3 minute read
Recent Event
VTC-EI and Community Outreach
“You know, folks really don’t like your industry.” That comment came from a well-respected and accomplished civic leader. But no matter the source, antiindustry comments and feelings abound throughout Virginia. One of the reasons we formed the Environmental Institute was to give our industry a voice - and presence - with persons and groups biased against our industry. We strive to be a bridge.
Serving as a bridge between adversaries places us in sometimes uncomfortable positions. Tension and discomfort must be accepted as a normal consequence of our pursuit. Whether meeting with leaders of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, regional river keeper groups, community activists, bureaucrats, or politicians, our message is the same: The lawn and landscape industry is valuable, and misconceptions must be destroyed so alliances that allow all to prosper can be built. An August phone call from Senator Hashmi’s office took our bridge construction into new territories.
(Left to right): Harris Wheeler and Sam Burris.
Senator Ghazala Hashmi represents District 10, an area that includes western Richmond and several counties west and north of that city. She is on several important Senate committees, including Agriculture, Conservation, and Natural Resources. She has become a strong ally for our industry.
The August phone call invited the Environmental Institute to set up a display at the inaugural “Community Resource Fest.” No money was expected. Our display was gratis. The Senator and her office valued our presence in the midst of organizations serving the people in District 10. We accepted the gracious invitation and on September 17th, Board Members Harris Wheeler and Sam Burris joined Director Tom Tracy on a parking lot at the Broad Rock Sports Complex.
(Left to right): Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney Colette McEachin, Councilmember Mike Jones’ wife, Richmond City Councilmember Mike Jones, Delegate Schuyler VanValkenburg, and Senator Ghazala Hashmi.
The day was filled with meaningful discussions and gave us great opportunities to enlighten friends and foes alike about the value of our industry. Many of the persons we met were movers and shakers who had never had their misconceptions about lawn and landscape professionals challenged in a non-confrontational, safe environment. Remember, we were on their territory. They had the “home field” advantage.
What next? On October 12th, Richmond City Councilmember Michael Jones’s office contacted us. They want the Environmental Institute to have a display at the 5th Annual Turkey Give-Away. The event is widely covered by Richmond news media. We accepted the invitation and look forward to breaking down even more barriers and correcting anti-industry biases at that November 12th event.
Richmond City Councilmember Mike Jones and Senator Ghazala Hashmi
The VTC Environmental Institute works for you, the industry professional. We are a 501-c3 organization and rely on donations to operate. Please give generously. You may donate online at https://vaturf.org/donate_institute/.
