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Advocating for the Green Industry
The GIC:
Advocating for the Green Industry
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The Green Industry Council (GIC) was established in the
early 2000s to address water restrictions across North Carolina during the droughts of 1998-2002. This effort led to the establishment of solid working relationships with many municipalities, DENR, key legislators and other entities. As green industry groups united in the GIC, the focus became legislative advocacy in Raleigh and at the federal level, in concert with the former American Nursery & Landscape Association and the North Carolina Farm Bureau.
“The GIC unites all green industry associations and constituents under one umbrella organization,” said Dennis Niemeyer, former GIC president. “It represents and protects the interests of members in local, state and federal legislation; promotes the value of green industry products and services; and represents the green industry as an advocate and leader of environmental stewardship.”
The council is comprised of seven member agriculture associations: • Carolinas Irrigation Association • North Carolina Composting
Council • North Carolina Nursery &
Landscape Association • North Carolina Pine Needles
Producers Association • North Carolina Sod Producers • North Carolina Urban
Forest Council • Turfgrass Council of
North Carolina
Providing an estimated 150,000 jobs and an economic impact of more than $8 billion, according to a 2015 report, the green industry is one of the fastest-growing segments of agriculture in the state. The boom in business in 2020, due to the pandemic, likely boosted those statistics. Major issues the GIC has tackled over the years include water-use policy, establishing a North Carolina statute for irrigation, and landscape contracting licensure to ensure consumer protection and a high professional standard for the industry. Landscapers working in North Carolina are encouraged to become licensed and remain accredited through continuing education requirements, to provide consumer protection and meet minimum standards of workmanship and professionalism. “The passage of these two licensure statutes has been and remains very important to North Carolina consumers, and also helps facilitate the training and continuing education of new and practicing landscape and irrigation contractors,” said Mark Peters, former GIC president. The GIC also actively monitors legislation being introduced or amended by the North Carolina General Assembly that may impact the North Carolina green industry. Most recently, the GIC helped the green industry obtain essential status during the 2020 pandemic, safeguarding businesses from shutdowns experienced by many other companies in the state. Niemeyer credits that success to the relationships the council has developed with the governor, local representatives and other members of the legislature. In 2010, the GIC began GIC Presidents hosting the Water Symposium, a day of education with speakers 2021 Matt Hunter from across the country explor2020 Chris Hunt ing shared water responsibilities within the green industry. 2019 Dennis Niemeyer Although the 2020 event was can2017/2018 Jonathan Richardson celed due to pandemic-related 2016 Chris Mitchell limitations on in-person meetings, the 2021 conference went 2015 Cyndy Allison forward, shifting its focus from 2014 Chris Mitchell water use to emerging technologies, to help members keep up 2013 Clark O’Neill with current issues and trends. 2012 Doug Chapman Current GIC President Matt 2011 Buddy Murrow Hunter adds, “We hope the GIC will continue to build strong 2010 Dennis Niemeyer relationships with lawmakers on 2009 Daniel Currin both sides of the political aisle, 2008 Doug Berlin to help protect and promote the interests of its member 2007 Louise Hodges organizations.” 2005/2006 Doug Torn Hunter also wants to educate green industry leaders on the 2003/2004 Mark Peters benefits of supporting the GIC.
