BALTIMORE – The Professional Grounds Management Society announced that John Deere will receive the 2010 PGMS Gold Medal and that Jeffrey Bourne, chief, division of facilities and capital programs, Montgomery County, Md., Department of Recreation will receive the PGMS E. Earl Wilson Award. The honors will be presented during dinner ceremonies on Friday, Oct. 29, at the Galt House in Louisville, Ky.

First presented in 1926 to noted horticulturist William Kleinheinz of Cheltenham Township, N.J., the PGMS Gold Medal is given to an individual or entity to recognize them for outstanding and long-term achievements and contributions to the green industry. In 2004, PGMS made this an annual award. John Deere is to be saluted for its unending support of PGMS, PLANET and other green industry organizations as well as for its numerous initiatives including new ones associated with sustainability of the landscape.

PGMS’ E. Earl Wilson Award was established in 2004 to honor the person who spearheaded PGMS for many years and who was most instrumental in bringing about the establishment of what is today the GIE+EXPO and Green Industry Conference education program. The award is given "when appropriate" for outstanding and sustained service and dedication to the Society and the green industry as a whole. Bourne is a two time past president of PGMS and has represented the Society on the GIE Board for years. He is also executive vice president of operations for the American Landscape Contractors Association which is now a part of PLANET.