Profile: For more than 100 years the American Society of Landscape Architects has promoted the landscape architecture profession and advanced the practice through advocacy education communication and fellowship. As the national professional association for landscape architects ASLA has more than 15000 members and 49 chapters representing all 50 states U.S. territories and 68 countries around the world. ASLA members enjoy many benefits and discounts with their annual dues. Two of the most important benefits as identified by members are ASLAs efforts to raise awareness of the profession and legislative advocacy on issues that matter most to the profession including licensure.

 
South Carolina ASLA has had another strong year! 2019 was kicked off with creating the inaugural strategic plan for the state chapter. In coordination with National ASLA, this plan is going to create a better, more efficient, Executive Committee and help us engage with our members in a meaningful way. A major portion of the strategic plan addresses how to expand the profession's visibility to the public and working to build relationships with local governments.

Our advocacy efforts have taken a similar path along with some new roles. As always, we had several Park(ing) Day installations and organized a State Advocacy Day. We have started an outreach program to engage more with students, including both primary and secondary education. A part of this process includes connecting with guidance counselors and donating copies of Landscape Architecture Magazine to schools throughout the metropolitan areas in the state, as well as coordinating events with Clemson. Drew Cheatham, our Advocacy Committee Chair, was awarded the well-deserved, "ASLA 2018 Rising Star Advocacy Award" presented by ASLA President Shawn Kelly.

The biggest highlight of the year was the success of the 2019 Southeast Regional Conference. Hosted in Greenville, SC we teamed up with the North Carolina and Georgia chapters to create an event that the attendees were extremely pleased with. We had an interesting variety of keynote speakers and some great field sessions that complimented the region's character. The awards were representative of the passion and respect for design that the Southeast holds.

In 2020, growing our membership and engaging with emerging professionals will be a big priority. We also have a Site Tour planned, but the date is pending. Be sure to look out for future news through our website or social media!

We'd like to thank all of our members, sponsors, and especially our volunteers for making 2019 a great year!

As seen in LASN magazine, December 2019.