LaurelRock's Lead Designer Inspires $25,000 Donation to PLANET's Academic Excellence Foundation (AEF)

AEF Scholarship to Pave the Future for Students in the Landscaping Industry

CONTACT
Debra Rizzi
Partner, Rizco Design
732.223.1944 ext.102
debra@rizcodesign.com

WILTON, CONNECTICUT (June 3, 2014) - In 2004-2005, Brigham Young University student Allan Broadbent was hard at work studying for his B.S. in Landscape Management. A standout student and "up and coming" designer in the landscape industry, Allan was quickly recognized by PLANET (Professional Landcare Network). He was awarded a PLANET AEF scholarship, which provides financial assistance to promising students hoping to pursue an education and future in the landscape industry. As a student, Allan never could have imagined that his success, both in college and within his career, would one day inspire his employer to donate $25,000 to the organization that so greatly influenced his life.

Flash forward to 2014. Allan Broadbent is a successful and highly regarded Lead Designer & Project Manager for The LaurelRock Company where he provides comprehensive landscape architectural design and project management services to residential property owners. Allan began his tenure at LaurelRock in 2006, as a landscape architectural designer, and quickly worked his way up the ranks. An award-winning designer, Allan most recently received the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) 2014 Gold International Landscape Design Award for a residence in Darien, Connecticut. Allan remains appreciative of the assistance he received along the way and has not forgotten how he got his start in the landscape industry. "It was very helpful to have the support of PLANET through my college years especially with the scholarship from AEF. It is an amazing feeling to now be with LaurelRock, and see them giving back to the same fund that enabled my college career. Everything comes full circle as they say," said Broadbent.

The LaurelRock Company proudly lives by its motto "Making A Positive Difference." The company's 4th Core Principle is to enhance, preserve, and give back by "Investing In The Community." Burt DeMarche, LaurelRock's President added, "Our $25,000 donation commitment plays a major role in helping the AEF attain their $5 million in 5 years goal. I have always admired the work of the AEF board, and as a member of PLANET, I am proud of the fact that hundreds of students have benefited from this scholarship fund. I want to see this continue."

Since its inception in 1998, The PLANET AEF has given more than $816,000 in scholarships and awards to 792 students. In March 2014, 47 recipients were awarded a total of $58,500 at PLANET's 2014 Student Career Days.

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About The LaurelRock Company
The LaurelRock Company has been servicing clients in Fairfield County and beyond, for over 35 years. They have lent their landscape architecture, construction and maintenance expertise to more than 1,000 of the area's most stunning residential properties. Their team of dedicated professionals, including landscape architects, designers, horticulturists, and construction and maintenance crews, are committed to enhancing each property's aesthetic beauty, with a concentrated focus on preserving the environment and worker safety. The LaurelRock Company is the single solution for all of your landscape needs.

Web: LaurelRock.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/TheLaurelRockCompany

About PLANET
PLANET, the Professional Landcare Network, is the national trade association representing more than 100,000 landscape industry professionals, who create and maintain healthy, green living spaces for communities across America. PLANET members are committed to the highest standards in industry education, best practices, and business professionalism. Many of PLANET's professionals have attained the status of becoming Landscape Industry Certified, achieving the greatest level of industry expertise and knowledge. Visit PLANET at www.landcarenetwork.org.