PRESIDENT’S LETTER INVESTING IN OUR INDUSTRY’S FUTURE M
y term as NALP president is nearing an end. I’ve had a great run and am pleased to
report that our association’s future never looked brighter. I can’t take credit for this, however. Instead, it goes to those who’ve recruited and added new talent to an already talented staff and several new initiatives getting underway. Our in- dustry is also becoming more aware of the value we offer, due in no small part to the rebranding effort. Landscape professionals no longer ques- tion who we are and what we do. In fact, we had one of our best net membership gains ever this past year, one that likely to approach the 500 figure before my term is up.
All of the above, the new people on board, the initiatives, and rebranding are laying the foundation for our future. As business people, we know how important investment is to growth, and that’s what we’ve been doing, investing in our future. Successful people also realize that investments take time to pay off, to deliver a full return on ROI. We had a net membership goal of 1,000. We knew that would be a stretch goal for us given our history of incremental growth, but we also realize that is the rate we need to be growing to make an impact on our profession. The Industry Growth Initiative (IGI) is in its infancy, and we’re heading in the right direction. In fact, it’s not just the right direction, it’s the only direction. Our industry’s future relies on generating more awareness about career opportunities we offer. IGI is an investment that all segments of the landscape industry must support if we care to guarantee the future not just for ourselves but for our children and their children, as well. People are the biggest and most important investment for companies and associations alike. This past year we brought three new vice presidents on board, Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs, Scott Lindley, vice president of sales and marketing, and Paul
Mendelsohn, vice president of government relations. Working with Sabeena Hickman, CAE, NALP CEO, and a very capable veteran staff, they will help us get to the next level. So, too, will volunteers like immediate past president Jim McCutcheon, Landscape Industry Certified, incoming president Brett Lemcke, Landscape Industry Certified, and other board members with whom I’ve had the pleasure to work. Being on the board of directors is neither something everyone wants to do nor has the time to do, but volunteering is such an important part of our association and of being a professional.
I believe all successful professionals have a moral and ethical obligation to give back to their industry, no matter what line of work they’re in. From experience, I can say that being involved whether it’s on a committee, special task force, or the NALP board of directors is very rewarding. Looking ahead, we have lots of committee and task force work available for members who want to volunteer and, yes, make a difference. It’s one of many other important ways you can invest in our industry’s future.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the NALP staff and the board of directors, along with other volunteers, all whose efforts have created a very bright future for our industry. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to give back to a profession that is my life’s work. 7
Scott Jamieson, Landscape Industry Certified NALP President
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THE LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL > MARCH/APRIL 2016
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