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Annual ReportMay 1, 2013–April 30, 2014
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PLANET MissionTo advance and communicate the interests of PLANET’s members in the conduct of effective and environmentally responsible landscape services.
PLANET Core PurposeTo advance opportunity and professionalism in the landscape industry.
PLANET Core ValuesVISION: Demonstrated by commitment to continuous pursuit of excellence in a changing environment; evidenced in forward-thinking strategy, progressive policy, and relevant programs.
INTEGRITY: Demonstrated by responsive and transparent decisions; evidenced in credible and accountable actions.
COLLABORATION: Demonstrated by common willingness to share resources, information, and personal time; evidenced in professional satisfaction, personal fulfillment, and social responsibility achieved through valuable connections with others.
RESPECT: Demonstrated by an inclusive and enjoyable culture that appreciates the value of diverse experiences and perspectives; evidenced in respect earned by being respectful of others.
Table of Contents
Mission, Core Purpose, and Core Values ............................................................... 2
Message from the PLANET CEO............................................................................. 3
Board of Directors ................................................................................................... 4
Committee & Specialty Group Chairs ..................................................................... 5
About PLANET ......................................................................................................... 6
PLANET Financial Report ....................................................................................... 7
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Dear PLANET members, partners, and friends,
We had a fantastic fiscal year, ending April 30, 2014. Financially speaking, we wrapped up 2013–2014 on a strong and healthy note. With the support of a collaborative, forward-thinking leadership, programs and initiatives continued on an upswing to support growth opportunities for our member companies.
I was fortunate to experience one such collaboration in an impressive ceremony in Washington, D.C., when PLANET President Glenn Jacobsen, Landscape Industry Certified, and David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), signed a five-year alliance agreement renewal to help ensure workplace safety education for the landscape and lawn care industry.
As with every fiscal year that passes, I continue to marvel at the commitment and passion of our members to make a difference through their collective entrepreneurial spirit and drive. It is with great honor that the leadership and staff continue to serve and support our members’ success on a variety of fronts. I consider myself fortunate to work with all of you to achieve long-term success. In 2013–2014 alone, we reached great heights, and I’m happy to share this top 10 list of achievements—which could not have been accomplished without your dedication and input.
1. Published the Harris Survey to help members better understand consumer behavior—This nationwide survey, conducted by the research firm Harris Interactive, examined consumer perceptions about the landscape industry, and measured consumer spending habits on landscape services. It was featured on the cover of USA Today, in The Huffington Post, and in newspapers around the country. Members have exclusive access to the detailed results found at LandcareNetwork.org/membercenter.cfm.
2. Provided leading industry educational events—Members learned the latest
industry trends, best practices, and innovative processes by attending PLANET’s annual Green Industry Conference (GIC) featuring the new Learning Lounge, the Great Escape showcasing industry thought leaders, niche events like the Lawn Care Summit with NPMA, the Design/Build Symposium, and the Interior Plantscaping Symposium with OFA, face-to-face Facility Tours around the nation, and more than 40 educational webinars. View all of PLANET’s educational opportunities at PLANETU.org.
3. Launched LoveYourLandscape.com, a consumer-focused website touting the advantages of professional landscaping services—Members used this site to provide clients and prospects with expert advice about how to care for lawns, plants, and trees, and to educate them about the importance of hiring a certified or well-qualified professional. The “Hire a Pro” directory lists PLANET members and companies with certified individuals on staff for consumer consideration.
4. Legislative Support—Members who utilize the H-2B program enjoyed a two-season program extension as a result of PLANET’s leading efforts with the courts, the regulatory appeal process, and Congress. The future success of this program, and others that affect the work our members do, will require continued support through political action committee (PAC) contributions and participation in PLANET’s Legislative Day on the Hill.
5. Introduced PLANET Peer Groups—Members from around the country began their journey toward long-term, strategic alliances with noncompetitive landscape company leaders with the installation of the first two peer groups, facilitated by industry thought-leader, Bruce Wilson of Wison-Oyler.
6. Heightened focus on workforce development—PLANET’s educational foundation, PLANET AEF, launched a strategic plan that will focus on generating awareness about the landscape industry and career opportunities in addition to
awarding scholarships. Visit PLANETAEF.org to learn more.
7. Made safety a priority—Members utilized the educational resources provided from PLANET’s renewed OSHA/PLANET Alliance, PLANET’s second Safety Benchmarking Report, and a Spanish version of the STARS Safe Company Program CD.
8. Connected members with 123 Trailblazers and introduced two new awards—Four new industry veterans joined the growing ranks of PLANET’s acclaimed mentoring program. At the Great Escape in Anaheim, California, PLANET introduced two new awards: The Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
9. Made certification as easy as 1-2-3-4—with new, easy-to-navigate web pages, a universal exam registration form, and videos that clearly explain the benefits. LandcareNetwork.org/certification was a top-visited page on the PLANET website, and certification was a cover story of the December 2013 issue of TURF magazine.
10. Grew the Network—PLANET’s school accreditation program added Kirkwood Community College (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) to its roster of more than 25 endorsed colleges and universities with outstanding landscape contracting or horticulture degrees. Clackamas Community College (Oregon City, Oregon) and Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, Oklahoma) were reaccredited.
Thank you for your continued membership and participation in the Professional Landcare Network. I look forward to our long-term partnership and a truly remarkable 2014–2015 fiscal year.
All the best,
Sabeena Hickman, CAE, CMPPLANET Chief Executive Officer
Message from the PLANET CEO
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2013–2014 PLANET Board of Directors
PresidentGlenn Jacobsen,
Landscape Industry Certified Jacobsen Landscape Design &
Construction, Inc.
Phil Allen, Ph.D., Landscape Industry Certified Brigham Young University
Tom Fochtman, Landscape Industry Certified Ceibass Venture Partners
Paul McDonough, Landscape Industry Certified Koch Agronomic Services
Jason Becker, Landscape Industry CertifiedCaterpillar
Bill Horn, Landscape Industry Certified Terracare Associates
Sandy MunleyOhio Landscape Association, Inc.
Michael Byrne, Landscape Industry Certified Hunter Lane, LLC
Scott Jamieson, Landscape Industry Certified Bartlett Tree Experts
Roger Phelps, Landscape Industry Certified STIHL Inc.
Jon Cundiff, Landscape Industry CertifiedWeed Man
Brett Lemcke, Landscape Industry Certified R.M. Landscape, Inc.
David ZerfossVistage International, Inc.
Joy DiazLand Care Incorporated
Michael McShane, Landscape Industry CertifiedPlantique, Inc.
Sabeena Hickman, CAE, CMPPLANET CEO
President-ElectJim McCutcheon,
Landscape Industry Certified HighGrove Partners
Immediate Past PresidentNorman Goldenberg,
Landscape Industry Certified TruGreen
DIrECTOrs-AT-LArgE
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2013–2014 PLANET Committee and specialty group ChairssPECIALTy grOuPs
COMMITTEEs AND suBCOMMITTEEs
Design/Build/InstallationBarbara StropkoNew Desert Gallery, Inc.
Interior Plantscaping Chris Raimondi, Landscape Industry Certified Raimondi Horticultural Group, Inc.
Irrigation & Water ManagementJohn EgglestonSpartan Irrigation
Landscape Management Eric Cross, Landscape Industry Certified Duke’s Landscape Management, Inc.
Lawn Care Andrew ZiehlerZiehler Lawn and Tree Care
Education CommitteeMichael Hupf, Landscape Industry Certified Lifescape • Great Escape Subcommittee
Barbara Stropko New Desert Gallery, Inc.
•GreenIndustryConferenceSubcommittee Barbara Scheibe Scheibe & Scheibe Landscape Contractors, Inc.
Planning and Finance CommitteeJim McCutcheon, Landscape Industry Certified HighGrove Partners
Governance CommitteeScott Jamieson, Landscape Industry Certified Bartlett Tree Experts
Government Affairs CommitteeJohn CrossmockTruGreen •LegislativeDayontheHill
Subcommittee Ted Hofer Spring Green Lawn
•PLANETPoliticalAction(PAC)Subcommittee Paul McDonough, Landscape Industry Certified Agrium Advanced Technologies
Industry Recruitment CommitteeJennifer BuckNext Level Network •AccreditationSubcommittee
Jim Funai, Landscape Industry Certified Cuyahoga Community College
•StudentCareerDaysSubcommittee Edward Furner, Landscape Industry Certified Mariani Landscape
International Certification Council (ICC)David Hupman, Landscape Industry Certified BRICKMAN
Membership CommitteeMike Caprio, Landscape Industry CertifiedLawn Doctor, Inc. •AssociationExecutivesSubcommittee
Sandy Munley Ohio Landscape Association, Inc.
•SupplierSubcommittee Ken Taylor, Landscape Industry Certified JOHN DEERE
PLANET Academic Excellence Foundation (PLANET AEF)Jim McCutcheon, Landscape Industry Certified HighGrove Partners
Public Relations CommitteeShayne Newman, Landscape Industry Certified YardApes, Inc. •AwardsSubcommittee
Dennis Karem Hidden Creek Landscaping, Inc.
•Renewal&RemembranceSubcommittee Bruce Allentuck Allentuck Landscaping Co.
Safety and Risk Management CommitteeCraig ClarkHenry Dunn, Inc.
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About PLANETWhO WE ArE
PLANET is the national trade association representing more than 100,000 landscape and lawn care industry professionals, who create and maintain healthy, green living spaces for communities across America. PLANET members are committed to the highest standards in industry education, best practices, and business professionalism.
WhAT WE DO
PLANET provides education, networking, safety, and business development programs, including webinars; hosting the Green Industry Conference, the largest educational event in the landscape industry; organizing public service events like Renewal & Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery, PLANET Day of Service, and PLANET Gives Back; holding specialty conferences in lawn care, landscape design/build/installation, and interior plant design; administering the STARS Safe Company Program; managing the largest awards program in the industry; as well as advocating for the industry on Capitol Hill.
PLANET sTATIsTICs
PLANET membership comprises nearly 4,000 contractors, suppliers, dealers, state and allied regional associations, students and faculty, and other industry affiliates nationwide.*
*Membership Report, May 1, 2014
According to PLANET’s last membership survey, the top reasons our members join:
Education 91%
Professional 77% Development
Networking 66%
Information 60%
Certification 48%
Personal Enrichment 42%
Supporting/Giving Back to the Industry: 38%
Landscape Management
42%
Interior Plantscaping
2%Irrigation/Water Management
1%
Lawn Care
30%
Design/Build/Installation
25%
PLANET’s contractor member companies primarily focus on five landscape industry specialties
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PLANET Financial reportConsolidating statement of Financial Position (April 30, 2014)
AssETs
Cash and cash equivalents $1,364,182 Investments 6,158,972 Other current assets 780,382 Property and equipment, net 432,277
Total Assets $8,735,813
LIABILITIEs AND NET AssETs
Liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses $383,583 Deferred revenue 1,159,196 Total Liabilities $1,542,779
Net AssetsTemporarily restricted assets 548,078 Unrestricted assets 6,644,956 Total Net Assets 7,193,034 Total Liabilities and Net Assets $8,735,813 CONsOLIDATINg sTATEMENT OF ACTIVITIEs
Year Ended April 30, 2014
rEVENuE AND suPPOrT Green Industry Conference $1,730,532 Membership dues 1,522,261 Publications 321,164 Student Career Days 376,901 Corporate safety 206,609 Other meetings and events 363,323 Certification 154,960 Great Escape 139,017 Environmental awards 46,978 Other income 53,075 Net assets released from restriction 316,724 Total Revenue and Support $5,231,544
ExPENsE Program Services Membership services $1,583,398 Green Industry Conference 575,144 Publications 380,016 Other meetings and events 390,524 Student Career Days 366,667 Great Escape 193,070 Committees 150,008
Total Program Services 3,638,827 Supporting Services Management and general 1,058,416 Marketing and public relations 131,318
Total Supporting Services 1,189,734 Total Expense $4,828,561 Change in Net assets before other items 402,983 Investment income 399,980 Distribution of minority shareholder interest (173,985) Contributions 329,916 Net Assets released from restriction (316,724)
Change in Net Assets 642,170 Net Assets, beginning of year 6,550,864 Net Assets, end of year $7,193,034 Note: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of PLANET AEF, PLANET, and GIE..
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PLANET, 950 Herndon Parkway, Suite 450 Herndon, VA 20170
800-395-2522 | LandcareNetwork.org
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