Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association

About Us

The CGKA is a statewide (CT) trade organization. We are an association comprised of green industry representatives including landscapers, suppliers and University personnel. We are a resource for both the public and our own membership.

History

 

Long before the CGKA was incorporated, which was March 1970, there was a discussion with a few area landscapers in the field. Needless to say, the individuals that got us off the ground, were Sal Cioffi and Bob Gibbons, who met with Ted Stamen of UCONN in New York.

Our first meeting was held in a barn in Woodbridge, CT. After that, we held meetings for the board of directors at individuals homes for about two years. Then at the Agricultural Extension Service in Wallingford, CT. We eventually moved the meetings to the Connecticut Agricultural Station in New Haven.

Our first conference was held at the Waverly Inn in Cheshire, CT. As the attendance grew, we moved to larger facilities.

The association was started by thirteen individuals and now we have over 200 members.

The first conference was attended by about 120 individuals and five exhibitors. Today we can draw over 1,200 people and we have had almost 200 exhibitors during busy years.

Our Executive Board works timelessly to achieve higher standards and to inform the public of our committment to a better industry.   Through 2010 we worked with one of the founders, Jack Riccio, as an honorary board member.   Our December 2010 annual meeting features a salute to Jack's dedication to our group.

Mission

 

The purpose of the CGKA as outlined in our bylaws includes but is not limited to the following:

a. To provide a medium for exchanging ideas of interest to Association members.

b. To advocate postitions and viewpoints concerning the Green Industry and other environmental matters so as to permit individuals and the public to form independent opinions and conclusions based on pertinent facts.

c. To foster and promote practical, effective, and efficient activities in the disciplines served by the Association.

d. To foster and promote uniform enforcement of laws, standards, regulations, and procedures adopted by federal, state, and local governments and their agencies affecting the activities of the members served by the association.

e. To afford due consideration to, and the expression of, opinions upon issue affecting the interests of the Green Industry and The Association members

f. To support educational programs directed towards the benefit of The Association's members, the Green Industry and the general public.

g. To develop a recommended Code of Conduct for members of The Association

h. To promote professionalism within the membership of The Association and the Green Industry.

The Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association exists as a body of Green Industry professionals who meet regularly to promote education, awareness, stewardship, and responsibility in the landscaping field. We strive to maintain professionally registered and compliant membership, as well as facilitate legal and professional entry into the arena for new members or companies in Connecticut. We are working to inform the public that when choosing a landscape professional they should set standards that we strive for including but not limited to Business registration with the State of Connecticut Departments of Revenue Service, Consumer Protection and Environmental Protection. The CGKA works to inform the public that landscape companies need to be insured and responsible for the work that they perform. They should be certified if necessary.

We support education as evidenced by our annual scholarship to students in the University of Connecticut department of Plant Science. We maintain an endowment at the University of Connecticut for the same purpose. 

Board of Directors

 

In 2000 the board of directors established an award in the name of Sal Cioffi. It was through Sal's direction and foresight that the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association was founded and progressed through the years. Annually, our board of directors awards it to a person who best exemplifies the attributes of Sal Cioffi.

 

Recipients:
2000 - Jack Riccio
2001 - John Pallotto
2002 - Joe Maisano, Jr.
2003 - Phil Grande Jr. CLT
2004 - Vincent Mendillo
2005 - George Cargos
2006 - David Peterson
2007 - Robert Taylor
2008 - Emilio Troiano

2009 - Anthony LaBanca

2010 - Giovanni 'John' DiMonaco

 

 

December 2010 - November 2012 Board of Directors

 

President - Joseph Sims

Majestic Landscaping,L.L.C. Naugatuck,CT. Owner

turfprojoe@sbcglobal.net


Joe Sims. Member of CGKA since 1996.Joe has been a past Vice President, and has severed on the Board of Directors for several years, Joe also served as Conference Co-Chaiman for five years, and is currently serving as Co-Chairman for the Conference.

Vice President - George Cargos

Cargos Landscaping, Orange, CT - Owner

georgecargos@sbcglobal.net


George has been in the landscape business for 25 years, a member of CGKA since 1999 and has served on the Board of Directors for four years. He has served on the CLT, Field Day and Marketing Committees.  Currently George is working as Co-Chairman for the Conference


 

Secretary - Vincent Mendillo

V. Mendillo Landscaping, North Haven, CT - Owner

vincentmendillo@sbcglobal.net


Joined the CGKA in 1978 as a member. Vin has been on the board of directors for 25 years. He has held the position of President, and currently serves as secretary and Board Member and has served on the CLT Committee.

Treasurer - Philip Grande

Ivy League Landscaping

Soundview Landscape Supply, West Haven, CT - Owner

phil@soundviewlandscape.com

 

Phil oversees operations of these companies servicing accounts in Greater New Haven and Fairfield County. In business since 1980. Member of CGKA since 1992, Phil has served as President and on the CLT Committee.  

Board Member - Emilio Troiano

Emilio's Lawn Care, Hamden, CT - Sole Proprietor

emilio334@comcast.net

In business for 20 years, Emilio works with the Conference Committee and has worked with the CLT Committee.  Emilio has served on the board of director for several years.


 

Board Member - Giovanni DiMonaco
DiMonaco Landscaper, Hamden, CT - Owner

In business since 1972. Giovanni works with the Conference committee and has served on the CLT Committee.  Giovanni has been a board member for several years.

 

Board Member - Mike McCabe
Hillview Landscaping, Wallingford, CT - Co-owner

mike@hillviewlandscaping.com


Mike has been a CGKA member for 10 years, on the board for seven, and served as president in 2000. Mike has served on the Field Day Committee and currently helps with the Conference Committee.



Board Member - David Peterson
Peterson Landscaping Service, Inc., West Hartford, CT - Owner

davidpeterson51@comcast.net


Dave is the third generation owner of his company which started in 1929. He serves the CGKA as Program Chairman and Board Member.  Dave is responsible for coordinating the speakers and programs at our annual conference, and we appreciate his attention to this over many years.


 

Board Member - David Christensen
Christensen Landscape, LLC, Northford, CT - Manager

david@christensenlandscape.com


Overseeing construction and maintenance crews, totaling 30 employees. In business for a total of 30 years, with experience in design and construction. Past president, Dave also serves on the Conference Committee.  Contact Dave if you have any meeting ideas or other suggestions as he is helping to coordinate monthly meetings.

 

Board Member - Teresa Mello
DreamScape Designs, LLC, Berlin, CT - Owner

teresa@dreamscaped.com

Teresa specializes in landscape design, installation, water features, outdoor living spaces, garden and pond maintenance as well as seasonal & outdoor decorating.  Teresa has been a member since 2005, and on the board for three years and also serves on the Conference Committee.   Teresa helps us present a fabulous booth each year.

 

Board Member - Wayne Daly
Daly's Lawn Care, LLC, Wallingford, CT - Owner

wayne.daly@sbcglobal.net


Wayne has been in business since 1998, and a member of CGKA since 2005. He has helped with the CLT Test, the Conference and is serving his second term on the Board of Directors.

 

Board Member - Blake Orser

Rosotto Construction, Hamden, CT - Owner

 

Blake is the newest member of the Board of Directors.  We look forward to working with him on our many endeavors over the next few years.