FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: March 16, 2011
CONTACT: Molly Baldwin, mollybaldwin@assnhqtrs.com

University of Rochester's Dan Schied Earns CGM Status

(Baltimore, MD) - The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) has announced that Dan Schied of Rochester, N.Y. has become the 132nd grounds management professional to successfully complete its Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) program.

Schied currently serves as the manager of University Horticulture and Grounds at the University of Rochester and has been in that position for just over 17 years. PGMS recently spent a few moments getting to know Dan, who has been a PGMS member since 2006.

PGMS: Why did you want to become a CGM?
Schied: To be like John Fik CGM#12 or Mike Loftus CGM#77! Seriously, when I looked at the body of work required to apply and then complete the certification process, it was a testament to the professionalism of our industry. After finishing the exam and manual components, it is a true honor to be included with the other 131 professionals who became certified before me.

PGMS: What did you think of the program?
Schied: It is a demanding process. I am thankful to George Van Haasteren, CGM for his support over the past year. The process allows you the opportunity to pull the many varied aspects of your job and put them together in a single resource. I'm sure most are amazed with the product once they complete it.

PGMS: What advice do you have for aspiring CGMs?
Schied: Don't wait until the last minute after passing the exam to begin your manual! I don't think I'm the first person to share this advice.

PGMS: What do you think is the biggest topic or issue affecting grounds managers right now?
Schied: We have an obligation to look around us, both locally and globally, and ask if our world is going to be able to sustain the demands we are putting on it. Sustainability is certainly not just a passing notion, but will become more ingrained into our thinking and practices as time moves on. We certainly must first be looking for the practical sustainable efforts we can employ, and then work toward the future with bigger ideas. These must meet the three criteria essential to long term results, being environmentally sound, socially equitable, and economically feasible!

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