FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: March 12, 2009
CONTACT: Molly Baldwin, mollybaldwin@assnhqtrs.com

Texan Barbara Hatchel Earns CGM Status

(Baltimore, MD) - The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) has announced that Barbara Hatchel of Amarillo, Texas has become the 120th grounds management professional to successfully complete its Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) program. Hatchel currently serves as a Technician for the City of Amarillo Parks & Rec. where she has been for the past 11 years. PGMS recently spent a few minutes getting to know Barbara.

PGMS: How long have you been a PGMS member?
Hatchel: I have been associated with this organization since 2005. I assisted in the development of the Texas Branch.

PGMS: What is your current position at work? How long have you been in that position?
Hatchel: I began working as a Seasonal Crew Leader for the City of Amarillo in 1998 while waiting for a job in another field. I have always enjoyed working in yards and gardens. After that summer, the 'flower began to blossom' and I applied for a full-time position which resulted in my hiring in October. I have worked in all areas of the Parks and Recreation Department-from picking up trash, to designing and installing some of Amarillo's newer parks.

PGMS: Why did you want to become a CGM?
Hatchel: I felt pursuing this certification would enable me to further my education in the grounds industry as well as give me an opportunity to learn all the meticulous aspects of my profession. I believe that we must continually upgrade our skills and knowledge in our careers. PGMS offers quality training programs and I hope to encourage my co-workers to attain the Certifications as a Grounds Technician or to continue on to a Grounds Manager.

PGMS: What did you think of the CGM program?
Hatchel: I thought the program was very thorough. It made me sit back and say, "Wow, I get to have fun while I am doing all this and, what in the world have I gotten myself into." The course was actually fun while being challenging. I was able to pull together my knowledge and see how everything fit together. This experience helped me to focus on tasks at hand.

PGMS: What advice do you have for aspiring CGMs?
Hatchel: First and foremost have patience and confidence in yourself. Think of the smallest and most minute detail and include it in your exam. Begin collecting all the relevant information that you can get your hands on now. Pull together everything from notes, projects, classes, and meetings, to just listening to all ideas. They all play an intricate part in the development of your project. Organization and steady work is the key to a successful completion. I would also encourage anyone beginning this process to find a network for support. My CGM Mentor, Kevin Dilliard, helped me tremendously along with area Master Gardeners. I would like to thank them. Most of all have fun with the process. It is part of you.

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