RISE Names 2014 Grassroots Excellence Award Recipient

TUCSON, Ariz. – During its 24th annual meeting, RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) recognized Mark Schlossberg, president of Pro-Lawn-Plus, with the 2014 Grassroots Excellence Award for his work on the front line in Maryland’s legislature and his advocacy for the industry on the local, state and federal levels. As this year’s honoree, he’s been the catalyst for grassroots in Montgomery County, Maryland, providing the contacts, organization and sense of urgency needed as we work to defeat lawn and turf restrictions being proposed in the county. Although Schlossberg resides in Baltimore County, he remains actively engaged by speaking with policymakers all across Maryland about green industry concerns. Schlossberg provided written testimony to the House Small Business Committee about the potential negative consequences on small green industry businesses due to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers’ proposed rule expanding the definition of “waters of the U.S.” under Clean Water Act jurisdiction. He has been president of the Maryland Association of Green Industries since 1994 and treasurer of the Maryland Green Industry Council, both long-time RISE allies. He is also the past president of the Maryland Turfgrass Council, a board member of the Maryland Agricultural Council and a member of the Baltimore County Planning Board. Photo: RISE President Aaron Hobbs (left) and RISE Chairman Steve Gullickson (right) present the 2014 Grassroots Excellence Award to Mark Schlossberg, president of Pro-Lawn-Plus.