by Andrew Pelkey
February 2026

As we reflect on another brisk winter in the Granite State, it’s clear that snow and ice management is not just a seasonal necessity. It is a significant part of how many of our members sustain and grow their businesses through the slower months. Historically NHLA has focused primarily on landscape services, but our Board of Directors has been listening closely to the evolving needs of the membership. More of our members supplement their income with winter snow operations, some running modest crews while others manage full scale programs. It is time our Association reflects that reality by equipping members with the tools to operate safely, professionally, and profitably through all four seasons.

That journey begins this spring with an expanded educational offering developed in partnership with NHTI. Our first collaborative program, Intro to Safety and Basic Equipment Use, kicks off in March and is designed for crew leaders and managers looking to raise their safety game on every jobsite. This certificate style series blends classroom learning with hands-on training, emphasizing safety culture, equipment operation, hazard recognition, and compliance. These foundational skills benefit landscape and snow teams alike and represent the first step in a broader commitment to year-round professional development.

Looking ahead into summer and fall, we will roll out a broader suite of courses covering landscape management, irrigation, lighting, hardscape, and snow. These offerings are part of our ongoing course development partnership with the college and are being shaped with real world input from members like you. Quality training is not an expense. It is an investment in your people, your reputation, and your long-term success. NHLA is committed to delivering education that strengthens your business in every season.

To deepen our snow and ice curriculum, we will lean on the expertise of SIMA and the NH Green SnowPro program to build a ground level snow and ice management course that members can use as a practical training option for their teams. Our goal is to create accessible, meaningful education that supports both smaller operators and larger snow programs. This is about raising the bar together, improving safety, protecting our environment, and positioning our industry as the professional force it truly is.

I am proud of the direction we are headed and grateful for the engagement of this membership. As winter begins to loosen its grip, I encourage you to think about how you want to develop your team this year. NHLA will continue building resources, strengthening partnerships, and championing the growth of our industry across every season.

See you soon,
Andrew Pelkey
President, New Hampshire Landscape Association
President@NHLAonline.org
www.nhlaonline.org