Director’s Corner

Enough is Enough!

Hateful and divisive rhetoric that enhances real and perceived barriers has no place in Green Industry (G.I.) issues. We hear from fringe groups about the need to regulate us out of existence, make us abandon power tools and discard science in favor of an ideology. Forming the VTC Environmental Institute gives our industry the necessary tool to be a bridge, to promote dialogue, and to produce results. This was a critical first step in the G.I., taking the lead on issues that affect us. After all, we are the true – and arguably, the first – environmentalists. We seek to preserve and enhance the environment while providing realistic solutions for our customers.

The VTC Environmental Institute's work is focused on four fronts: dialoguing with decision-makers, partnering with environmental groups, encouraging minorities to train for leadership positions, and unifying various segments of the Green Industry. Elected officials and persons at regulatory agencies (such as VDACS) control, or can control, nearly every aspect of our industry. With a stroke of a pen, they can eliminate our ability to use gas-powered equipment, apply fertilizers, or safely apply approved pesticides. Our early work has uncovered many misconceptions about us. Frequently, decision makers are surprised to learn about our training, our reliance on science, and our commitment to the environment. We met with decision-makers on their "home turf." For instance, twice in the past months we participated in inner-city community events hosted by elected officials. Our presence forced persons who might be opposed to the G.I. to confront their own biases. Were these events comfortable? Not always. Were we welcomed by organizers and attendees? Absolutely!

Local, state, and multi-state environmental groups have a vast volunteer base and unprecedented influence with decision makers. The good, if not great, news is that environmental group leaders are willing to consider the merits of the Green Industry. Honest communication invariably leads to mutually beneficial partnerships. The upcoming Come to the Bay conference is one result of these partnerships. Take a look at the speakers in Tuesday’s Native Plants in the Landscape track. Their affiliations read like a Who's Who of environmental groups. Having those persons speak at an industry event, an event that is clearly for industry professionals, would be impossible without the hard work of the VTC Environmental Institute.

Historically, and for a multitude of reasons, very few minorities earn four-year degrees that prepare them for Green Industry careers. Looking for a long-term and permanent solution, the VTC Environmental Institute started working with Virginia State University (VSU). As a Land Grant institution and a Historic Black College and University (HBCU) located in the central part of the state, VSU is uniquely positioned to attract and train future leaders for our industry.

Sadly, the Green Industry is not unified. The need for a bridge, such as one provided by the VTC Environmental Institute, is paramount. We face shared opportunities and challenges but some segments choose to operate independently. As Ben Franklin said, "We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately."

Many of you have caught the vision of advancing the Green Industry by taking the lead on confronting challenges facing us. Thank you! Our work is getting results. And we are getting noticed. A friend of mine who works with a national organization said he is not aware of any other group in any other state building these bridges. Why do we tackle the unique, and sometimes uncomfortable, role of bridge building? We do it because our industry is valuable and is worth protecting.

Tom Tracy, Ph.D.

VTC Executive Director