TCIA to add Women in Tree Care focus

To promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the tree care industry, the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), through its Women in Tree Care initiative, is hosting a pre-conference event at TCI EXPO ’23 in St. Louis to help companies expand and diversify their workforce.

“TCIA wants to help all tree care companies build inclusive work environments because it’s good for the whole industry, promotes recruitment and workforce development, and because as the industry grows, we need to grow,” says Erin K. Aaron, TCIA’s Manager of Workforce Recruitment & Retention. “More than 90% of arborists are men. We think there is an opportunity for more diverse communities to help fill the staffing demands, whether it be arborists, human resource managers, sales staff, or administrative staff.”

The speakers will examine the significance of promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within the tree care industry to help cultivate allyship as a catalyst for positive change and to show how networking and mentorship can enhance business growth.

The panel features women from three tree care companies who are leading the way, including Ash Connelly from Charleston Tree Experts, Jess Jimoh from Rainbow Companies and Cindy Schwab from The Davey Tree Expert Company.

This event is open to all who want to be part of this conversation. It is sponsored by Rainbow Ecoscience, Bartlett Tree Experts, and The Davey Tree Expert Company. It will take place Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the America’s Center in St. Louis.

TCI EXPO is the largest gathering in the country for tree care professionals at all levels. This year, there will be 250 exhibitors covering a 425,000-foot trade show floor. Attendees can meet directly with vendors, demo products, try on gear, see equipment in action, and much more.

Education is also an essential part of TCI EXPO. This year attendees can choose from 39 educational sessions and five pre-conference events. Sessions cater to arborists, climbers, sales professionals, CEOs, and even human resources managers.

For more information, click here.