During its 24th annual meeting, the Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE) recognized Mark Schlossberg, president of ProLawnPlus, with the 2014 Grassroots Excellence Award for his work in Maryland’s legislature and his advocacy for the industry on the local, state and federal levels.

As this year’s honoree, Schlossberg has been the catalyst for grassroots in Montgomery County, Md., providing contacts, organization and sense of urgency needed as the lawn care industry works to defeat lawn and turf restrictions being proposed in the county. Although Schlossberg resides in Baltimore County, he remains actively engaged by speaking with policymakers all across Maryland about Green Industry concerns.

Schlossberg provided written testimony to the House Small Business Committee about the potential negative consequences on small Green Industry businesses due to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed rule expanding the definition of “Waters of the U.S.” under Clean Water Act jurisdiction.

“The most important part about engaging at the grassroots advocacy level is proactively speaking with our elected officials and regulators before a crisis occurs. Then, it’s about keeping in regular contact with those officials and regulators,” Schlossberg said. “All sectors of the specialty pesticide industry should communicate and stick together. Even though a particular piece of legislation might not affect you directly or right now, you need to realize our adversaries may target your sector next.”

Schlossberg has been president of the Maryland Association of Green Industries since 1994 and treasurer of the Maryland Green Industry Council. He also is the past president of the Maryland Turfgrass Council, a board member of the Maryland Agricultural Council and a member of the Baltimore County Planning Board.