Becoming a member of your national, state and other relevant industry associations can help with your credibility, visibility and engagement within the industry.
“Associations bring together people who care deeply about the same mission: improving how we design, build, maintain, and steward the outdoor spaces people rely on,” says Bill Benoit, VP of sales and marketing for The Integra Group, based in Chesterfield, Missouri. “When you join, you’re investing in the collective strength and credibility of the profession. They’re also vital sources of education, networking, mentorship, and collaboration. No matter how long someone has been in the landscape field, we all benefit from learning, sharing, and connecting with peers who understand the challenges and opportunities unique to our work.”
How Association Involvement Benefits Companies and Careers
Getting involved in relevant associations can help your company and your employees, both professionally and personally.
“Being part of industry associations provides a sense of higher purpose, an opportunity to contribute to something bigger than yourself,” says Debbie Bartsch, construction scheduling coordinator for Chalet, based in Wilmette, Illinois.
Bartsch says the relationships she’s formed through associations have helped shine a positive light on Chalet at the state and national levels.
“It has also been inspiring to see my colleagues become more involved in associations and experience that same sense of higher purpose,” she says. “When they bring what they learn back to the company and share it with others, it becomes a true win-win for everyone.”
Benoit adds that associations help shape the future of the industry, advocating for landscapers’ needs, protecting their businesses legislatively, elevating best practices, and fostering professionalism.
“Associations give us a voice where it matters, whether it’s legislative issues, workforce development, pesticide regulation, water policy, or immigration reform,” Benoit says.
Benoit says that serving, volunteering and participating in committees has allowed him to grow as a leader.
“The friendships I’ve built through NALP have had the single biggest impact on my business,” says Roscoe Klausing, CEO of Klausing Group, PBC, based in Lexington, Kentucky. “And my involvement in our clients’ associations, those connections often became future clients who helped shape our growth and the company we are today. More recently, my engagement with the B Corp community has influenced every aspect of our work. That community pushes us to consider all our stakeholders in every decision we make, our employees, clients, vendors, the communities where we work, and the environment.”
Possible Associations to Join
There are numerous national and regional organizations that you can consider joining, including but not limited to:
- National Association of Landscape Professionals
- State landscape associations
- American Society of Landscape Architecture
- International Society of Arboriculture
- Building Owners and Managers Association
- International Downtown Development Association
- International City and County Managers Association
- International Facility Management Association
“Each association has its own personality and objectives, but there are often meaningful overlaps,” Bartsch says. “For example, I serve on the Awards Committees for both Landscape Illinois and NALP. Both groups require judges, submissions, and strong planning to create memorable awards events. Being involved in both allows me to cross-pollinate ideas and best practices, which makes each committee stronger. Exposure to different perspectives gives me broader visibility and helps me contribute more effectively.”
Klausing says their company opts to participate in some of their clients’ associations to better understand their clients’ worlds and stay aligned with their needs.
Getting Engaged in Your Associations
Associations are only as useful as you are engaged in them. Klausing says if you invest your time, effort, and engagement, you will be rewarded.
“A great association is a lot like your public library, always there, full of information and resources that can help you,” Klausing says. “You just have to commit to using it. Show up at events, put yourself out there, share your name and contact information, and follow up with the people you meet. And when you’re unsure about something, pick up the phone and call the staff. They’re almost always ready and willing to help you find the answers you need.”
Some of the best ways to get involved include attending the various conferences and networking events, participating in advocacy initiatives and volunteering to serve on committees, boards or councils.
“Explore what interests you most, and volunteer for roles that align with those interests,” Bartsch says. “Committees can fill up quickly, so it is wise to consider more than one group you would be excited to contribute to.”
Benoit notes that even small commitments can help you build relationships and gain visibility, as engagement doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one activity and be open to meeting new people.
“Associations aren’t just about what you get out of them; they’re about what you contribute to the industry that supports our livelihood,” Benoit says. “Getting involved is one of the best ways to grow your career, strengthen your company, and support the future of the landscape profession.”
