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Contact: Sherry MacDonald
Phone: (703) 736-9666
E-mail: sherrymacdonald@landcarenetwork.org

For Immediate Release

GREEN INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS GATHER FOR PLANET’S ANNUAL SUPPLIER INVITATIONAL

HERNDON, Va., May 9, 2008 — The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) hosted its 2nd Annual Supplier Invitational, April 29–May 1, 2008, in Chicago, Illinois. Thirty-two representatives from green industry supplier companies across the country attended the event to learn more about the needs of PLANET’s members, PLANET’s strategic direction, new governance structure, and how to engage in the association.

“PLANET deeply values its partners, and I’m proud to lead an association that has so many supplier partners who are eager to get involved,” says PLANET President Jason Cupp, CLP, of Highland Outdoor. “I am excited about the conversations, networking, relationships, initiatives, and ideas that came out of the PLANET Supplier Invitational, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish for the green industry by working together.”

The event included presentations, roundtable discussions, debriefings, and time for valuable networking. The interactive format of the event provided a forum where the suppliers could give and receive feedback and share ideas. One presentation focused on “green” initiatives and the fact that PLANET is a Founding Partner of the Convene Green Alliance. A discussion followed, focusing on what industry suppliers are doing to be “green,” how they can help our members with environmental issues, and related topics.

PLANET also shared the results of its recent membership survey, which Bill Arman of The Harvest Group found very enlightening. “The information gathered from membership surveys is invaluable and gave us a greater sense of purpose." He continues, “We were presented with a very clear understanding of areas where our clients are challenged. We then worked together on ways we can help, support, and meet these challenges head on!” Another attendee, Jeff Korhan, CLP, of True Nature® commented: "This was a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with other supplier members that are all working to support those PLANET members that are leaders in the green industry.”

The event ended with the sharing of one “take away” from the meeting by each of the attendees. The responses were fantastic. Bill Arman concludes, “We all left with a sense of energy, focus, and excitement for the potential of our industry and how we as suppliers/support teams can assist with its continued success.”

Nanette Seven of Include Software summarizes her experience. “For the second year, I was invited to attend PLANETs Supplier Invitational. I walked away with a greater understanding of how PLANET is working with not only its supplier members but the entire membership of PLANET to grow awareness of our industry. Thanks to PLANET, I was very fortunate to be able to meet other supplier members and network with them to strengthen the green industry. I look forward to attending the meeting again next year.”

For more information about the PLANET Supplier Invitational, please contact Dina Wiley, PLANET’s director of business development, at (800) 395-2522.

PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the QUALITY OF LIFE in communities across America. With more than 4,200 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals.