For the first time, the National Association of Landscape Professionals will play host to the Young Professionals networking community after NALP President Brett Lemcke and NALP member Kelly Dowell came up with the idea.
“I know, from personal experience, that the association has a great connection to college students through our student chapters and through our National Collegiate Landscape Competition,” Lemcke said. “We wanted to find a way to continue the relationship with them as they begin to think about their careers and we wanted to help them connect with others and feel supported.”
The goal of this new networking opportunity is to increase awareness of NALP among young professionals in the industry, provide a fun outlet for young professionals to become better connected, and for the association to gain valuable input from the young professional community.
“We recognized that the industry is missing a place for young up-and-comers to talk, share experiences and network,” Dowell said, “and we wanted to create that.”
Any green industry participants under 40 years old are welcome to attend the kick off reception on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., at the Louisville Downtown Marriot, site of many Landscapes 2016 activities. Those interested must RSVP to NALP Membership Manager Andrea Berberick at [email protected].
Of the many educational sessions that will be held during Landscapes 2016, women in the industry will have the opportunity to hear Jennifer Lemcke, chief operating officer of Weed Man, discuss how women can build their leadership skills.
The discussion will include delving into statistics about women leaders, why so few women are entering the green industry and how to change that trend. Women will also be invited to share common challenges they face and how to overcome them.
Titled “Women in Landscaping: Harnessing Our Strength for a Greater Industry,” the session is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 20, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
