Hello, my name is Aaron Hobbs, President of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment). Some of you may be familiar with the work that we do here in Washington, D.C., but for those that do not, we are the national trade association representing manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other specialty industry leaders, bringing to life the health and environmental benefits of pesticide and fertilizer use.

As an advocacy organization on the state and federal level, our goal is to protect your ability to operate by increasing positive conversations and perceptions about the benefits of your products.

It's that time of year again; when lawn and garden outdoor work is changing due to the colder weather. How are you planning for your winter season? During this time you are most likely scheduling a number of meetings and conferences in the upcoming months to learn about new technologies and different techniques for the spring season.

However, while you are out meeting with your colleagues and partners you may hear discussions about some of the issues our industry is facing. Now, it is more important than ever to stay informed and be involved in these conversations, so you can learn how you can make a difference with your knowledge and expertise, especially in your community and state.

Activism is also increasing during this time of year. It's much easier to pass legislation in the gray days of winter when spring and summer lawns and blooms are forgotten. We are seeing an emerging policy trend: private property pesticide bans on the local level. While we are actively engaged and working with our grassroots network to address these bans, these restrictions could significantly affect your business operations.

Two bans are right here in our own backyard - Takoma Park, MD and Montgomery County, MD. Although the Takoma Park legislation has already been passed and we worked hard to have the least restrictive language possible, Montgomery County is in the process of drafting language, and we expect it to be far reaching.

For those of you that live in bordering states, we could see this sort of legislation branch out as momentum builds, and it's vital that you are alert and aware of possible local pesticide property bans. We continue educating the public and policymakers about your products and we are meeting with allies to address our next steps going forward.

Your voice needs to join the conversation as well.

Chances are you've also heard about the pollinator health issue. On August 15th, EPA released its new pollinator protection box and label language for four neonicotinoid products and we are addressing member concerns over the new language.

We submitted a list of exemptions to the Agency for neonicotinoid outdoor use, and are working to clarify timeline concerns for submissions of the new label so that you can have the product you need come Spring 2014. You should always read the labels on products before applying them to ensure pollinators in the landscape are not harmed.

All of this recent activity may leave you wondering how you can become engaged with us. Our grassroots network is a great and easy way to have your voice heard and to become a proactive constituent for our industry. By becoming involved with our grassroots, you can make a difference when it comes to local issues such as public and private property bans on lawn care products. We have developed resources for you to use, including talking points for applicators and users so you can positively answer pollinator health questions. Our message is stronger when delivered with one united voice.

The time is now to make a difference and stay informed. If you would like to join our grassroots network, email us at grassroots@pestfacts.org to get involved. Visit our website, www.debugthemyths.com, to find talking points and facts to start the conversation and share your knowledge this winter about your products with customers, neighbors, community leaders, and policy makers.