PLANET offers new resources, prepares for upcoming educational conferences
9 Nov, 2007 LM Direct!HERNDON, VA — The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) has a number of new resources and educational seminars to help members of the Green Industry successfully grow their businesses.
Crystal Ball Report
PLANET is pleased to present the release of its latest report, “Crystal Ball Report #27: Time Is the Currency of the Future.” The information in this report looks at the reasons why green industry companies need to plan for the future, it shows how today’s business world has changed and what is threatening the industry’s future, and it explores the opportunities that companies may have in 2020.
In this report, Crystal Ball Committee Chair Jim McCutcheon, CLP, HighGrove Partners, LLC, notes the importance of being prepared to meet future business-world needs. “Change is coming and you can either ride that train to prosperity, or you can be run over and left in a heap.” His advice is to “challenge yourself and your people to think differently and not only to accept, but also to embrace change.”
PLANET members can download free copies of the Crystal Ball Report #27: Time Is the Currency of the Future from the Member Center of the PLANET Web site at LandcareNetwork.org. Members and nonmembers can purchase printed copies of the report in the PLANET Bookstore at LandcareNetwork.org or call 800/293-5542.
Pruning Principles
PLANET released its new DVD, “The Principles of Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs.” It was produced specifically as a training tool for landscape management companies to train their employees on how to properly prune small trees and shrubs.
Information in this professionally produced video includes comprehensive instruction on selective and nonselective pruning techniques, an overview of pruning tools, basic tree and plant terminology, what and when to prune, and pruning requirements for various types of plants. Safety when pruning is emphasized throughout the video, and the PLANET Certified Landscape Technician-Exterior approach to pruning is followed.
The DVD — sponsored by Echo, Inc., and Corona Clipper, Inc. — comes as part of a training package, which also includes a workbook, test, and test answer key provided on both CD-ROM and as hard copy. The training package is available in English and Spanish. The Principles of Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs is available to PLANET members for $85 and to nonmembers for $150 (English or Spanish) or the set of both the English and Spanish versions may be purchased at a discounted price of $155 (members) and $215 (nonmembers). To order your copy, visit the PLANET Bookstore at LandcareNetwork.org or call (800) 293-5542.
Lawn Care Business Manual
PLANET released its “Guide to Growing a Successful Lawn Care Business.” Written by knowledgeable and experienced lawn care industry veterans, this manual is a management tool designed to help lawn care professionals install proven systems and processes for improving every aspect of their operation.
The publication includes information on financial management, lawn care and the environment, setting up a business, personnel issues, training and operations, and how to develop a successful business and marketing plan.
“The knowledge in this manual is the result of many years of hard work, trial and error, and continuous refinement practiced by the expert contributors,” says Fred Haskett, PLANET Lawn Care Specialty Group chair. “The best thing about the processes represented is that they are never ending and appropriate whether you are running a startup company or one that is more than 20 years old.”
The Guide to Growing a Successful Lawn Care Business includes a CD with business forms and checklists. It can be purchased for $125 (members) or $220 (nonmembers) at the PLANET Bookstore at LandcareNetwork.org or by calling (800) 293-5542. The publication sponsors are CNA and Christmas Decor.
Safety CD
Landscape and related agricultural services are among the highest hazard industries in the U.S. PLANET, therefore, is pleased to announce the release of its newest safety resource, “Preventing Pain & Injury in the Green Industry — Simple Safety Policies and Training Plans” on CD.
This training tool is a practical “how-to” on preventing employee injuries and deaths in the green industry. It contains short samples of workplace policy in each section, bilingual (English and Spanish) pictorial “tailgate” safety training, and an employer’s injury/accident prevention checklist. Topics covered include prevention of back injuries; motor vehicle crashes; ergonomic injuries; slip, trip, and fall injuries; eye injuries; cuts, lacerations, and amputations; and “struck-by” injuries.
Preventing Pain & Injury in the Green Industry — Simple Safety Policies and Training Plans is available in the PLANET Bookstore at LandcareNetwork.org or call (800) 293-5542. Member price is $55; nonmembers can purchase it for $100. The publication sponsors are CNA and STIHL Inc.
Executive Forum
PLANET’s 2008 Executive Forum — The Power to Perform — is designed to provide industry executives with new tools to strengthen their businesses, their staff, and their leadership and management skills. The event, scheduled for February 14–17, 2008, at the Radisson Fort McDowell Resort & Casino in Scottsdale, AZ, brings together some of the most insightful members of the academic, professional, and green industry communities to share ideas and best practices. Husqvarna, a global leader in outdoor power products, is the 2008 Executive Forum Strategic Partner.
Scheduled workshops include sessions on improving team communications, transforming your presentations, retraining your brain, and strategies for succession planning and wealth management. Paul Sessions, director of New Haven Connecticut’s Center for Family Business, will present the workshop on succession planning as well as moderate an industry panel discussion on the same topic. Other noted speakers include Robert J. Reby, a Certified Financial Planner and managing executive with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc.; Tom DeLuca, founder of Deluca Enterprises, Inc.; David Zerfoss, president of Husqvarna Forest & Garden Co. U.S.; and Jeff Korhan, a licensed architect and certified arborist and author of "Speak Up! Your Soul Is Listening When You Meditate."
Student Career Days
Registration is now open for PLANET’s 32nd annual Student Career Days (SCD) to be held March 27–30, 2008, at North Metro Technical College in Atlanta. The early-bird registration deadline is February 14, 2008.
SCD is an annual three-day networking event that attracts students enrolled in interior/exterior, horticulture/landscape, and lawn care programs from colleges and universities across the country. It includes a series of competitive events led by green industry companies and provides networking and employment opportunities for students and participating companies. The SCD platinum sponsor is STIHL Inc.
New in 2008 is an educational Industry Workshop — free to all registered SCD attendees — that will be held Friday, March 28. This workshop, a discussion on recruiting efforts and creating successful internship programs, will feature a panel composed of industry representatives, students, and educators.
For more information about SCD, please contact PLANET at 800/395-2522 or visit studentcareerdays.org.
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