HERNDON, Va. – More than 90 percent of Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) and Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA) members approved the merger of the two organizations, effective Jan. 1, 2005. The newly formed association is now finalizing details that include reassigning and consolidating staffing responsibilities within the two offices and selecting a new name for the organization.
It will now comprise approximately 4,000 professional interior and exterior maintenance, installation, design/build and lawn care firms and suppliers.
The merger is intended to provide the green industry with a stronger voice, increased lobbying capabilities and expanded member benefits and services, says ALCA President Kurt Kluznik.
“The merger of ALCA and PLCAA creates a powerful new association formed to address our members’ mutual needs and concerns and to serve as the voice of the green industry,” Kluznik says. “This is an exciting time for the green industry and a major step toward unification.”
PLCAA President Jim Campanella agrees, saying the new organization will provide the green industry with a “greater lobbying impact on Capitol Hill."
“We will work to ensure that the transition effectively addresses the needs of our collective memberships and boards,” he says. “The combined talent of both associations will enable us to offer our members better opportunities for business growth and development and to address challenges as we move forward in an effort to shape the face of the lawn and landscape industry."