So you joined as an NALP member. Now what?
Past president Bob Grover, LIC, owner of Pacific Landscape Management, can easily tell you the next step is to lean in.
“I have gotten so much out of everything I participate in, whether it be NALP, my local Chamber of Commerce or any charitable organizations I belong to, because I take it seriously and I get involved,” Grover says.
The great thing about NALP is there are numerous ways you can get engaged. Below is just a selection of some of the ways you can become more involved as an NALP member.
Connect with Your Peers
One of the frequently cited benefits of NALP is the ability to connect with other industry pros.
“I know that if I have any questions about anything all I have to do is pick up the phone and call NALP and ask them ‘Do we know anyone who sells insurance for lawn care workers?’ or ‘Do you have anybody who knows anything about this or that or the other?’ and they will get me right to whoever it is that I need to talk to,” says Deborah Wade, co-owner of Wade’s Lawn Service. “They can always make recommendations.”
You also can find like-minded individuals by joining one of our four networks: Latino Landscape Network, Veterans in Landscape Network, Women in Landscape Network, and the Young Professionals Network. Another way to network is to attend NALP’s various events including ELEVATE, NALP Field Trip, Leaders Forum, the National Collegiate Landscape Competition and Renewal & Remembrance.
Be a Voice for the Industry
The landscape industry faces many legislative challenges and advocacy is one of NALP’s main focuses. Your participation in these efforts is crucial as legislators listen to the voices they hear.
“Advocacy isn’t just about regulations,” says Brandon Sheppard, a Weed Man franchisor in the Mid-Atlantic. “It’s also about public perception, helping people to better understand the real value that our work brings to human health, in air and water quality, abating some of the challenges of climate change, helping to absorb carbon near where it’s generated.”
You can make your voice heard by participating in Voices for Healthy Green Spaces, which is a community of landscape industry members and supporters who voice industry policy interests and concerns at all levels of government. You can also join Advocacy Contact Team that provides “boots on the ground” assistance for state and local legislative issues.
Support the Next Generation
As an NALP member, you can help welcome and support the up-and-coming generation in a variety of ways, including participating in the industry career fair at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition or sponsoring one of the competitive events. The NALP Foundation is also working with SkillsUSA to host a landscape skills competition for high school students with the help of industry volunteers.
“We are thrilled to be able to have this opportunity to inspire and educate some of these young students to become the next generation of landscape professionals,” says Teddy Russell, NALP Foundation president.
The NALP Foundation also provides the opportunity to support students financially by granting scholarships during NCLC. You can fund a scholarship or support the work of the NALP Foundation with a smaller contribution.
Share Your Knowledge
If you have considerable experience you’d like to share with others in the industry, consider participating in NALP’s Navigate Business Coaching Program that connects seasoned industry CEOs and consultants (called Trailblazers) with up-and-coming companies to provide in-person or virtual mentoring.
“Anybody can learn from anybody,” says Christopher Brown, co-founder of Teed & Brown. “It’s actually an opportunity for me to learn as well as to share. I’ve really enjoyed the process.”
You can also share your story by contacting NALP’s content manager Jill Odom if you have an innovative industry strategy.
