Executive Director message

Dear UAC Members and Supporters,

On March 2, I wrote the spring letter to our members for this magazine. At the

time, we were beginning to pay attention to the coronavirus in China and Italy, but it seemed a very remote possibility that it would have much impact on the United States.

Three months later, as I write this letter, our country has been turned upside down. First, by the disease, and then, by the terrible upheaval we are seeing in cities across the United States, where peaceful demonstrations to protest the murder of George Floyd were hijacked and became destructive and deadly riots. I pray that we, as citizens, will overcome the sadness and devastation that these disruptive events have on our families and colleagues, our businesses, our economy, and all citizens of the United States, and know that we will come out of this healthier, safer and united.

Sending thanks

I would like to thank all our members for your support. Your membership investment enables UAC to advocate, educate, and promote our industry, day in and day out, and it is never more important than during a crisis.

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, we were there to contact city, county, and state policymakers to fight for your businesses and illustrate the essential role our members have as business owners, employers, and industry leaders. We were able to help guide you through the confusing web of programs and issues which you faced, so you could operate your businesses successfully. We provided (and continue to provide) this information to both members and non-members alike, as this is the right thing to do for our industry.

Looking ahead

Moving into summer and fall 2020, we are looking at new ways to connect with our members.

Member feedback via email polls shows that respondents would like to wade slowly into attending group events, waiting until fall at the earliest, and outdoor events would be preferable.

We will hold off on our usual August and September dinner meetings, and plan inperson events for later this year. We are also considering options for Landscape Pro University 2021, tentatively scheduled for January 29.

Fortunately, we have our UAC Sporting Clays Tournament at Blalock Lakes already planned for October 28, and this is a great opportunity for safe social distancing and fellowship. Please register soon before it is sold out; sponsorships are also available! Look for the registration form on page 17 and on our website: urbanagcouncil.com/sporting-

clays-tournament

UGA Turfgrass Research 2020 Field Day

news: The UGA Turfgrass Team has modified this bi-annual event to be “virtual” (with the on-campus event and tradeshow, rescheduled for August 2021). We will have more information when the Turfgrass Team has their plan finalized, and we hope to have vendor/supplier sponsorship opportunities for the 2020 Virtual Field Day. Look for updates via emails from UAC and on our website:

urbanagcouncil.com/events

Looking to Spring 2021, the GALA Awards are back on March 23! Start taking those photos and getting entries ready; the deadline for entries is February 1, 2021. We are looking forward to seeing beautiful projects from our members. For more information, see page 21 or visit the GALA webpage: urbanagcouncil.

com/gala-georgia-landscape-awards

Take care and let me know how I can assist and support you.

Mary Kay Woodworth Executive Director