What is a Coalition?

A coalition is very different from an association.

Associations unite businesses with similar interests—growers and landscape contractors, for instance. Associations allow competitors and other groups within the industry to network, establish industry-wide practices, improve as professionals, promote industry innovation and elevate the industry.

Coalitions align members from various industries, organizations and businesses, such as irrigation contractors, turf growers, landscape contractors and greenhouse growers, on a single platform. Coalitions connect people who share common concerns, interests and a desire to work together toward specific short- and long-term goals.

As green industry businesses, we share concerns for our water resources and the environment. We also expect to have fair water-use rules and regulations. To achieve our goals, we must put aside our differences, emphasize our similarities and form coalitions. A coalition formed from a diverse group lends credibility and strength to a cause, and it can influence public perception and policies.

How Involved Is the Green Industry?

Green industry businesses are major contributors to communities around the world, throughout the country and in our own neighborhoods. Green industry professionals, including owners of nurseries, turfgrass sod farms, greenhouses, garden centers and companies that manufacture equipment, irrigation systems and other products, have a tremendous vested interest in water issues. So do landscape architects and landscape or irrigation designers and contractors.

As a $39.6 billion industry nationwide, a coalition with an economic impact of this magnitude, even on the local level, should play an integral role in decisions governing water use. But that is not always the case. Despite their reliance on abundant water, green industry businesses often fail to adequately represent themselves in any water-related, decision-making process.

Here is what a member survey of the American Nursery and Landscape Association revealed…

77% of respondents said they have never
participated in their local water board.

That means only 23% have actively participated! The survey also found that only 43% of respondents have ever attended a water meeting, but some have invested more than 100 hours in water meetings to give the green industry a voice with decision makers. To date, too few members indicate direct involvement with government leaders and water purveyors who make the decisions on water restrictions. This lack of action has real costs.

Industry Impact

Green coalitions formed at a grassroots level can and should have an impact on water-related decisions. They can help to…

Andy Hull, president of EnviroNetwork Consulting in Woodstock, Ga., said, “By being involved in various state committees, we can voice our opinion and influence what happens in the landscape area. The state agencies have figured out that we’re on their side and that we know what we’re talking about. From that involvement, we have influenced permitting procedures and processes affecting the direction of water quality and quantity.”

“We have the chance to be the largest, number one contributor to reducing water consumption and cleaning up the water. At the same time, because of the landscape systems and infiltrations, our expertise and technology is going to be huge. We’re smack dab in the middle of it.”

Who’s Listening?

Who will hear this collective voice? In your community, you must first identify the players whose primary concern is water regulation. Chances are, your water board is handled at the county or municipal level, and your coalition’s key focus should be on this important governing body. In addition, any of the following could be key players: