Editor's Focus: Feb. 2001

"If you don’t make things happen, then things will happen to you." – Lanes Company

I sat through an amazing meeting last month, and I came away optimistic about whether or not this industry can eventually find its collective voice in the political arena.

Nearly a dozen industry associations from across the states of New York and New Jersey sat down to discuss a strategy for dealing with the neighbor notification law passed in New York last summer. These groups spent three hours identifying commonalties, debating the merits of various options and, in general, working together. These groups recognize that bigger is better in the world of political influence, and the only way this industry will achieve the requisite ‘bigger’ status is through such teamwork.

Never before have I seen or heard of such a large and diverse group in this industry coming together in this way, which is sad because efforts like this can be invaluable to the industry’s future. In this instance, these associations are working to head off an initiative that will be evaluated by each of the state’s 63 counties in the coming months. However, I was disappointed during the meeting when I considered the likelihood of this law passing had these groups (and others like it around the country) held meetings like this months ago. The bill never would have seen the light of day had the industry been stronger and working more cohesively in a proactive fashion.

That’s not to blame the groups, companies or individuals in New York – they are no different than the rest of the country in their refusal to recognize the reality of what government is doing to this industry. Our opponents are making steady progress setting the rules we have to play by from coast to coast. But we refuse to act until we have to react.

To their credit, these New York groups are strengthening their efforts by working together with the goal of building a better industry for themselves. Shouldn’t you and your groups do the same?

On a side note, the efforts in New York are significant for any firm applying pesticides to trees, shrubs or turf anywhere in the country, and these groups need your financial assistance so they can send a message to all lawn care opponents that this industry will fight for the right to run a healthy business. If you’re interested in helping out, contact Michael Bellantoni at 914/948-6468.

Now is the time to stop laws like this.