Professional Grounds Management Society Inc

“Pgms is managed by the association management company of stringfellow management group, inc. Pgms maintains its offices at smg's headquarters at 2331 rock spring road, forest hill, md 21050. All regular pgms staff members are employees of smg and are provided to pgms on an as-needed basis. Smg and pgms have a letter of agreement that defines the responsibilities of the management firm. A management fee is negotiated that covers the cost of the pgms executive director, support staff, office equipment and office space.”

“Categories of membership: active member - those who secure their primary source of income from grounds management. Examples of, but no limited to, are: professional gardeners, estate gardeners, ground superintendents, cemetery superintendents, extension agents, researchers, teachers, equipment manufacturs & suppliers, chemical manufacturers & suppliers, managers of those responsible for performing grounds management functions, maintenance contractors, the lead assistants of those formerly cited, landscape architects. Sustaining member - individuals, corporations, foundations, or institutions with an expressed interest in horticulture and the perpetuation of grounds management, but unable to fulfill those requirements of active membership. Company/sustaining member - commercial organizations wishing to work more closely with pgms. Emeritus member - those members who, upon reaching age 65, have completed at least 15 consecutive years of membership and apply in writing to the national headquarters to be granted emeritus status. Honorary member - those individuals who, having displayed exemplary service to the profession and this association, are nominated for this membership distinction by the board of directors, reviewed by the membership committee, and approved by unanimous vote of the board of directors. Honorary memberships carry all the rights and privileges of active membership. Student member - individuals currently enrolled in colleges, universities, trade schools, or other institutions recognized by pgms and curriculums verified by a duly authorized instructor or agent of said institution. Life member - those individuals having attained this membership status prior to january 1, 1973. Affiliate member - employee of active member, company, or ageny within a local geographic boundary. Active companies or agencies may not endorse more than 4 affiliate members.”

“Board officers and directors at large are elected annually by vote of members present at the annual conference (or by absentee ballot requested 60 days prior, and received 7 days prior, to the annual conference). Regional directors are elected by mail-in ballots within their region, prior to the annual conference. Supplier representatives are elected by mail or electronic ballot distributed only to supplier members in good standing.”

“Prior to the filing of the tax return, the 990 is provided to each board member. Each board member reviews the 990 and responds to the executive director with any questions/comments. Once all questions have been addressed, the return is finalized.”

“All officers, directors, and key employees review the conflict of interest policy annually. The sign a form indicating their understanding of the policy and agreeing to bring potential conflicts to the attetion of the governing body.”

“The organizations governing documents, financial statements and 990's (for a period of 3 years) are available at the organization's address during normal business hours upon request.”

“The organization did not change its oversight or selection process during the year.”