Atwood LawnCare

Better Business Bureau

BBB reports provide information on over 2 million organizations. It's a good idea to check before you invest or give.

Michigan Turfgrass Foundation

The Mission of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is to work in partnership with Michigan State University, supporting ongoing programs in research, education and extension in the area of professional turfgrass management that will benefit all individuals who manage turfgrasses or derive pleasure from the results of such management.

The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF) is a nonprofit organization, which supports research at Michigan State University to find better turfgrasses and better methods of turfgrass maintenance. Incorporated in 1957, the MTF has achieved success in fulfilling these needs through research and education. Located at the Robert W. Hancock Turfgrass Research Center on the Michigan State University campus, the MTF continues its successes in these areas by working closely with the University and the industry.

Project Evergreen

Project EverGreen's mission is to raise the awareness of the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of landscapes and promote the significance of those who preserve and enhance green spaces at home, work and play.

Professional Landcare Network (PLANET)

The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) is the premier global trade association for residential and commercial lawn care professionals. PLANET develops education programs, defines industry standards, and serves as the voice of the lawn care industry. A technical and business management resource for its members, PLANET offers workshops, public awareness campaigns, publications, a management conference, the Green Industry Conference at GIE and Legislative Day on the Hill. PLANET promotes the Symbol of Good Practice and national turf and ornamental certification programs.

PLANET members include companies that range in size from small enterprises to large public corporations and franchise operations. Services to commercial, industrial, governmental and residential customers include fertilizer and pest control applications, mowing, seeding, sodding, aeration, dethatching, trimming, ornamental shrub and small tree care, landscaping, irrigation and renovation.

Michigan Green Industry Association

The M.G.I.A. develops educational programs for the Green Industry and serves as the voice of the Michigan's Landscape Industry. M.G.I.A. offers seminars, an annual Trade Show & Convention, a state-wide publication--the Landsculptor Magazine, Environmental Awards Program, public awareness campaigns and most recently has been given the distinction by the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) as the official association for the State of Michigan to administer their international Certified Landscape Technician Program.

Michigan Nursery and Landscap Association

The Michigan nursery, plant production and landscaping industries employ 347,000 Michigan citizens (one in 15 Michigan residents) and contribute $3.7 billion to Michigan's economy. Nursery producers generate about $711 million in annual sales and distribute their products into 35 states, Mexico and Canada, making us the second largest agriculture commodity group in Michigan and the fifth largest nursery in the nation.

The nursery and landscape industry enhances our quality of life and serves as an environmental steward managing our green space. The success and contributions of this green industry can be appreciated through the aesthetic, economic and environmental appeal of our homes, places of business and communities.

Environmentalism has directed legislative policies on land development, water quality and consumption, and pesticide regulation. Legislation on land development and reclamation guides residential and commercial development. Landscape development focuses on the relationships among facilities, man-made landscapes and natural areas. Nursery operations produce plants specific to sensitive natural landscape ecology. The nursery and landscape industry aids in the protection and management of natural ecosystems.

Groundwater protection is a major factor in responsible water management. The nursery and landscape industry has become proactive in developing systems that control wastewater discharge into the environment, along with addressing concerns about consumption. Technological advances in monitoring and delivery systems are tailoring applications to the specific requirements and plant performance standards in production and landscape systems.

Integrated pest management practices are reducing chemical dependency of all segments of the industry. Pest and disease control strategies employ the use of chemicals that are less toxic to the environment, integrate the use of biological agents, and schedule applications in peak periods of efficacy.

The Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association, established in 1922, is a statewide trade association that represents over 1,100 business members, including landscape contractor, landscape management, landscape design, garden center, golf course maintenance, irrigation, greenhouse production, grower, interiorscape, nursery production, supplier, turf management, water gardener, and snow plowing firms. The association's mission is to improve the well being of its member businesses through professionalism, integrity, education, environmental responsibility, public trust and innovation in scientific and technical research.

National Federation of Independent Business

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is the largest advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses in Washington, D.C., and all 50 state capitals. NFIB was ranked the most influential business organization (and 3rd overall), in "Washington's Power 25" survey conducted by Fortune magazine.

NFIB's purpose is to impact public policy at the state and federal level and be a key business resource for small and independent business in America. NFIB also gives its members a power in the marketplace. By pooling the purchasing power of its 600,000 members, the National Federation of Independent Business gives members access to many business products and services at discounted costs. NFIB also provides timely information designed to help small businesses succeed.