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I remember over 10 years ago when I decided to join my first green industry trade association. It was an investment and, at that time, I did not know what the return would be. I have not looked back, and have been actively involved since then, and it’s been worth every single cent of time and financial investment. A lot has changed since then.

Of course, I’m a bit biased. But I truly think that joining PLANET is worth every cent of the membership fee. In fact, in the past few years, it’s been noted that membership is essentially free to those who take advantage of the many PLANET’s benefits, including its affinity programs, consultants, and networking opportunities.

Considering what many in our industry are facing today — a labor shortage, down housing market, and rising fuel costs, I would submit that membership is not only free, but a requisite for company owners who want to weather what some are calling the “perfect storm” and be in a better, stronger position when the storm subsides.

Here’s why. First, PLANET members save by participating in a number of affinity programs. A program with Shell Oil Company, for example, saves members three cents a gallon on gas. Three cents may not seem like that much considering the sky rocketing cost of fuel. Depending on your usage, though, the program can shave hundreds, even thousands of dollars off your annual fuel bill. A national purchasing program with John Deere saves money on the cost of purchasing new equipment, and PLANET has similar programs with a collections agency, payroll services, office supplies, and car rental companies, to name but a few other suppliers who partner with members.

Even more important for some is the “free” advice they receive from PLANET consultants who specialize in law, public relations and marketing, safety, and human resources. Just having access to HR consultant Bill Cook can be worth the cost of membership. Our industry is suffering through a true labor crisis, and Bill’s advice on recruiting and retaining employees is invaluable.

Then, there’s that intangible but equally important networking benefit. Labor, housing, fuel … all key concerns, today, but nothing new to veteran PLANET members who have experienced similar challenges in the past. No one wants to spend time reinventing the wheel, and today there’s literally no time to become an inventor and no room for error. Being a PLANET member and developing a network of peers will shorten the learning curve around critical issues.

I realize that to say something is a “requisite” is a bit dramatic. I also know that most of us at some time in are careers will need help to sustain a business that we’ve worked so hard to build. Considering the challenging environment we now face, there’s no better time than now to seek out that help... and become a PLANET member.

Jason Cupp, CLP
2008 PLANET President