Director’s Corner

Meaningful Partnerships through VTC-EI

The VTC Environmental Institute meets critical needs during these challenging and changing times. Anti-industry pressures come from many sources including legislative and regulatory decrees, newspaper and magazine articles, and many more. Realizing that most of the rhetoric was coming from persons not fully informed but who share our deep concerns about the environment, we formed the Institute to work together towards solutions. We are serving as a bridge with the goal of promoting dialogue and collaboration instead of stereotyping and compartmentalizing.

In just under four years, the Environmental Institute achieved tremendous success – meaningful partnerships have been established. Such partnerships were considered impossible a few years ago and they reveal the willingness of individuals and associations to join hands and work together on issues that affect the green industry and the environment.

We are connecting our industry with environmental groups, regulatory agencies, elected officials, and schools training young persons for leadership positions. As you know, negative stereotypes about the turf and landscape industry abound. Repeatedly, those stereotypes are shattered and industry adverse laws and regulations are prevented when persons realize our value.

Please give generously so we can continue our great work for you, the industry professional. Your contributions are tax-deductible because the VTC Environmental Institute is a 501(c)3 corporation.

Tom Tracy, Ph.D.

VTC Executive Director