LETTER FROM THE CEO


Thanks to Couple of Great Ones and Who’s Ready for ELEVATE?


AS THE DOLDRUMS OF SUMMER ARE UPON US AND FALL IS right around the corner, I find this to be a funny time in my life as NALP’s CEO. There are a lot of memories, but also a lot to look forward to. As is the case every year for our board, a few of our board members are wrapping up their terms. At the same time we’re getting ready to say hello to ELEVATE 2.0 where the leaders of our industry will gather to be educated, entertained and inspired. So, while we call it the doldrums, there is a lot going on.


First, it’s time to say thank you.


We have two exceptional men that are finishing up their time on the board. Both have made tremendous contributions to this association and to the industry through their service and the good news for us is they are still willing to serve. Who am I talking about? Bob Grover of Pacific Landscape Management and Paul Fraynd of Sun Valley Landscaping. Let’s start with Bob Grover. Bob has served on the NALP


Board for over six years and, in that time, has served as an officer for the association. Bob was president of NALP beginning in the fall of 2021 through t the presid


from COVID, a role he was well suited to do. A natural on the public stage, Bob has a strong presence from the podium but is also a highly effective leader behind the scenes.


ough the fall of 2022. He was the president that led us back


In addition to his leadership on NALP’s Board, Bob shares his passion for the environment. Bob was one of the key players in getting NALP’s sustainability efforts to the next level, notably leading the way for the devel- opment of NALP’s Sustainability Council. In true Bob fashion, he won’t just start something and then walk away, and the Sustain- ability Council is no different. Bob has agreed to serve as the council’s first chair. The staff and I are so grateful to Bob for his leadership, patience and incred- ibly positive outlook. We are equally thankful to his wonder- ful wiff


t e, The-


resa, for all of the support and time she has given


t


a h o


over the years Paul Fraynd


to NALP. One last thing on Bob, lead- ership runs in his family. His son David was named chairperson of NALP’s Nation- al Collegiate Landscape


to la


Bo er in Hi wa ch NA al C Lan


6 The Edge //July/August 2023 The Ed August 2023


Competition and we are looking forward to great things from David. Next, I have to recognize and


thank Paul Fraynd. Paul is the picture of a great volunteer. Paul always raised his hand to help in any way he could, notably by serving on the NALP Board and the NALP Foundation Board for the past four years. Paul was never just a board member; he led board com- mittees on both boards and was constantly coming up with new ideas and new ways to look at the challenges we were facing. He is truly a leader. Not to mention that he may be one of the nicest board members I have worked with in my career. His positive outlook is truly infectious, and the staff and I are forever grateful to him for it. No matter what circumstances or situations were going on, Paul was always positive and always looking for a way to help. And Paul will continue his leadership on our Foundation Board. So, I have said my goodbyes, now how about a hello? Who’s ready for ELEVATE?!? Texas style! I can tell you our team is. We have almost all of the sessions programmed. Our exhibit hall is nearly full of suppliers bringing the latest and greatest solutions for our industry and we are excited to be in one of America’s great cities where many of our leading contractors call home. Remember, everything is bigger in Texas and ELEVATE will be no exception. So book your calendars for Sept. 10-13 and we’ll see you in Texas!


BRITT WOOD


Bob Grover


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