Stihl representative appointed to National Hispanic Landscape Alliance board

Stihl Inc. announced June 21 that Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for the company, has been named to the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance (NHLA) board of directors. The NHLA fosters the well-being, integrity and advancement of Hispanics in the landscape industry.

A Navy veteran, Phelps joined Stihl in 2001 as the company’s event marketing specialist. In his current position, he oversees the activities of the promotional communications department, which includes public relations, social media, events and sponsorships.

“This segment of the landscape population is crucial to the future of the green industry,” said Phelps, who is a certified landscape professional as well as a board member of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). “I am honored to be able to serve this association. At Stihl, we believe that sponsorship means not just funding but contributing in practical ways, and, in this position, I believe I can assist in furthering the NHLA mission.”

The NHLA seeks to inform, encourage and support Hispanic professionals in the green industry in becoming highly successful professionals and leaders and provide them a voice in the national dialogue on environmentally responsible landscape practices, the livelihood of their employees, and the quality of life in the communities where they live and work. The NHLA will host its annual meetings in conjunction with the annual PLANET Green Industry Conference (GIC) and Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO) held each October in Louisville, Ky., and will contribute to the overall educational program with classes specifically for Hispanic landscape professionals.

Different levels of membership and sponsorship of the NHLA are available. Regular members include independent garden centers, growers, landscape architecture and design firms and landscape contracting firms. Supporting members include manufacturers of professional landscaping equipment and supplies.