Association News

Source: www.TurfMagazine.com

Ed Macias

ALCA Elects Macias President

The Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association elected Ed Macias as president of its board of directors for 2009. Macias is general manager of The Groundskeeper, where he has worked for 16 years. He has been active on the ALCA board for three years as director of government affairs and was named ALCA’s 2008 Contractor of the Year.

IA Forms Political Action Committee

The Irrigation Association’s board of directors approved the formation of the Irrigation Association Political Action Committee. IrrigationPAC is a nonpartisan, voluntary political action committee created to help IA achieve its legislative objectives and increase industry visibility at the federal level. The committee will support the election or re-election of U.S. congressional candidates who share a commitment to efficient irrigation; educate policymakers about the economic and environmental benefits of efficient irrigation; and represent industry stakeholders’ interests and take a leadership role in the water management debate.

PLANET Changes Certification Program, Accepts Entries for Safety Awards

The Professional Landcare Network’s certification program has changed from an annual certification renewal process to a two-year recertification cycle. Continuing education and industry service will still be critical to maintaining certification, but they will be measured in continuing education units instead of points. Certified individuals will be required to report and submit 30 CEUs earned during the two-year cycle to maintain the active status of their certification.

All green industry service provider companies and branches are invited to participate in PLANET’s annual Safety Recognition Awards Program. Applications are available at www.landcarenetwork.org and entries must be returned to PLANET by May 1. Awards are presented in these categories: No Vehicle Accidents, No Injuries or Illnesses, No Days Away From Work, Most Improved and Overall Safety Achievement. The program covers the period of January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008.

OFA to Manage NLAE

The Nursery & Landscape Association Executives of North America announced that OFA—an association of horticulture professionals—will manage the organization. OFA also provides management services to America in Bloom, the Southeast Greenhouse Conference and the Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association.