Code of Ethics

The Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association (CNLA) represents the highest levels of professional and ethical behavior in the nursery and landscape industry. The CNLA acknowledges the principle that competition between members is healthy and does not necessarily preclude working together for the betterment of our association and industry. This association has adopted the following Principles of Professional and Ethical Conduct. CNLA members shall use them as standards of honorable behavior within their company, and in association with industry colleagues, educators, and industry suppliers.

As a member of the Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association, I will:

1. Conduct myself with integrity, respect, honesty and credibility.
2. Recognize that my work can affect the health and welfare of my employees, my community, and our society, and it is my obligation and our industry’s obligation to do no harm.
3. Participate in association events in accordance with the highest ethical standards of professionalism and personal conduct.
4. Remember that in operating my business it is not necessary to criticize my competitor, but be true to myself, by being careful with my criticism and liberal with my praise, thereby building my image within our industry.
5. Acknowledge that it is acceptable to be successful and demand fair profit, but not accepting profit or success while losing self-respect or the respect of others because of questionable methods in conducting my business.
6. Avoid all activities that will cause conflict, damage to or discredit to the industry, our association, my company, or myself.
7. Avoid any and all conflicts of interest, and advise all parties, including my member company, of any situations where a conflict of interest exists.
8. Support the establishment of industry practices which are socially and ecologically responsible.
9. Abide by all laws and regulations that govern our industry.
10. Value diversity and strive to reflect it by providing and fostering meetings and/or events that create an inclusive atmosphere for people regardless of their national origin, race, religion, sex, marital status, age, sexual orientation, physical disability, or mental impairment.

In order to maintain the highest level of professionalism within our association, members are encouraged to bring any questions or concerns to the attention of the CNLA Board of Directors.

These principles were adopted by a majority vote of the CNLA membership on January 22, 2020.