Aug 2, 2007

PLANET Announces Specialty SymposiumSource: PLANET

The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) has announced its Specialty Symposium will take place in Indianapolis, Ind., Aug. 24-26, 2007. Small group discussion forums for three specialty tracks of the green industry will be offered.

Design/build/installation, landscape management and lawn care tracks will feature industry-specific presentations on various aspects of growing a green industry business. The symposium will present relevant, contemporary topics given by key PLANET industry leaders who will discuss the best practices that brought them success, from understanding contracts better to managing subcontractors, specifying natural materials to cost accounting. There will also be several panel discussions.

The keynote address will focus on the green industry topic of gaining a better understanding of Hispanic culture. This topic is especially relevant as there are ever growing members of Hispanic workers in the industry and a lack of cultural awareness that can create challenges to running a business.

Seth Dechtman, the keynote speaker, will address how best to reach Hispanic workers by understanding the varying levels of acculturation and the values associated with each, as well as how to increase productivity and retention among your diverse workforce. Dechtman is a business leader well-versed in Hispanic culture and has more than 15 years of international business experience and is passionate about de-mystifying cultural stereotypes and bringing communities and cultures together through business.

The Specialty Symposium is sponsored by John Deere and J. Thomas. For more information, contact Betsy Demoret at (800) 395-2522 or betsydemoret@landcarenetwork.org or visit www.LandcareNetwork.org.