10 Questions with Debra Holder

1) What is your favorite aspect of being involved in the green industry?

The people! Because the green industry fosters so many entrepreneurs, it draws a truly unique group of people that, overall, are some of the most hard-working and professional people I have ever met.

2) What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the green industry right now?

Labor issues. Prior to Sept. 11th, the industry was making some significant strides in partnerships with the Mexican government. Many of those discussions have unfortunately been tabled. 

3) What are your growth expectations for the green industry in the next three years?

I feel the green industry will continue to experience a high growth rate. With low mortgage rates and record-breaking housing starts, many people will continue to reinvest in professional landscaping.

4) What can landscape contractors do to ensure the success of the industry in the future?

Landscape contractors need to continue to support and become involved with student programs at both the high school and college levels. It is important that students understand that there are viable career opportunities in the green industry. 

5) What do you think the future holds for green industry associations?

I feel the future is exciting for green industry associations. There are so many opportunities for the industry to continue to grow. Subsequently, the related associations will grow too as long as the association continues to offer services and programs that benefit their members.

6) What do you think is the most important role an association plays in the green industry?

According to the feedback that ALCA receives from our members, the most important role ALCA can play is to constantly look ahead and identify the future needs of the industry, and provide cutting edge information through a variety of ways – articles, publications and education. 

7) What do you think ALCA does best as an association?

ALCA's mission is to advance the professional and personal growth of its members and the landscape services industry. In order to achieve this mission, ALCA provides information that will assist a landscape contractor to be successful in business and grow personally. ALCA continually strives to provide networking opportunities, which enables 'peer to peer' sharing of ideas and knowledge.

8) How do you think the ALCA organization can improve?

Like all organizations, ALCA would like to improve in the area of communication. Due to the variety of programs and services that ALCA provides, some members feel inundated with the amount of material they receive from ALCA, but oftentimes when talking with them they don’t know about a service that could benefit them. ALCA is continually trying to streamline communications through e-mail, its Web site, etc. 

9) What advice would you offer a young green industry member?

To join ALCA and take advantage of our Member Mentoring program. It is invaluable to obtain information from industry leaders that are willing to share their expertise freely to other ALCA members.

10) What is your biggest accomplishment in your ALCA role?

Developing a great ALCA team! I am extremely proud of the ALCA staff, and the important role each one plays in the overall success of ALCA.