FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 07, 2001

ASLA Contact: Beth Young
202-216-2331, byoung@asla.org

NEW INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
AIA "Trust" Opens Enrollment to ASLA Members

WASHINGTON, DC -- Beginning in October, the American Society of Landscape Architects will open a 12-month trial enrollment period in insurance plans offered by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Trust to its members. ASLA has provided insurance options as a membership benefit for a number of years, and partnering with the AIA Trust provides the opportunity to enhance and expand the programs currently available.

"Collaborative practice is a familiar concept to landscape architects, and this new partnership suits the needs of ASLA members," said Len Hopper, FASLA, President of ASLA. "Currently we are not able to expand the coverage of ASLA's existing insurance plans due to the small number of members participating. The new arrangement allows us to utilize the strength of the AIA Trust and improve an important ASLA membership benefit."

Members with existing policies through Wohlers/Seabury & Smith, ASLA's previously endorsed insurance provider, will retain their coverage on a "non-sponsored" basis. However, members with existing policies are encouraged to review the options available through the "Trust" which they may find to be more beneficial.

The "Trust" insurance and financial programs include life, disability and business overhead for ASLA members. All plans are administered by JLT Services Corp., a subsidiary of Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group, one of the largest insurance brokers in the world. For health coverage, JLT Services will search the marketplace to provide ASLA members with competitive quotations. All services will be identical to those the AIA Trust offers to AIA members. To enroll or to get more information about the "Trust" insurance options for ASLA members, contact Wil Loeber, JLT Services, toll-free at 1-800-544-2672, extension 1108 or visit the AIA Trust online at www.theaiatrust.com.

Market research indicates that many ASLA members aren't just landscape architects. They own and operate their own firms, making them business owners affected by issues like overhead costs and staff benefits. This fact is one reason ASLA membership services are chosen with an eye towards making landscape architecture offices, especially small shops, run more efficiently.

Additional "Trust" programs include LegalLine, the legal information service, which is available right now by contacting 1-800-688-9780. Property and casualty products will be offered to ASLA members at a later date.

Founded in 1899, the American Society of Landscape Architects is the national professional association representing landscape architects. From 11 original members, ASLA has grown to more than 13,500 members and 48 chapters, in all 50 states, the U.S. territories and 42 countries around the world. ASLA promotes the landscape architecture profession and advances the practice through advocacy, education, communication and networking.

# # #