GIC Closely Aligns with Our Core Values

Ken Taylor, Landscape Industry Certified, JOHN DEERE

Ken Taylor, Landscape Industry Certified, has been attending GIC since its inception. The company he works for, John Deere, has been the conference platinum sponsor for the last several years.  When asked about the reason for this high level of commitment, the General Manager for John Deere’s Corporate Business Division answers succinctly, “GIC closely aligns with our core values.”

The one he’s specifically talking about is the role education plays in developing talent and advancing an industry.  “There are two big reasons GIC delivers value for attendees,” he remarked.  “The seminars are timely and informative and the networking opportunities with peers are unsurpassed. Both are a requisite for learning about an industry if you’re just starting out or learning more about an industry if you’ve been involved in it for years.  In other words, GIC provides value to new and veteran attendees alike.”

Taylor attended GIC prior to the partnership with OPEI that brought the show to Louisville.  “To me, GIC had always been a traveling show, meaning its venue was strategically situated so many people could attend by driving.  That’s still the case in Louisville. It is located within a day’s drive for a high percentage of PLANET members and other landscape professionals.”

As a past president of GIE, Taylor pointed out that the networking opportunities at GIC extend beyond seminar rooms and receptions.  “From a supplier perspective, the trade show gives attendees an opportunity to see the latest and greatest equipment and to share their thoughts with company personnel.  There’s no question that GIC and GIE+EXPO brings the industry together in ways that benefit everyone.”

Taylor added that from John Deere’s perspective GIC and Student Career Days are the two of the premier events PLANET sponsors for the industry. While the former is an exceptional opportunity to learn from today’s industry leaders and experts, the latter helps prepare students to become tomorrow’s leaders. They both, he emphasized, share common ingredients of education and networking.