Innovation and Technology the theme of 2011 Executive Forum - The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

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Innovation and Technology the theme of 2011 Executive Forum

PLANET’s recent Executive Forum and Leadership Meeting at The Ritz Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida, held February 17–20, opened with leadership meetings and the installation of PLANET’s 2011–2012 board of directors, which go into effect beginning May 1, 2011.

2011/2012 Board Installation
2011/2012 Board Installation

This year’s Forum focused on Technology and Innovation. The keynote address featured Carmine Gallo, journalist and author of The Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs which outlines ideas business owners can take from Steve Jobs and Apple to improve their customer service and innovate their own companies. The workshop on Friday was facilitated by Langdon Morris, whose work focuses on advanced methods in innovation and strategy to solve complex problems with very high levels of creativity and innovation; Saturday’s workshop included a session on lessons from smart business owners facilitated by Gene Marks, a small business management columnist, author, speaker, and business owner. 

Carmine Gallo - Keynote Speaker
Carmine Gallo - Keynote Speaker

“Attendees heard firsthand how innovation can set them apart from their competition and give them the leading edge to differentiate themselves and increase their profits. Not only did attendees have the opportunity to hear the presentations but they were also able to learn how green industry companies have begun to utilize innovation in their business,” said Barbara Scheibe, chairman of PLANET’s Executive Forum Subcommittee. “A complete program from the dynamic speaker presentations to learning how some green industry companies are already implementing innovative ideas made Executive Forum the full circle event.”

PLANET’s Crystal Ball Report #30, titled Innovate (or Die): How Green Industry Companies Will Thrive in the New Economy, debuted at this year’s Executive Forum. Each attendee was given a printed copy of the book which was referenced throughout the Forum. An e-book version of the report was also sent to PLANET membership. Saturday concluded with a panel session facilitated by Jim McCutcheon, Landscape Industry Certified Manager and chairman of the Crystal Ball Subcommittee. The panel was titled “Crystal Ball #30 Overview: Panel of Industry Innovators.”

Crystal Ball Report #30
Crystal Ball Report #30

The stellar lineup of speakers and educational workshops at this year’s Executive Forum was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors that included Caterpillar Inc. at the Platinum level, Vermeer at the Gold level, and JOHN DEERE at the Silver level. We thank you!