A Full Fall Season and a Strong Finish Ahead

Another month has passed as we race toward the end of the year, and as usual, we try to pack as much as possible into these last couple of months.

The annual CLCA Convention and Trophy Awards in Sonoma earlier this month was a great success. If you weren’t able to attend, you should definitely put it on your bucket list. It’s the one time each year when CLCA chapters from across the state can connect, mingle, and meet the State Board and the people who run our association too. The Trophy Awards are also part of the three-day festivities. Even if you don’t enter the competition, it’s a great opportunity to see what’s being done in other parts of the state and how your work compares. Being there for the presentation of the awards is equally motivating. Following convention, I stayed a couple of extra days to enjoy some wine tasting with friends and family.

Right on the heels of the Convention was the Landscape Expo in Anaheim. I was there with fellow CLCA members at the CLCA booth and met some great people. I’m happy to report there was a lot of new interest in our association. Young landscape contractors, designers, and vendors were eager to hear about what we do and what we represent. I believe we’ll see an uptick in new members. It was also good to see new equipment, product innovations, and well-attended seminars.

Next month is our chapter holiday party. Make sure to finish the year strong and join us for a great evening at Maggiano’s Little Italy at South Coast Plaza on December 11. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate with good friends and wish each other success in the New Year.

~ David Horton, 2025 CLCA OC Chapter President