Good morning, After two months of frequent communication regarding the pandemic and its effects on our industry, we’ve been staying quiet as the flow of information/changes from governments has slowed and our members are busy in the field—many with their busiest spring in memory. Now, as businesses are re-opening and the economy is working to establish a “new normal” for operations, I want to update you on some of the projects ALCC has been working on during this time.

While many companies are as busy as ever, we recognize that the industry still has a work shortage, which has been exacerbated due to challenges around the H-2B guest worker program. Next week we plan to begin a media campaign about the tremendous opportunity in the landscape industry, especially for displaced workers affected by the pandemic. Our public relations team is working to place stories around the state about our members who are looking to hire and about the challenges that you continue to face despite high unemployment in the state.

We are also rebooting our programs and events to fit the new environment. To support hiring and training, ALCC has converted the Sustainable Landscape Management (SLM) Colorado program to an online format. The first program was offered June 10 and was successful. We plan to continue to offer the online version of the course in order to reach more professionals around the state. The Landscape Industry Certified Technician (LICT) program has been online since January and is available to experienced professionals statewide.

Additionally, the long-anticipated hands-on training program, developed by NALP with support from ALCC and other state organizations, is moving forward with planned programs for August and September. That training program will, of course, be offered in-person, likely at a location along the Front Range. We will share details on this program as they are confirmed.

Our annual golf tournament is moving forward, though it will look slightly different from previous years as we take all of the necessary precautions to meet municipal guidelines and ensure the safety of participants.

We are also looking further into the future as we plan for ProGreen EXPO 2021. Large-scale events like ProGreen are planned well in advance, and we are working with our event planning team to anticipate what a conference and trade show will look like next year. We continue to explore ways that we can offer our members the networking and information-sharing events that are valued part of ALCC membership.

We invite your input, suggestions and questions as we all adjust our operations in light of the ongoing pandemic and the changing economy.

Warm Regards,

John

John McMahon | Chief Executive Office
Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado