FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: May 5, 2010
CONTACT: Molly Baldwin, mollybaldwin@assnhqtrs.com

Florida's Steven Morton Achieves CGM Status

(Baltimore, MD) - The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) has announced that Steven Morton of Cape Coral, Florida has become the 127th grounds management professional to successfully complete its Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) program.

Morton currently serves as landscape manager at Shell Point Retirement Community. PGMS recently spent a few moments getting to know Steven.

PGMS: What is your current title at Shell Point and how long have you been in this position?
Morton: My title is Landscape Manager and I have been in this position for 5 1/2 years.

PGMS: Why did you want to become a CGM?
Morton: I primarily wanted to become a CGM to set an example for my team. I strongly believe that individuals in our industry need better training, yet wage levels generally preclude University education. I have encouraged my employees to seek greater horticultural knowledge through industry associations. In the last five years, my team of 13 full time employees has achieved 16 separate certifications from various organizations representing different aspects of horticultural disciplines. The results have been that the Shell Point Landscape Management Team has achieved a better visual result in our landscape, have enhanced technical expertise, attained improved communication, and are now fully respected as a department within our company. In addition, we now proudly hold the 2006 Grand Greenstar Award in the Condominium or Apartment Complex category which is a tangible record of team accomplishment.

PGMS: What did you think of the program?
Morton: I believe that the CGM program is well designed to guarantee competence in our industry. While the written test ensures that an individual posses the horticultural technical skills to perform the job, the open book portion tests the management and organizational skills that a Grounds Manager must have to be successful. Furthermore, I have found that the open book project helped me to better define and manage our existing processes while improving other procedures that were weak.

PGMS: What advice do you have for aspiring CGMs?
Morton: I would recommend to those interested in certification to understand that the CGM is a commitment to excellence and that they should be prepared to look very closely at their own skills and organization abilities. To prepare for testing, individuals should have adequate accumulated horticultural knowledge, competency in computer work, and good management skills. I would also strongly suggest that they meet with a PGMS mentor to guide them through the process and, if possible, attend the Annual Convention and classes.

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