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• Member benefits now include special pricing from John Deere
• Several members become AEF Ambassadors
• Crystal Ball Committee looks into the industry’s future
• Download Crystal Ball Reports at no cost
• Safety awards program is open for entries
• A rewarding experience awaits you at Student Career Days
• It’s time to think summer
• Inside Certification is going electronic
• Make 2007 the year you become certified
• Lucky lady
• Stay connected … stay informed

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Member benefits now include special pricing from John Deere

Through PLANET’s new John Deere affinity program members can receive equipment discounts of up to 28 percent off the suggested list price. The discounts vary by product and include commercial mowers, tractors and attachments, Gator™ utility vehicles, skid steer loaders, hand-held power equipment, and more. PLANET members can obtain quotes on the equipment as well as see the equipment demonstrated by visiting their local John Deere dealer.

“One way that PLANET delivers unparalleled value to its membership is through its affinity partnerships,” states PLANET President Jim Martin, CLP. “By using the John Deere affinity program, typical members who purchase a new piece of equipment once a year will more than save the cost of their membership. John Deere has been an exceptional, long-time supporter of PLANET’S many efforts to advance our industry. PLANET’S leadership is very excited about partnering with John Deere to provide our members with this industry-leading benefit. Regardless of size, the John Deere affinity program provides real savings to all of our members.”

In addition to being a leading supplier of lawn and landscape equipment to green industry professionals, John Deere offers customized financing, and equipment parts and servicing. John Deere dealerships can be found in 2,800 locations throughout North America.

“Because John Deere believes strongly in the mission of PLANET, we are very pleased to offer a national account contract to PLANET members,” says John Deere’s Gilbert Peña, business-to-business strategy manager. “Partnering through an affinity program to strengthen member benefits will create a win/win for member acquisition and retention,” adds Peña.

For more information about purchasing equipment through the program, call your local John Deere dealership. If you have questions about the program, call (800) 358-5010 (select option 2). For details on John Deere equipment, visit www.JohnDeere.com.

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Several members become AEF Ambassadors

To show their support for the green industry’s future, CoCal Landscape, Hemlock’s Landscaping, HighGrove Partners, and R.P. Marzilli and Co. have generously pledged scholarship funds to PLANET’s education foundation (AEF) at the $25,000 Ambassador level.
(Educational Foundation)

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Crystal Ball Committee looks into the industry’s future


What challenges and opportunities will the industry face in the year 2020? How will major demographic and population shifts change the way landscape contractors and lawn care operators take their services and products to market? These are just a few of the questions PLANET’s Crystal Ball Committee members asked themselves at their meeting in Fort Myers, Florida.

In all, 18 industry-leading PLANET members were in attendance. They included:
Kurt Bland, CLP, CLT, Bland Landscaping Co., Inc.
Jason Cupp, CLP, Highland Outdoor
Carol Dilger, Ariens Co.
Phil Fogarty, Weed Man
Tom Heaviland, CLP, CLT, Heaviland Enterprises, Inc.
Connie Hom, CLP, Buckingham Greenery
Kurt Kluznik, CCLP, Yardmaster, Inc.
Ed Laflamme, CCLP, Grass Roots Consulting
Rick Leal, CLP, Vila & Son Landscaping Corp.
Tom Lied, CCLP, Lied’s
Patrick Luzier, Ruppert Nurseries, Inc.
Ron Marcellus, Ariens Co.
Jim Martin, CLP, James Martin Associates, Inc.
Jim McCutcheon, CLP, HighGrove Partners, LLC
Tom Oyler, Wilson-Oyler Group
Steve Pattie, CLP, The Pattie Group, Inc.
Bill Poppei, Facilitator
Nicole Wisniewski, Lawn and Landscape Media Group

The findings from the meeting will be published in the next annual Crystal Ball Report to be released later this year. This meeting marks the 36th time since 1970 that PLANET members have gathered to understand the forces shaping their industry and destiny.

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Download Crystal Ball Reports at no cost

For many years, valuable information about the green industry has been captured by leading members of the industry and compiled into Crystal Ball Reports. These valuable historical reports are now available for you to download at no cost. 
(Crystal Ball Reports)

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Safety awards program is open for entries

No need to watch the mail for your Safety Recognition Awards Program entry form. For your convenience, the entry form is now available on the PLANET Web site. The program is easy to enter, and to make sure everyone has an opportunity to participate, there is no entry fee. Deadline for entries is April 6, 2007.
(Safety Recognition Awards Entry Form)

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A rewarding experience awaits you at Student Career Days

Celebrate more than 30 years of successful Student Career Days (SCD) by joining PLANET at Michigan State University. In addition to the competitive events, SCD offers future green industry employees the opportunity to network with potential employers and provides a forum for businesses to recruit tomorrow’s talent.
(SCD Information)

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It’s time to think summer

PLANET’s Summer Leadership Meeting will be held June 20–24, 2007, at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Take a few minutes to book your room at the Sheraton and get the latest information on passport travel requirements.
(Summer Leadership Meeting) 

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Inside Certification is going electronic

If you hold a PLANET certification, you will receive the latest certification news in a quick and easy electronic format with more news to keep you better informed.

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Make 2007 the year you become certified

Take your career to new heights by earning a PLANET certification designation. Test dates are offered at various times and places throughout the year.
(Certification Test Dates)
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Lucky lady

Congratulations to Sandy Hildebolt for winning the $100 spa gift raffle for registering as an Executive Forum spouse attendee by January 12, 2007. Enjoy this gift from PLANET.

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Stay connected … stay informed

From e-dues billing to e-communications, PLANET connects to our international network of green industry professionals better and faster through technology. Check your e-mail frequently for your PLANET benefits and services, and notify PLANET if you get a new e-mail address in the future. Phone (800) 395-2522 or e-mail infochanges@landcarenetwork.org.

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