PLANET | July 2008 news

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	July 2008

July 2008

PLANET leaders meet in Vermont
Green industry service providers, suppliers, and faculty recently gathered for PLANET’s annual summer event of leadership meetings, peer networking, and fun activities — the Summer Leadership Meeting. It was the first gathering of PLANET leadership under the new governance structure, which proved extremely successful.

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Member recruiting campaign launched
PLANET is strengthening its member network and positioning itself as a force in the green industry with the introduction of the exciting Grow the Network — Join the Network membership campaign, and we need your help. Watch your mailbox for more information about the campaign and prize eligibility.

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Register online for the Green Industry Conference
Take advantage of online registration for PLANET’s Green Industry Conference (GIC), October 22–25, 2008, in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s fast and easy. Simply key in the information on screen and submit electronically.

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Gilbert Peña named VP of PLANET AEF
Congratulations to John Deere’s Gilbert Peña for being appointed vice president of the PLANET Academic Excellence Foundation (PLANET AEF) Board of Directors. Peña and other PLANET AEF board members encourage the green industry to come together to grow the Foundation’s financial base so that the number and scope of scholarships will continue to expand. The fundraising goal for 2008 is $250,000.

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Tanya Tolpegin resigns from PLANET
After four years of successful growth in programs, membership, sponsor partnering, and alliance building relationships, Tanya Tolpegin has decided to pursue new challenges and has resigned as CEO of PLANET, effective June 27, 2008. She has left PLANET with a strong foundation for continuing success and growth for years to come.

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Computer-based certification testing offered at hundreds of locations
PLANET’s Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) exams can now be taken at LaserGrade computer-base testing centers nationwide. Through this partnership with LaserGrade, PLANET members have access to hundreds of computer-based testing centers located throughout the U.S. and Canada and at 30 international sites. More about CLP testing

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It’s all about government contracts
If you’re interested in exploring government contract availability, visit the Fed.Biz.Opps.gov Web site. Commercial vendors can post, search, monitor, and retrieve opportunities solicited by the entire federal contracting community.

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OSHA announces its new $afety Pays program
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) now offers an online interactive expert system — $afety Pays — to assist employers in estimating the costs of occupational injuries and illnesses and the impact on a company’s profitability. Businesses can use this information to predict the direct and indirect costs of injuries and the sales needed to compensate for these losses. Check it out today!

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Deadline for awards programs is August 8
Entries are now being accepted for the following PLANET programs: Environmental Improvement Awards, Green Industry Contribution Award, Community Service Recognition Awards, Association Partner of the Year Award, Association Executive Partner of the Year Award, and the PLANET Promise Award. Visit the PLANET Web site for more information or call (800) 395-2522.

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Join PLANET at Disney World for the Executive Forum
PLANET’s Executive Forum is a high-powered networking and educational venue for owners and senior managers. This year it will also be held at a fun location, so bring your family. Make your reservations today at Disney’s Beach Club Resort. Call (407) 934-3372 for the PLANET group rate ($259 single/double) for the dates of February 19–22, 2009, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

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Wanted: Donations for the PLANET Live Auction
The PLANET Live Auction will be held on October 22, 2008, at 8:00 p.m. in Louisville, Kentucky, during the PLANET Green Industry Conference (October 22–25, 2008). All proceeds go to support your choice of PLANET’s legislative activities (100 percent), the PLANET Academic Excellence Foundation (PLANET AEF) (100 percent), or a combination of the two (50 percent/50 percent). To make a donation, please use this form or, call (800) 395-2522, or e-mail Kristin Stierle.

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PLANET Bookstore offers reduced shipping costs
Take advantage of newly reduced shipping costs when you purchase member-discounted books, CDs, DVDs, and marketing materials from the online PLANET Bookstore. Several new resources have been added to the bookstore, including Safety Tailgate Training Manual, The Principles of Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs, Guide to Growing a Successful Lawn Care Business, and Employee Compensation Report.

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CNA provides specialized insurance coverage to businesses in the green industry.

Your business insurance needs are unique to the green industry as well as your own individual operations. We work closely with professional associations like PLANET to understand these needs. With PLANET and CNA working together, you get specialized insurance protection to help your business grow and be successful. To find an agent and obtain a quote, visit our Web site.