For this week’s article, we are talking with Marissa Stublerthe Membership and Marketing Manager for Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA). Marissa, thanks so much for being available to answer a few questions for our readers!
Can you start by telling us about the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA)?
The Illinois Landscape Contractors Association is pledged to serve as a forum for the free exchange of ideas among landscape contractors, their suppliers and the government, working together for a greener, more beautiful Illinois. ILCA is a 501 (c)(6) nonprofit trade association with more than 800 member companies.
What is the history of the organization?
Since 1959, ILCA has provided its members with the resources needed to enhance their performance and ensure continued growth and success. The Association’s mission is to enhance the professionalism and capabilities of members by providing leadership, education, representation, and services while promoting environmental awareness and the value of the landscape industry. ILCA employs a wide variety of means to fulfill its mission including; seminars, workshops, publications, trade shows, awards, networking, scholarship grants and social events.
Why do you feel that it is important for homeowners to know about this organization?
It is important for homeowners to know about the ILCA because we are here to help them find a quality, reputable contractor. We have resources, tips, and more to help homeowners have a successful experience with a landscape professional.
The ILCA recently launched a public awareness campaign. Can you please tell us about that campaign?
The campaign was created with the members of ILCA in mind. The goal of the campaign is to elevate the public’s perception of landscape professionals so that it matches the pride our members have – in themselves, their companies, their employees, and their craft. We created a brand video and three key messages: how to hire a reputable contractor, how to deal with a bad landscaper, and the real cost of DIY. All of our creative content is being distributed digitally: search engine marketing (SEM), display network advertising, pre-roll ads, Facebook ads, and connected TV (OTT) such as chromecasts, firesticks, Apple TV, and Roku.
If customers are already using an ILCA contractor, we want them to appreciate the art and craftsmanship that goes into the trade. If people are not using a professional contractor, we want them to understand the difference and potential drawbacks. If people are not using a contractor at all, we ask them to look at the true costs of doing it yourself and weigh those against the alternative.
We are very excited about this campaign! Be on the lookout for our ads.
What is the purpose of the campaign?
The purpose of the campaign is to raise the level of professional esteem and to equip the public with information on how to hire, work with, and most of all, treat, talented landscape professionals.
What resources are available to homeowners as a result of this campaign?
The biggest resource is our online member directory. Consumers can search for a landscape professional in their area. We also created a checklist consumers should use when hiring a landscape professional, a step-by-step guide on what to do if you hired a bad landscaper, and an info graphic on defining your DIY.
Where can those resources be found?
All these resources can be found on the consumer side of our website: www.ilca.net/consumer.
What advice do you have for homeowners with regards to their home and yard?
A yard is an empty canvas, bursting with possibilities, untapped potential waiting to be fulfilled. Are you ready to transform your yard into a masterpiece? If so, contact an ILCA contractor today!
How does your organization act as an advocate for the Landscape Industry?
For one, this campaign shows how we act as an advocate for the landscape industry and our members. We want to make a big impact and improve the image of the industry and we believe our public awareness campaign is going to do just that. We also educate our members through seminars, tradeshows, webinars, magazine articles, and more. In addition, we lobby for landscape professionals in Springfield and Washington D.C.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com.. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
