National Christmas Tree Association

The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) is a professional organization in the United States of over 5,100 "Christmas tree professionals" in various capacities. The group focuses its work into three areas: promotion and research, federal representation (which includes Congressional lobbying), and professional education.^[1] The association was founded in 1955 and has more than 1,800 members.^[2]

Blue Room Christmas tree

The official White House Christmas tree, or the Blue Room Christmas Tree, is donated each year by the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA).^[3] The NCTA has donated the tree since 1966;^[4] it is chosen through a contest among members of the trade group.^[4] Growers participate in state or regional competitions for a chance at competition at the National Convention.^[5] The winner of the National Convention is declared the Grand Champion and the tree is then presented to the First Lady.^[6]

See also

• American Christmas Tree Association
• British Christmas Tree Growers Association
• Christmas tree cultivation

Notes

1. ^ "About the NCTA", National Christmas Tree Association, official site, accessed April 15, 2008.
2. ^ Hsieh-Yee, Ingrid "Christmas tree resources," The Catholic University of America, School of Library and Information Science, accessed April 15, 2008.
3. ^ World Book Inc. Christmas in Washington D.C. (Google Books), World Book .com, 1998, pp. 23-24 (ISBN 0716608510).
4. ^ ^{a b} "It's a Fraser fir for White House Christmas tree", USA Today, November 30, 2008, accessed March 30, 2009.
5. ^ "White House Christmas Tree Facts", Sun-Journal (Lewiston, Maine), December 14, 2006, accessed March 30, 2009.
6. ^ "History of Christmas Trees", National Christmas Tree Association, accessed March 30, 2009.

External links

• National Christmas Tree Association, official site