS® partnered with complementary organizations by exhibiting at The Landscape Expo and sponsoring TLE education and reception. PGMS® also exhibited at the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Engage Expo to expand industry partnerships there. The PGMS® Building Alliances Task Force is exploring more trade show opportunities to increase awareness and attract new members.

Fostering Fellowship & Engagement:
PGMS® launched a new branch in South Carolina and is discussing potential branches elsewhere. The Branch Leadership Committee is revitalizing local branches, now implementing uniform policies for success. The PGMS® Branch Leadership Meeting at the Annual Conference was very engaging, with input from branches nationwide.

Promoting and Celebrating Excellence:
The PGMS® Green Star Awards Committee improved their submission process, resulting in a thirty percent increase in applications. Green Star Award winners were recognized at the Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky during the Awards Celebration. The PGMS® Board also presented five Professional Awards at their Annual Conference, reflecting the high standards in our industry.

PGMS 2024 Annual Conference & Equip Expo
The October Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky attracted 275 participants for four days of education and networking in conjunction with the Equip Expo. During the Conference, the Presidential gavel was passed from outgoing President Roger Conner, CGM, to Michael Gildea, CGM, who will serve as PGMS® President of the green industry association that has operated for over a century. During his acceptance remarks, Gildea reflected that PGMS members and the way they help and care for each other is what makes PGMS great. He went on to say, "This takes many forms. Formally, it is through programs such as the LEAD Program, annual conference, and certification programs, or informally through members sharing information and experiences." He encouraged attendees to explore the opportunities the Society offers in membership.