JUNE 2025

I don’t know about you, but this spring has been a doozy. Started out dry and warm and since the beginning of May its been awfully wet around here! It is always something it seems, but hopefully you’re all keeping your heads above water and taking it all in strides. There are just a few weeks left of spring and we’ll officially hit summertime. Usually that means things settle down a bit around her and we all get into the routine a bit more so let’s hope for the best! 

As your calendar fills up for the season, I wanted to make sure you were aware that nominations are now open for the 2025 ALCC ELITE Awards! The ELITE Awards recognize professionalism and innovation in the industry as well as some beautiful maintenance properties and design/build projects. Nominations are accepted through August 15th, 2025, but its time to start thinking about properties or projects you would like to submit for consideration. Projects within the last 5 years are eligible so start looking back at your portfolio and work on that submission. Might be worth scheduling for new photos if it is a few years old to show how the plants look at full bloom or with a couple years of growth- don’t be shy! This event is an amazing opportunity to show off your skills! We all have projects we can be proud of and are worth recognition.

Need some help putting your entry together?

Melissa, at the ALCC, makes it easy for you too, she has a free live webinar: 

This 30 minute webinar will share background about the program, information on the award categories and tips and tricks on submitting your entry. If you aren't able to attend the live webinar, it will be recorded and posted on this web page after the live session.

Here are some more details to get you inspired! 

The recipient of The ELITE Awards is a company or an individual who elevates the landscape industry through excellence. The awards recognize not only professionalism and great execution in the field--but also business practices, innovation and the people in your companies who make it all happen.

Check out some of the 2024 ELITE Award recipients here. 

Entry forms for 2025 are now live. 

Here are the various categories and award criteria. Click the link in the category name to be directed to the entry form.

MVP Award - The MVP award seeks to recognize an employee who has made an exceptional contribution through their involvement, leadership, and ability to make a difference in the company.

If you have a superstar employee that has gone above and beyond the call of duty, nominate them for this award. There is no entry fee for this award.

Innovation Award - Entries submitted in this category should offer a creative solution to a problem. It could relate to retaining existing customers while attracting new ones, improving products and services, or raising your public image. This could be done within design or horticulture, or a practical application of new technology or known technology in new and experimental ways.

If you have a creative solution to a problem your company has faced, you may submit an award nomination. There is no entry fee for this award.

Design/Build Award - Entries submitted in this category should be for a landscape design and installation that exemplifies quality workmanship consistent with industry best management practices, follows design and related specifications for the project, and satisfies client expectations in the finished product. Project must be designed by an in-house landscape architect or designer and constructed by the company submitting the project. This award may have subcategories for commercial and residential properties.

Typical entries include the design and construction of a new residential home build, complete renovation of an existing residential or commercial landscape, or design and construction of a commercial or public space.

Plant Design Award- Entries submitted in this category should be for a project demonstrating effective plant design and use of color and all season interest. This award may have subcategories for annual gardens, perennial gardens or a mix.

Typical entries include gardens as part of residential or commercial properties, container or low water use gardens.

Landscape Construction Award - Entries submitted in this category should be for a landscape installation or renovation that exemplifies quality workmanship consistent with industry best management practices, follows related specifications for the project, and satisfies client expectations in the finished product. This award may have subcategories for commercial and residential properties.

Typical entries include the construction of a new residential or commercial landscape, or the complete renovation of an existing residential or commercial landscape.

Maintenance Award- Entries submitted in this category should be for a project that exemplifies the highest standards of landscape maintenance practices. This award may have subcategories for commercial and residential properties.

Typical entries include commercial landscape sites including HOA common areas, historic properties, and large scale residential properties.

Irrigation Management Award - Entries submitted in this category should be for a project demonstrating superior water savings as a result of making irrigation efficiency upgrades and landscape changes. A well-maintained irrigation system reduces water runoff, excessive irrigation and minimizes erosion from applied water. 

Typical entries include a renovation of an existing residential or commercial property to include the irrigation system, or construction of a new property including irrigation system. Entries must be able to provide data on water conservation.

Community Stewardship Award - Entries submitted in this category should demonstrate leadership through dedication and contribution to the good of the community. Community stewardship is demonstrated by carrying out and/or participating in community service projects.

Typical entries include improving or maintaining public or school gardens, projects to improve community landscapes or the landscape at a non-profit or community service organization, construction of a memorial garden, charity walk/run or other community service project.

Sustainability Award - Entries submitted in this category should offer sustainable landscape solutions. Sustainability promotes environmental stewardship and improvement in order to preserve natural resources such as water and energy by delivering environmentally responsible applications for site needs and customer desires. Sustainability encompasses the 7 Principles of Xeriscape, the GreenCO BMPs, efficient water management and the sustainable landscape practices found in ALCC’s Green Strategies for Colorado Landscapes .

Typical entries include the renovation of a commercial or residential landscape involving sustainable practices, the introduction of sustainable practices to a public or community space, or sustainable solutions for a site.

For questions about the awards program, contact Melissa Emdin at 720 307-5092. 

Sincerely,

Anne Campbell
Colorado Stoneworks Manager
ALCC Board President
 
2024 ALCC Platinum Sponsors