ALCC announced this week that nominations are open for The ELITE Awards, which recognize ALCC members that Elevate the Landscape Industry Through Excellence. For 2021, there are some changes to the awards and the timing of their announcement.

The awards are usually announced in March, but due to COVID restrictions on in-person gatherings, the ceremony was moved to fall 2021. To make the most of the time during that delay, ALCC convened a committee of landscape industry professionals to review the awards program and feedback received over the years.

“The focus of these changes was to simplify the award nomination forms, clarify confusing and extraneous criteria and encourage more companies to enter nominations,” explains Melissa Emdin, Programs & Education Director.

One change included shifting the Innovation category to a no-fee award category. ALCC member companies can submit nominations for Innovation and MVP awards without a fee. All eligible entries will be recognized at the awards reception. Those reviewing the awards felt it was important to acknowledge all of the innovation and hard work that happens in the landscape industry.

The customer service and use of color categories have been eliminated for 2021, and a plant design category has been added. “We hope that The ELITE Award for Plant Design will recognize the knowledge and skill that make a landscape design award-worthy,” says Emdin. “Landscape plans and drawings will be important criteria in the judges’ review process. They will be looking to see how the design is communicated to the technicians doing the install and to the clients.”

To review the changes to the program and to give companies information on how to submit an award-winning nomination, ALCC will host a free informational webinar on June 22 from 9AM to 9:30AM. A recording of the video will be available after the event.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
Gearing up for Pollinator Week 2021
Enjoy DREW'S FOLLY hardy snapdragon year-round
The ELITE Awards 2021 feature new category, move to a fall event
Four Colorado companies placed in the 2021 Lawn & Landscape Top 100