August 2016 | Volume 37, Issue 8
FNGLA’S MONTHLY PUBLICATION: DIGITAL MONTHLY ISSUE LOCATED AT HTTP://GREENLINE.FNGLA.ORG
Business Makes Sense at The Landscape Show Your $15 dollar (if registered by September 2)
advanced-price ticket includes: Three-day Admission to The Landscape Show & Access to 400+ Vendors Admission to the Opening Day Reception Daily Chefs’ Yard-to-Table Presentations at the Trends Stage Access to New Plants & Products Featured in the Exhibitors Showcase A Seat at Any of the Sensory Garden Sharing Sessions and “Meet Ups” Admission to Tapped In Reception, for Those 40 and Under A Seat at FNGLA’s Landscape Awards Presentation
Join The Landscape Show community of more than 7,000 nursery and landscape professionals, September 15-17 in the West Building of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. With more than 400 companies filling nearly 5 acres of exhibit space, The Landscape Show is a marketplace of tremendous value and convenience by offering access to an extensive array of plants, trees, equipment and supplies, pertinent educational workshops and an opportunity to use all your senses to make smart connections, gather fresh ideas and discover new resources to add to your business success. Register now to receive a value-packed price of only $15 for a show badge, giving you access to the industry’s leading companies and most knowledgeable professionals all in one convenient location. Also included with the show badge is a complimentary admission to the Opening Night Reception, admission to Tapped In (for the 40 and under crowd) and trade show-only specials. Register now for the best pricing for The Knowledge College workshops as well. Take advantage of all the special features at this year’s The Landscape Show, including a special outdoor kitchen garden which celebrates the senses of smell, sight, sound, touch and taste through plants and the landscape experience. Back by popular demand will be the chefs’ cooking demonstrations as well as idea-sharing sessions related to the sensory garden. The Knowledge College returns with a larger selection of classes and workshops than ever covering topics from landscape irrigation to estimating and bidding to design and labor challenges. The FNGLA Certification Showcase will be back with its popular Plant ID test spot and helpful tips to become an FNGLA Certified Professional. FNGLA and industry CEUs will be available from participating in Knowledge College sessions and at the FNGLA Certification Showcase. Take advantage of The Landscape Show’s Idea Sharing Sessions, where industry members Continued page 3
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Robert Shoelson, FCLC FNGLA 2016-2017 President
FNGLA’s Business is Also a Pleasure: Thank You for Your Involvement Is it me or does it seem the older you get, the faster time seems to go by? In the blink of an eye, July is over and the summer is drawing to an end. The first month of my presidency was not all work though. I had the pleasure of attending a couple of chapter installation dinners around the state which were very enjoyable. So perhaps the right saying would be, “Time flies when you are having fun.” Not all of the duties of this position are work, there is some fun involved. The first event I attended was the FNGLA MiamiDade Chapter Installation Banquet and Casino Night. After a brutal two hour trek through Friday rush hour traffic, I arrived at the Women’s Club of Homestead where the event was held. I probably shouldn’t complain since Ben Bolusky, Billy Butterfield and Billy Deal made the trip down from Orlando. This was the first installation I have attended outside of the Broward Chapter. It was great to see some familiar faces as well as getting the opportunity to meet some new folks. Incoming President Peggy Machin did an excellent job hosting the festivities and I congratulate and wish her luck in the upcoming year. Florida Representative Holly Raschein was also on hand to install the incoming officers. This was the third time in about two years I have run into Holly at an FNGLA event. She is a great ally for our industry and always seems to have our best interest at heart. I wish to congratulate Kim Hosang for being awarded the Babe Greer award. It was the first time I met Kim, but heard lots of wonderful things about her. The evening was fun, entertaining and the food was delicious. I am glad I endured the traffic and got to experience this great evening. 2
The following Tuesday evening had me heading up to the Rocking Rabbit Brewery in Mount Dora for the FNGLA Action Chapter’s Installation Dinner. Once again it was great to see many of my friends from the Orlando area and meet new ones as well. Vera Gasparini did a wonderful job conducting the meeting as she welcomed new President Katy Steinkamp. Katy seems like she is ready to lead the Action Chapter for the upcoming year. It is great to see young leaders rising up and volunteering their time to their chapters. I wish to congratulate Ty Strode for the Gene Batson Award. Ty works very hard for the chapter as well and is very deserving. The month ended with another trip up to Orlando for the Grower Leaders Meeting. This trip was more on the work side than it was pleasure. Some of the top growers from around the state gathered to discuss important issues facing this segment of our industry. Some of the issues discussed deal with labor, water, workers comp, as well as pests & diseases. It is estimated the number of growers is down approximately one-third throughout the state. FNGLA needs to remain proactive in protecting growers’ interests and there is no better way to do this than by hearing firsthand what issues are on the table. For the most part, it sounds like business is up or remaining steady. There are serious issues regarding availability of trees. On the way home from this meeting, I participated in a conference call regarding FNGLA’s Political Action Committee. The purpose for the PAC is to increase visibility and provide campaign assistance, on a bipartisan basis, to Florida state legislators and candidates who actively support our industry. We are coming up on a very important election and need ensure that the right people for our industry are elected. If you are ready to donate, please go to FNGLA.org or call the office. This is money very well spent. Continued on page 3
FNGLA HAPPENINGS Continued from page 1
share with one another their ideas and expertise related to trending topics, including edibles and edible landscapes, sensory gardens, wellness through gardens and water features. In addition, Meet Ups will take place throughout show days at the Connection Corner. Meets Ups are open to anyone attending the show and will include FNGLA Chapter Meet Ups, a Retailer Meet up and Landscape Contractors Meet Up. Visit the Exhibitors’ Showcase featuring new plants and products. Reviewing the special items on display is a convenient way to see the newest and unique products offered by exhibitors. Photos and note-taking are welcome and follow up visits to exhibitors’ booths is encouraged. More products are spotlight on Friday as part of The Landscape Show’s Cool Products presentation. These awards are determined by garden center and landscape buyers attending the show, often giving an early hint of upcoming market trends. The Landscape Show/SHARE Golf Tournament is sporting a new location as it moves to Celebration Golf Club. Celebration is considered one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in Central Florida. Look for added side games, give-a-ways and fun at this year’s tournament. Tapped In, a networking event for young industry professionals gets more popular each year. Club 39 at the Rosen Plaza, one of Orlando’s most popular social venues, will be the spot for those 40 years old and younger to meet and begin creating important business connections. This event takes place Friday evening from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. The Rosen Plaza, with newly refurbished sleeping rooms, is the headquarters hotel for The Landscape Show. Book your stay through EventSphere at your earliest opportunity to secure best pricing for your rooms. Additional hotel options are available through The Landscape Show housing program. See even more details at www. thelandscapeshow.org! The Landscape Show is produced by FNGLA, the nation’s largest state nursery and landscape association. FNGLA represents Florida’s environmental horticulture industry, with an estimated $15.32 billion in industry-wide sales. For more information on FNGLA visit www.fngla.org or call 800-375-3642.
THE BEST WAYS TO SEE THE NEW TRENDS AND PRODUCTS AT THE LANDSCAPE SHOW: • Visit the show’s 400+ exhibitors • See Fresh from Florida’s Yard-to-Table Chefs’ Presentations • Attend The Knowledge College Workshops • Be a part of The Landscape Show Idea Sharing Sessions & “Meet Ups” • See the Trend Stage Sensory Garden • Access the FNGLA Landscape Certification Exam Showcase • Visit The Landscape Show’s New Plants and Products Showcase • See The Landscape Show Cool Products Awards presentation
SEPTEMBER 15 - 17 ORLANDO
Continued from page 2
I want to thank the members of the FNGLA Miami-Dade and Action Chapters for inviting me to their installation dinners. I especially want to thank those who step up to lead their chapters. It is never easy finding people who are willing to give their time and dedication to fill these positions. Often it is the same people who volunteer time and time again. This is the case in my Chapter, Broward, and I see it happening in these other chapters around the state. This is an exceptional Association and hopefully more folks step up to help out in these roles. If you are too busy to take on a leadership role, at least come out to support your Chapter and the men and women who keep it going. Thanks for your time and enjoy the rest of your summer. Robert Shoelson, FCLC Getting Green Plant Service, Inc. (Davie) & Betrock Information Systems, Inc. (Hollywood) robert@gettinggreen.com 3
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Get in front of
MORE PEOPLE
at The Landscape Show!
Knowledge College Offers 18 Opportunities to Expand Your Industry Knowledge In a place “Where Business Makes Sense”, it makes “sense” to choose one or more of the 18 different workshops offered at The Knowledge College, The Landscape Show’s educational sessions. From classroom to classroom, mixed with practical demonstrations on the show floor, attendees will learn real-workplace principles which are easily applied to their own businesses. The Knowledge College is also a great place for cutting-edge training to spark creativity, deepen your knowledge and bring you new ideas and inspiration to sharpen your skills. Topics, such as landscape design, container gardening, irrigation, pruning, new trends and labor workshops, will help industry members tackle the everyday challenges of running a business. Programs such as the Pollinator, Landscape Efficiency and Pest Management workshops will provide keys to safeguard business investments and keep liabilities down. Choose one or multiple workshops to build a program tailor-made for you and set yourself, knowledge-wise, above your competitors! Register by September 2 at $75 per workshop. Continuing education units (CEUs) for FNGLA certifications as well as other certifications such as ISA, Landscape Architect and Pesticide Applicator licenses are available for attending. Come meet a few of our 2016 Knowledge College Experts:
PETER VAN STRALEN The Grounds Guys®
KURT THOMPSON Massey Services, Inc.
MARK BRADLEY TBG Landscape
CRAIG REGELBRUGGE AmericanHort
Learn more details about each workshop, including speaker bios and times, at www. thelandscapeshow.org!
MARK RUSSELL SeaWorld Orlando
JAMIE ROSS Jamie Ross Garden and Landscape Design
FNGLA HAPPENINGS The Landscape Show/SHARE Golf Tournament Announces 2016 Champion Sponsor A revitalized golf tournament committee has set an ambitious goal of $10,000+ to contribute to FNGLA’s Endowed Research Fund at SHARE/UF. A big step to accomplishing this goal was accomplished when SiteOne Landscape Supply signed on board as the exclusive 2016 Champion Sponsor of the Tournament. Adding to the exclusive sponsor list are Syngenta which is sponsoring the tournament lunch and FIS Outdoor which is sponsoring the tournament breakfast. These significant sponsorships provide a big boost to adding more dollars to the FNGLA Endowed Research Fund and consequently more research support to solve industry challenges.
Champion Sponsor
Breakfast Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Last year, $6,000 was given to SHARE thanks to the tournament. Over the life of the tournament nearly $175,000 has been contributed to the FNGLA Endowed Research Fund. The 2016 tournament takes place Wednesday, September 14 at Celebration Golf Club, the award-winning centerpiece of the highly acclaimed master planned town of Celebration. Now is the time to register yourself or a team to play. There is a limit on the number of golfers and the tournament is expected to sell out this year. The price is only $115 per player, including breakfast and lunch and 18 holes of golf. The scramble-style tournament has everyone teeing off at 8 a.m., offering a morning full of friendly competition and fun, as golfers have a chance to buy mulligans and play side games which may improve scores and add to the fun. Visit http://www.fngla.org/thelandscapeshow/golf.aspx for more details about the tournament and sponsorship options, to register to play, and to sign up as a sponsor.
The Landscape Show/SHARE Golf Tournament’s new venue is Celebration Golf Club: Rated 4 1/2 Stars in Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play since 2004 and ranked in the Top 25 Public Courses by Golf World magazine’s Readers’ Choice Award. It also has received the Award of Excellence, Top 10 Golf Course by GolfOrlandoFlorida.com
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FNGLA HAPPENINGS The Landscape Show Features Certification, Job Board & Career Fair It’s an employee fest at The Landscape Show for 2016. Not only can you learn more about how to bring additional education and professionalism to your employees, you can post job openings and introduce your company to high school horticulture students. FNGLA’s Certification Showcase on the show floor provides a wealth of information on all of FNGLA’s certifications. There are even exam stations set up where you can actually practice your skills – including Plant Identification, Job Evaluation and Irrigation Parts ID. The display will be open during show hours and staffed by FNGLA’s Certified Professionals, Certified Judges and members of FNGLA’s Certification Committee. Need employees? Post your job openings at the Job Center inside the Certification Showcase. You’ll get exposure to Landscape Show attendees throughout the show. Looking for tomorrow’s leaders today? Secure a table at FNGLA’s Horticulture Career Fair Friday, September 16 when FNGLA invites 300 horticulture students to career presentations. There is no cost to participate. For more information, contact Merry Mott at mmott@fngla.org or 407-295-7994.
Among The Landscape Show’s career-focused events, there is a Certification Showcase spotlighting FNGLA’s certification programs; a Job Board where businesses and employees can list jobs/resumes; and, a youth career fair designed to showcase the industry to agriculture-oriented youth. All take place at The Landscape Show this September in Orlando.
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FNGLA HAPPENINGS The Value of FNGLA: More Than the Cost of Membership! FNGLA is a dynamic industry association and a national leader in the nursery and landscape industry made strong through our members involvement. Established in 1952, FNGLA’s efforts benefit many businesses within Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. Our network of people and happenings, professional enhancement opportunities, and money-saving service providers help ignite and fuel our members’ business success. We proudly boast a membership of over 1,800 industry professionals and over 2,000 FNGLA Certified Industry Professionals. FNGLA is led by its board of directors as well as many committees and staff experts who guide the assoication’s direction. Comprised of 15 local chapters geographically located throughout Florida, FNGLA’s strong local chapters are the association’s backbone. Local meetings and events are ideal venues for reaching out to Florida’s nursery and landscape industry, maximizing visibility and creating business opportunities. FNGLA’s two prominent industry marketing events, TPIE and The Landscape Show, provide an ideal platform for industry commerce. FNGLA members are privy to exhibitor discounts which may equal your membership fee. Educational events, held at each show and throughout the year, are ideal times to learn from industry pros and seek out solutions to many of the problems and issues your business faces. And, for nursery and landscape professionals, FNGLA offers five distinct industry certification programs to enhance your business and sharpen your personnel. There’s really a plethora of benefits FNGLA membership brings! If you’re motivated by cost-savings, FNGLA members are enjoying discounts daily from our menu of services. From commercial vehicle discounts, insurance deals and credit card processing discounts to printing, graphics and online marketing assistance, members are saving on services you need and for which you are already likely are paying. Great things are on the FNGLA horizon: we’re implementing a new strategic plan, focusing on technology to enhance our members’ experience and looking at ways to provide even more value to our members. Part of our advancement included opening the distribution of this newsletter to the industry-at-large. You are encouraged to sign-up your firm’s key personnel to receive their own copy: https://www.fngla.org/resources/subscribe/edit.aspx. If you’re already an FNGLA member, we thank you. You can recommend membership to your peers: https://www.fngla.org/ membership/make-a-referral/index.aspx. If you’re not yet a member, joining is easy: https://www.fngla.org/membership/join/ application.aspx. FNGLA membership is an investment in your business’ success and in your industry’s future! FNGLA is managed by a 26-member Board of Directors comprised of member-elected representatives from our 15 active Chapters, 7 Divisions, and 4 statewide officers -- namely a President, President-elect, Secretary-Treasurer, and Immediate Past President. FNGLA Chapters are the lifeline of the Association. Through their representatives, FNGLA members learn about the issues affecting different parts of the state and plans accordingly. FNGLA Chapter Presidents are eleted by their Chapters to preside over Chapter meetings. Each chapter is unique -- and we encourage you to attend meetings and be a part of the happenings!
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FNGLA HAPPENINGS National Foliage Foundation
Building A Strong Foundation for Industry’s Next Generation The National Foliage Foundation’s (NFF) scholarship programs continue to establish pathways for qualified students in need of financial support to gain experience and expertise, earn post high school degrees and become active members and leaders in the horticulture industry or related segments such are landscape professionals, arborists, landscape architecture, research.
Educating Future Leaders Every day there is an opportunity to change someone’s life. Whether it is just a kind word said to a stranger or a lesson taught to your children. Sometimes it is the extra financial support needed to help realize a student’s dream.
Every day we have the opportunity to shape the future around us. National Foliage Foundation (NFF) believes in the future of the nursery and landscape industry and knows it plays a part in building future leaders. On an annual basis, NFFs' scholarship program continues to establish pathways for qualified students in need of financial support. It allows students to gain experience and expertise, earn post high school degrees and become active members and leaders in the horticulture industry. Scholarships are available through the James H. Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund and NFF’s General Scholarship Fund. Do your part today! Contribute to the National Foliage Foundation and you, too, can start making a difference.
www.nationalfoliagefoundation.org
NFF is administered by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association. For more information contact Linda Reindl, lreindl@fngla.org
NFF has been helping to train future leaders of the industry since 1996. Steadfast, one of its primary focuses is to supports educational programs and provide scholarships to attract young people to the nursery and landscape industry so they become a part of the solution to future industry challenges. Within NFF, there are two scholarship funds that have been established; James H. Davis Memorial Scholarship and NFF’s General Scholarship fund. James H. Davis Memorial Scholarship was started by a generous contribution to the National Foliage Foundation. As an FNGLA member, he actively served his association through committee and trade show activities and dedication to his industry. Davis Tree Farm was a recipient of the prestigious FNGLA Grower of the Year award. It is hoped the James H. Davis Memorial Scholarship gives students the opportunity to develop into a new generation of dedicated individuals for the horticulture industry of tomorrow. James H. Davis was not a straight “A” student and believed as long as the students maintained a 2.0 grade point average, then he/she deserved an opportunity to gain a good education. This scholarship is for incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors planning to attend a community college, college, university or other program in Florida. NFF’s General Scholarship Fund was created to allow graduate students, out-of-state and non-traditional students the opportunity to apply for a scholarship. Contributions from those individuals whose earmarked contributions go to scholarships to strengthen this fund. For more information about applying for scholarships, contact Linda Reindl, lreindl@fngla.org
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INDUSTRY NEWS Science on the Stump By Jack Payne, University of Florida senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of IFAS, jackpayne@ufl.edu | @JackPayneIFAS You will hear a whole lot of non-scientists talking about science on the stump this year. And that’s OK. Like scientists, well-meaning politicians are dedicated to solving problems. When candidates seek your vote, they are making the case that they can make your life better. I’m doing much the same thing when I go to Tallahassee to advocate for investment in public science. I’m encouraged to see this year so many of those engaged in public policy debate, from Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam to local county commissioner candidates, agree water is one of the state’s top issues. Water’s rise offers hope because it’s a non-partisan issue to which science can contribute so much. I’m not saying it’s apolitical. After all, it’s been said the only thing harder to remove from water than salt is politics. But the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, which I lead, has widely respected objective scientific expertise in Florida water that can inform those in power – or who aspire to power – as they seek solutions to providing clean and sufficient water to 20 million Floridians, 100 million visitors, and countless farms and businesses, all while maintaining healthy springs, rivers, and lakes. My own campaign is a call to elected officials to come to UF/IFAS for the information they need to decide how to best serve you when it comes to water. We don’t have to take complete stabs in the dark on water. This is not a gut-check issue. It’s one in which policy makers can be informed by evidence rather than just ideology. IFAS has for decades researched water and shared our knowledge with anyone with an interest. That, of course, should be anyone. We need science to help prevent any Florida community from suffering what Flint, Mich., has gone through. We need it to guide efforts to remove the stink from polluted beaches, to wipe away algae blooms threaten river life, and to restore the health of our springs. UF/IFAS tries to foster a water-wise Florida in numerous ways: • We run water schools for local leaders such as county commissioners and mayors. • We create phone apps, irrigation systems, and planting techniques to help farmers reduce their water use by millions and millions of gallons a year, saving them money and stretching our water supply. • We show homeowners, apartment managers, and developers landscape design is as water-stingy as it is beautiful. • We’re hiring water outreach agents to serve as liaisons to each of the state’s five major water districts to help those agencies with information relevant to providing clean and sufficient water for people, fish, and manatees. • We’re tasked in the major water law passed by this year’s Legislature with identifying the best ways to use fertilizers to help us grow food but don’t get flushed off the farm. There was an aspect of the recent Brexit referendum campaign that disturbed me. One of the leading “Leave” proponents was quoted as saying, “… people in this country have had enough of experts.”
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Really? Then to whom does one turn for advice on important challenges requiring complex solutions? I hope our politicians and voters in Florida consider science as they formulate their thinking about water and other issues. That means examining evidence. Evidence is what separates guesswork from informed predictions. “Expert” shouldn’t be a label to signal that someone is out of touch or not concerned with real people’s lives. Landgrant universities such as UF are full of real people devoted to bringing higher education to everyone, whether that’s in the form of research, teaching, or outreach. These people are scientists. So, yes, I’m proud to call my scientists experts. Moreover, we don’t seek profit but impact. We measure that through how much we help you. We have people thinking about this all the time, not just when they’re on the stump. I want people on the stump, including non-scientists, talking water, too. I just hope candidates and voters will put a premium on truth – truth that is based on evidence. It’s not our place to tell you for whom to vote or whether to run for office. When you enter the arena of making decisions affecting 20 million Floridians, though, I do hope you’ll include a respect for science in your thinking. Science is the best tool we have to gather evidence to discover truths. UF/IFAS science is dedicated to the search for those truths in Florida. Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Stockholders Approve Merger: Dow, DuPont DuPont and The Dow Chemical Company announced, at their respective special meetings of stockholders held recently, stockholders of both companies have voted to approve all stockholder proposals necessary to complete the merger of equals transaction – a key milestone in the process to merge the two companies and subsequently pursue the intended spins of three highly focused, independent companies. The companies expect the merger transaction to close in the second half of 2016, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals. “The overwhelming support of Dow and DuPont stockholders to approve this historic merger transaction is a clear testament to the compelling value proposition and enhanced shareholder value that DowDuPont represents,” said Andrew N. Liveris, Dow’s chairman and chief executive officer. “Today is a pivotal step toward bringing together these two iconic enterprises, and to the subsequent intended separation into three leading, independent technology and innovation-based science companies that will generate significant benefits for all stakeholders.” DuPont and Dow intend that, following the consummation of the merger, the combined company will pursue the separation of the combined company’s Agriculture business, Material Science business and Specialty Products business into three independent, publicly traded companies, subject to approval by the DowDuPont board and receipt of any required regulatory approvals. The intended subsequent separation into three independent, publicly traded companies is expected to be consummated as soon as practicable following the merger closing, but consummation of the separations is not expected to exceed 18-24 months after the merger closing. The final voting results on all agenda items for each company’s special meeting will be filed with the SEC in separate Form 8-Ks and will also be available at http://www.dow.com/en-us/investor-relations/financial-reporting and http://investors.dupont.com/, respectively, after certification by each company’s inspector of elections. Additional information is available at www.dowdupontunlockingvalue.com.
INDUSTRY NEWS Florida TaxWatch: Florida’s 2016 Mid-Year Job Growth Florida continues to be among the leading states in terms of job creation as we head into the second half of 2016. Over the past year, Florida’s overall employment is among the highest in the state’s history. Florida’s unemployment rate has also steadily declined over the past year, dropping from 5.3% in June of 2015 to 4.7% in June of 2016. Florida ranked 3rd among “States with the Fastest Job Growth,” which highlighted growth in the fields of professional and business services, tourism, and health care as reasons to be optimistic about the future of Florida’s job market. Construction, which is closely linked to commercial landscape installation, was 4th on the list for job gains, an indication of robust business paired with Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. Florida’s success in adding jobs has been felt across the state as all metropolitan areas experienced job growth over the past year. Three of Florida’s most industrialized metropolitan areas, Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Orlando-KissimmeeSanford, and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater led the way in terms of job growth, each adding more than 40,000 jobs over the past year. Florida TaxWatch is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit taxpayer research institute & government watchdog for more than one third of a century, Florida TaxWatch works to improve the productivity and accountability of Florida government. Its research recommends productivity enhancements and explains the statewide impact of fiscal and economic policies and practices on citizens and businesses. Access Florida TaxWatch’s mid-year growth commentary at http://www.floridatrend.com/article/20406/floridas-2016-midyear-job-growth for more detail and information.
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Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Begin to Service Florida The first medical marijuana dispensary in Florida, Truelieve, opened July 26, just one week after being given dispensing authorization by Florida’s health department and a second medical marijuana dispensary has been approved in Florida. Florida’s Department of Health granted authorization to a second dispensary for processing and selling lowTHC medical marijuana. Surterra Therapeutics, will begin in-home state delivery within a week and its actual store will open in Tampa within the month, reports the Associated Press. The state’s Office of Compassionate Use, which was formed to oversee state regulation of medical marijuana, projects there will be dispensing locations in 19 cities by the time all six organizations are up and running. The Legislature gave limited approval to medical marijuana in 2014, with many expecting it to be available early in 2015. The process was beset by administrative delays. Patients suffering from cancer, epilepsy, chronic seizures and chronic muscle spasms can order medical marijuana by contacting their physician, as long as both are in a state registry.
Florida Agriculture Financial Management Conference, Orlando The 6th Annual Florida Agriculture Financial Management Conference serves agri-businesses and the allied ag industry by providing the most up-to-date and relevant information needed to manage financial risk and grow farm operations’ bottom lines. The conference is geared to deliver high-quality, timely, and practical financial tools and economic information to help you take your farm business to the next level. Session topics include: Highly Effective Tax Planning Tools; Risk Management Resources; Deferred Retirement Planning Tools; Understanding Whole Farm Revenue Protection Insurance; Leadership Transition/Succession Plans; Economic and Political Updates; and, Enterprise Business Analysis. The event promotes networking with colleagues and peers, the sharing of ideas and best practices, and give attendees the opportunity to discuss the current financial market and its impact on agribusinesses. Owners and managers of Florida farms – large and small – are encouraged to attend, along with chief financial officers, controllers, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, lenders and attorneys who represent growers. CPE and CLE credits will be available. Since its inception in 2010, and thanks to its dedicated participants and outstanding sponsors, the conference has grown in reputation, relevance, and service to Florida’s Agribusiness community. Learn more online at www.fafmc.org!
INDUSTRY NEWS 30 Years for Florida Ag in the Classroom: Time to Celebrate! Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc. (FAITC) is celebrating its 30th anniversary. In honor of the special occasion, the non-profit organization will hold a Farm-to-Fork dinner Thursday, November 3 at Sunny Acres Lodge in Polk City. The event called ‘Boots, Barns and Books’ will feature Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Chef Justin, a special video of FAITC’s history, a clay shoot and a buggy ride of the scenic location in Polk County. “We’re very proud of how the organization has grown over the years,” said Tamara Wood, chairman of Florida Agriculture in the Classroom and representative for Florida Citrus Mutual on FAITC’s board of directors. “We’re reaching more K-12 teachers and students with our popular elementary school reading program Florida Agriculture Literacy Day, school garden curricula Gardening for Grades and Gardening for Nutrition and school garden mini grants and school garden teacher workshops and farm tours.” FAITC estimates it reaches an average of 6,000 Florida teachers and 160,000 Florida students in kindergarten through 12th grade each year. FAITC began in the 1980s with other state Agriculture in the Classroom programs at the request of then U.S. Agriculture Secretary John Block. He recognized the importance of educating teachers and students in K-12 general education classrooms about agriculture by infusing agricultural concepts into reading, writing, science and social studies instruction. Because Americans were becoming so removed from the farm, he asked states to create Agriculture in the Classroom programs to help address the issue. Florida agriculture industry leaders accepted the challenge, and incorporated Florida Agriculture in the Classroom on August 12, 1986 with three board members - Kelvin Robinson of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Elin Oak of the Florida Phosphate Council and Polly Golden of the Florida Beef Council. “I’m just so appreciative of the entire industry that got behind Florida Agriculture in the Classroom and kept it going and I look forward to more good things to come from it in the future,” said Kevin Morgan, assistant to the president of Florida Farm Bureau who was one of FAITC’s first board members. In the mid-1990s, FAITC got a boost when the Florida agriculture industry worked together with the help of Florida Fruit &Vegetable Association’s Butch Calhoun to create the Ag Tag specialty license plate. In fact, the Ag Tag celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, too. With every purchase of an Ag Tag, $20 goes to FAITC to support its programs. Florida Agriculture Literacy Day got its start in 2004, and FAITC began writing its own children’s books with the help of the FDACS’ Division of Marketing. It launched its school garden program with the development of school garden curriculum Gardening for Grades in 2011 and Gardening for Nutrition in 2014 and offering of $500 school garden mini grants each school year. STEMming Up Gardening for Grades, a secondary school garden curriculum, will debut in 2017. FAITC continues to offer professional development workshops to teachers around the state throughout the year, and ties lesson instruction in the morning to crops teachers see in the afternoon on farm tours. Next school year, FAITC will partner with international agribusiness company Agrium to host two ‘Seed Survivor’ mobile learning trailers that will visit elementary schools around the state to educate students about seed germination and plant growth. In addition, it will introduce Agrium’s new ‘Journey 2050’ educational platform that uses a farming game to educate students. For more information about FAITC, please visit its website at http://faitc.org.
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INDUSTRY NEWS UF-IFAS Extension Offers Online Greenhouse Training UF-IFAS Extension is offering an online Nutrient Management training program, online from July 18 to August 12. This is an introductory class designed to help you interpret a fertilizer label; understand fundamentals of managing pH and fertilizer level; perform substrate-pH and electrical conductivity (EC) tests; perform substrate porosity and wettability tests; and, identify and prevent pH and EC-related problems. Classes are completely online, offered in English or Spanish, and are offered at $200 per employee. Chat online with your instructors during the course for help and interactive learning. Learn more at http://backpocketgrower.com/ onlinecourses.asp. To register, go to http://tinyurl. com/IntroNutMgtFNGLA2016.
Suwannee River Palms Jasper, FL
93.4 +/- Acres Palm Tree Nursery! Equipment Manager’s Residence Substantial Inventory Over 20,000 Cold Hardy Palms Access to I-10 and I-75 Serves Markets Throughout the Southeast
The Florida Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a non-profit organization committed to serving the needs of Florida’s professional arborists and tree-care consumers.
1-877-518-LAND SaundersRealEstate.com/SuwanneePalms 15
CERTIFICATION NEWS FNGLA’s Landscape Certification Exams Set For Fall FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Technician (FCLT) program provides a means to educate and certify your landscape installation technicians. This hands-on approach to testing is suited perfectly to the employee in the field – by testing their skills in landscape installation. Join FNGLA and SeaWorld Horticulture in Orlando for testing August 27. This popular test site serves as the Central Florida location for all of FNGLA’s landscape certifications. The next stop is Davie October 7, hosted by the FNGLA Broward Chapter. This is the only bilingual exam site in the state and takes place at the University of Florida Ft. Lauderdale Research Center. Two options for training are available. English: September 2 at UF in Davie and Spanish: September 24 at UF MiamiDade Extension in Homestead. For more information, contact Merry Mott at mmott@fngla.org or 407-295-7994.
FNGLA Landscape Technicians are required to show proficiency in a variety of tasks in order to pass the exam. Test sites are offered across the state and throughout the year maximizing the opportunity for industry personnel to test.
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CERTIFICATION NEWS
THANK YOU! Jupiter Trainers
Training Leads to Success on Landscape Certification Exams Applicants for FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Technician (FCLTInstallation) and Maintenance Technician (FCLMT) exam are ready for success thanks to two training programs in the summer of 2016. Hands-on training for FCLMT took place in May, hosted by the Jupiter Island Club. Bilingual training was offered to a variety of landscape companies from Martin and Palm Beach counties. FCLT was the focus of the hands-on training at SeaWorld Horticulture in July, bringing in professionals from around the state to prepare for the August 27th exam. For more information on upcoming training and testing opportunities for FNGLA’s certification exams, contact Merry Mott at FNGLA at mmott@fngla.org.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
• Shane Humble, FCLMT, Complete Property Maintenance • John Kotch, FCLMT, Wellington Pro Lawn • Luc Limbourg, FCLMT, GreenTeam Solutions • Carlos Pulido, FCLC, Sunflower Landscaping • Gary Weitermann, FCLMT, SeaWorld Horticulture • Ryan Woodward, FCLMT, Jupiter Island Club
Orlando Trainers • Billy Butterfield, FCLC, Ameriscapes Landscape • Christian Martinez, FCLT, BrightView • Luis Perez, FCLT, BrightView • Gary Weitermann, FCLMT, SeaWorld Horticulture
September 2
Certification Review for FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Technician exams at UF Ft. Lauderdale Research Center in Davie.
September 15
Certification Review Workshop looks at FNGLA’s landscape technician exams at The Knowledge College during The Landscape Show in Orlando.
September 17
FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Designer (FCLD) training returns! A look at the newly-enhanced FCLD exam at the Knowledge College during The Landscape Show in Orlando.
September 24
Certification Review for FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Technician exams at UF Miami-Dade County Extension in Homestead – Bilingual training
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Ready. Set. Go.
Get Certified. It’s Your Future. And it starts now. FNGLA offers an array of certification programs designed to elevate your professionalism as part of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. This is a powerful opportunity to distinguish yourself from others. FNGLA Certified Professionals: We Know What Grows! Get started today: www.fngla.org/certifications
HORTICULTURE
DESIGN
CONTRACTING
INSTALLATION
MAINTENANCE
MEMBER NEWS FNGLA Saddened by Recent Industry Death FNGLA Past President Wayne T. Hardy, 63 of Orlando, Florida passed away on June 29, 2016 from an extended fight with pancreatic cancer. He and his mother, Betty, began their first business -- Vista Landscaping -- during his junior year in college. Wayne was recognized by his peers as “Outstanding Young Nurseryman of Florida” and later as “Outstanding Young Nurseryman of the South.” In 1987, he was elected as the youngest President of FNGLA. It was during Wayne Hardy’s term as president in 1987-88 that the FNGLA Endowed Research Fund at the University of Florida Foundation was started with an initial $15,000 contribution by FNGLA. Today, the FNGLA Endowment stands at $1.3 million. Wayne is survived by his wife Naida, two children Matthew and Elizabeth, three grandchildren, his father J. Thomas Hardy, sister Pamela J. Hardy and his uncle. Wayne will be missed!
Farm Credit of NW Florida Awards Scholarships Farm Credit of Northwest Florida honored six high-achieving high school seniors this spring by awarding each student a $1,500 AgVocator scholarship. The recognized students are pursuing careers in agriculture, horticulture, forestry or a similar field and have proven their dedication to building stronger rural communities within Farm Credit of Northwest Florida’s chartered territory. In addition to area of study, winners were chosen based on academic aptitude, vocational promise, personal attributes and leadership qualities. The hope is that they will use their talents and education to contribute to their rural communities in a meaningful way. The 2016 AgVocator Scholarship recipients include: Charles Dowis of Bay High School, Colby Hargrove of Cottondale High School, Jacob Long of Jefferson County High School, Kyle Rogers of Aucilla Christian Academy, Emily Ashworth of Jay High School and Alexander Cook of East Hill Christian School. Farm Credit of Northwest Florida is a member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Marianna, FL serving 18 counties throughout the Florida Panhandle. Farm Credit offers highly competitive credit to meet the financing needs of farmers, agribusinesses, rural landowners and homeowners. For more information about the types of financing available or how cooperative lenders share their profits with borrowers, go to www.farmcredit-fl.com.
One of six AgVocator Scholarship winners was Jacob Long of Jefferson County High School. Jacob plans to study Agribusiness & Environmental Studies. Presenter is Bill Bassett.
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Orange County Convention Center
We’re moving into the West Building!
MEMBER NEWS The Mission of FNGLA
1. Action 2. Big Bend 3. Broward 4. Central East Coast 5. Coastal Springs 6. Miami-Dade 7. Frontrunners 8. Highlands Heartland 9. Polk
10. Manasota 11. Northeast 12. Palm Beach 13. Panhandle 14. Pinellas 15. Royal Palm 16. Space Coast 17. Tampa Bay 18. Treasure Coast
FNGLA’s mission is to promote and protect the interests of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. The following core principles guide the governance and management of FNGLA: Organizational Excellence; Member-Focus; Collaboration and Partnerships; Leadership in Agriculture; and, Continuous Improvement. Don’t just read the newsletter. Be a part of FNGLA!
Welcome New Members The following are new FNGLA members from June 22, 2016 - July 30, 2016
ACTION Florida Hospital Shawn Boschert (Supportive) 601 E Rollins St Orlando, FL 32803 407-303-3260 Green Star Lawn & Garden Michael B Martin 3455 Ohio Ave Sanford, FL 32773 407-302-7104 Mirimichi Green Vera M. Gasparini 418 Hermitage Rd Castle Hayne, NC 28429 (407) 920-2463 O & A Services, Inc. Carl Osborn 170 Ronning Way Longwood, FL 32750-5131 407-402-8378 BROWARD Cay Property Holdings LLC Rohan Crichton 3350 NW 48th Ave Ste 203 Miramar, FL 33027 954-862-2250 Diamond Cuts Landscaping and Design Inc. Eli Rosa 8341 SW 23rd Ct Miramar, FL 33025 561-400-4661 Gardenworks Supply Center, Inc. Keith Milam 1501 E Oakland Park Blvd Oakland Park, FL 33334 954-537-1111 Grabber Construction Products Trace Boswell 1857 SW 3rd St Pompano Beach, FL 33069-3105 954-971-4730 Ideal Air Systems, Inc. Courtney Shipley 231 Goolsby Blvd Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 954-426-2645 MOT Plans, Inc. Mark Meyers 631 NE 45th St Oakland Park, FL 33334 954-560-0450
No Worries Property Maintenance Rochelle James PO Box 50431 Pompano Beach, FL 33074 561-303-8612 Pink and Green LLC Luke Hansford 320 S Flamingo Rd #156 Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 954-534-3226 Total Tropic Landscaping, Inc. Daniel Godfrey 10091 NW 39th St Cooper City, FL 33084 954-971-4022 The Unpretentious Garden Inc. Charles Ross 601 NE 11th St Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304-4955 954-296-2019 YSX Management Corporation Jeffrey Cozzi 1930 Tyler St Hollywood, FL 33023 954-348-0719 COASTAL SPRINGS Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply Ryan Hill (Affilaite Member) LD Garcia (Associate Member) 26530 Wesley Chapel Blvd Lutz, FL 33559 904-316-9128 FRONTRUNNERS Hensley’s Nursery, LLC Jamie Hensley 17422 NW 62nd Ave Alachua, FL 32615 352-318-2340 Rec’d by: Justin Slaymaker, Slay’s Trees, LLC INTERNATIONAL Premier Tech Horticulture Christian Jacques 1 Avenue Premier Riviere-Du-Loup, QUE G5R 6C1 Canada 418-867-8883 MIAMI-DADE Native Construction Contracting Inc. Brett Ekblom 100 Wrenn St Tavernier, FL 33070 305-852-3116
OUTSIDE FLORIDA The American Road Machinery Company Jon Deremer 3026 Saratoga Ave SW Canton, OH 44706 330-904-9336
Jr Peaden Septic Tanks, Inc. Kevin Peaden 6628 Roeville Rd Milton, FL 32570 850-665-1038 Rec’d by: Keith Sylvest, Coastal Machinery
Diamond H Construction Mark Hillard 25243 Cascade Rd Cascade, MD 21719 717-794-9937
Vision Construction Ent., LLC Gerry Crook 2860 W Navy Blvd. Ste 100 Pensacola, FL 32505 840-469-1970 Rec’d by: Keith Sylvest,Coastal Machinery
Lumenilaire Outdoor Lighting Jeff Golota 8230 Goldie St Commerce Twp, MI 48390 248-757-0432 Sioux Corporation Tara Schmidt One Sioux Plaza Beresford, SD 57004 605-763-4020 PALM BEACH Morning Dew Tropical Plants Robbin Avery (Associate Member) 601 N Congress Ave #436 Delray Beach, FL 33445 561-266-0188 Twin States Marketing Co., Inc. Gregg Kaufman 10293 100 St South Boynton Beach, FL 33472 561-374-8422 G & C Car Care Inc. Geoffrey Phillips 3121 Fortune Way Wellington, FL 33414 561-252-6868 Jason L Hewitt Lawn Service Jason Hewitt 1341 SW 27th Pl Boynton Beach, FL 33426 954-971-4022 Bobcat of Palm Beach/Broward Michael Barresi 5731 N Military Tr West Palmn Beach, FL 33407 561-689-9880 PANHANDLE Jacobs Engineer Group, Inc. Kimberly Dixon 4363 Highway 77 Chipley, FL 32428 850-773-2866
PINELLAS Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply April Destefano (Affilaite Member) 2040 Range Rd Clearwater, FL 33765 727-441-9530 ROYAL PALM Bayshore Garden Center Inc. Ryan Wagenfer 5781 Bayshore Rd N Fort Myers, FL 33917 239-543-1443 Cape Coral Garden Center Rene Beltran 5495 Pine Island Rd NW Bokeelia, FL 33922 239-872-3697 Gomez, LLC Jose Gomez 3049 S SR-29 Labelle, FL 33935 863-675-2062 Rec’d by: John Schwind, Steele Truck Center, Inc. MW Horticulture Recycling Facility Inc. Denise Houghtaling 6250 Thomas Rd Ft. Myers, FL 33912 239-332-1188 Williams Magical Garden Center Dana Torkko 1717 Pine Ridge Rd Naples, FL 34109 239-597-4414 TAMPA BAY Dragonfly Landscape and Water Gardens Autumn Schwab (Associate Member) 6012 N Eustace Ave Tampa, FL 33604 813-394-7023
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Calendar of Events
Contact Us
See and submit events at http://www.fngla.org, under calendar
August 11: First Day of FCHP Training Class, Eagle’s Nest Christina Academy, Naples 13-17:
ISA Annual International Conference & Trade Show, Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX
16-18:
IGC Chicago, Navy Pier, Chicago, IL
17:
Aquatics Pesticide Training Class & Exam, UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Extension, Homestead
18-20:
Texas Nursery & Landscape Expo, George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
24-26:
All-American Selections & Nationall Garden Bureau’s Summer Summit, Madision, WI
24-25:
University of Florida Turf School, Ft. Lauderdale Research & Education Center, Davie
25-26:
Florida Agriculture Financial Management Clinic, Championsgate, FL
27:
FNGLA Certified Landscape Maintenance & Landscape Technician Exams, Orlando
30:
Chemical Spill Response Training, Hampton Inn, Boynton Beach
September 1:
Private Applicator Pesticide Training, Palmetto
2:
FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician Review Class, Davie
FNGLA Phone: 407.295.7994 Toll-free: 800.375.3642 Fax: 407.295.1619 E-mail: info@fngla.org Web: www.fngla.org
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Ben Bolusky
GREENLINE EDITOR Jennifer Nelis jnelis@fngla.org
2016-2017 STATE OFFICERS
President Robert Shoelson, FCLC Getting Green Plant Services & Betrock Information Systems PO Box 840107 Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 (954) 680-1819
President-Elect Ed Bravo Big Trees Plantation, Inc. 104 SW 131 St Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 332-2150
Past President Billy Butterfield, FCLC AmeriScapes Landscape Management Services, LLC PO Box 568762 Orlando, FL 32856-5041 (407) 872-0855
Secretary/Treasurer Will Womack, FCLC Tampa Bay Landscaping 5821 Maple Lane Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 368-9891
Connect with us: About FNGLA This publication is produced by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) as a service to its members and the industry at large. The statements and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Association, its staff, Board of Directors, Greenline or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers or their identification as members does not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services. The mission of the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association is to promote and protect the interests of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry.
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1533 Park Center Drive Orlando, FL 32835-5705
Read the latest FNGLA news inside & visit Greenline online at http://greenline.fngla.org