Roscoe Klausing, CEO of Klausing Group, PBC, based in Lexington, Kentucky, first came across the National Association of Landscape Professionals when he saw the monthly magazine and started reading it.
He ended up learning of an upcoming conference, registered, attended and was blown away by the experience. Klausing joined the association in 1998 when his business was young.
“That summer, we experienced a drought, and I found myself wondering how to make a seasonal business more stable,” Klausing says. “I hoped to get answers from NALP and its members. Looking back, I’m struck by the simplicity of some of the challenges I faced early on. How to manage weather interruptions, how to write a job description, how much to pay someone. All of that information was available through NALP and its members, who I almost always found willing to share their experiences.”
Klausing says as his company grew, his needs shifted from leaning on certification programs to tapping into NALP’s resources and consultants to develop strong safety standards and SOPs.
Bill Benoit, VP of sales and marketing for The Integra Group, based in Chesterfield, Missouri, says he first heard about NALP from industry peers who spoke highly of its education, advocacy work, and leadership within the national landscape community.
“I joined NALP because I wanted to contribute to the broader direction of our industry, not just at the local level, but nationally,” Benoit says. “NALP offers the platform, resources, and community needed to influence professional standards, support workforce development, and strengthen the landscape profession in meaningful ways. It was also important to me to stay networked to the national landscape community.”
Debbie Bartsch, construction scheduling coordinator for Chalet, based in Wilmette, Illinois, says that her company’s NALP membership was one of the reasons she was interested in joining Chalet.
Why Join NALP?
If you are looking to increase your company’s visibility, help shape the direction of the profession or support the industry, becoming an NALP member is the natural next step.
The association offers high-quality free training and certification programs that elevate professionalism, events that foster networking and inspiration, and advocacy opportunities.
“Over the years, my involvement with NALP has only deepened,” Klausing says. “I’ve benefited immensely from programs like Leaders Forum, as well as the networking, friendships, and collective experience that come from being part of a nationwide industry community. And through advocacy work, especially around the H-2B program, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is for our industry to have a unified voice.”
Bartsch says some of her favorite aspects of NALP include serving on a committee, networking, the education, the publications, and attending ELEVATE.
“It brings incredible energy, and it showcases the best of our industry,” Bartsch says.
Benoit says he appreciates the sense of community NALP offers as well as its commitment to workforce development.
“NALP and all of its former iterations have had a way of bringing people together in a way that feels energizing and constructive,” Benoit says.
Klausing says many NALP members are now his close friends.
“Who wouldn’t want to be involved in an association where you get to spend time with your friends while learning how to run a better business?” Klausing says.
How to Get Involved with NALP
There are numerous ways to get engaged with NALP, including attending the different industry events, participating in the educational programs and networking.
You can also volunteer on various committees and advisory councils. For instance, Bartsch serves on the Awards Committee as well as the advisory board for the Latino Landscape Network.
Klausing says he got involved quickly after joining and now he serves on the NALP board of directors as vice chair.
“I look forward to attending Leaders Forum, participating in fly-ins to Washington, D.C., to meet our legislators and advocate for our key priorities, and attending NCLC, where I’ve had the chance to recruit staff and be energized by the next generation entering our industry,” Klausing says. “I enjoy volunteering at Renewal and Remembrance each summer, attending NALP field trips, and, of course, our signature event, ELEVATE, which always leaves me informed and inspired.”
Bartsch says if you approach association involvement as a way to give back, the opportunities for growth will be endless.
“My biggest piece of advice is simple: Get involved, join in some meetings, attend an event that looks meaningful, or volunteer for one committee,” Benoit says. “The relationships and opportunities that unfold from that first step will surprise you and draw you in.”
