Grounds professionals honored at PGMS dinner

FOREST HILL, Md. – The Professional Grounds Management Society honored several grounds professionals with numerous awards as part of their annual awards dinner that took place Oct. 18 in conjunction with the 2018 School of Grounds Management in Louisville, Ky., on Oct. 16-19.

 

PGMS recognized the Sports Turf Managers Association with the PGMS Gold Medal Award. The PGMS Gold Medal is given to an individual or entity to recognize them for outstanding and long-term achievements and/or contributions to the green industry. PGMS honors the STMA for its leadership and dedication in the area of sports turf management, their educational programs and member certification.

 

Each year, the PGMS President is asked to give a President's Award to a member or members they feel have shown outstanding service and contributions to the Society. This year, President Gerald Landby honored Bruce De Vrou of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Joe Kovolyan of Tacoma, Wa.

 

As the Northwest Regional Director, Kovolyan has promoted the benefits of PGMS in the Northwest Region. Results show growing memberships in addition to member participation. Kovolyan also represents PGMS on the GIE Committee and emcees the annual Awards Program. Future projects include coordinating the Summer Conference in July 2019 and becoming Treasurer of the Executive Committee.

 

De Vrou serves as the North Central Regional Director for PGMS.  This year, he developed and coordinated a summer conference with guest speakers and behind-the-scenes tours of Hope College, Grand Valley State University, Kirk Park, Spring Meadow Nursery and Kawasaki Engines. De Vrou also orchestrated a special dinner at the private home and trial gardens of Dale and Liz Deppe. The showcase trial gardens encompass 16 acres surrounding the home overlooking the Grand River. In addition, De Vrou accepted a role to represent PGMS on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.