Historically, TCIA members have traveled to Washington, D.C. each September to meet with members of Congress and their staff. Those meetings remain an important part of our advocacy efforts, but they are most effective when built upon relationships developed throughout the year.

To strengthen those relationships, TCIA is implementing an alternating engagement model:

Odd-Numbered Years: Washington, D.C. Fly-In

In non-election years, TCIA members travel to Washington to meet directly with lawmakers and congressional staff.

These meetings provide an opportunity to:

• Discuss TCIA’s federal policy priorities
• Share the impact of the tree care industry on local communities
• Educate policymakers about workforce, safety, and regulatory issues
• Strengthen existing relationships with congressional offices
• Demonstrate the expertise and professionalism of the tree care industry

Because lawmakers are typically focused on governing rather than campaigning during these years, members often have greater access to policymakers and senior staff.

Even-Numbered Years: Congressional Site Visits

During election years, many members of Congress spend more time in their home districts meeting constituents and preparing for re-election. Rather than competing with campaign schedules in Washington, TCIA shifts its focus closer to home.

Through congressional site visits, we invite Members of Congress and their staff to visit TCIA member companies and experience our industry firsthand.

These visits allow policymakers to:

• Observe tree care operations in action
• Meet business owners and employees
• Learn about workforce development challenges
• See industry-leading safety practices
• Understand how federal policies affect local businesses and communities

There is no substitute for seeing the work we do every day. A visit to a member company often creates a deeper understanding of our industry than any briefing room conversation can provide.

Why Relationships Matter

TCIA believes the most successful advocacy efforts are built over time.

A productive meeting in Washington should not be the first interaction between a congressional office and the tree care industry. Instead, it should build upon previous conversations, site visits, and local engagement opportunities.

By connecting lawmakers with members in their districts and then continuing those conversations in Washington, we create stronger relationships and more meaningful policy discussions.

Our goal is not simply to have meetings; it is to build trusted, long-term relationships that advance the interests of the tree care industry.