FNGLA's February 2015 Greenline by FNGLA

February 2015 | Volume 36, Issue 2

FNGLA’S MONTHLY PUBLICATION: DIGITAL MONTHLY ISSUE LOCATED AT HTTP://GREENLINE.FNGLA.ORG

Inspiration, Innovation, Creativity Abound at TPIE! With 6,162 participants from 42 states and 39 nations soaking up the TPIE experience, attendance surpassed last year’s TPIE and, in fact, is a five-year high! Retail buyers were up 13% and interiorscape buyers were up 14%. The TPIE Road Show was a sell-out. The FNGLA Certification Showcase was hugely popular. And, the Opening Session featuring international trends analyst Christine Boland was standing-room only. “TPIE is the most exciting and stimulating show in the industry,” said Theresa Riley of Rockledge Gardens and chairman of the 2015 show. “Not only do you see the most beautiful plants, colors and textures at TPIE, but it is where I meet extremely creative and inspiring people. TPIE is the show that brings incredible energy and opportunity to anyone wishing to take advantage of it.” With fifty new exhibiting companies and a small, yet noticeable, increase in the number of booths as well as the overall number of companies exhibiting, TPIE 2015 reflected the gradual and healthy improvement of today’s economy. Industry trade show watcher and TPIE Committee member Chris Beytes said, “The mood in Fort Lauderdale was exceptionally good. I attribute that to 2014 being a strong one for the industry and there are no reasons to believe 2015 can’t be just as strong — weather permitting, of course.” The week started with TPIE’s Road Show, which offered practical, yet inspiring, presentations by experienced experts from the interiorscape and retail business worlds. TPIE’s Road Show also staged visits to nurseries, retail stores and an expansive downtown green wall in the art district to capture innovative practices which can be used to create exciting future experiences for customers. TPIE is well known as the place to learn the latest industry trends. This was especially true this year as a standing room-only audience flocked to hear Dutch trend analyst Christine Boland share the most notable worldwide social trend markers and how they transfer to design and applications related to our industry products and services. A few key words and phrases used by Christine included: simplicity; filter and focus; togetherness; re-use; renew; Continued page 3

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Sandy Stein FNGLA 2014-2015 President

A Peek Into the Next Generation of Ag at FNGLA’s Career Days at TPIE “The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” – Gaylord Nelson Last month at the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) your association put on a Career Day for many local middle and high school kids who are part of agriculture programs in their various schools. I was so privileged to emcee the presentation, where both students and teachers were recognized who had completed Certified Horticultural Professional trainings within their schools, and where Erik Tietig from Pine Island Nursery, Jonathan Borghi from Farm Credit of Florida and I spoke to the kids about what life is like in our particular professions and how we each of us found our way into of our respective companies. Erik is a second generation nurseryman. His mom, Colleen Boggs, is an icon of our industry and so Erik, a young icon in his own right, was a valuable example to the kids of a legacy following the great example set by the generation before him, who is currently running their business, but also as a person who has given many years of service to our industry, other things ag-related, and more. Jonathan was an all-together different speaker for the kids. Jonathan is on the farm lending side of our industry, and came to Farm Credit through happenstance out of the larger banking world. For any who know Jonathan, his energy and enthusiasm are contagious, he loves his life as a lender to the farming industry, feels like he is making a difference to all who consume food and nature’s beauty, and stood before the next generation sharing what a life in agriculture can be like from the economic side. I wore my hats as both a nurseryman and a life-coach. I wanted the kids to think about the awesome lives waiting for them in the world of work if they fully invest themselves, hold back nothing, and go for it. I have put together 2

a life for myself through years of pursuing growth in both my professions. I am also lucky enough to have my wife as a business partner, someone I can bounce the daily trials of the nursery business with, who will provide feedback and help come up with ideas and solutions to the many challenges us nurserymen know all so well. This too, I wanted the kids to hear about. The room was filled with kids, maybe more than 200. I saw the disinterested, the very interested, and the majority who fell somewhere in the middle. I believe for most of them getting out of school for the day and being able to walk the TPIE show floor was the real motivator. Yet there were those I spoke to on the show floor later who loved the idea of coming into our industry. Maybe Amy DiBella (FNGLA’s Membership Coordinator), Merry Mott (FNGLA’s Director of Certifications and Career Development), Erik, Jonathan, or I made some small impact on a few of them. Maybe we get future nursery entrepreneurs from the kid’s exposure to our industry through walking TPIE and interacting with those who invest our time and energy in them, our industry’s future. FNGLA continues to invest in the next generation through the certification programs which are offered in many middle and high schools around the state. We certainly cannot expect to see a future for our industry if we don’t invest in the next generation of nurserymen and women today. There is nothing more gratifying than being of service to kids. It may have been my favorite event in my time of FNGLA service. Sandy Stein The Jungle Nursery (Miami) sstein@junglenursery.com

FNGLA HAPPENINGS Continued from page 1

pop-up and surprise; and, art everywhere. Togetherness was evident at the TPIE Happy Hour, sponsored by Suntory, as hundreds of TPIE participants flowed from the exhibit hall to the outdoor fountain courtyard to relax in Fort Lauderdale’s mild January temperatures and sunshine. Sounds of the Suntory steel drum played while colleagues shared stories of the day and discussed “what if ” business conversations over drinks. “I love the TPIE Happy Hour,” said one exhibitor. “This is where I can see the people who didn’t yet make it by my booth!” Inspiration and Innovation were found in the companies creating award-winning exhibits at TPIE, as well as offering new, cool plants and products. The TPIE 2015 Best of Show booth award went to United Nurseries for a red-carpet, movie star experience for all who entered its exhibit, complete with movie posters playing off real movie titles and various plants offered by United Nurseries. TPIE’s First-place Island Exhibit Award went to a very colorful and strongly branded exhibit by Silver Vase. The Most Unusual Plant Specimen award was given to DeRoose Plants for Vriesia ‘Naomi.’ See images of the booth and People’s Choice Award winners at http://www.fngla.org/TPIE/boothawards.aspx. Buyers at TPIE 2015 voted on their favorite new plants and products. The winners were: Favorite Flowering Plant Orchid ‘Black Velvet’ by Silver Vase; Favorite Foliage Plant - Philodendron ‘Lickity-Split’™ PPAF by Oglesby Plants International; and, Favorite New Product - Big Bag Bed Mini by High Caliper Growing. TPIE Cool Products awards are selected by independent garden center members of The Garden Center Group. A special presentation of these awards takes place during the show, with each exhibitor given an opportunity to offer a show-andtell moment about their winning product. There were a total of 15 awards at TPIE 2015 covering a mix of plants, plant packaging and related products. The TPIE Create Theater was a busy place with workshops throughout the show offered by members of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Most popular was a designer duel in which three designers competed to create a grand design using foliage plants, flowering foliage, bamboo stakes and ribbon wire. Daily workshop topics included plant design trends; plants with a repurpose; and, plants as art. Also staged at the Create Theater was The TPIE Interiorscape Award Winners Showcase. It featured the top award winners from the PLANET, PIA and I-Plants and Urban Horticulture magazine awards programs. Eight projects from across North America were recognized, including special event displays, green walls and colorful container plantings. FNGLA’s Certifications Showcase was new at TPIE this year. Hundreds of TPIE attendees had the opportunity to practice some of the FNGLA Landscape Certificate exam stations, including plant identification and job evaluation. Certification mentors and judges were on hand answering questions and encouraging more industry professionals to become FNGLAcertified professionals. “With TPIE’s January placement, this is the show setting the mood and expectations for the foliage industry,” said FNGLA’s chief operations officer, Linda Adams. “We’re happy to report a vibrant TPIE with an exceptionally strong cross-section of quality buyers come to TPIE for the exciting new plants, products and ideas that continue to be generated by the industry. There is renewed interest in plants as an important part of our lives whether for décor, wellness or biodiversity or all of these reasons.” TPIE 2016 is will take place January 20-22 in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Special Thanks to our

TPIE Sponsors TPIE Happy Hour & Lanyard Sponsor

Opening Session Sponsors

Innovations Lounge

Create Theater presented by AIFD Thursday Sessions Sponsor

Exhibitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Showcase

Tradeshow Bags

General Sponsor

Rest Stations

Mark Your Calendar for TPIE 2016: January 20 - 22! View TPIE’s Complete Photo Gallery: https:// picasaweb.google.com/112578394231502451597/ TPIE2015January2123#

Looking for an exhibitor you connected with at TPIE? Use TPIE’s mobile/web app long after the show: m.tpie.org. FNGLA’s show apps are powered by PlantAnt.

FNGLA HAPPENINGS It’s Your Turn to Talk about Others! Now Accepting Nominations for FNGLA’s Industry Awards Now’s the time to talk about others! Let FNGLA’s Industry Awards Committee know all the good work your industry colleagues have been doing on behalf of FNGLA and the industry. Here’s a look at the 2014 FNGLA Industry Award Winners: Hall of Fame Inductees: the late Jake Koornneef and the late Larry Walker Wendell E. Butler Award: Chet Peckett FNGLA/Farm Credit Young Nursery Professional: Ty Strode Outstanding Chapter President: Shaun Brown Outstanding Chapter Treasurer: Lou Harrelson Outstanding Volunteer: Mike Tevelonis Outstanding Educator: Erin Harlow Who should be honored with the FNGLA Industry Awards in 2015? You can be a part of the process by submitting your nominations to FNGLA by March 6. Online submission forms are available under each award category at: http://fngla.org/ recognition/industry-awards/. For more information or assistance related to FNGLA Industry Awards, contact Linda Adams at ladams@fngla.org or call the FNGLA office at 800-375-3642.

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FNGLA HAPPENINGS EXHIBITOR SPACE STILL AVAILABLE

February 12 & 13, 2015

at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds

Help your business grow!

What’s new in the field. Refresh your relationships. Educational seminars and credits.

FNGLA

FLORIDA NURSERY, GROWERS AND LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

Leading Florida’s Green Industry

Northeast Chapter FNGLA 904.292.1117 • nefngla.org

FNGLA HAPPENINGS Special thanks to the following suppliers: Acosta Farms Atlas Peat & Soil Brad’s Bedding Plants BVA Inc. Classic Caladiums Excelsa Gardens Harold B. Martin Horticultural Printers Medallion Oglesby Plants International Pine Island Nursery PlantSearch.com Railroad Nursery SeaWorld Horticulture Sunfire Nursery

FNGLA’s Professional Certifications Showcased at TPIE Show FNGLA’s certifications were highlighted at the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition January 21-23, 2015 in Ft. Lauderdale in conjunction with the FNGLA membership booth. Developed by Certification Committee Chair Gary Weitermann of SeaWorld, this special Certification Showcase engaged attendees to learn how to add education and professionalism to their companies. Committee members hosted Plant Identification, Job Evaluation and Irrigation stations for mock exams that provided a look into FNGLA’s industry certification exams. Look for another Certification Showcase at The Landscape Show September 24-26, 2015.

Attendees tested their plant identification skills FNGLA’s Certification Committee members hosted selected exam stations to introduce industry certifications to TPIE attendees.

Nearly 300 high school horticulture students from around Florida attended TPIE’s Horticulture Career Fair Friday, January 23, 2015. Farm Credit’s Jonathan Borghi asks questions to the group (L) and FNGLA President Sandy Stein explains the expansive career possibilities in Florida’s nursery and landscape industry (R) before the students tour the trade show floor.

FNGLA HAPPENINGS FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days Takes Place May 13 & 14 Plan to attend the next FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days: May 13 & 14 in Orlando! Florida’s spring season is an ideal time to evaluate plants for garden performance and test their resilience. Breeders will bring their newest varieties to Central Florida to test their durability against the heat and humidity. The program will feature new varieties at all three locations: Walt Disney World’s nursery; Harry P. Leu Gardens; and, University of Florida’s Orange County Extension Service. Looking to increase your knowledge of designing with color and textures? FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days is a great place to learn the latest design techniques and maintenance as well as an ideal venue to interact with the leaders of the Floriculture, Landscape and Garden Center segments of the industry. A day and a half program will offer both classroom and trial time. Looking for sponsorship opportunities? Position your business as a leader to this key audience. Great sponsorships are available: http://www.fngla.org/events/floriculture-field-day/Sponsorship.aspx. Choose to have an exhibit table to display your business products or capture higher visibility as an exclusive event sponsor of one of the conference happenings which includes the opportunity to briefly address the group at the event. For details on participating, log on to https://www.fngla. org/events/floriculture-field-day/. For details on sponsoring, contact Linda Reindl, lreindl@fngla.org. Your participation will help increase awareness and strengthen the professionalism of the industry.

FNGLA Convention Set In Historic City of Coral Gables South Florida history runs deep in Coral Gables where FNGLA’s Annual Convention will take place on June 12 & 13, 2015 at the Westin Colonnade. Developed in 1925 by George Merrick, Coral Gables was one of the nation's first fully-planned communities. Incorporating secluded residential enclaves and commercial areas inspired by the architectural style of the Mediterranean, Merrick envisioned a city offering every amenity to its residents. At the same time, he foresaw a center for international business. In every respect, Merrick's dream has come true. What is now the Westin Colonnade was at one time George Merrick’s stately offices. Coral Gables is home to several historic landmarks including The Biltmore, the Venetian Pool and the Coral Gables City Hall. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, one of Miami’s most historic locations, is not far. Also located in Coral Gables is the famed Miracle Mile shopping district, Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, Montgomery Botanical Center and the Coral Way. Not only can you enjoy the history of the area during FNGLA’s convention, you can also take advantage of the best of modern conveniences, including a free trolley to travel the community. Likewise, FNGLA’s Annual Convention is a celebration of the Association’s past, present and future! So, make sure you’ve got the dates June 12 & 13 marked for your future! More details to come once the complete program is finalized and registration becomes available.

INDUSTRY NEWS Take Part in Cultivating Our Future Leaders

Florida Water StarSM Expands Across The State

As our industry continues to gain momentum, thoughts again turn to where to find qualified employees â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and who will lead our industry into the future? You can help mold our future leaders by being a part of the Florida FFA Career Development Events (CDEs).

There are two more opportunities in Spring 2015 to take part in Florida Water StarSM training. This comprehensive water conservation program focuses on Floridafriendly landscape alternatives and Interest in the water conservation irrigation requirements program called Florida Water that can have a major SM brings the program to new Star impact on water usage. locations in 2015. The day-long program includes a half day on irrigation and a half day on landscape and provides the opportunity to test to earn the FWS Accredited Professional designation.

Each year, nearly 350 students demonstrate their horticultural skills at the FFA CDEs in Floriculture and Nursery/ Landscape. The 2015 event takes place Saturday, March 7 at the University of Florida Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka. We need volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors! FFA CDEs present students with real-life situations that could be found in the work place, including plant, pest & tool identification, equipment maintenance, landscape management, customer assistance, floral design and Best Management Practices. Both problem-solving skills and horticultural knowledge are tested by FNGLA volunteers from across the state. The winning high school teams represent Florida at the national competition each year at the FFA Convention. In 2014, Leesburg High School earned a Silver Emblem at Nationals for Floriculture and Oak Leaf High School earned a Bronze Emblem in Nursery and Landscape. For more information on being a part of this exceptional youth program, contact Merry Mott at FNGLA or call 800375-3642.

FWS travels to Clearwater March 4 & 5, 2015 at Ewing Irrigation. Hosted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the program is also sponsored by Toro. This follows the February 3 FWS program hosted by the City of Palm Coast. FWS will also be a part of the 2015 Native Plant Show in Kissimmee, hosted by the Florida Association of Native Nurseries. This is yet another example of industries working together toward a common goal of water conservation. Training is April 8 with an optional exam April 9, 2015. Continuing education credits are approved for FNGLA Certified Professionals, Irrigation Association, Registered Landscape Architects and Volusia Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s irrigation license. St. Johns River Water Management District has contracted with FNGLA to administer the FWS Accredited Professional exams in irrigation and landscape. To date, 178 irrigation and landscape professionals have earned the Accredited Professional designation.

Sponsors and volunteers are needed to host 350 FFA students who compete in nursery, landscape and floriculture events.

Complete information about the Florida Water StarSM program can be found at www.floridawaterstar.com or contact Deirdre Irwin at the St. Johns River Water Management District, dirwin@sjrwmd.com. For more information on the March 4 or April 8 programs, contact Merry Mott, mmott@ fngla.org.

INDUSTRY NEWS From the Desk of Commissioner Adam H. Putnam Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Dear Friends, Water is the biggest long-term issue facing Florida, regardless of what part of the state you are from. And this legislative session, we have an opportunity to tackle this issue. But we must think big and act boldly. First, we must consider how far we've come and the progress we've made in conserving and restoring the health of our water. Agriculture, for example, was once the biggest water user in the state. But by adopting new technologies and implementing best practices, we're saving 11 billion gallons of water per year. Second, we must refine and strengthen Florida's existing water policies. We have a strong foundation that requires us to assess our needs and plan for shortfalls, but we can do better. We should ensure our water supply planning efforts are scientifically rigorous and economically feasible. We should prioritize projects so that we invest our limited resources in those that will yield the greatest impact. Finally, we must understand that it will take time to address these challenges, and we must adopt a long-term approach to do so. I look forward to working with the Florida Legislature this session to ensure we have a healthy and abundant supply of water for our future. Adam

U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory Open House 2015 The public is invited to the USDA, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory annual open house on Wednesday, April 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2001 South Rock Road, Ft. Pierce, FL. Labs, farm, pilot plant and greenhouses will showcase research on a broad range of science topics including citrus variety genetics, disease and insect pest biology and management, water quality and post-production quality and valueadded studies on fresh and processed fruits and vegetables. For more information, please call (772) 462-5800.

INDUSTRY NEWS SUSTA Plans August Mission to Netherlands

SUSTA, the Southern United States Trade Association, is planning a horticulture outbound trade mission to the Netherlands for August 24 - 27. Holland is the main hub in the global trade of cut flowers and ornamental plants. This trip is an opportunity to visit production plants in the Netherlands, the Phytosanitary Inspection Service, and the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. The mission also includes match making sessions and a visit to the ornamental trade show Plantarium. Plantarium sees 300 participants and over 17,000 trade visitors from Northwestern Europe. The fee to participate is $400 before April 30 and $550 thereafter. The deadline to register is June 5. Sign-up on the events page at www.susta.org or contact Marisol Alvares at Marisol..Alvares@ freshfromflorida.com. SUSTA will provide local businessrelated transportation, prearranged meeting services, and reimbursement of hotel costs for one participant under per-diem rates.

Conservation Innovation Grants Available Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that applications are being accepted for up to $20 million in grants to facilitate the creation of new, innovative markets for carbon credits, providing additional revenue sources for producers to use to address natural resource conservation challenges. These grants are part of the Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) program, authorized through the 2014 Farm Bill. “USDA has been a leader in supporting market-based solutions to improve water quality and reduce carbon pollution,” Secretary Vilsack said. “With this opportunity, we are supporting the next generation of projects that will help mature these markets and bring them to scale to benefit both producers and the environment.” For 2015, approximately half of the $20 million is available for environmental markets and conservation finance projects that engage agricultural producers. In past years, CIG has helped fund the development of the basic infrastructure of these markets. This year, USDA, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking applications for projects that will build on these efforts by maturing and scaling markets and accelerating efforts to leverage private capital and investment in private lands conservation. Improved quantification tools, multiresource crediting, and projects that substantively engage corporate or financial partners are the types of activities NRCS is pursuing. USDA is also soliciting proposals for projects to stimulate natural resource improvements, including, but not limited to, improvements in water quantity, soil health, and wildlife habitat. Applications from this funding pool may also emphasize expected benefits to historically underserved producers, veterans, and organic producers. Applications in the fields of economics and sociology as they relate to natural resources are also being welcomed. Under CIG, Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds are used to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or nongovernmental organizations, Tribes, or individuals. The 2014 Farm Bill also included language that has led to some changes in this year’s CIG funding announcement. One change eliminates the requirement that half the applicant’s match be in cash. Another expands eligibility for the 10 percent set-aside provision for historically underserved producers. As in prior years, NRCS will accept pre-proposals for initial review before inviting entities to submit full proposals. Pre-proposals are due Tuesday, February 24, 2015. The full announcement of program funding is available at http://go.usa.gov/4Kvx. To apply electronically, visit http://www.grants.gov or contact a local NRCS office.

CERTIFICATIONS Special Landscape Certification Exams Offered Two unique landscape certification exams will take place this spring, offering the best opportunity to earn your FNGLA Certification. Regardless of your business mix or expertise, FNGLA has a certification program for you. SeaWorld Horticulture in Orlando will host the firstever combination exam where you can choose to take either FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Technician (FCLTInstallation) or Landscape Maintenance Technician (FCLMT) exam. It takes place Saturday, February 21, 2015 and space is still available. A special exam walkthrough is hosted the afternoon prior to the exam at the test site. FNGLA’s Broward Chapter and the UF Ft. Lauderdale Research Center in Davie will host another bilingual FCLT-Installation exam Friday, April 24, 2015. Training will take place Friday, April 3. The training program is offered in English only. These hands-on landscape exams focus either on landscape installation or landscape maintenance and are perfect for the technician in the field. FCLT-Installation is also a pre-requisite for FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Contractor (FCLC) exams. Plan to earn an FNGLA certification to increase your knowledge and professionalism – and that of your staff. For more information, contact Merry Mott at FNGLA at mmott@fngla.org. SeaWorld Horticulture will host both landscape technician exams on the same day

Bilingual judges make the FCLT-Installation exam in Davie success for both English and Spanish.

MEMBER NEWS ECGC Announces ‘Award of Distinction’ Recipient ECGC Distributors, Ltd. recently announced Farm Life Tropical Foliage of Homestead, Florida is the recipient of its 2014 Award of Distinction. The award recognizes the premiere interior plant grower for the most distinctive product and distinctive service. “We believe in partnerships with our vendors and, in this spirit, we perform evaluations and recognize those who rise to the top. This process helps build strong long-term relationships with our vendors,” said Charles Kemberling, ECGC Foliage Chair and Homestead Gardens Buyer. Farm Life Tropical Foliage was founded in 1985 on five acres to specialize in supplying interior palms and trees. Uniquely positioned in supplying large interior foliage plants, the nursery grew to 18.5 acres of shade houses, 10 acres of marl field and 3 acres of large trees and palms. Farm Life Tropical Foliage is known for its quality product and great service to their customers. “Being a supplier partner with the elite ECGC Group is a privilege, but to be recognized with the Award of Distinction is truly an honor. The entire Farm Life team would like to thank all the members of ECGC for this award and pledges to always provide our best products and service to your members,” said Bill Lyden, President of Farm Life Tropical Foliage. The Awards ceremony was held at the TPIE trade show at the Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center. “We are delighted ECGC has chosen TPIE as the venue to present its award. I know many foliage companies strive to provide excellent customer service. It’s a credit to ECGC that they award their vendors for outstanding service,” said Linda Adams, TPIE Show Manager. This Award of Distinction is the only national award recognizing the interior foliage industry. ECGC Distributors, Ltd is a LLC of the thirteen of the largest independent garden specialty centers in the United States. Participants include: Al’s Garden Center, OR; Armstrong Garden Centers, CA; Calloway’s Nurseries, TX; English Gardens, MI; Green Acres Nursery & Supply, CA; Homestead Gardens, MD; Mahoney Garden Centers, MA; Martin Viette Nurseries, NY; Molbak’s, WA; McDonald Garden Centers, VA; Petitti’s Garden Centers, OH; Pike Nurseries, GA; and Southern Homes & Gardens, AL.

Gatorade Turns 50! Developed at the University of Florida fifty years ago, Gatorade is acknowledged as the largest, most successful noncarbonated beverage brand in the United States, dominating its market and growing even as other carbonated drinks decline among health-conscious consumers. Dr. Robert Cade, the lead inventor of Gatorade and a professor at UF, died in 2007 but not before seeing his team’s invention become a huge success. In fact, Gatorade’s financial contributions to the University of Florida are in excess of $200 million. Gatorade sold 632 million cases in 2013, almost double from 339 million in 2001. This underscores its growth and value to the University as a valued income stream. Its identifiable plastic bottles with the bright orange cap are everywhere.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome New Members The following are new FNGLA members: from December 22, 2014 - January 21, 2015 ACTION Frank Polly Sod, Inc. Mark Kirkland 14300 Eastside St Groveland, FL 34736 352-429-9162 Rec’d by: Bill Klinger,Brantley Nurseries BROWARD City of Pompano Beach Robert Kussner (Supportive) 100 W Atlantic Blvd Pompano Beach, FL 33060-6099 954-786-4926 Town of Pembroke Park Tom Wilde (Supportive) 3150 SW 52 Ave Pembroke Park, FL 33023 954-450-1606 COASTAL SPRINGS Hernando County Florida-Friendly Landscaping Lillian Browning (Supportive) 21030 Cortez Blvd Brooksville, FL 34601 352-540-6230 FRONTRUNNERS Blossman Gas Peter Dawson 526 NW 21 St Ocala, FL 34475 352-445-2950

King Insurance Agency of Gainesville, Inc. Chad King 2321 NW 41st St Gainesville, FL 32606 352-377-0420 Nancy McDonald, NGM Productions, Inc. HIGHLANDS HEARTLAND Agri Masters Citrus Nursery Joe Kurimai 77 Henry Dr Venus, FL 33960 321-377-5062 MIAMI-DADE FarmFreak.com Robert Suh 16343 SW 256th St Homestead, FL 33031 305-916-0800 Rec’d by: David Hanck, Hanck Groves & Nursery Florida Dept. of Transportation David J Calhoun (Supportive) 1773 NE 205 St Miami, FL 33179 305-640-7156 Rec’d by: Mary Oglesby,Oglesby Plants International

TreeWorld Wholesale Guillermo Valenzuela 24605 SW 192 Ave Homestead, FL 33031 305-245-6886 Vertibloom Moshe Miller 3921 Alton Rd Ste 166 Miami Beach, FL 33140 917-676-2003 PALM BEACH Suellen Granberry-Hager (Student) 6444 Amberwoods Dr Boca Raton, FL 33433 561-414-6555 PANHANDLE Chavers Construction Inc. Ryan Chavers 211 W Detroit Blvd Pensacola, FL 32534 850-474-1966 Rec’d by: Tim Dickens, Coastal Machinery

HHH Construction of NWF, Inc. Ricky Herdon 8190 Belle Pines Ln Pensacola, FL 32526 850-982-1719 Rec’d by: Tim Dickens,Coastal Machinery Co ROYAL PALM Donna Pynn (Student) 10527 Azzurra Dr Ft. Myers, FL 33913 239-362-3352 TREASURE COAST CW Willis & Company Inc.-Landscape Products Div. Melissa Willis PO Box 643809 Vero Beach, FL 32964 772-770-5970

The Jay Odom Group, LLC Jay Odom 4652 Gulfstarr Dr Destin, FL 32541 850-654-4120 Rec’d by: Keith Sylvest, Coastal Machinery

Recent Industry Deaths: DeLeon and Charlton FNGLA sadly reports Nathan (Nat) DeLeon, 78, passed away January 28. Nat was born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania in 1927. He attended the University of Miami after serving in the United States Navy during World War II. Though Nat loved all plants, he especially loved bromeliads and began hybridizing them in 1957. He holds 5 bromeliad patents with 3 more patents pendings. Nat spent years collecting and hybridizing bromeliads, and made thousands of hybrids for bromeliad enthusiasts around the globe for their enjoyment. Nat could be seen making his hybrids daily at DeLeon’s Bromeliads. Nat also developed most of the early commercial Aglaonemas and set a standard for the future Aglaonema market. Nat will always be remembered for his kind heart, sharing with friends and family, his contributions to the foliage industry, and his pride in making the Parrot Jungle memorable. Nat is survived by his three sons, Robert, Richard and Donald and four grandchildren. Nat will be missed. Jim Charlton passed away Friday, February 6 after a significant battle with cancer. A long-time leader and landscape property manager with Disney Horticulture, Jim served FNGLA in a variety of capacities, most significantly as a Landscape Show committee member and show chairman. Jim was a kind and gracious soul with an infectious smile. He and his wife, Linda, have been very active members of the Open Door Baptist Church in Clermont. Jim will be missed.

Calendar of Events

See and submit events at http://www.fngla.org, under calendar

February

12: Landscape U: Palm Pests, UF/IFAS Orange County Extension, Orlando 20:

2015 Tree and Landscape Short Course, Hillsborough Community College, Plant City

21:

FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician Exam, SeaWorkd Horticulture Building, Orlando

23:

Certified Arborist Preparation Class begins, Oakland Park

26:

GI-BMP Florida-Friendly Landscapingâ&#x201E;˘ Best Management Practices, UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension Service, Kissimmee

27:

Certified ISA Arborist Training, Cantonment

March

10 & 11: FNGLA/LMN Build A Better Landscape Business, RingPower CAT, St. Augustine 12:

Pests of Annual and Perennial Flowers, UF/IFAS Orange County Extension, Orlando

12 & 13: FNGLA/LMN Build A Better Landscape Business, Kelly Tractor, West Palm Beach

1533 Park Center Drive Orlando, FL 32835-5705

Read the latest FNGLA news inside & visit Greenline online at http://greenline.fngla.org

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

2014-2015 STATE OFFICERS

President Sandy Stein The Jungle Nursery 29100 SW 162 Ave Homestead, FL 33030 (305) 246-5324

President-Elect Billy Butterfield AmeriScapes Landscape Management Services, Inc. PO Box 568762 Orlando, FL 32856-5041 (407) 872-0855

Past President Mike Marshall Marshall Tree Farm 17350 SE 65th St Morriston, FL 32668-4508 (352) 528-3880

Secretary/Treasurer Robert Shoelson Getting Green Plant Services & Betrock Information Systems PO Box 840107 Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 (954) 680-1819

Connect with us: About FNGLA This publication is produced by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) as a service to its members. 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 success and professionalism of our members.