Michigan Green Industry Assn

What Michigan Green Industry Assn does

The Michigan Green Industry Association (MGIA) is a not-for-profit professional trade association founded in 1960 and headquartered in Bingham Farms, Michigan, serving Michigan's green industry across landscape design and construction, lawn maintenance, irrigation, tree care, fertilizing, pest control, snow removal, and supplier services. The association represents 800+ member companies ranging from small operators to franchise businesses, plus associate suppliers, municipalities, and key employees/branch locations, governed by an elected Board of Directors and a small professional staff led by Executive Director Michelle Atkinson.

MGIA's core offerings include The Landsculptor Magazine (a monthly publication distributed state-wide to 3,700+ green industry professionals), the Landscape Industry Certified Exterior Technician program (administered exclusively in Michigan on behalf of the National Association of Landscape Professionals across five specialty areas), the Annual Trade Show & Convention, the Michigan Snow Conference and Expo, the Environmental Improvement Awards Program, in-person and online continuing education classes, and the Healthy Lawn Care Program for Watershed Protection. Member benefits also include group health insurance access through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan, a workers' compensation dividend program, a consumer-facing member directory, and legislative advocacy through retained lobbyists.

MGIA generates revenue through annual membership dues, magazine and classified advertising, certification and event registration fees, and education/C tuition, with members receiving preferential pricing on nearly all programs. Distribution is community-led, relying on industry networking, referrals, The Landsculptor, and consumer education efforts that direct potential customers to member contractors, supported by a website built on Naylor Association Management Software and a recent online CEU platform partnership with Elevate Applicatie.

Name

Michigan Green Industry Assn

Legal name

Michigan Green Industry Association

Website

https://landscape.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1960

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Michigan Green Industry Association is a 1960-founded nonprofit trade association serving 800+ member landscape contractors, suppliers, and municipalities across Michigan through certification, education, events, the monthly Landsculptor magazine, and legislative advocacy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Association Services

NAICS

Administration of Conservation Programs (92412)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Landscape, Turf & Groundskeeping Trades (EDAOAOAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Tree Care & Arborist Services (BPABADAD), Tree Care & Arborist Services (IMAIAIAB)

Keywords

• Trade association services
• Landscape industry education
• Professional certification programs
• Green industry advocacy
• Industry publications

Headquarters

HQ city

Grosse Pointe Farms

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: MGIA generates revenue through annual membership dues from Active Members (Contractors), Associate Members (Suppliers), Municipalities, and Key Employees/Branch Locations. Members receive benefits including discounts on programs, events, certification, and access to group insurance rates.
2. Magazine Advertising: The Landsculptor Magazine, published monthly, serves as advertising media for trade suppliers and services. The magazine is distributed state-wide to over 3,700 green industry professionals and is free to members.
3. Classified Advertisements: The Landsculptor Classifieds provide advertising opportunities for member companies to attract key employees or market products/services. Rates are 75 cents per word with various premium options.
4. Certification Fees: MGIA administers the Landscape Industry Certified Exterior Technician program in partnership with NALP. Candidates enroll online and test from convenience of home or work computer.
5. Event Registration Fees: Revenue generated from educational classes, workshops, seminars, trade shows, and conventions. Members receive discounted pricing on nearly all programs and events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Michigan Green Industry Association is a nonprofit professional trade association serving Michigan's green industry. It sells annual memberships to contractors, suppliers, and municipalities and delivers a portfolio of member services: The Landsculptor monthly magazine, Landscape Industry Certified Exterior Technician certification (in partnership with NALP), continuing-education classes that award CEUs, the Annual Trade Show & Convention, the Michigan Snow Conference and Expo, the Healthy Lawn Care Program for Watershed Protection, group insurance and workers' compensation programs, and legislative advocacy in Lansing through MGiPAC and Dunaskiss Consulting & Development.

Product overview

Michigan Green Industry Association operates as a professional trade association offering a portfolio of member services including The Landsculptor Magazine (monthly publication), the Landscape Industry Certified Exterior Technician Program (certification in partnership with NALP), the Annual Trade Show & Convention, Michigan Snow Conference and Expo, Environmental Improvement Awards Program, education/CEU classes (in-person and online via Elevate Applicatie partnership), the Healthy Lawn Care Program for Watershed Protection, and a Member Directory. These services support green industry professionals in landscape design/build, maintenance, tree care, irrigation, and snow removal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Landsculptor Magazine: Monthly premier green industry publication for Michigan distributed to over 3,700 green industry professionals including landscape contractors, arborists, irrigation contractors, design firms, golf course superintendents, and other industry professionals.

Products and services

• The Landsculptor Magazine Monthly state-wide publication distributed to over 3,700 Michigan green-industry professionals, including landscape contractors, arborists, irrigation contractors, design firms, and golf course superintendents. Free to MGIA members, available by subscription to non-members, and sold as an advertising vehicle to suppliers and service providers.
• Landscape Industry Certified Exterior Technician Program Globally recognized certification program covering five specialty areas — Hardscape Installation, Irrigation, Ornamental Maintenance, Softscape Installation, and Turf Maintenance. MGIA is the only Michigan association licensed to administer the program. Candidates enroll online and test from home or work via NALP's platform.
• Annual Trade Show & Convention Annual two-day trade show featuring exhibitors showcasing lawn and landscape equipment, heavy-duty equipment, snow equipment, trucks, nursery stock, chemicals, hardscapes, irrigation, water features, lighting, and business services, paired with educational seminars offering CEUs.
• Michigan Snow Conference and Expo Annual conference and expo focused on snow removal equipment, techniques, and business operations for Michigan green-industry professionals who offer snow services alongside their landscape operations.
• Education and CEU Classes Wide variety of in-person and online educational programs covering landscape design/build, tree care, lawn maintenance, pesticide application, irrigation, snow removal, and business topics such as strategic planning, sales, marketing, leadership, and customer service. Online on-demand learning delivered through the Elevate Applicat partnership platform.
• Healthy Lawn Care Program for Watershed Protection Certification program partnering with SOCWA and Wayne County to help service companies comply with environmentally sensitive lawn care practices, including fertilizer management, pesticide runoff prevention, and watershed protection.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 800 members served with latest industry information on methods, treatments, and technologies
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMGIA is the only association in the state authorized to administer the Landscape Industry Certified Exterior Technician program for NALP. The program offers five specialty areas: Hardscape Installation, Irrigation, Ornamental Maintenance, Softscape Installation, and Turf Maintenance.
• Elevate ApplicatcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMGIA partnered with Elevate Applicat to launch an online CEU class platform. MGIA members receive discounted access to exclusive, profession-specific content. Courses taught by MGIA instructors and approved by Michigan Department of Agriculture. 10% of every purchase supports Michigan-based charities.
• Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Healthy Lawn Care Program (HLCP) for Watershed Protection. SOCWA works with MGIA to help service companies comply with environmentally sensitive lawn care issues including overuse of fertilizers, pesticides, and runoff into storm drains, lakes, and rivers.
• Wayne County Department of Environment and Water Resources Commissioner (WRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Healthy Lawn Care Program (HLCP) for Watershed Protection. Joint effort to address environmental concerns related to lawn care practices in Wayne County.
• AIS Construction EquipmentminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for the Pesticide Category/Core Review & Update classes. AIS Construction Equipment provides sponsorship support for MGIA educational programming.
• Advanced Turf SolutionsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor for Turf Tactics & Techniques event. Advanced Turf Solutions provides sponsorship support for MGIA educational programming.
• Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMGIA is a sponsored group of BCBSM. Members have opportunity to access group rates for entire menu of BCBSM health insurance services through MDA Insurance.
• Dunaskiss Consulting & DevelopmentcoreOthersLobbyist firm representing the interests of MGIA members to the Michigan legislature. Advocates for green industry interests in Lansing.
• SavATreecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSavATree provides instructors for MGIA education programs. Gary Eichen and April Vecere serve as speakers for pest management, mosquito management, and urban forest walking tours.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• PLANET (now part of NALP): PLANET was the former national association for landscape contractors, now merged into NALP. Comparable to MGIA as a higher-level industry body that previously set national standards and certification frameworks that MGIA members still participate in.
• National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP): NALP is the national trade association for the U.S. green industry. It is directly comparable to MGIA as both serve landscape professionals with certification, education, and advocacy; MGIA is actually a state-level chapter/administrator for NALP certification, making it the closest structural peer.
• Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA): TCIA is a national trade association specifically serving arborists and tree care professionals. Comparable to MGIA's arborist member segment as both deliver certification (ISA, CTSP credits), safety training, and advocacy for tree care operators, with TCIA operating at national scale.

Direct peers

• Wisconsin Nursery Association (WNA): WNA is the Wisconsin state-level green industry trade association. Directly comparable to MGIA as a neighboring Midwest state peer offering similar membership, education, and advocacy services to landscape and nursery professionals.
• Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association (INLA): INLA is the Indiana state trade association for the green industry. Directly comparable to MGIA as a neighboring Midwest state-level peer offering similar membership, certification, and education services to landscape contractors.
• Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA): MNLA is the state-level green industry trade association for Minnesota. Directly comparable to MGIA in mission, structure, and member services for landscape and nursery professionals in a neighboring Midwest market.
• Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association (PLNA): PLNA is a state-level trade association for Pennsylvania's green industry. Directly comparable to MGIA in scope, structure, and member services including certification, education, publications, and advocacy for landscape professionals.
• Illinois Green Industry Association (or equivalent IL body): Illinois-based green industry trade association serving landscape professionals. Directly comparable to MGIA as a neighboring Midwest state peer offering similar membership, education, and certification services to a comparable contractor base.
• Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association (ONLA): ONLA is a state-level green industry trade association serving Ohio with a similar mission, structure, and member base (landscape contractors, nurseries, arborists). It is directly comparable to MGIA as a neighboring Midwest state association providing certification, education, and advocacy.

Emerging players

• Garden Centers of America (GCA): GCA is a national association serving independent garden center retailers. Partially comparable to MGIA as an industry trade body offering education and networking for the green industry supply chain, with adjacent (rather than direct) overlap to MGIA's contractor and supplier members.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/michigan-green-industry-assn

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Michigan Green Industry Assn