ATCP Takes the Lead: Landmark Meeting with Missouri Attorney General’s Office to Champion Industry Ethics
“Make no mistake about it, we will call a spade a spade as an association.”
In a major step forward for the tree care industry, leadership from the Association of Tree Care Professionals (ATCP) held a pivotal meeting on October 29, 2025, with key figures from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. This proactive engagement wasn’t just a simple introduction; it was a strategic move to establish ATCP as the primary resource for ethics, professionalism, and consumer protection in the tree care world.
Bridging the Gap with Consumer Protection
Prompted by consumer protection ads from the Missouri Attorney General’s (AG’s) office, ATCP leadership saw an opportunity to separate professionals from “bad actors.” To pursue this, an ATCP delegation met with Dan Engemann, Director of Policy and Outreach, and Alex Wolfe of the AGO’s Policy and Outreach team.
The ATCP delegation included President Joe Whitledge, Vice President Stephan LeBlanc, Government Relations head Derek Norton, and board members Mark Goodpasture and Alex Shy. They were joined by ATCP Member Chad Hansen of Hansen’s Tree Service.
The message was clear: ATCP is a newly formed national association of tree care professionals who do things the right way, based on strong ethics. Rather than wait for legislation to be imposed upon the industry, ATCP is leading the charge to “police ourselves” and protect consumers, who are ultimately our customers.
Educating on the Realities of Emergency Response
A core part of the discussion was educating the AG’s office on the vast gap between public perception and the on-the-ground reality of emergency tree removal. ATCP leadership detailed the “astronomical expenses” of the trade, from million-dollar cranes to the specialized training required to operate them safely.
The team explained that emergency work is not comparable to scheduled maintenance; it’s the difference between a doctor’s appointment and the emergency room. It involves disrupting entire schedules, mobilizing millions in equipment instantly, and taking on incredible risk in what is the second most dangerous job in America. This context is crucial to help officials differentiate between legitimate, fair pricing for emergency services and actual price gouging.
Our Offer: A Resource to Define the Standard
This is where ATCP set itself apart. The leadership didn’t just defend the industry; they offered to be a powerful resource for the state. President Joe Whitledge offered the association’s expertise to help the AG’s office review complaints and identify what is “reasonable cost” versus a contractor who is “acting poorly”.
This offer was backed by a powerful commitment to integrity. The ATCP ethics committee is prepared to review cases and, as Mark Goodpasture stated, “call a spade a spade”. If a contractor is “stacking equipment” or charging for unnecessary work, ATCP will be the first to call it out. This is the very definition of self-policing and building trust at the highest levels.
A “Fantastic” Reception and the Road Ahead
The message was received loud and clear. Dan Engemann of the AGO called the meeting “fantastic,” “very educational, and very informative”. He even stated, “I wish more groups would schedule these sort of sessions with us,” proving that the ATCP’s proactive, professional approach is exactly what regulators are looking for.
This meeting in Missouri is not an isolated event. It’s part of a larger national strategy, with ATCP holding similar meetings with officials across the country, including in Georgia.
This is what leadership looks like. ATCP is at the table, not on the menu. We are defining the future of our industry, promoting professionalism, and ensuring that the ethical companies doing the work are recognized and respected.
You Are Part of This Movement
Today’s meeting is a victory for every member who believes in doing things the right way. Your membership fuels this advocacy. We are proving that our industry can lead with ethics and professionalism.
Are you just in the tree care industry, or are you helping shape its future?
