Our Mission at ATCP: Empowering the Tree Care Community

The Association of Tree Care Professionals (ATCP) exists to raise the standards of our profession by bringing tree care businesses together around safety, integrity, and excellence.

We are committed to following ANSI Z133 and other industry best practices while promoting fairness in business, open communication, and ongoing education. Our members gain knowledge through training, mentorship, and collaboration, ensuring that professional growth continues across the field.

ATCP also advocates for environmental responsibility and accountability in every aspect of tree care. As the trusted voice of arboriculture, we work to protect people, property, and the natural environment.

Government Relations Team

The Government Relations Team champions the association’s interests in the public policy arena. Members build relationships with lawmakers, coordinate grassroots advocacy efforts, and mobilize other members to help engage in legislative initiatives. Through strategic outreach and coalition-building, the committee amplifies the voice of the profession in shaping laws and regulations. GR is charged with navigating the intersection of public policy and professional practice. GR members analyze legislative trends, assess regulatory impacts, and advise the board on advocacy priorities. Members develop position statements, organize policy briefings, and ensure the association’s viewpoints are effectively communicated to key stakeholders.

Program and Education Team

The Program and Education Team is responsible for advancing the professional development of members through high-quality educational offerings and programming. Team members identify learning needs across the membership, develop strategic educational initiatives, and oversee the planning and delivery of conferences, webinars, workshops, and certification programs. Members collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure content is relevant, evidence-based, and aligned with industry standards. The team also evaluates program effectiveness and recommends enhancements to support lifelong learning and career advancement.

Ethics Team

Ethics Team members are responsible for maintaining and promoting the association’s Code of Ethics, setting a high standard of excellence for members and fostering public confidence in ethical practices within the profession. The team reviews and evaluates complaints alleging violations of the Code of Ethics and ensures fair and consistent enforcement. Members also contribute to broader organizational priorities including ethical standards, financial responsibility, and transparency. Through education, policy review, and advisory roles, the team helps guide ethical conduct and decision-making across the association and contributes to ethical conduct in the marketplace.

Marketing and Communications Team

The Marketing and Communications Team guides the association’s overall strategy for marketing, communications, branding, and public awareness. Members serve as ambassadors for the association’s brand and mission. It supports public and consumer education, recruitment, program messaging, and member engagement. Team members collaborate with staff, board members, and other teams to develop and implement initiatives that promote the association’s mission and value proposition.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing and overseeing consistent, impactful communication strategies across digital and print platforms.
• Promoting membership benefits and supporting recruitment and retention efforts.
• Advising on branding, messaging, and outreach campaigns.
• Engaging with stakeholders through media relations, newsletters, social media, and public events.
• Evaluating communication effectiveness and recommending improvements aligned with strategic goals.

Finance Team

Chaired by the ATCP Treasurer, the Finance Team provides strategic oversight and guidance on the financial matters of the association, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and sustainability. Team members are responsible for reviewing financial statements, monitoring revenues and expenditures, and advising the board on financial performance and solvency.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and reporting on the organization’s financial activity.
• Approving the annual budget and submitting it to the board.
• Overseeing the annual audit, tax filings, and preparation of financial statements.
• Ensuring proper internal controls and risk management measures are in place.
• Overseeing and advising the Board on prudent management of organizational assets and investments.
• Advising on financial policies and procedures.

Team members are expected to support membership growth and retention through word and deed.

Member Engagement Team

The Member Engagement Team is a proactive and enthusiastic group dedicated to expanding and energizing the association’s community. Its primary objective is to work closely with the Board and staff to develop effective strategies for attracting, retaining, and engaging members. Team members serve as ambassadors of the association, implementing innovative outreach initiatives that foster a deeper sense of involvement and loyalty among both new and existing members.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify members’ needs and recommend services to meet those needs.
• Develop strategies to increase membership and enhance member retention.
• Promote awareness of the association’s resources, services, and benefits.
• Welcome new members and encourage their active participation.
• Gather insights into non-member perceptions and recommend strategies to attract them.
• Support member engagement through events, communications, and networking opportunities.
• Team members contribute through regular meetings, open calls, and participation in member-focused events.

Business Resources Team

The Business Resources Team serves as a strategic hub for developing and delivering tools, programs, and insights that support members in their professional and operational success. The committee is responsible for curating and disseminating resources that enhance business practices, promote innovation, and address emerging industry trends.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage educational content for conferences, webinars, and certification programs.
• Solicit and organize member-generated resources such as templates, guides, and benchmarking tools.
• Provide access to industry news, regulatory updates, and best practices through digital platforms.
• Oversee the development and implementation of accreditation or credentialing programs.
• Facilitate knowledge-sharing and collaboration among members through online forums and resource libraries.

The team works closely with other teams to ensure that resources are relevant, accessible, and aligned with the association’s mission to empower members professionally and operationally.

Advisory Team

The Advisory Team serves as a strategic body that advises and advocates for the organization’s programs and mission. Team members draw from the comments and questions (both solicited and unsolicited) of members and prospective members. Its primary role is to provide informed recommendations that help shape program development, assess community needs, and evaluate program effectiveness. Members are selected for their diverse perspectives and expertise, ensuring that the team reflects the demographics and priorities of the communities served.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise the Board on program direction, audience engagement, and evaluation strategies.
• Advocate for the organization’s mission and programs within their communities.
• Identify emerging needs and issues relevant to the organization’s stakeholders.
• Review program evaluation plans and outcomes to ensure alignment with community goals.
• Support efforts to reach underserved populations and promote inclusivity.
• Collaborate with staff to enhance outreach, engagement, and strategic planning.

Advisory Team members do not implement programs or set policy but serve as a vital link between the organization and its stakeholders, offering insights that guide decision-making and ensure relevance and impact.