Walkthroughs are an opportunity for customer interaction and for the landscape company to shine. When leading a large homeowners’ association, a lot of time is wasted just walking from one discussion point to the next. It can take up a whole morning to manage and lead a big group.

Mark Frederick, president of Summit Services, Inc., Englewood, has streamlined the annual walkthrough. For about 10 years, Summit has used golf carts to tour people through properties. Typically, Frederick coordinates cart rentals and tours with two six-person carts. He conducts tours with HOA board members, specific committee members, the property manager, the Summit Services account manager and sometimes a landscape architect.

After a successful inaugural year, The ELITE Awards are back with some new features. The submission period begins September 19, with two expanded categories and an online entry process.

The ELITE Award for Use of Color will be awarded in two categories: Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice. A panel of judges will choose up to three finalists among entries received, and one finalist will take home The ELITE Award for Use of Color – Judges’ Choice. Submissions will also be posted at alcc.com and on social media, where the public can vote via PollDaddy for their favorite. The submission with the most votes online will receive The ELITE Award for Use of Color – People’s Choice.