On January 4, the boards issued the following statement: “We are excited by the potential of a new association that would unify our industry’s voice and increase our ability to serve and advance the interests of our members, our businesses, and the green care industry.”
“Seven years ago TCIA embarked on a ten year plan we call the Transformation of the Industry to advance the level of safety, professionalism, and public and governmental awareness of tree care companies. We have made great strides,” stated Terrill Collier, chair of the TCIA Board. “Now, we have a historic opportunity to create a future that will redefine the green industry. Our industry sectors are more connected with each other and our customers than ever before. Together, we can lead the way for communities and consumers to protect the health and safety of our environment as the voice of the green industry. A unified organization can invest in technology and infrastructure that will allow the continued development of programs that benefit members as they seek to run even more successful companies.”
“At a time when so many in our industry are offering a wide array of services, it makes good sense to have the representation of one organizational leader,” stated Bill Hildebolt, CTP, president of PLANET.
Both parties will continue discussions to create and design the plan for a new organization which will maintain the current community structure. This includes keeping PLANET’s specialty groups in place and keeping the TCIA community together, while also maintaining the positive characteristics that have made both organizations successful. To this effort, both boards have made a good faith commitment to create a new industry organization that would replace the existing associations; and together design a successor organization that will increase value to everyone and be approved by both memberships.
Additional details will be worked out and reported as more information becomes available. “We intend for our process to be transparent and collaborative,” said Collier. “To this end, we will work to keep all members of the green industry informed about our progress.”
Why is TCIA looking at a unification with PLANET at this time? Is the association in financial trouble? What’s the difference between a unification and a merger? What is PLANET? Will I keep getting Tree Care Industry Magazine? Is TCI EXPO still on for
These questions and more have been pouring in since the announcement that the boards of TCIA and PLANET had met and decided to explore unification of the two organizations.
At its most basic level, the board of TCIA in partnership with the board of PLANET is exploring creating a new organization to increase the value of your membership. The board decided that creating a brand new association would achieve our goal to advance the Transformation of the Industry more effectively. That is all that has been decided. Now, the hard work begins to refine the proposed core values, purpose, structure, programs and name of the new association. Nothing is final until the membership of TCIA has an opportunity to be informed and involved and is able to comment and vote on any changes. Members who are concerned or have questions are invited to be involved.
Why is unification under discussion?
Among the potential benefits are: a louder and larger legislative voice; a louder and larger voice with the media and the public; lower dues; expanded opportunities and better service for members interested in information and education that helps them run their businesses safely and profitably; eliminating duplication of effort and achieving economies of scale; increased capacity to provide assistance to members in areas now addressed by separate organizations; increased credibility with partners; enhanced communication and respect among colleagues; advancement of professionalism of the industry; a louder, more effective voice in defining what it means to be green and sustainable.
In answer to some of the questions posed above:
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PLANET and TCIA have been working on projects and programs such as legislative events and safety programs dating back to 2004. The boards met in
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TCIA is financially strong. We’ve been nicked up a bit by the recession, as most of you probably have, but our association is sound, stable and riding out the economy better than most comparable associations.
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A unification is not a merger or a takeover. A unification is the formation of an entirely new organization designed to create more value to the membership of the old organizations.
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PLANET emerged in 2005, when the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA) joined forces to become a more encompassing network of green industry professionals.
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Nothing has changed with respect to TCI EXPO, TCI Magazine, Accreditation, CTSP and all of the products and programs offered to the members and the industry.
Your TCIA board has embarked on a journey to Transform the Industry to advance your business. And they want to hear from you. This is your association and we encourage you to make your voice heard as the process continues.
Terrill Collier, Chair |
Randy Owen, Vice Chair |
Scott Jamieson, Senior Director |
Tony Gann, Associate Director |
Kevin Caldwell |
Erich Schneider |
| Benjamin G. Tresselt, III |
Will Maley |
Steve Sylvester |
Jack Guffey |
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