Members Encouraged to Stand and Serve During Planet’s Legislative Day and Renewal & Remembrance Events

HERNDON, Va., May 3, 2010 —The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) invites all green industry professionals and their families to gather in Washington, D.C., July 18–20, 2010, for Legislative Day on the Hill and Renewal & Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery. July 2, 2010, is the registration deadline for these events, which provide PLANET members with the opportunity to take a stand on the issues affecting the green industry with their members of Congress, as well as to help beautify some of the most cherished and hallowed grounds in the United States.

In order to participate in the Hill visits, members will need to have arranged and confirmed an appointment with their members of Congress prior to arriving in Washington, D.C. It’s important to make follow-up calls to the legislator(s) to confirm appointments (or ask PLANET to make the follow-up call) and inform PLANET as appointments are confirmed.

Planned activities begin Sunday, July 18, with Communications Training Sessions capped off with an informal Welcome Reception at the Key Bridge Marriott. Located just four miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, the Key Bridge Marriott is within three blocks of the D.C. Metro system, giving guests easy access to some of Washington’s most famous landmarks, including the Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, the Kennedy Center, and Georgetown. Hotel reservations can be made by calling (703) 524-6400 on or before June 25, 2010, and asking for the PLANET rate ($129 per night plus tax for single/double occupancy) or by visiting www.marriott.com.

On Monday, July 19, green industry companies will help beautify the grounds of Arlington National Cemetery during the award-winning Renewal & Remembrance program. This is one of the most significant community service projects that PLANET does each year, and members are encouraged to bring their families as a children’s activity program is also part of this event. James Hagedorn, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Scotts Miracle-Gro Co., and a former U.S. Air Force captain and accomplished F-16 fighter pilot, will deliver the industry dedication address.

Following Renewal & Remembrance, conservative columnist Cal Thomas and liberal Democratic strategist Bob Beckel, authors of Common Ground: How to Stop the Partisan War That Is Destroying America and of the USA Today column “Common Ground,” will deliver the Legislative Day Keynote, and demonstrate that it is possible for people with strikingly different political views to reach agreement on contentious issues, using civility and humor — a rare occurrence in today’s politically charged environment.

The Irrigation Association will partner with PLANET to host this year’s events, whose Platinum Sponsors are Husqvarna and Syngenta. For more information about Legislative Day on the Hill and Renewal & Remembrance, contact Betsy Demoret at (800) 395-2522 or visit the PLANET website, www.LandcareNetwork.org.

PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the QUALITY OF LIFE in communities across America. With more than 3,500 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals. Some of these professionals have taken the extra step of becoming certified through PLANET and bear the distinction of being known as Landscape Industry Certified.