The Edge January/February 2026

THE NALP EXPERIENCE

DAN PAPINEAU IS THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS FOR TRUGREEN, WHERE HE MONITORS AND responds to legislation and regulations in all 50 states. He started his career working for a member of the Michigan Senate and has also held lobbying positions at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Midwest Independent Retailers Association. Meet Dan Papineau, the 2025 Advocate of the Year By Jill Odom

cated against regulations that negatively affect landscape companies’ workforce. He approaches advocacy with a mix of diplomacy and as sertiveness. He seeks to find common ground but is prepared to defend policies that are rooted in science. “A major priority for me has been defending state pre emption laws that prevent local pesticide and fertilizer ordinances, which would otherwise create a patchwork of regulations that are difficult to navigate and likely be rooted in emotions and personal motivations rather than facts and science,” Papineau says. “Beyond specific issues, I also focus on building relationships with policymakers, making sure they understand that our industry is united, accessible, and ready to collaborate.” Papineau says he’s come to learn that often policymakers don’t have a full understanding of the issues they’re making decisions on. “While we assume that those crafting laws and regulations are fully aware of their impact on the people they affect, the reality is many are not,” he says. He says it’s critical to educate educators on the real-world implications of their decisions. “Without this, mistakes are inevitable, unintended conse quences can arise, and ultimately, it’s our bottom lines and livelihoods that bear the cost,” Papineau says. Papineau stresses that being part of the conversation is crucial because ‘if you’re not on the table, you’re on the menu.’ “There are many people that like to speak on our behalf that know nothing about us or, in many cases, have interests very contrary to ours,” Papineau says. “We must be present and engaged to defend ourselves and represent our inter ests.” One of the risks of failing to make the industry’s voice heard is the lack of understanding about the environmental benefits that landscape professionals provide. “Long before the rise of renewable energy or eco-friendly products, we were the ones cultivating green spaces that filter air, reduce heat, sequester carbon, and provide count less other environmental benefits,” he says. “If we don’t speak up, these contributions risk being overlooked or underval ued, which could lead to detrimental policies that impact our work and the environment.” Papineau encourages others to get involved in advocacy as a collective voice is the only way the industry’s needs can be heard and addressed. “If we care about the growth, success, and sustainability of the landscape industry — now and for future generations — engagement in advocacy is essential.” TE

He has leveraged his thorough understanding of the political process and the strategic relationships he’s built with top regulators and legislative leaders to advance or defeat policies that impact the company and the broader green industry. His work advocating for the industry has earned him the 2025 Advocate of the Year award. “Receiving this award is a profound honor,” Papineau says. “It means that the hard work and dedication I’ve put into advocating for the industry have been recognized by a com munity of passionate, intelligent, and committed individuals. I’m deeply grateful for this acknowledgment and to work alongside colleagues on the Government Affairs Council. I’ve learned so much from them, and it’s a privilege to continue contributing to our shared mission.” Papineau serves on NALP’s Government Relations Council and has volunteered at NALP’s Advocacy Field Trip. He is passionate about promoting research-driven policy that is grounded in facts and science. “When decisions are made based on emotions or the loud voices of a vocal minority, it’s the majority who often face the negative consequences,” he says. In his role, he has worked on issues ranging from profes sional certification and licensure to defending against prod uct bans and restrictions that limit the tools that landscape professionals need to do their jobs. Papineau has also advo

26 The Edge // January/February 2026