PLCAA and ALCA Unite

The Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA) and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) have formed a partnership.

No, the two national associations aren’t merging into one industry alliance – but they are unifying their approach to government regulation. Under the new agreement, PLCAA will administrate the regulatory affairs for both associations.

“The two association’s mutual and allied issues will be managed collectively to best serve these industries’ regulatory and legislative programs,” noted Gary Clayton, executive vice president, PLCAA. “The monitoring of industry legislation and regulations, lobbying efforts, Web-based association member communications and legislative events designed to involve our members in government affairs are considered paramount to our industries.”

The firm of DC Legislative and Regulatory Affairs (DCLRS) will be retained for the Washington, DC-based activities of both industry organizations. And PLCAA’s Tom Delaney, will coordinate the two associations’ legislative programs from the Marietta, Ga.-based PLCAA headquarters.

“Even without congressional hearings or national legislation expected, state and local activity is undermining customer’s appreciation for the very benefits of our members’ lawn and landscape services,” observed Delaney, vice president of legislative affairs, PLCAA.

Watching recent struggles in Canada, both organizations see a need to be more proactive about legislative issues that can hurt industry professionals – and both organizations see this new partnership as an opportunity to do just that.

“ALCA is very excited about partnering with PLCAA on this project of mutual interest to our membership,” described Debra Holder, executive vice president, ALCA. “By combining the talents and energy of both ALCA and PLCAA, the partnership will help the entire lawn and landscape industry.”

The author is Assistant Editor-Internet of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at aanderson@lawnandlandscape.com.