Greenline, January 2014

January 2014 | Volume 35, Issue 1

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

TPIE Brings New Business Energy!

TPIE is North America’s only tropical foliage event -- and you can attend! The Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition is all set for January 22-24 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, FL. One of FNGLA’s signature events, TPIE is a tremendous business value. For the low price of a $30 trade show badge, you receive access to inspiring displays -- 750 booths representing nearly 400 companies -- as your business resources; complimentary admission to the TPIE Opening Session featuring industry sales strategist, John Kennedy; complimentary admission to the TPIE Happy Hour; complimentary workshops at the Create Theater; and, an introduction to innovative ideas, new plants and products in the Innovation Lounge! Add the 6,000+ industry professionals to meet and from whom to learn and you can see TPIE is a tremendous business investment for little money.

“TPIE is the best way to start 2014,” noted Theresa Riley, owner of Rockledge Gardens, and TPIE chairperson. “As operators of a garden center, my staff and I get energized for the big spring season by all the new, exciting plants and products we see at TPIE. My advice is to take time to walk the entire show, attend classes and workshops, especially John Kennedy’s Opening Session.”

TPIE’s Opening Session takes place at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 22. John Kennedy will offer insights on how you can put innovative and creative thinking to work to solve challenges and ignite your business brilliance. Use John’s tips and ideas immediately as you visit the trade show floor -- and throughout the year -- as you make decisions for your business’ future. This will be valuable information no matter what your type of business.

Sponsors of TPIE’s Opening Session are Live Trends Design Group and SK. TPIE’s first day starts with a great educational program and ends with a lively Happy Hour. Anyone can throw a party in a ballroom. TPIE’s Happy Hour takes advantage of (Con’t Page 3)

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Mike Marshall FNGLA 2013-2014 President

Happy New Year, Let’s Get Busy!

As we turned the calendar to 2014, we were given an opportunity to reflect on the past year and look forward to a brand new year ahead.

Last year’s economic and job market improvement led to a busier year for many in our industry, although there are many still experiencing slow growth. Hopefully, 2014 will prove to be the breakthrough year for all segments of Florida’s nursery and landscape leading to many successful years to come.

As we look ahead to this New Year, FNGLA doesn’t have a list of New Year’s resolutions, per se. Yet, we’ve been working hard and will continue to work diligently on the many issues important to our members. I wish to take a few minutes to inform you about many of the initiatives FNGLA began working in the last half of 2013. You will be hearing more about them and benefitting from them as 2014 unfolds.

2013 brought new challenges to our industry with unwelcome changes to the nursery crop insurance program.

FNGLA quickly responded when problems arose back in the spring and began working with congressional contacts in Washington, D.C. and USDA-Risk Management Agency (RMA) officials. Work throughout the year culminated with a two-day meeting and Florida nursery tour with RMA officials in December. FNGLA’s message was it’s time to simplify the nursery crop insurance policy. This meeting was both productive and encouraging and we are hopeful it will lead to meaningful changes once again to make the crop insurance program a useful tool for our industry’s risk management.

FNGLA’s Marketing and Membership Committees were refreshed and reformed by FNGLA Past President Wes Parrish in the last half of last year. The new combined committee immediately got to work focusing on new ways to market our extremely diverse industry with the limited resources of a membership association. Through a partnership with Fresh From Florida, the Committee is planning to build on a very successful pilot program that marketed Florida tropical foliage houseplants to 10 Northeast, Midwest and Southern states in 2013. The plan for 2014 is to continue this already successful foliage

2

program and to create retail opportunities here to promote Florida landscape plants and services within our Sunshine State.

Last year, FNGLA and the Division of Plant Industry (DPI) agreed to work together to streamline and update the Florida Nursery Grades and Standards which date back to 1998. Grades and Standards have become a critical tool for our industry as almost all specifications require Florida Number 1 or better. Relying on a document that hasn’t been updated in 15 years can pose problems for an industry that is constantly changing, learning and progressing in growing quality crops. DPI formed tree, palm, and shrub subcommittees which will be meeting throughout 2014 towards the goal of an updated and streamlined edition of the Nursery Grades and Standards targeted for release in early 2015.

FNGLA has long been known for delivering the highest quality educational programs and seminars at trade shows and industry events throughout the year. In 2013, an Educational Task Force was formed to look at the dynamic changes in the industry and in each of our businesses to assess how FNGLA educational programming can change and be delivered to continue meeting the industry’s educational needs. Our goal is to make FNGLA educational program portfolio more relevant than ever to our diverse professional membership.

As I pass the midpoint of my Presidential term, I continue to be honored and humbled to serve as a leader for such a passionate and devoted industry. As you can see in the above examples, there are many people working long and hard to make every nickel of our FNGLA dues count for each and every member. Let’s get busy and go make 2014 a great year for our businesses and our Nursery and Landscape Industry.

See you at TPIE January 22-24!

Mike Marshall Marshall Tree Farm (Morriston) Michael@MarshallTrees.com

FNGLA HAPPENINGS Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (con’t) (Con’t from Page 1)

Ft. Lauderdale’s mild January temperatures and offers a tropically landscaped outdoor setting complete with a sailfish fountain and live entertainment. There is no better place to end the busy first day of the show than at the TPIE Happy Hour, sponsored by Sun Parasol Suntory Collection.

The TPIE Short Course offers a unique opportunity to take a pre-show Road Trip with fellow industry professionals visiting FNGLA-member nurseries in Homestead on Tuesday, January 21. Businesses to be visited include Costa Farms; Sunshine Tropical Foliage; The Jungle Nursery; Plant Creations; and, RF Orchids. Wednesday, January 22 and Thursday, January 23 offer full-day, two-track programs with an Interiorscape focus. On-site registration will be available for the TPIE Short Course classes, but not the TPIE Road Trip, so sign up now!

New to TPIE’s show floor this year is the TPIE Create Theater, presented by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). Workshops will be provided each day at the Create Theater offering ideas to increase sales using tropicals and foliage in the profitable markets of weddings, special events and holidays. Sponsors for the Create Theater included Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses and Delray Plants.

TPIE’s Innovation Lounge is another new experience on the show floor. Not only will this area offer a place to rest, it will also give you a chance to watch videos showcasing innovative ways people and businesses around the world are using and thinking about plants. This will also be the place to check out TPIE’s Exhibitor Showcase -- the home of TPIE’s New Plants and Products, sponsored by Farm Credit.

Take advantage of keeping all-things TPIE at your fingertips by using TPIE’s mobile website. On m.tpie.org, you can find an exhibitor directory, TPIE floor plan and schedule of activities, plus you can create your own TPIE schedule!

Online registration is available throughout the show, 24/7.

Onsite registration opens on Wednesday, January 22 and each show day beginning at 8:00 am. For complete TPIE details, visit www.tpie.org.

TPIE offers something for everyone with new ideas, tropicals, networking and connections around every turn. Be a part of the action in Ft. Lauderdale, January 22 - 24!

3

FNGLA HAPPENINGS FNGLA Industry Award Nominations Now Accepted FNGLA is a successful association because of our many dedicated and involved members. Each year FNGLA recognizes members who go above and beyond in their volunteer service to the Association and the industry. Help be FNGLA’s eyes and ears by nominating folks who you know deserve to be recognized for the extra-efforts they contribute. Nominations open in January so now’s the time to start thinking about worthy candidates! FNGLA Industry Awards include the designations below. Also noted is the 2013 recipient of each award.

FNGLA HALL OF FAME A lifetime achievement award presented to an individual who has given time and effort unselfishly having contributed to the industry through pioneering, teaching, production, legislation, marketing, services or research.

2013 Inductee: Irv Betrock, Betrock Information Systems, Hollywood WENDELL E. BUTLER This award is recognized as FNGLA's most prestigious. It recognizes an individual who serves FNGLA and the industry by providing leadership, service, and contributions, showing a sincere interest in the advancement of the Association and the industry.

2013 Recipient: Nancy G. McDonald, N.G.M. Productions, Mt. Dora FNGLA/FARM CREDIT YOUNG NURSERY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR This award is presented to an FNGLA member who is under 39 years young and has made an outstanding contribution to the industry. This award is sponsored annually by Farm Credit Associations of Florida.

2013 Recipient: Jenn Helms-Shelley, Railroad Nursery, Inc., Homestead OUTSTANDING CHAPTER PRESIDENT This award recognizes FNGLA leaders who provide extraordinary leadership to their Chapter.

2013 Recipient: Vickie Parrish, Parrish Nursery, Inc., Parkland (Broward Chapter) OUTSTANDING CHAPTER SECRETARY/TREASURER This is presented to an individual who is often the key to a successful Chapter.

2013 Recipient: Cindy Hall, Cobble Systems, Jensen Beach (Treasure Coast Chapter Secretary) OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER This is presented to an individual who has contributed faithfully to the advancement of the industry through Association activities or related service.

2013 Recipient: Mary Schneider, FNGLA Dade Chapter Office, Homestead OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR This is presented to an individual who is actively involved with the teaching of horticulture.

2013 Recipient: Keri Milligan, Oakleaf High School, Orange Park, FNGLA FRIEND OF THE INDUSTRY This award is presented to an individual from outside the Association who has contributed to the advancement or improvement of the nursery and landscape industry.

2013 Recipient: Commissioner Adam Putnam, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Tallahassee

4

Breeder Participants

Floriculture Field Days Promises Premier Learning and Interactions: May 14 & 15 Mark your calendar and plan to attend FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days.

Taking place May 14 & 15 in conjunction with the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival! Florida’s spring season and this event is an ideal time to evaluate plants for garden performance and test their resilience to the heat and humidity of Central Florida’s climate.

Floriculture Field Days offers two jam-packed days of educational programs, expanded trial areas and great interactions with industry suppliers. With breeders from across the US participating, attendees get a “boots on the ground” perspective of the new varieties expected to be released for use in Florida. It’s a must-attend for anyone who’s serious about floriculture in the landscape.

If you’re looking for exposure to this industry segment, 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. This is a great event to interact with the who-s who in Florida’s floriculture and landscape industries and a great way to connect with the sotuheast’s key breeders. Make your commitment now for best exposure to this key audience.

For details on participating, log onto https://www.fngla.org/ events/floriculture-fieldday/.

The 2013 conference demonstration plot at the Epcot International Gateway. 2014’s event will utilize this same space for breeder varieties.

FNGLA HAPPENINGS Save The Date for FNGLA’s 2014 Convention FNGLA’s 62nd Annual Meeting and Convention is always a high point of the year, with FNGLA leaders and members sharing important industry information, association updates and, most important, sharing time together to make new business connections and strengthen already established relationships. The 2014 FNGLA Convention will take place June 20 & 21 at the Marriott Sawgrass Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach. Ponte Vedra Beach is part of the Jacksonville Beaches area, located southeast of Jacksonville and north of St. Augustine.

Access FNGLA’s 2013 Convention Photo Gallery at: https://plus.google. com/photos/101900735408609469622/ albums/5893460707947704545?banne r=pwa

A welcome reception at the oceanfront Cabana Beach Club on Friday evening, June 20 will be the first official convention event. Guests will be able to catch up with FNGLA friends and colleagues while enjoying cocktails and appetizers with a beautiful beachside view of the Atlantic Ocean. FNGLA’s Frontrunners Chapter will open the convention hospitality suite following Friday and Saturday evening activities.

FNGLA members are encouraged to arrive early as the Marriott Sawgrass and Ponte Vedra Beach offer many enticing activities, including world-class golf, a lavish spa, relaxing pool and beach time, as well as interesting shops and restaurants close to the resort. The hotel is a short drive to historic St. Augustine.

Saturday convention activities will include FNGLA’s Annual Business meeting and the Presidents’ Gala banquet. These events highlight FNGLA’s 2013/2014 Industry Award winners, FNGLA Year in Review, as well as Association elections and leadership reflections. A generous span of unplanned time on Saturday afternoon allows for casual interaction among members, whether poolside or on the golf course.

The newly renovated Marriott Sawgrass is offering FNGLA members an exceptional rate of only $115 per night for a standard room. This rate includes complimentary Wi-Fi in the guest rooms. In addition, FNGLA group members receive a 15% discount on spa services. Should you wish to make hotel reservations, you may do so by calling 800-457-4653.

Under the chairmanship of Bonnie Marshall (Marshall Tree Farm in Morriston, FL) the convention committee is continuing to work on special events. More details will be available in early spring, both in the Greenline and on the convention’s web page: http://www.fngla.org/ events/annual-convention/.

6

In addition to their lush gardens, the resort’s golf course touts its world-famous 17th hole-- for many, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play.

The Marriott Sawgrass Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach offers lush views, upscale accommodations and an ocean view for participants in FNGLA’s 2014 Annual Convention.

USDA-RMA Meets with FNGLA: Nursery Crop Insurance Issues

Marshall Tree Farm’s patriarch Jim Marshall, FNGLA’s President Mike Marshall and FNGLA CEO Ben Bolusky with two RMA officials at one of three stops designed to showcase crop insurance’s pragmatic implications.

At FNGLA’s specific request, some of USDARisk Management Agency’s top officials traveled from Kansas City, MO and Valdosta, GA to FNGLA’s office in Orlando on December 10. The purpose was FNGLA’s desire to discuss some of the countless crop insurance headaches with which nursery and greenhouse growers continue to wrestle.

FNGLA’s interest is to simplify the nursery crop insurance policy. After a candid six-hour meeting, FNGLA hosted the USDA-RMA officials on a nine-hour, three-stop tour of a greenhouse, container nursery and fieldgrown nursery to underscore the diversity of production and the challenges of plant inventory record-keeping. The nurseries visited were: Mercer Botanicals (Zellwood); Jon’s Nursery (Eustis); and, Marshall Tree Farm (Morriston).

A busted mower can mean a busted business.

So when your equipment is down, we know you

expect parts on our shelf and a talented mechanic in our shop.

Whether you need a box of blades or an overhaul on your engine, your local Horizon Service Center can get the job done.

Visit www.HorizonOnline.com to learn more about our Service Centers.

Scan here to shop online, or visit your local Florida Horizon store.

Boynton Beachê..561.533.1441 7700 High Ridge Rd Ft. Pierce .772.465.1966 3605 Oleander Ave.

Stuart ......772.287.9905 3066 Gran Park Way Lake Park .561.863.5580 850 15th St. ê= service center on site

irrigation w specialty w landscape w equipment

FNGLA HAPPENINGS NFF: Enthusiasm and Optimism for 2014 & Beyond After a steady 2013, the National Foliage Foundation’s Board of Directors is looking ahead to 2014 with great enthusiasm and an optimistic outlook. Kicking the year off with its first fundraising efforts, NFF will host a raffle at TPIE. Purchase tickets and secure your chance to win to $1,000 cash prize! Tickets cost $5.00 each or purchase five for $20.00. The board will also host the annual NFF reception at TPIE to provide an opportunity for NFF endowment holders to reflect on the foundation’s efforts this past year. NFF continues to move forward with its mission to support students preparing for their careers in horticulture as well as to continuing its financial support for valuable industry research.

NFF’s scholarship program has established a solid pathway for qualified students in need of financial support to gain experience and expertise. NFF is proud to have provided, to date, over $300,000 to students’ education.

NFF’s Graduate Assistantship is also advancing. Patricia Dewars, University of Florida Business Graduate student, is supported by NFF and will work with Dr. Thomas A. Colquhoun and Dr. David Clark, professors at the University of Florida, to uncover consumer preference patterns related to foliage. They hope to identify what appeals to the consumer through scientific platforms. Such discoveries and understanding could significantly enhance product development and the future of marketing foliage.

In 2014, Dr. Richard Beeson, UF Professor and Researcher at the IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, continues his citrus nursery efforts on evaluating four different irrigation systems and comparing tree trunk caliper growth among available systems, and quantifying the volume of water required by these various irrigation systems to produce similar size trees from seed to market-size budded trees. With the financial support of NFF, projects like this can provide the industry with valuable research results and targeted ways to enhance production not only in the foliage industry, yet also in related segments.

To request an NFF Grant Application or scholarship application, please contact FNGLA or visit NFF’s website at www. nationalfoliagefoundation.org. The National Foliage Foundation is administered by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA).

Agriculture students from the University of Florida toured a variety of nurseries and operations in an effort to increase their practical knowledge and skill sets. NFF’s scholarship fund has contributed to UF’s Horticulture Club’s annual tour each year for the past decade.

8

PREREGISTER ONLINE AND SAVE!

February 13 & 14, 2014 at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds

Don’t leave your business to chance What’s new in the field.

Refresh your relationships.

Plant the seeds for growing your business.

FNGLA

®

FLORIDA NURSERY, GROWERS AND LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

Leading Florida’s Green Industry

Northeast Chapter FNGLA | 904.292.1117 | nefngla.org

FNGLA HAPPENINGS Ignite your Revenues with FNGLA’s Programs As we see signs of the economy getting back on track, take advantage of FNGLA’s cost effective Marketing Programs!

December 2013 | Volum

e 34, Issue 12

FNGLA’S

MONTHLY

PUBLICA

TION: DI GITAL

TPIE 2014 : In

MONTHLY

ISSUE LO CATED

AT HTTP ://G

spire, Inno vate, Crea

REENLIN

E.FNGLA

.

ORG “The time s they are a-changing,” from the hunker-an sang Bob d-bunker Dylan in producers, stance of 1964. Tha retai the Great t line cont Industry Exhi lers and service prov Recession inues to ring iders, there to an asser bition (TPI true as busi ’s no bette at industry tive, ready-toE). Taking r resource trends, new place Janu engage appr nesses cautiously to get ready move foliage and ary 22-24 plant intro oach for 2014 for in ductions, tropicals. . For plan out-of-the-bo Fort Lauderdale, TPIE the changing time t s than x ideas and continues the latest “As a gard to offer the the Tropical Plant in design, en center New Year style, and retailer, ’s first look Gardens (Roc color whe kledge, FL). I’m always excited n it comes that I know to attend “Just whe to TPIE,” said will be a hit n I think TPIE chai I’ve seen all would reco with our r, Theresa Riley customers mmend TPIE the plants out there, at Rockledg by the creat as the best I go to TPIE , co-owner of Rock e Gardens. ive trade even ledge Even if I and disco this industry.” people who exhibit t in the coun wasn’t on ver a cool there and try, not only the TPIE new plan share their to find planning expertise. committee, t I always leave new plants and prod In its 41st I ucts but to TPIE reen year, TPIE be inspired ergized and is a signature showcase excited abou their plan event for ts and products t being in FNGLA, sales are ahea providing to potential d of last year members buyers not with only an exception only from a handful al and across the of booths country but affordable marketpla remaining for purchase ce to around the . “We see the early sell-o world. TPIE booth ut of boot hs at TPIE

te!

(Con’t Page 3)

The Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) is just around the corner. If you aren’t exhibiting, you should be: Hurry, there are only a few Booths left before the show sells out!

If you are exhibiting, what do you plan to do outside of your booth space to attract the attention of buyers and sellers coming from all around the globe?

The show has promotional opportunities that can put your business or products just inside the front door... and there’s still time to claim your spot! Items like column wraps, banners, floor and window graphics, are great ways to show buyers your offerings before they experience any other booth on the floor. Also, window graphics on the glass walk-overs from the parking garage let anyone coming in from the self-park area see your business brand.

Although it seems like a lifetime away, The Landscape Show offers some of these same great opportunities. To meet demand, the show floor is expanding with large island displays for outdoor power equipment vendors. The Landscape Show continues to attract ideal buyers and is one of the largest state shows in the nation. Sign-up early for full advantage!

GREENLINE: FNGLA’s popular monthly member newsletter, Greenline, is one of the easiest and most affordable means to reach a broad audience of Florida’s nursery and landscape businesses. Well read and anticpated by members at the beginning of each month, full, half & quarter page ads are available at very affordable prices.

BEN’S BULLETS: Another exciting opportunity is an exclusive advertising option on the most frequent and timely communication FNGLA provides its members: Ben’s Bullets.

Written almost weekly by the Association’s CEO Ben Bolusky, this communication is emailed directly to our members. This communication is well read by FNGLA business owners and valued for its no-frills approach to industry topics and happenings. An exclusive to FNGLA members, you can reserve this opportunity in five-week blocks for just $750 each block.

FNGLA WEBSITE: www.fngla.org: Loaded with relevant industry information and visited by the industry-at-large, FNGLA’s website is a technological hub of activity seeing 30,000+ page visits in an average month and more as each of FNGLA’s premier trade shows approach. The site offers a variety of exposure options including targeting the trade show areas.

FNGLA also offers sponsorships for events such as trade shows, educational conferences and even specific programs.

Learn more about how FNGLA can help you effectively reach your target audience. Most advertising opportunities offer FNGLA members a substantial discount. Contact FNGLA’s Director of Association Services Mike Summers at msummers@fngla.org to learn more, 800.375.3642.

10

Landscape Management Network Workshop A Success!

On December 12 & 13, FNGLA teamed with the Landscape Management Network (LMN) to present a 2-day workshop focused on business success, productivity and the bottom-line. This workshop, ideal for landscape professionals looking for serious guidance, got landscape professionals out of their trucks to take their landscape business to the next level.

With day one focused on Building a Profitable Plan and motivating your team, day two was dedicated to Estimating & Bidding. Nearly 40 landscape professionals took advantage of this great event, which was held in Palm Beach.

This event was the third time this workshop has been offered across the state. Look for additional offerings in 2014.

Contact FNGLA’s Linda Reindl for additional details on this and other educational happenings, 800.375.3642.

The One Name Campaign! Member Recruitment Campaign Continues to Grow In August, FNGLA officially launched “ The One Name Campaign!” with members being asked to provide the name and contact details for just one business who will benefit from FNGLA’s membership, ideally a landscape firm. Once your “one name” has joined, you will be rewarded with a $50 credit towards any state-level FNGLA educational event!

Submitting your “one name” is easy! Go to FNGLA’s home page at www.fngla.org and look for the “Refer a Member” button on the top right. From here, there’s a simple online submission form.

Thank you to the following members for jumping onboard the campaign: Sandy Benton (Landscape Service Professionals); Tristen Bowen (Marriott Vacation Club); Austin Bryant (Heart of Florida Greenhouses); Jim Davis (UF-IFAS Sumter County Extension); Cindy Hall (Cobble Systems); Rich Kling (Integrity Merchant Solutions); José Antonio Mejía (RJ Supply Natural Plants Garden SRL); Vickie Parrish (Parrish Nursery, Inc.); Lourdes Rodriguez (Manuel Diaz Farms, Inc.); Friedel Scholl (Soho Landscape); Bill Sellers (Coastal Springs Chapter FNGLA); Brett Sendler (Florida School for the Deaf & Blind); Robert Shoelson (Getting Green Plant Service); Eric Smith (Big Trees Plantation); Shawn Steed, UF-IFAS Hillsborough County Extension Service; Sandy Stein (The Jungle Nursery); and, Ryan Watkins (Brownswood Nursery). For more details on FNGLA’s recruitment efforts, call FNGLA at 800-375-3642 or e-mail: info@fngla.org.

INDUSTRY NEWS USDA Providing $1 million to Jump Start Citrus Response Framework The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the creation of a new, unified emergency response framework to address Huanglongbing (HLB), a serious disease of citrus that affects several U.S. states and territories. This new framework will allow USDA and its many partners to better coordinate HLB resources, share information and develop operational strategies to maximize effectiveness.

“USDA listened to the citrus industry’s request for more urgency and greater coordination on the response to HLB and is implementing an emergency response structure,” said Secretary Tom Vilsack. “To jump start this initiative and affirm our commitment to industry, USDA is also providing $1 million to be used in support of research projects that can bring practical and short-term solutions to the growers in their efforts to combat this disease.

Through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative of the Farm Bill, USDA has provided $9 million in research to blocking the ability of insects to spread HLB to healthy trees. We need Congress to quickly pass a new Farm, Food, and Jobs Bill that continues to support this kind of research to protect a crop worth more than $3 billion in the last harvest.”

The new framework will bring together USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), along with state departments of agriculture and the citrus industry into a Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group for HLB. It will provide industry with a single contact for all the federal and state entities that work on citrus issues and better enable the collective to collaborate on policy decisions, establish priorities, allocate critical resources, and collect, analyze, and disseminate information.

The HLB MAC Group will also help coordinate Federal research with industry’s efforts to complement and fill research gaps, reduce unnecessary duplication, speed progress and more quickly provide practical tools for citrus growers to use.

HLB, also known as citrus greening, is named for the green, misshapen, and bitter-tasting fruit it causes. While this bacterial disease poses no danger to humans or animals, it has devastated millions of acres of citrus crops throughout the United States and abroad. In the United States, the entire States of Florida and Georgia are under quarantine for HLB, and portions of California, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas are also under quarantine for the disease. The U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are under HLB quarantines as well.

For more information about HLB, access the USDA’s Multi-Agency Response to Devastating Citrus Disease website: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/ usdahome?navid=citrus.

12

INDUSTRY NEWS ANLA & OFA are officially AmericanHort!

AmericanHort, the horticulture industry’s new trade association, formally began January 1 with the closing on December 31, 2013 of the consolidation of the American Nursery & Landscape Association and OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals.

The more than two-year effort to bring the groups together was initiated by the volunteer leadership of the legacy organizations in order to better meet the needs of the industry and the respective memberships. The members voted in September 2013 to approve the consolidation.

The mission of AmericanHort is to unite, promote, and advance the industry through advocacy, collaboration, connectivity, education, market development, and research. The vision developed by the new board of directors is to be a leading and unifying organization for the horticulture industry in order to cultivate successful businesses, and for the industry to enhance lives through the benefits of plants.

The new organization represents the national whole of the plant industry, including breeders, greenhouse and nursery growers, garden center retailers, distributors, interior and exterior landscapers, florists, students, educators, researchers, manufacturers, and all of those who are part of the industry supply chain. AmericanHort will have its primary office in Columbus, Ohio, and an office in Washington, DC to facilitate government relations and research activities, including the management of the Horticultural Research Institute. AmericanHort will also continue to manage America in Bloom, the industry’s community beautification initiative.

AmericanHort was formed by the consolidation of the American Nursery & Landscape Association and OFA – The Association of Horticulture Professionals. AmericanHort represents the whole of the plant industry, including breeders, greenhouse and nursery growers, garden retailers, distributors, interior and exterior landscape professionals, florists, students, educators, researchers, manufacturers, and all of those who are part of the industry supply chain. The mission of AmericanHort is to unite, promote, and advance the horticulture industry through advocacy, collaboration, connectivity, education, market development, and research. For more details, access the AmericanHort website: http:// americanhort.org.

Access FNGLA’s flipbook archives: http://issuu.com/fngla & Ben’s Bullet’s archive: https://www.fngla.org/members-only/login. aspx?return=Bullets

13

MEMBER NEWS Oglesby Plants Named A Governor’s Business Ambassador Award Winner Florida Governor Rick Scott recognized Oglesby Plants International (Altha), and another non-agriculture based Florida business, Municipal Corporation, for their commitment to providing opportunities to Florida families and having a long-lasting impact on the economy of their local communities. The Governor’s Business Ambassador Award is given to individuals for their efforts in creating jobs and opportunities for Florida families.

Governor Scott said, “It is an honor to present the Business Ambassador Award to Oglesby Plants International and Municipal Code Corporation for their dedication to creating jobs and opportunities in their communities. In almost three years, Florida has added 440,900 private sector jobs and the unemployment rate has dropped from 11.1 to 6.7 percent. Our goal is to create an opportunity economy in Florida where businesses can create jobs for generations to come, and I applaud Oglesby Plants International and Municipal Corporation for the steps they are taking to make this goal a reality.”

Florida Cabinet Members: Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Governor Rick Scott and CFO Jeff Atwater with Oglesby’s team members: David Oglesby, Mary Oglesby McKenzien, and Gary Hennen

“We have been committed to growing both our business and the local economy since 1947,” said President Gary Hennen. “We now employ more than 90 employees, and this award is a tribute to their hard work and dedication.” Congratulations Gary & the Oglesby team!

Many FNGLA Chapters Offer Student Scholarship In an effort to help craft the next generation of nursery and landscape professionals, many FNGLA chapters offer scholarships to students seeking degrees in not only horticulture, but in many related programs such as environmental sciences and broad-based agriculture.

While chapters may have specific criteria, most will consider students attending two-year educational facilities, as well as traditional four-year programs, and most require a 2.5 GPA or higher to apply.

The National Foliage Foundation’s James H. Davis Scholarship scholarship application deadline is January 15. Access the application at: http://www.fngla.org/education-andresearch/scholarships/davisapplication.pdf.

FNGLA Miami-Dade Chapter’s Scholarship Program applications are due February 14. For more details on this scholarship opportunity, please contact Anita Fernandez at the chapter office at 305-248-1117 or email info@nursery-report.com.

Check with your local FNGLA chapter for additional scholarship possibilities.

14

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome New Members The following are new FNGLA members: from November 22, 2013 - December 21, 2013 ACTION Nursery Supplies, Inc. Warren Lockeby 529 Highland Ave Orlando, FL 32801-1319 407-222-1077

Deco Business, Inc. dba AAA Imports Bob Zhu PO Box 1659 Apopka, FL 32704-1659 407-884-0078

LAKE REGION Garden Marketplace Chris Roth AFF PO Box 6375 Lakeland, FL 33807-6375 863-377-4913

PANHANDLE Rob Williamson Landscaping Rob Williamson PO Box 6118 Navarre, FL 32566 850-565-0658

NORTHEAST Jack E Anderson IV (Student) 9407 Whittington Dr Jacksonville, FL 32257-5439 904-813-4246

BROWARD Ritz Safety Chris Kimmet Full 1851 N Powerline Rd Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954-971-3176 Rec’d by: Chuck Zala, Costa Farms

INTERNATIONAL Concept Plastics, Ltd. Kiran Vijay Patil 6575 Kestrel Rd Mississauga, ONT L5T 1P4 Canada 416-399-5230

PALM BEACH Hidden Strength LLC Wes Jolley 13655 Collecting Canal Rd Loxahatchee, FL 33470-4952 561-389-3105

Jeff Covello (Student) 12051 NW 20th St Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33323 954-557-5347 CENTRAL EAST COAST Pro Care Landscaping & Design, Inc. Hugh V. Young PO Box 627 New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170-0627 386-423-7987 DADE Groflowers Jaime Ruiz 2423 SW 147 Ave #177 Miami, FL 33185 786-472-5900

Van Krimpen B.V. Jorg Swagemakers Molenstraat 42 Standdaarbuiten, 4758 AB T he Netherlands 0031-165-328500 OUTSIDE FLORIDA Panacea Products Corp.

Larry Damato 2711 International St Columbus, OH 43228 614-850-7000 Rec’d by: Jon Teft, J & J Wholesale Nursery The Finishing Touchez Carole Eckles-Harding 1205 SW Kenworthy Dr Ankeny, IA 50023-2732 515-979-5561

ROYAL PALM On Point Ag Cathy Atchley PO Box 202 LaBelle, FL 33975 863-517-5500 Blue Landscape Contracting Group, LLC Timothy Felts 5800 Taylor Rd Naples, FL 34104 239-566-2583 Rec’d by: John Schwind, Steele Truck Center, Inc. TAMPA BAY Robert Butler (Student) 9608 N 15th St Tampa, FL 33604 863-595-5859

Olivia Noah (Student) 303 E Idlewild Ave Tampa, FL 33604 Glen Troj (Student) 4700 Habana Ave Ste 5 Tampa, FL 33614 Ross MacDonald (Student) 5302 Hillsborough Cir Tampa, FL 33610 Reggie Randall (Student) 9302 N 27th St Tampa, FL 33612 David Deutsch (Student) 120 Highland St Brooksville, FL 34601 Amzil Lawns Jamie Pilarczyk 6710 N 10th St Tampa, FL 33604 813-817-3444 Property Care Specialists Marvin Martinez 2004 Florida St Valrico, FL 33594 813-654-3143

Leonard Furey (Student) 5717 Dalden Dr Temple Terrace, FL 33617

15

Calendar of Events

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

Contact Us FNGLA

9 & 10:

2-Day Professional Landscape Course, Duval County Extension Office, Jacksonville

Phone: 407.295.7994 Toll-free: 800.375.3642 Fax: 407.295.1619 E-mail: info@fngla.org Web: www.fngla.org

10:

Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Certification & Test Seminar, UF-IFAS Brevard County Extension, Cocoa

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

January

Winter 2014 Ornamental & Turf Pest Management Workshop, UFIFAS Orange County Extension Service, Orlando

11:

15-18: 23 Annual Southern SAWG Conference, Mobile Convention Center,

Mobile, AL rd

17:

Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP) Training in SPANISH, UF-IFAS Orange County Extension Service, Orlando

22-24:

Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE), Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale

28&29: Florida Water Star Training & Exam, UF-IFAS Duval County Extension

Service, Jacksonville

February 5-7: New England Grows, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA

Ben Bolusky

GREENLINE EDITOR Jennifer Nelis jnelis@fngla.org

2013-2014 STATE OFFICERS

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

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

Past President Wes Parrish Parrish Nursery 5900 SW 185th Way Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33332 (954) 680-3544

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

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.

NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ORLANDO, FL PERMIT #2041

1533 Park Center Drive Orlando, FL 32835-5705

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