Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
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works with the best and brightest to en- rich the profession," said PLANET's CEO, Sabeena Hickman, CAE, CMP. "We have wonderful players who volunteer time away from their families and businesses to shape and contribute to the programs we offer so others can learn and grow. With support from our sponsorship partners, we're able to make these programs avail- able and affordable to all." From GIC to the Green Industry Great Escape, the Lawn Care Summit, and inter- active safety training modules, the rich array of PLANET programs offers some- thing for everyone, whether you're a sea- soned professional or a student looking to enter the green industry. And, those look- ing to show that their investment in edu- cation and training makes a difference often seek credentials. PLANET's certification program — Landscape Industry Certified — is a pow- erful distinction for individuals who have taken their experience, skills and desire for excellence to the next level by studying, testing and becoming certified. They stay on top of their game by maintaining their certification every two years through re- certification. "As a Landscape Industry Certified in- dividual, education plays a big role," said David Hupman. The Brickman production specialist from Blue Ash, Ohio, who holds the Manager & Technician designations, noted that, "We cannot expect ownership, quality and efficiency if we are not willing to train on it. And to maintain my certifi- cation, of course, I pursue continuing edu- cation credits. I'm always educating and improving myself." Hupman said he finds a wealth of Con- tinuing Education Unit (CEU) opportuni- ties to recertify at PLANET. "The association offers everything from webinars to events, but my favorite is GIC where I can listen to some of the industry's best pre- senters, and network with experts and col- leagues from all over, " he said. "I always feel refreshed after GIC — ready to come back and implement all that I have learned. Get- ting educated and motivated from this one event is a win-win in my book." The connection between education and networking, is unbeatable. Former PLANET President Bill Hildebolt, Ph.D., Landscape Industry Certified Manager & www.landscapeirrigation.com Technician, blogged on VoiceoftheGreen Industry.org that, "The power to network with one's peers has proven to be an in- credible force in plotting one's future." Hildebolt, owner of Nature's Select Premium Turf Services, Inc., Winston- Salem, N.C., went on to say that network- ing is not limited to events. PLANET also has a resource in its premier green industry search engine known as PLANET Uni- verse at PlanetUniverse.org. "The opportunity to learn from the ex- perience of others is not just limited to at- tending conferences, having breakfasts with champions, or watching educational webinars. These are important and widely recognized venues for improving one's professional knowledge base," said Hilde- bolt. "But an equally important resource, which must be one of the best-kept secrets of the PLANET Universe, is the intellec- tual treasure trove of information con- tained in 30 individual Crystal Ball reports. These reports have been produced over the past 35 years by the Crystal Ball Subcommittee, and each report is focused on a specific subject of special interest to the green industry." Navigating the resources The importance of education and train- ing is clear with obvious benefits. PLANET serves up a host of programs for industry professionals to choose from with savings available to PLANET members. What's the best route to professional im- provement? PLANET's International Cer- tification Council Chair offered the following advice. "Everyone has their own reason for pursuing certification. Whatever the moti- vating factor, it's important to have a game plan backed by drive and commitment," said Michael Becker, Landscape Industry Certified Manager, Estate Gardeners Inc., Elkhorn, Neb. To help create or improve your existing game plan, start with a visit to PLANET's website, LandcareNetwork.org.Take time to look around, and make sure to visit fre- quently for updates. In particular, you'll want to click on and explore the Events/Education, Certification, Safety and Risk Management, and Bookstore tabs. Under the Events tab alone, you'll see a menu of educational options. Select the Green Industry Calendar from this pull- down menu for a connection to PLANET Universe and its centralized resource net- work. Your virtual tour will set you well on your journey of learning and growth, and PLANET's staff stands ready to field any questions and offer advice along the way at 800-395-2522. The association's network of resources, mentors, tools and events are continually growing and expanding to meet your changing educational needs. For a list of staff representatives with handy e-mail addresses, click on the "About Us" tab at and select "PLANET Staff." LI Karen S. Barnett is PLANET's director of certification and has been involved in green in- dustry association management for 15 years. She is staff liaison to PLANET's International Certification Council and is a member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE), as well as the American Society of Association Ex- ecutives (ASAE). has gone mobile! Now you can access all the latest news and events anywhere, anytime. Simply visit www.landscapeirrigation.com/mobile to stay connected. Landscape and Irrigation 13