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

For Immediate Release

TANYA TOLPEGIN NAMED FIRST CEO OF PROFESSIONAL LANDCARE NETWORK

HERNDON, Va., October 5, 2006 — The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) Board of Directors announced today that it has selected Tanya K. Tolpegin to serve as chief executive officer of the organization effective immediately.

“Over the past two-and-a-half years, Tolpegin has led PLANET through significant changes, including the merger of the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA). Most recently, she has overseen the alliance of the OPEI Expo and PLANET’s Green Industry Conference/Green Industry Expo (GIC/GIE). Throughout these historic industry steps, Tanya has maintained a pattern of continued membership growth and unparalleled industry education,” stated PLANET President John E. Gibson, CLT. “In each instance, she demonstrated a steadfast focus on the needs of the PLANET member and a broad vision for the green industry as a whole.

Tolpegin is widely credited with renewing and sustaining PLANET’s alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in providing flagship safety materials and resources to the green industry. Since she joined the organization in 2004, membership has grown from approximately 3,580 to 4,400 member companies. She also has led PLANET in delivering unparalleled educational programs and opportunities throughout the year, offering a mix of academic and industry expertise. Her analysis and contributions regarding the GIE Expo alliance will result in previously unmatched education and exhibition in one industry event.

“I am honored to accept the leadership challenges facing PLANET in the coming years. The energy and vision of PLANET’s volunteer leaders make serving as the chief executive officer one of the most exciting opportunities within the entire green industry,” said Tolpegin. “I look forward to continuing to work with PLANET leadership, members and our exceptional staff while advancing PLANET’s vision of being the voice of the green industry.”

Tolpegin has extensive business experience and previously served as vice president of strategic planning at Hillenbrand Industries in its Medeco Security Locks Division, leading the business planning and strategy development processes. She also has managed operations for a distribution team at Pepsi-Cola, resulting in expanded sales and improved profitability. She holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the Darden School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia. Tolpegin joined PLANET in 2004 as its chief operating officer (COO).

For more information, please contact the Professional Landcare Network office at
(800) 395-2522 or visit the Professional Landcare Network Web site, www.landcarenetwork.org.

PLANET represents approximately 4,400 green industry service provider companies and suppliers nationwide that specialize in lawn care, design/build/installation, interior plantscaping, and landscape management. These firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals.