PLANET | From the President

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	From The President

The time is right for the
PLANET Day of Service

I’m convinced that being a part of this incredible industry involves giving back to our local communities with the knowledge that has been entrusted to us. That’s why, when I first heard about the plans for the PLANET Day of Service, I thought to myself, “Wow, what a great idea. I wonder why we haven’t thought about this before now.” Well, evidently, PLANET Public Relations consultant Vicky Bendure and Public Relations Chair Richard Heller, CLP, CLT, along side members of PLANET’s PR Team had this idea on the drawing board for several years, and it just now percolated to the top of its long list of activities. The timing couldn’t be better.

At a time when our country is reeling from all the greed that’s put us in a disquieting economic slide, our association is stepping forward with a national community service event that promotes goodwill and the selflessness that PLANET members and volunteers have long exhibited. At a time when seemingly all eyes are focused on our planet and efforts to make it more “green,” the PLANET Day of Service will raise industry awareness and demonstrate to communities across the country that our industry is a good steward of the environment.

But there’s more to this exciting event, much more. Just think of it. There will be nationwide media coverage for our industry, local media coverage for individual companies, and the opportunity to showcase your team members’ talents. Event organizers are also encouraging state and regional associations, along with suppliers, to join in and host an event, and PLANET members are encouraged to invite nonmembers to participate with them — an opportunity to introduce them to our organization and the benefits of networking. I would encourage you to involve your families, clients, employees, and everyone that touches your company to participate as well.

As I mentioned, PLANET members have a long history of “giving back.” Hundreds of lawn care and landscape contractors offer their help and expertise to enhance parks, beautify local landmarks, and renovate school yards, among other service projects. Hundreds more travel to Washington, D.C., each year to help maintain and beautify Arlington National Cemetery and Historic Congressional Cemetery. The PLANET Day of Service will be an additional opportunity to serve. Thanks to the event’s Lead Sponsors for their support — Agrium Advanced Technologies, American Profit Recovery, John Deere, Lawns by Yorkshire, Inc., and Shindaiwa Inc.

Event details and the nitty gritty of how it works are posted at planetdayofservice.org. So mark this day — April 22, 2009 — on your calendar. This will be the inaugural PLANET Day of Service. Appropriately, it occurs during National Lawn Care Month, and on the 22nd, which is Earth Day.

See what I mean, the timing is perfect. Let’s join together to make this day a memorable one.

Jason Cupp, CLP
PLANET President