Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Landscaping Excellence in Connecticut
Founded in 1970, the Connecticut Grounds Keepers Association (CGKA) has served as a cornerstone of Connecticut's green industry for over five decades. As a nonprofit organization, we provide landscape contractors with essential resources including professional development opportunities, networking events, and advocacy services. Our mission focuses on advancing industry standards through educational seminars, certification programs, and legislative representation. With partnerships like the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), we offer access to globally recognized certification programs that enhance business credibility and competitiveness. Our annual Turf and Landscape Conference connects members with over 50 industry vendors while monthly workshops reinforce safety protocols and technical expertise.Through our advocacy efforts with the Connecticut Environmental Council and Capitol Consulting, we actively protect members' interests in legislative matters affecting the landscaping industry. The association maintains a $100,000 endowment at UCONN to support horticultural education while organizing charity initiatives that strengthen community ties. Our digital newsletters and resource roundups keep members informed about bid opportunities, industry trends, and technological advancements. With a membership network spanning landscape contractors, suppliers, and allied businesses, we foster collaborative relationships that drive professional growth and industry innovation.
Services
Landscaping Services
NALP Certification
Advocacy Programs
Networking Events
Educational Seminars
Industry Conferences
Legislative Representation
Professional Development
Charity Initiatives
Resource Distribution
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer 55+ years of specialized expertise in Connecticut's landscaping industry
- Our members gain exclusive access to NALP certification programs
- We provide proactive legislative advocacy through CTEC and Capitol Consulting
- Our annual conference connects members with 50+ industry vendors
- We maintain a $100,000 UCONN endowment for horticultural education
What people say
Helped my business grow
Invaluable resource
Knowledgeable people
Networking opportunities
Industry expertise
Services
Landscaping Services
Our association supports members providing comprehensive landscaping solutions including design, installation, and maintenance services. From irrigation systems to hardscape construction, we connect professionals with resources to deliver superior outdoor living spaces. Members receive technical guidance and business tools to maintain industry-leading standards.
NALP Certification
We facilitate access to the National Association of Landscape Professionals' certification programs that validate technical expertise. This globally recognized credential enhances business credibility and competitive advantage through standardized proficiency validation in exterior landscaping techniques and practices.
Advocacy Programs
Our advocacy initiatives protect members' interests through legislative representation at state and federal levels. We monitor regulatory developments affecting landscaping operations and provide resources to ensure compliance with environmental and business regulations while representing industry concerns to policymakers.
Networking Events
We organize conferences, workshops, and mixers that create professional development opportunities. These events facilitate knowledge exchange between contractors, suppliers, and allied businesses while showcasing the latest industry innovations and best practices through expert presentations and vendor exhibitions.
Educational Seminars
Our educational programs cover technical skills refinement, safety protocols, and business management strategies. Monthly workshops and annual conferences deliver continuing education credits while keeping members informed about technological advancements and evolving industry standards through expert-led training sessions.
People
Brittany Conte
Executive Director
Leading CGKA's strategic initiatives with extensive industry experience in association management and landscape industry operations.
Dave Christensen
President
President of Christensen Landscape Service LLC with demonstrated leadership in Connecticut's landscaping sector.
David Lenz
Vice President
Vice President with David A. Lenz Landscape Service, bringing decades of hands-on landscaping business experience.
Jon Conte
Immediate Past President
Former president with JC Landscaping, maintaining active involvement in association governance and operations.
Christopher Brown
Treasurer
Serving as Treasurer for Teed & Brown Inc., providing financial oversight and industry expertise to the association.
Questions
What benefits do CGKA members receive?
Members gain access to NALP certification programs, industry conferences, legislative advocacy, networking events, and exclusive discounts on professional resources.
How does CGKA support Connecticut landscapers?
We provide educational resources, business development tools, legislative representation, and networking opportunities to enhance professional success in the green industry.
What certification programs are available?
We offer access to NALP's Certified Exterior Technician Program and specialized training courses that validate professional landscaping expertise.
How can I get involved with CGKA?
Join through our membership portal to participate in events, committees, and advocacy initiatives shaping Connecticut's landscaping industry.
What educational resources do you provide?
We organize monthly workshops, annual conferences, and safety training programs covering technical skills and business management practices.
How does CGKA advocate for members?
We collaborate with CTEC and Capitol Consulting to influence legislation affecting landscaping operations and represent member interests in regulatory matters.
