The Associated Landscape Contractors of Massachusetts (ALCM) bestowed its highest honor on member Dan Foley, president, D. Foley Landscape, Walpole, Mass., at the association’s dinner meeting in November. The Beacon Award is given to an individual whose actions serve as a guide to other members in the landscape industry.
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According to the association, Foley believed his only job at the evening’s event was to serve as a panelist for a snow management discussion. Though the award caught him by surprise, Foley’s acceptance speech was gracious. He recognized the members of ALCM and cited his involvement with the association as the proving ground for his tenure with the Associated Landscape Contractors America. Foley also thanked his family and the team at D. Foley Landscape for affording him the support and encouragement to continue with his aggressive volunteer schedule.
ALCM Executive Director, M. Virginia Wood, who received the Beacon Award last year, spoke about Foley’s accomplishments and dedication to the association and the industry.
“[Dan] has done more than anyone I can think of to elevate professionalism in our industry, and he continually challenges all of us to do the same,” Wood said in her award-presentation speech. “When I think about him, the words strategic thinker, innovator, and visionary come to mind. He literally personifies the principles of professionalism in our business.”
In addition to building a successful business, Foley also advocated for the Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professional program, which now boasts more than 450 certified landscape contractors in Massachusetts. He has served as an ALCM board member and was president of the association in 1995. Additionally, Foley has volunteered and held leadership positions with the Associated Landscpae Contractors of America for 10 years and was elected president of the organization, now the Professional Landcare Network, this year.
Foley joins the ranks of Beacon Award winners including Owen Regan, who was the first Beacon Award recipient in 2001; Roger Cook, who was honored in 2002; and Wood, who received the award in 2003.
ALCM members who would like to nominate someone for the Beacon Award may submit a letter outlining the recommendation to the ALCM board of directors by June 1.