September/October 2021 - 8

HEADLINES/CALENDAR
Getting Involved in Grassroots Advocacy
How you and your business can get involved in
advocacy efforts for the green industry.
By Celina Young, Marketing Communications Specialist
" It's easy to feel like regulation and legislation, especially
at the federal level, are things that we can't control, " Michael
Frantz, president and CEO of Frantz Wholesale Nursery
Co. in Hickman, California, said at AmericanHort's 2021
Congressional Kickoff. " But we really do have more input
over the process than we think. The power of each individual
person, especially if you are a constituent of that elected official,
is incredible. "
Frantz joined other industry leaders at the event as they
shared their thoughts and experiences about the importance of
advocacy in the horticulture industry and how they have been
involved in grassroots efforts. For this panel, getting involved
in advocacy started with participation in four main activities:
* Getting in touch with elected officials on key issues
* Hosting site visits
* Participating in advocacy-related events and programming
from AmericanHort
* Supporting the PlantPAC political action committee to
keep our industry champions in Congress.
At its core, grassroots advocacy begins with relationships.
" We [the advocacy team at AmericanHort] can push issues
to legislators, but when a constituent picks up the phone, it
goes a long way, " said Tal Coley, director of government affairs.
" When key issues come up in Congress, AmericanHort helps
mobilize members to reach out to their elected officials through
our " Take Action " program. "
One of the most impactful ways to begin building a
relationship with your elected officials can be to invite them to
your business for site visits.
" Why tours? Why invite people onto our farm? " Frantz says,
" Because you are trying to develop a relationship before you
have an ask. "
Mike Gooder, owner of Plantpeddler Inc. in Cresco, Iowa,
has been hosting local, state, and national elected officials at his
facility for over 25 years.
" We have a message to all of them about our industry, " he
said. Collectively the green industry contributes $348 billion
annually to the U.S. economy and 2.32 million full- and parttime
jobs. Gooder stressed the importance of showing our
representatives the impact and importance of our industry
first-hand.
AmericanHort also hosts programming and opportunities
for our members to get involved in advocacy, like our Impact
Washington Summit, taking place Sept. 20-22 in Washington,
D.C. This semi-annual summit provides insights on key issues
affecting horticulture and gives attendees the opportunity to
connect with their elected officials.
" I didn't initially see the value of advocacy, " Gooder said.
" When I attended the legislative summit a couple of years
ago, it completely changed my view on the value of grassroots
advocacy. I think all of us have a very important role to play,
whether it is on a local, state, or federal level, they want to know
our opinion, our voice. They want to understand our industry.
We represent billions of dollars and votes. That grassroots
support comes from us. "
There are many components to advocacy, but according to
Ben Bolusky, CEO and executive vice president of the Florida
Nursery, Grower & Landscape Association, " It is critical for
advocacy to have 1) relationships with elected officials and 2)
an active PAC to help open those doors. "
The AmericanHort PlantPAC enables leaders in
horticulture to help elect and re-elect Congressional
candidates who support policies that enable businesses like
yours to perform, grow, and prepare for the future. With your
support, a successful PlantPAC gives our industry a strong
voice and is a key part of the success of the AmericanHort
advocacy program.
Bolusky summarized the need for grassroots participation
in advocacy well. " Elected officials represent their constituents,
and to do so effectively, they need to understand the businesses
in their districts, so they can associate names with faces. All of
us need to be the faces of our industry. "
Learn more about AmericanHort advocacy efforts and the
programs mentioned at www.AmericanHort.org/Advocacy.
8 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021
http://www.AmericanHort.org/Advocacy
September/October 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September/October 2021
