Industry Organization Spotlight: California Landscape Contractors Association
The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) is a nonprofit trade organization dedicated to promoting the statewide landscaping industry and its associated causes. In addition to licensed landscape and landscape-related contractors, the organization’s membership includes public officials, educators and students.
CLCA’s stated mission is “to serve and protect the interests of its members, promote professionalism, and advance public awareness of the landscape industry.” The organization’s areas of focus include professional integrity and excellence, entrepreneurial support, environmental and ecological conservation, and consumer education.
Programs & Scholarships
CLCA offers a number of programs and scholarships for landscape professionals and students. Its Landscape Industry Certified Technician program and Certified Water Manager programs provide opportunities for industry professionals to achieve a distinctive level of knowledge and training. The organization’s Landscape Educational Advancement Foundation (LEAF) provides financial scholarships for qualifying college and university students majoring in landscape-related programs.
Events
CLCA organizes and hosts several major events, most notably the CLCA Annual Convention & Trophy Awards, the CLCA Landscape Industry Show, and the Norcal Landscape & Nursery Show. Additionally, the organization maintains a comprehensive online events calendar that features various industry-related seminars, workshops and open houses statewide.
Environmental & Political Advocacy
CLCA backs up its commitment to environmental preservation with political activism, including professional lobbying in Sacramento and Washington D.C., grassroots action, and involvement in political coalitions. The organization’s political action committee, LandPAC, utilizes industry-raised funds to support qualified candidates for political office.
CLCA is also an active participant in the statewide water conservation effort. In addition to many of its members providing consultations on planning and installing water-saving irrigation systems, the organization conducts an active public information program on landscape water management.
Additional Resources
CLCA’s Operation Helping Hand program provides resources to help unlicensed landscape contractors get licensed, as well as career guidance for landscape maintenance workers who seek to advance in the field. Additionally, the organization provides educational resources, contract forms, publicity, access to legal consultants and peer advice, and group insurance.
To learn more about CLCA, visit www.clca.org.
