From the President

The Green Industry Council along with our industry lobbyist, Dick Carlton, keep a close eye on any legislation moving through that could have an impact on our industry and livelihoods. This is one of the benefits your TCNC membership brings to our community.

California’s ban on gasoline engines up to 25 hp by 2024 should put every state on alert that offers lawn care services of any kind. This legislative move is going to be very harmful to the financial health of many LCO’s in that state. They are offering some subsidy money but, from what I have read, many say it will fall short.

The Turfgrass Council of North Carolina values the health of our environment and encourages manufacturers to find alternative ways to reduce harmful emissions wherever possible. However, this is a very expensive and potentially crippling change for many LCO’s and would have hoped for a better compromise for all.

Buying new electric mowers and blowers is not an inexpensive venture and requires extensive logistics for this new equipment. Electric lawn care tools have come a long way and appear to be improving. However, there are still hurtles to overcome to remain profitable when converting to all electric.

I am not going to go into the details of the legislative move since it is easy to find details online. However, this is a strong reminder as to why we need to stay informed and involved with decisions North Carolina government and local legislators are making that can affect the way our industry operates.

One way to do this is to continue supporting your professional associations. One of the benefits of being a member of TCNC is you also become a member of the Green Industry Council (GIC). GIC is the governing association legislative body for our industry. You can only be a member of GIC through a supporting association like TCNC.

We thank each of you for your support in TCNC and look forward to bringing you quality benefits that help your business grow!

My best,

Kevin Herrmann

2021 TCNC President