January 2017 | Volume 38, Issue 1
FNGLA’S MONTHLY PUBLICATION: DIGITAL MONTHLY ISSUE LOCATED AT HTTP://GREENLINE.FNGLA.ORG
Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition Set to Showcase Trends & Exceed Expectations As eyes turn toward the ripe opportunities of the New Year, TPIE offers something for those in the foliage industry and beyond to begin 2017 on the right path. “If you wish to get a jump on what 2017’s trends will be, then connect with industry insiders from all over the world and surround yourself with hundreds of booths filled with tropical plants, incredible orchids and innovative products. Or take your career to the next level by learning about FNGLA’s professional certifications. TPIE is the place” said Linda Adams, FNGLA’s chief operating officer. “And be sure to take advantage of the many learning opportunities with the Create Theater, the TPIE Road Show, and two informative general sessions.” Attendees will be treated to 400 exhibiting companies in more than 800 booths - all showcasing their brightest and best-selling plants, products and services. Shining a bright light on consumer trends and shifting perspectives, interior designer and trend-spotter Jane Lockhart leads the opening session “Where Plants and Lifestyle Connect.” Lockhart highlights ways to pair plants with interior spaces to integrate beauty, wellness and nature. Lockhart is the principal designer of Toronto-based Jane Lockhart Interior Design, which she founded in 1997. An award-winning designer, TV personality and author, she is well-known for her expertise in interior design and color. Lockhart is a fresh voice on consumer spending and millennials! This one hour session takes place at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18. Plants are at the heart of a repurpose project converting an abandoned trolley line on Manhattan’s east side into an underground public space. Mark Mini and Andrew Engel of John Mini Distinctive Landscapes will present “The Lowline Lab & Subterranean Parks: How, Continued page 3
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Robert Shoelson, FCLC FNGLA 2016-2017 President
The Magic of FNGLA is its People... and the Many Good Times Shared I wish to start off by wishing everyone a very happy and healthy New Year. 2016 was a very busy and productive year for me personally. Running two businesses and being president of the largest state horticultural association in the country doesn’t leave too much time for much else. I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my family as well as a fantastic staff at both companies. The staff at FNGLA also makes my job as president all the much less of a burden as well. The support I receive at every turn makes my job that much more enjoyable. December was an especially busy month for me. I set out with a goal of visiting as many FNGLA chapter holiday parties as possible. Unfortunately, I was battling the flu before I even had the chance to make it to my first party. Nonetheless, I pushed forward and started my first trip to the Royal Palm Chapter’s holiday party. Heading out across Alligator Alley, with my partners in crime (who happened to accompany me to each party I attended), FNGLA Broward Chapter President Christy SavageGriffin and my daughter Emily, we made it to HeadPinz. This was one of the nicest bowling alleys I have ever visited. Chapter president Phil Buck hosted a fantastic party. It didn’t take too long before I was meeting some great people. One member I met, Rob Eisner, FCHP & FCLMT, (Personal Touch Landscaping and Lawn Service), was especially memorable. We spoke for some time regarding certifications, business licenses and other matters. He said something to me that I will not forget. He said if you want to be great, you need to hang out with great people. And that is why he attends his FNGLA chapter’s meetings. It is people like Rob that who make this association great. People who realize the more you put in, the more you get out of FNGLA. My next stop on my holiday party tour was at my own FNGLA Broward Chapter. My great friends, Vickie and Wes Parrish, have hosted the Broward Holiday Party at their home for the past 21 years. We have enjoyed many great parties there and this year was no different. It was probably one of the largest turnouts I have seen there. The food was great and, as always, we had the white elephant gift exchange. There were some very interesting and funny gifts as well as many laughs. We also celebrated FNGLA past-president Joe Cialone’s surprise birthday party. It was a truly fabulous evening and one of the best parties there I can remember.
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The very next evening brought me to the FNGLA Palm Beach Chapter’s holiday party at the Woodfield Country Club in Palm Beach. Chapter president Brandon Balch did a great job hosting the evening’s festivities. There was great food, dancing and even a photo booth. A special congratulations goes out to Jeff McDougald (McDougald & Sons Nursery), for receiving the chapter’s prestigious James Lulfs Industry Service Award. Several days later, I was scheduled to head to the FNGLA Action Chapter’s party at Highland Manor in Apopka. Unfortunately, I was feeling too sick to make the three and a half hour trek north and decided it was in my best interest to not attend this one. I heard the party was great though and I was very sorry I didn’t make it. My last party had me heading south to Schnebly Redland’s Winery and Brewery in Homestead where the Dade County Farm Bureau and the FNGLA Miami-Dade Chapter FNGLA held its holiday party in conjunction with each other. This was my first visit to Schnebly’s and it will surely not be my last. The place was one of a kind. The food was great and the beer was even better. If you are ever are in the area or have the opportunity to visit Schnebly’s, I highly recommend it. I had a great time and it was a perfect end to my holiday party tour. December wasn’t all parties though. Early in the month, the FNGLA Broward Chapter hosted the FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician exam at the UF/IFAS Center in Davie. We had a full house and a great exam. I wish to personally thank all of the judges for taking time off from work to help make the day a success. One judge I wish to mention is Millie McFadden, FCLC & FCHP. While making my rounds during the exam, Millie told me she was glad to give back to FNGLA for everything it has has done for her. She received a promotion at the City of Miami Beach after she received her FCHP and FCLC certifications. Since she received her FNGLA certifications, I think I have seen her judge at every exam we have hosted! A huge thanks to Millie. Make sure you mark your calendars for the Tropical Plant & Industry Exhibition in Fort Lauderdale on January 18-20. It will be a great show and I look forward to seeing many of you there. Robert Shoelson, FCLC Getting Green Plant Service, Inc. (Davie) & Betrock Information Systems, Inc. (Hollywood) robert@gettinggreen.com
FNGLA HAPPENINGS Kick Off 2017 Right: Stay Connected to TPIE’s Happenings One of the most convenient ways to keep track of show happenings, schedule meet-ups and take notes from what you’ve seen is by utilizing the TPIE mobile show directory web/app. From simple tasks, such as accessing the floor plan or seeing what events are coming up, to the more elaborate features like meeting and event chime reminders, the TPIE mobile show directory web/app keeps you organized and on track to maximize your TPIE experience. Simply log in from any mobile device to www.tpie.org and create an account. It’s free and from there, you can create your personalized agenda. Special thanks to PlantANT for the development of the show’s mobile web app! Continued from page 1
Why and What It Means for Our Industry’s Future.” This is TPIE 2017’s Exceeding Expectations session! Sponsored by the National Foliage Foundation (NFF), this session takes place at 3 p.m. on Thursday, January 19. Admission to both the Lockhart and Mini/Engel general sessions is included with your TPIE show badge! Slated to take place on Wednesday and Thursday at TPIE are the Create Theater workshops where floral designers from the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) impart new and novel ways to merchandise plants using themes from the latest floral design trends. The popular TPIE Road Show takes place on Tuesday, January 17. One tours foliage production facilities while the other tours local gardens. There are also workshops on pest management, as well as trends and garden center merchandising. Throughout the three-day event inside the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, three interior design showrooms are on display accentuating plants in different decors. At high noon on both Wednesday and Thursday, celebrated interior designer Anya Cesar offers a walk-about session explaining the design concepts and plant selections. Another popular way to gain the inside track on emerging trends is to tap into the TPIE Cool Products Awards. They spotlight the top 15 retail and interiorscape plants and products as voted by TPIE show buyers themselves! The TPIE Cool Products Awards are presented on Thursday, January 19 at 3 p.m. You have an excellent opportunity to sharpen your professional skill sets while on the TPIE show floor. Visit FNGLA’s Certification Showcase where FNGLA’s Director of Certifications Merry Mott can explain the five available certifications for eager professionals including the FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer. Abundant opportunities to be inspired and create meaningful connections continue when the tradeshow ends its first day with the TPIE Happy Hour. It offers a relaxing tropical atmosphere to share casual conversation and great ideas (and a cocktail) with fellow industry insiders and thought-leaders. Register for TPIE for just $30. The best hotel rates and availability are secured when you go through TPIE’s housing company, Eventsphere. Use TPIE’s online housing reservation for up-to-date availability and pricing. Shuttle buses run from most TPIE host hotels to the convention center on all three show days. For more information about TPIE, visit www.tpie.org or call FNGLA at 800-375-3642. TPIE is a signature event produced by FNGLA and its members with event proceeds used to serve the industry.
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FNGLA HAPPENINGS Your TPIE Educational Experience Awaits TPIE offers a wide range of educational offerings to boost your business skills. From quick, easy-to-learn hints offered in demonstrations at the show, to more in-depth ticketed offerings, there’s an array of opportunities ideal for your business and to train your employees.
In-Depth Learning in Advance of the Show
Taking place the day prior to the start of the show, TPIE’s Road Show has adopted a “Pick 2” format: one workshop and one tour. This allows you to customize your own experience. Register for this full-day, lunch-included event for just $155. Single learning sessions cost $90 and a single tour ticket is $75.
If you’re a landscape professional looking to grow, prosper and succeed with your business, FNGLA’s Education on the Go series is offering a full-day session presented by Ken Thomas & Ben Gandy, of Envisor Consulting. The one-day session taking place in Ft. Lauderdale is the only venue for their program “Keys to Business Success” and will offer critical elements 2017’s TPIE Road Show offers a “Pick 2” format allowing including: Understanding the Business Life Cycle, attendees to choose one tour and one session. Start Clean Finish Clean, the key to business process, DiSC, using personality profiles to foster stronger communication, and, Lean applications in landscape production. FNGLA members can attend for $225 per person. Non-members pay $255. Thank you to Ewing for its partnership with this program.
Sessions During Show Hours
The show is filled with many opportunities to gain knowledge. Kicking off the show, TPIE’s Opening Session is included with your show badge and takes place on Wednesday, January 18 at 9 a.m. Presented by award-winning designer, TV personality, and author Jane Lockhart Where Plants and Lifestyle Trends Connect sets a grand tone for a successful TPIE showcasing how plants work as interior decor for today’s consumer as well as how to keep the connection going between plants, people and the places where they live, work and socialize. This session is sponsored by Live Trends Design Group and SK/Soendgen Keramik. Throughout the show and open to all show attendees at no cost, the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD) is hosting Plant Design and Merchandising Workshops twice daily and once on Friday. These sessions teach design and color techniques whose applications can be applied outside the floral design realm. See the line-up of speakers and topics at http://www.fngla.org/TPIE/ demonstrations.aspx. Other notable show-concurrent sessions for learning include sessions on FNGLA Certifications; an FCLD Review Class; TPIE’s Cool Products Session (free with your show badge); and, a must-see session -- The Lowline Lab & Subterranean Parks: How, Why, and What It Means for the Future of Our Industry. This special “elevating expectations” session takes place on Thursday at 3 p.m! This session is sponsored by the National Foliage Foundation (NFF) is free with your show badge and is a “must attend” event certain to be the talk of the show!
AIFD design sessions attract many looking to expand their knowledge in arrangement and color/texture.
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Check the show’s schedule for the latest updates on learning opportunities and to see which sessions are complimentary and which are separate, ticketed events: http://www.fngla.org/TPIE/events.aspx.
FNGLA HAPPENINGS TPIE Showcases Trends, Foliage
TPIE Road Shows: Customize Your Learning Experience For Tuesday, January 17
TPIE’s “Pick Two” Combo allows you to tailor your experience by choosing the workshop and/or tour of your choice.
Morning Workshop Options
TPIE is the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition: The nation’s only trade event showcasing the latest trends in foliage, floral and tropicals in warm and inviting South Florida. TPIE’s trade show is more than an exhibit area: TPIE is nearly 5 acres of living and vibrant plants creating a virtual indoor garden of show stopping displays. TPIE is the smart way to start your 2017 business year. Spend 3 days in Ft. Lauderdale and return home with a year’s worth of inspired ideas and profitable connections. TPIE offers the newest and most diverse collection of tropical plants, foliage and related products from the industry’s leading companies. With 400 exhibiting companies in over 800 booth spaces, TPIE offers wholesale buyers the widest array of resources for foliage and tropical plants in the country. Connect with vendors in person and touch and feel their plants and products.
Pest Management Workshop
TPIE is where 6,200 of the best and brightest converge to share ideas, be inspired and learn what’s trending with tropical plants and interior foliage. The show offers connections, ideas, and access to people and products all in one place and at one event.
Trends & Garden Center Merchandising Workshop
TPIE takes place January 18-20 at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center, in South Florida. Tickets are $30 at the door. Additional, in-depth education workshops and tours are available at an extra cost. See full details at http://www. tpie.org.
This workshop focuses on the control and management of interior pest problems along with the control of populations of Aedes mosquitoes known to vector the Zika virus.
This workshop explores industry trends such as the increase in popularity of green walls along with great merchandising concepts.
Afternoon Tour Options Production Tour
From a beautiful variety of Bromeliads to a wide array of tropical foliage, attendees will take a tour through three production facilities in Homestead. The three stops included in Tuesday afternoon’s tour are Bullis Bromeliads; Island Tropical Foliage; and, Costa Farms.
Garden & Design Tour
The Garden & Design tour starts at Flora & More, a new design marketplace that is sure to provide inspiration for designers, retail, garden center, hospitality, and event planners. This tour also features Patrick Blanc’s creation at the Perez Art Museum and more stops featuring green wall systems and Florida tropical plants. For more information on the workshops and tour locations, visit FNGLA’s website: http://www.fngla.org/ TPIE/shortcourse.aspx. More details will be added as schedules become available.
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FNGLA HAPPENINGS National Foliage Foundation: A New Name and Exciting New Efforts Starting At TPIE
Name Change in Progress: National Horticulture Foundation
At the close of 2016, the National Foliage Foundation (NFF) celebrated 30 years of serving the industry through research and education. Its mission of funding research and education in the foliage industry has never solely been about foliage. It had become clear NFF was regarded just as the “foliage” foundation. Almost any research, whether water and soil conservation, best management practices and other aspects of general interest affecting one plant type has some applicability to others. With the exciting news of a name change in progress, the NFF will dive into the next 30 years with a broader effort to serve more than foliage touting its new name, the National Horticulture Foundation.
A primary mission has always been to support individuals in horticulture education. Through the years, more than $400,000 dollars has supported more than 250 students who have advanced their education with the help of the NFF. This effort will strengthen as we go into the future with the new name the National Horticulture Foundation. NFF’s history of carefully monitoring its funds continues with a track record of having almost no overhead expenses. The past boards of directors has consistently been made up of our industry’s best people who serve as volunteers with no compensation of any kind. Its current board seeks support from the national horticulture industry.
TPIE Happenings:
With amazing new research on the horizon and the need to train new leaders for our industry, continued support is more important than ever. NFF starts its new venture right on TPIE’s show floor-- and we encourage everyone to see it for themselves. Visit NFF’s booth on the show floor , #2500, to participate in Dr. Hayk Khachatryan’s research: Identifying the Best In-Store and Trade Show Displays and Promotions for Green Industry Stakeholders. Consumers are becoming increasingly fickle when deciding which products to purchase. They are often inundated with lots of information while making their decisions. Determining how consumers utilize in-store displays and promotions to make product choice decisions is important when designing retail promotional strategies and product selection. To our knowledge, only a few studies have investigated how plant consumers’ visual attention to in-store marketing and information in the retail setting influences their purchasing behavior. To advance Dr. Khachatryan’s research, research stations will be set up to measure just what each individual’s eyes are seeing as they view select booths on the TPIE show floor.
Dr. Khachatryan’s research on the TPIE show floor will track eye movement and quantify the effects Volunteer as a Test Subject: Individuals are needed to participate in the study Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at TPIE. At of key booth design elements on booth #2500 there will be 30 minutes intervals: Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 visitors’ attention and interest p.m. and Friday 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. as well as perception changes affecting business relationship If you are interested being a part of this exciting new research, contact Linda Reindl at lreindl@ engagement. fngla.org to sign up for a time slot.
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FNGLA HAPPENINGS The National Foliage Foundation is undergoing a name change to become the National Horticulture Foundation. NFF is one of the leading non-profit funding sources for plant research and educational programs in the United States. Name Change in Progress: National Horticulture Foundation The National Foliage Foundation’s goal to organize research and education which addresses specific problems affecting the plant industry and related industry segments could not be possible without the dedication and vision of its contributors. With continued support of the industry, NFF is able to attract the most skilled researchers, dedicated educators, and shape some of the most promising students. Contributors have an opportunity to make a lasting impression. Once a gift reaches a $5,000 level, it can become a named endowment. For more information about contributing, please visit the NFF website. Contributions are recognized at different levels of giving: Giver $1,000 - $2,499 Sponsor $2,500 - $4,999 Endowment $5,000 - $9,999 Founder $10,000 - $14,999 Patron $15,000 - $19,999 Benefactor $20,000 - $24,999 Builder $25,000 - $34,999 Silver Builder $35,000 - $49,999 Gold Builder $50,000 + Many leading foliage businesses are a part of the Foundation’s happenings and we welcome more participants and contributors!
Be a part of the industry’s future. Learn more today at:
www.nationalfoliagefoundation.org
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FNGLA HAPPENINGS FNGLA Industry Awards Nominations Deadline Is February 15 FNGLA is fortunate to have many hard-working volunteers who generously share their time, expertise and resources with fellow members to help build a better association and a better industry. Make sure the folks who go above and beyond for FNGLA get the recognition they deserve. Take the time to nominate deserving volunteers for one of FNGLA’s prestigious industry awards and help FNGLA put the spotlight on an FNGLA Superstar. The deadline for nominations is February 15, 2017. Winners are recognized and honored at FNGLA’s Annual Meeting held each June at FNGLA’s Annual Convention. The Wendell E. Butler Award recipient(s) and the FNGLA Hall of Fame inductee(s) are specially honored, yet all recipients are celebrated. Nominations are being accepted for the following awards:
WENDELL E. BUTLER AWARD
FNGLA’s most prestigious award which recognizes one who has worked to advance the industry and FNGLA through his or her leadership and service.
FNGLA/FARM CREDIT YOUNG NURSERY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Farm Credit Associations of Florida, this award honors an FNGLA member under the age of 39 who has made an outstanding industry contribution.
OUTSTANDING CHAPTER LEADER
Awarded to any local chapter member who, through his or her leadership, enthusiasm, time and talent makes a difference in the success of the chapter.
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER
Recognizes one who has contributed faithfully to advancing the industry.
OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR
Presented to an educator actively involved in teaching horticulture.
FNGLA HALL OF FAME
Recognizes the lifetime achievement of an individual who’s given unselfishly to the industry through areas including pioneering, teaching, production, legislation, marketing services, or research.
Access previous years’ winners, nomination forms and more details online at http://www.fngla.org/recognition/industry-awards.
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A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR YOUR GROWING BUSINESS
FNGLA HAPPENINGS
BOOTHS STILL AVAILABLE!
FEBRUARY 9 & 10, 2017 AT THE JACKSONVILLE FAIRGROUNDS • What’s new in the field • Refresh your relationships • Educational seminars and CEUs
Register online today and save $2! nefngla.org or call 904.292.1117
FNGLA
FLORIDA NURSERY, GROWERS AND LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION
Leading Florida’s Green Industry
®
FNGLA NEWS FNGLA’s 65th Annual Convention: Fabulous in Ft. Lauderdale Save the date to attend FNGLA’s 65th Annual Meeting and Convention, June 23 & 24, 2017 in fabulous Ft. Lauderdale. Taking place at the B Ocean Resort, this popular association meeting is open to all FNGLA members, family and friends. The FNGLA Convention not only hosts FNGLA’s Annual Business Meeting, it’s the place to recognize the Association’s outstanding volunteers, report on the past year’s accomplishments and shift into a new year of FNGLA leadership. It’s the meeting where lifelong business connections and friendships are made and traditions celebrated. The convention’s opening event on Friday evening, June 23, will be a Beach Party reception on the beautiful beaches for which Fort Lauderdale is famous. Saturday morning’s program starts with a continental breakfast, followed by FNGLA’s Annual Business meeting. The President’s Gala will bring the convention to a grand close on Saturday evening as the FNGLA Big Shoes are passed from President Rob Shoelson to Incoming President Ed Bravo. The convention schedule will provide open time on Friday and Saturday to visit the area’s natural habitats, explore the waterways, browse among the shops and restaurants along Las Olas Boulevard or just hang out with friends and family by the hotel’s oceanfront infinity pool. Sponsors are an important part of FNGLA’s Annual Convention, helping to keep registration costs low for more people to attend and the value of the experience high so more people will return year after year. All companies are welcome as sponsors. Contact Linda Adams at ladams@fngla.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. Mark your calendar now to attend this fun FNGLA people-to-people event in 2017. More details and registration information will be available soon.
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FNGLA NEWS Start 2017 With a Plan for Success: Education on the Go!! FNGLA is proud to be part of a brand new experience – Education on the Go! This first series is tailored to landscape professionals. It offers two different sessions, two remaining dates and two locations across the state.
Keys to Business Success January 17 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Account Manager Boot Camp February 24 | Jacksonville, FL
This workshop will provide key critical elements to business success in the landscape industry today, including: • Understanding the Business Life Cycle • Start Clean Finish Clean, the key to business process • DiSC, using personality profiles to foster stronger communication • Lean applications in landscape production Account Manager Boot Camp | February 24, Jacksonville Envisor consultants share best practices from the landscape maintenance industry for middle managers including: • Introduction to Account Management • Extra Mile Service – keys to customer service excellence • Onboarding new clients – a systematic approach to ensuring success • Site Visits - being efficient and effective • Upselling Enhancements – critical • Elements to vertical selling FNGLA is making this business experience convenient for you and your employees by bringing it closer to you! Education on the Go! is where landscape professionals will be if you want your business to prosper and succeed!
From The Trenches Instructors, Ken Thomas and Ben Gandy started out like over 60% of landscape professionals in Florida have, with a little money in their pocket and a pickup truck. They worked hard and as astute businessmen, not afraid to dig in the dirt, built and sold multi-million dollar companies. Now they are offering their expertise back to the industry. As operations experts, Ken and Ben know more than “what” to do, they know “how” to get your company to the next level. Each program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes all day instruction and lunch. FNGLA Members attend their selected session for just $225; The non-member rate is just $255. Thank you to Ewing for its program partnership! Learn more and access registration details at https://www.fngla.org/events/education-on-the-go.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
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INDUSTRY NEWS 7th Medical Marijuana License Issued Florida’s State Department of Health recently approved a seventh license affiliated with GrowHealthy which will operate in Lake Worth. Department spokeswoman Sarah Revell said they have reached an agreement with McRory’s Sunny Hill Nursery for the seventh license. The department also reached agreements with two other nurseries and are working on potential terms for licensure. Amendment 2 took effect on January 3 and will allow higher-strength marijuana to be used for a wider list of medical ailments once a new set of rules is implemented.
Nurseries and Greenhouses: New WPS Standards In Effect The new EPA Worker Protection Standards (WPS) for nursery and greenhouse workers, as well as pesticide handlers, took effect on January 2. There are several changes affecting how you run your nursery and greenhouse operations, as well as how you train your employees. Here are some highlights: • There is no longer a 5-day grace period for newly-hired workers before they must be trained in WPS. Your workers must be trained before they work in an area where a pesticide was used or a restricted-entry interval was in effect in the past 30 days. • Your nursery and greenhouse workers must now be trained annually - rather than every five years. And, these training records must be kept for two years. • Pesticide handlers (applicators) and early-entry workers must now be at least 18 years old. However, members of the nursery or greenhouse owner’s immediate family are exempt from this and most other WPS requirements. • Pesticide handlers (applicators) must apply pesticides so as not to contact workers or other persons. Applications must now be suspended if a worker or other person is in the application exclusion zone - an area up to 100 feet around the application equipment. • Pesticide safety information must now be displayed not only at a central location, but also at sites where decontamination supplies are located - if these supplies are at a permanent site or at a location with 11 or more workers or handlers. These are just some of the new WPS changes. Access a comparison between the existing and new WPS Standards. See more at http://www.fngla.org/news/archive/2016/ documents/comparison-chart-wps.pdf. EPA has neither finalized nor delivered adequate enforcement guidance, educational materials and training resources to the state agencies. As a result, the state departments of agriculture across our nation banded together to formally request EPA delay its new WPS implementation for one year. The Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) is among those waiting for EPA’s answer to the requested extension. Whether or not EPA agrees to any extension, FNGLA understands FDACS’ approach will be to start out 2017 in a compliance assistance mode - rather than enforcement actions with penalties and fines. Meanwhile, you should proceed to implement all new WPS changes.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Lilies in the Lab By Jack Payne, University of Florida senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of IFAS, jackpayne@ufl.edu | @JackPayneIFAS Dr. Heqiang “Alfred” Huo is a new breed of plant breeder who will soon join the accomplished team at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. He’s among the select few who will be using the revolutionary technology known as CRISPR and applying it to lilies and orchids. The biotechnology could be a shortcut to creating the new varieties of plants that your industry depends upon. UF/IFAS already ranks among the top three land-grant universities nationally in numbers of plant breeders, cultivars developed, and cultivars licensed for commercial propagation. Royalties from these new cultivars are six times what they were less than a decade ago, and we reinvest much of it into innovation to address your challenges.
Now we’re getting even stronger. Just in time, too, because we need a new generation of ornamentals, fruits, vegetables, and trees. Our plants face stresses that weren’t as evident 30 years ago – increased heat, sea-level rise that can lead to saltwater intrusion, migrating diseases, and a new pest arriving in Florida every month on average. You can fight all this with more water, more nutrients, and more pesticides, all of which mean more money. But IFAS aims to save you money, time, energy, and environmental impact by breeding plants that stand up to these stresses. Thanks in part to the tremendous support we’ve received from FNGLA and its members, UF/IFAS has received funding to hire dozens of new research faculty. Instead of carving up this cluster of new scientists by giving each academic department a quota, we’re hiring them in teams assigned to chase a big idea. One of those big ideas is to take UF to the next level in tropical and subtropical plant breeding. In addition to bringing Huo to our Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, we’ve brought on new talent in Homestead, Balm, and other locations. They’ll bring even more cutting-edge science to improving the plants that Florida producers already grow and to creating Florida versions of plants traditionally grown elsewhere. Huo moved to the U.S. from Hong Kong and is currently finishing up work at the Seed Biotechnology Center at the University of California, Davis. He brings with him a working knowledge of CRISRR, a gene-editing technique that since its invention in 2012 has been applied to animal health, medicine, engineering new antimicrobials, controlling disease-carrying insects, and, at UF/IFAS, crop breeding. CRISPR allows scientists to essentially trick a plant into sending itself instructions to snip out gene sequences that welcome disease into its cells, for example. And because it doesn’t involve inserting genes from other species, its creations are non-GMO, which could make them much more acceptable to consumers who are still wary of biotechnology. Part of what sold Huo on UF/IFAS was the emphasis that our plant pathology chairwoman, Rosemary Loria, put on making scientists available to growers. Huo says that connection to industry helps guide breeders like himself to generate varieties with specific goals. In other words, they help him form the question that his research will answer. This, combined with industry support for UF/IFAS breeding efforts, made this what Huo called “my dream place for my future research career.” May his dreams, and yours, come true.
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INDUSTRY NEWS Scholarships Available to Southeast Hort Students The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund is now accepting scholarship applications for 2017. Industry members are asked to advise all eligible students of the availability of this scholarship award. Horticultural students who are eligible are encouraged to apply for this year’s scholarship awards. Eligibility requirements and the application is available on the fund’s website. The deadline for application is May 26. The Scholarship Selection Committee will make final selections by July 7, and recipients will be notified soon thereafter. Twelve $1,500 scholarships will be awarded on August 2, in Athens, Georgia, during the SEGreen Conference. “We will set a milestone for the fund as we cross the half million dollar mark in total scholarship awarded since the fund was established. We are very proud of our accomplishment in building the fund over the past 28 years and we want to express our appreciation to everyone who has helped build this important funding program for our students. The ability to make this level of awards over the years, as we built the endowment fund that now stands at over $800,000, is quite an accomplishment and a tribute to the many SNA members, exhibitors, and industry individuals who made contributions to help build the fund and award our students,” said Danny Summers, Executive Vice President of the fund. For more information contact the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund, go to www.sbmsef.org or email info@ sbsmsef.org.
Few Students Aware of Ag Job Prospects, Study Says Only 19% of high school and college students surveyed indicated they understood the broad array of career opportunities in agriculture according to a newly-released study sponsored by America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders, a Monsanto Fund program. The November study’s findings show while agriculture has become a hot sector for job growth, only 13% of high school and college students are interested in pursuing a career in the agriculture industry – and just 3% can identify it as one of the best fields for college graduates. Fewer than one in five students surveyed indicated they understood the broad array of career opportunities in agriculture. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 57,900 highly skilled jobs are created annually in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources and environmental fields in the U.S. The survey identified several misconceptions that contributed to the findings. For instance, only 35% of high school and college students believed careers in agriculture were technology driven. Erickson Research collected data from a total of 1,000 respondents and analyzed the results. When asked to share their interest in working in various industries, 45% of respondents were “extremely or very interested” in a career in technology, followed by 40% exhibiting the same level interest in a career in arts/entertainment, 35% for a career in health care and just 13% for a career in agriculture. To raise awareness of job prospects in agriculture, the Monsanto Fund supports the America’s Farmers Grow Ag Leaders program, which will award more than $500,000 in scholarships to students across the country in 2017 alone and has awarded nearly $1.2 million in scholarships to promising students pursuing their education in agriculture.
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FNGLA’s youth-education efforts include involvement with FFA, Florida Ag in the Classroom and both FNGLA-produced tradeshows include a Career Event targeting youth-- among other items.
INDUSTRY NEWS
FEEDING THE WORLD OF THE
FUTURE IS WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON TODAY As the world’s population grows, so does its dependence on Florida. It’s not just about warm sunshine and a long growing season. New ideas help feed the world, and they are emerging right now from UF/IFAS faculty and students. Working together, we’ll continue to grow the best solutions and use them to grow Florida agriculture and feed the world. To learn more, visit ifas.ufl.edu
INDUSTRY NEWS State Preserves More Than 2,300 Acres of Florida Land The Governor and Cabinet unanimously approved the preservation of 2,306 acres of environmentally sensitive agricultural land on the Clay Ranch in Putnam County, while allowing the land and agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. The purchase is a part of the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which partners with Florida’s farmers and ranchers to preserve active agricultural operations and their immense economic and environmental benefits through cost-effective conservation easements. This acquisition increases the total land preserved by the program to 27,649 acres over 31 conservation easements. Since 2011, 24 projects totaling 24,064 acres have been acquired by the current Governor and Cabinet.
Among the many wildlife residents of the Clay Ranch is the gopher tortoise. The land consists of a mix of forested uplands, scattered depression marshes, sandhill upland lakes as well as a “Florida’s farmers and ranchers are our state’s original conservationists, xeric/mesic hammock. Since 2014, the state has and partnering with them through conservation easements is a costpreserved 24,064 acres statewide. The acquisition effective way to preserve these invaluable pieces of our rural economy and provides a large tract of conservation land for environment for future generations,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Adam watershed. H. Putnam.
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.
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INDUSTRY NEWS UF-IFAS PIE Center Offers Free Monthly Webinar Series The University of Florida’s Center for Public Issues Education offers Easy as PIE -- a convenient and free professional development option for people who want to learn new strategies and tools without taking time off work and paying travel expenses. Experts and practitioners share relevant research, experiences and recommendations in an interactive, online environment. Register to attend the upcoming webinar Consumer trust in science and its impact on decision-making related to agriculture and natural resources which takes place January 25, from 2-3 p.m. The session will be led by Drs. Alexa Lamm and Joy Rumble, both Assistant Professors with UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural Education and Communication.
Dr. Alexa Lamb
Dr. Joy Rumble
Generally speaking, the scientific community is trusted by the public. However people can be selective on the scientific information they choose to trust. Dr. Alexa Lamm and Dr. Joy Rumble will share public opinion research on consumer trust in science. Their presentation will show how consumers’ trust, or lack thereof, affects their decision making on issues related to agriculture and natural resources. Register to attend at http://www.piecenter.com/2016/10/28/january-25-2-3pm-trust-in-science.
The Garden Center Group Adds Salwitz to its Professional Staff Award-winning author Christina Salwitz has been added to The Garden Center Group’s lineup of service providers as the Visual Merchandising Coach, a fundamental element of retail sales. Christina’s experience includes a stint as a fashion retailer at Nordstrom, where she was recognized for her fresh, intuitive sales policies and marketing strategies. She’s spent 25 years working as a merchandiser, buyer and manager at independent garden centers, as well as establishing herself as a respected garden communicator through blogs, photography and her books. She has been a consultant to homeowners and is a recognized name in container design. “Visual merchandising is a very important element that can make a dramatic impact on profit when creativity is aligned with sales objectives,” notes Danny Summers, managing director for The Garden Center Group. “Christina has the right balance of creativity and sales management skills, and store teams will certainly benefit from her unique talent.” The Garden Center Group is an alliance of garden centers, service providers and vendors who work together creating a community of professionals with one goal in mind – helping each other build successful companies. The group focuses on business solutions designed to help garden centers increase sales, improve operations and retain more profit. For more information about Christina Salwitz, visit http://www.thegardencentergroup.com/ christina-salwitz-intro or email her at: personalgardencoach@comcast.net.
Christina Salwitz is now The Garden Center Group’s Visual Merchandising Coach.
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CERTIFICATION NEWS FNGLA Tampa Bay Chapter Hosts FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician Exam Members of FNGLA’s Tampa Bay Chapter had the opportunity to earn FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician (FCLMT) certification thanks to a special training and testing opportunity in December. FCLC Will Womack, Tampa Bay Landscaping, trained 16 area professionals who tested at Ameriscape Services. This has become an annual event thanks to the Tampa Bay chapter’s support. For more information, contact Merry Mott at FNGLA at 800-3753642 or at mmott@fngla.org.
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Thank you to our Judges and Hosts! Robert Benito, FCLT, My Landscaping Services MA Chavous, FCHP, Hillsborough County Schools Jim Coe, FCLC, Critter Ridge Landscaping Marcelo Cruz, FCLMT, Ameriscape Ken Dobler, FCLC, Westcoast Landscape Taylor Hardin, FCLT, Oasis Palm Dustin Holland, FCLC, J & T Holland Kirk McLeod, FCLMT, Ameriscape Skye Ortiz, Exam Assistant Will Ortiz, FCLMT, Ameriscape Marie Petresky, FCLT, Natural Designs Landscape
CERTIFICATION NEWS FNGLA’s Certification Showcase Highlights Professionalism Interested in raising your professionalism in the new year? Visit FNGLA’s Certification Showcase at TPIE in Ft. Lauderdale January 18-20 to learn about all the professional designations available to you through FNGLA and you can see a sampling of test stations. This informative and interactive booth is a wealth of useful information including how to get trained and certified in your specific area of Florida’s nursery, irrigation and landscape industries. Learn more about: • FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional • FNGLA’s landscape certifications • Florida Water Star Accredited Professional Have a little fun testing your landscape and irrigation skills! Not only can you learn how to bring additional education and professionalism to you and your company, you can actually practice several of the exams – including plant identification and irrigation identification. The display will be open during the hours of TPIE in booth 2500 and manned by FNGLA’s Certified Professionals, area agency representatives and local trainers. For more information, contact Merry Mott at mmott@fngla.org or call 407-295-7994.
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
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DESIGN
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MEMBER NEWS Monsanto Shareholders Approve Merger
Harrell’s Announces Employee Ownership
Monsanto shareholders voted to approve the company’s $66 billion takeover by German pesticide and pharmaceutical corporation Bayer AG in a deal still requiring regulatory approval. The combined companies plan to increase research and development spending and develop a global seeds and biotechnology hub in St. Louis fueling hopes regulators will not block the deal.
In its 75th Anniversary year, Harrell’s has announced the formation of the Harrell’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Harrell’s ESOP.
“I think those augur well for the deal,” Monsanto CEO Hugh Grant said of the planned effort. If the deal closes, it will create a company commanding more than a quarter of the combined world market for seeds and pesticides in the fast-consolidating farm supplies industry.
Harrell’s ESOP has been vested as the sole owner of Harrell’s, LLC. The Harrell and Schermerhorn families, previous Harrell’s owners, are confident the Harrell’s ESOP will be the catalyst for sustained growth and heightened employee morale, while providing the foundation for the future of the company. The decision for change was made in large part in Harrell’s belief its employees are its greatest asset. This new and exciting chapter is a continued part of Harrell’s goal to be an industry leader through empowering its employees to work for their customers’ success. In addition to being one of the nation’s largest distributors of branded fungicides, herbicides and insecticides, employeeowned Harrell’s produces top-quality, custom-blended fertilizers, specialty liquids, and wetting agents. They are also the world-class formulator and a leading world distributor of POLYON®, the industry’s superior controlled-release fertilizer technology. For more information about Harrell’s, go to www.harrells.com.
Florida’s Nursery Industry Loses Icon: Bert Kraft Albert H. “Bert” Kraft, Jr. (96) passed away quietly at his home in Palm City December 28, 2016. Bert was born in Detroit, Michigan, where he married his high school sweetheart Mildred Faulman and worked in the Design & Engineering Department of Ford Motor Company. He would use those skills during World War II while stationed in Hawaii. After the war, Bert & Millie moved to Fort Lauderdale where they raised their family and, over the years, built several successful businesses including Kraft Landscape Nursery & Garden Center and Kraft Gardens, Inc. All their children, two sons-in-law and a grandson were active in the business. At its pinnacle, Kraft Gardens was one of the largest and most successful foliage nurseries in the state. Bert was a founding father of the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE), an FNGLA Wendell Butler Award Recipient (1985), FNGLA Hall of Fame Inductee (2000) and was involved in many FNGLA and industry activities. Bert will be missed! Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 21 at Treasure Coast Seawinds Funeral Home. 950 SE Monterey Road, Stuart. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Treasure Coast Hospice, 1201 S.E. Indian St., Stuart, FL 34997. www.tchospice.org
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MEMBER NEWS FNGLA’s Member Recruitment Contest! Longtime FNGLA members probably remember the day when members pitted themselves against others to be “top recruiters.” It’s an easy sell-- as there’s so many great reasons -- many cost-saving reasons -- to be a member of FNGLA. January 1 marked the start date for FNGLA’s Recruitment Contest and up until June 1 members can earn a $50 credit for each new FNGLA member recruited. You might be thinking, “Wow! I can make some serious cash.” We say, “Yes!” And there are two options for pay-off: you can easily keep the cash, or you can contribute it to your local FNGLA chapter. You decide. And, the chapter whose members, by percentage, bring in the most members, will earn a well-deserved surprise. Rules and restrictions may apply. FNGLA intends to pay-out all credit monies earned in June, 2017. Have fun-- promote FNGLA and its benefits-- and, earn a dividend! It’s really that simple!
Welcome New Members ACTION J & A Greenhouses Jeremy Rice 15820 CR 48 Astatula, FL 34705 352-978-7453
MIAMI-DADE Film Trade Inc. John Banner 1280 NW 74th St Miami, FL 33147 305-547-1202
Nehrling Gardens Art Swanton (Supportive) 2267 Hempel Ave Gotha, FL 34734 352-636-2742
Michael McNeal (Student) 7251 SW 127th St Miami, FL 33156-5336 239-810-3842
Southwood Landscaping Isrrael Salgado 1718 N Lakewood Ave Ocoee, FL 34761 407-905-5283
Mix’d Greens, Inc. Mike Hitchcock (Affiliate Member) 28905 SW 162nd Ave Homestead, FL 33033-1307 305-245-1722
BROWARD Broward Hurricane Shutters Daniel Crawford 267 NE 32nd Ct Oakland Park, FL 33334 954-973-8484
NORTHEAST SiteOne Landscape Supply Justin Widmaier (Associate) 3081 Horn Ct Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250 904-477-7164
Smith’s Lawn Service Shavonnea Smith 1490 NW 20th St Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 954-213-2864
PANHANDLE Fleischman’s Inc. Michael Fleischman 1519 Ponderosa Rd Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 850-582-5456
Terrazas Construction Group, Inc. Joel Terrazas 3001 Waterview Cir Palm Springs, FL 33461 561-767-0145 LAKE REGION Atlantic Landscape LLC David deBoer PO Box 1301 Winter Haven, FL 33882 863-969-4204 The Villages Community Development Districts Mike Harris (Supportive) 1071 Canal St The Villages, FL 32162 352-753-4022
Ivey’s Tree Service Ramey Ivey 6009 Sunset Ave Panama City, FL 32408 850-628-5069 Pathways For Change dba Everything Outdoors Chris Collins 2050 W Blount St Pensacola, FL 32501 850-619-2709 PALM BEACH Boko Lawn Services, LLC Domenico Tavano 4467 Frances Dr Delray Beach, FL 33445 561-394-6020
The following are new FNGLA members from December 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
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
Build Masters LC Mamoun Shehadeh 2420 NW 1st Ave Boca Raton, FL 33431 561-757-6587 Floral Emporium, Inc. Steven Spaulding Full 3900 S Dixie Hwy West Palm Beach, FL 33405 561-659-9888 Lakeview Lawn Maintenance, LLC Henry Castr 704 5th St SW Vero Beach, FL 32962 772-532-5107 Landscape Dynamics, Inc. Henry Tanzer 21370 Sweetwater Lane N Boca Raton, FL 33428 561-482-8590
TAMPA BAY Prince Contracting, LLC Jackie Calandros 10210 Highland Manor Dr #110 Tampa, FL 33610 813-699-5900 TREASURE COAST CenterState Bank Dawn Smith 2100 S Parrott Ave Okeechobee, FL 34974 772-260-5908 Mendoza’s Landscape & Maintenance, LLC Joe Mendoza 4508 SE Nimrod Ln Stuart, FL 34997 772-349-0314
ROYAL PALM Grounds By Greenways, Inc. Robert Walton 1619 Periwinkle Way Sanibel, FL 33957 239-472-4893 Rec’d by: Matt Fleming, Steele Truck Center
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Calendar of Events
Contact Us
See and submit events at http://www.fngla.org, under calendar
January 10:
Green Industry Best Management Practices (GI-BMP), UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension Service, Sarasota
10-17:
The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, AmericasMart, Atlanta, GA
11-13:
MANTS, Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, Baltimore Convention Center Baltimore, MD
16-20:
Green & Growin’, Greensboro, NC
18-20:
TPIE, Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition, Greater Ft. Lauderdale/ Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale
24-27:
IPM Essen, Germany
25-27:
WinterGreen Trade Show & Conference, Duluth, GA
28:
Winter 2017 Ornamental & Turf Pest Management Workshop, UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Service, Orlando
February 1-3:
South Carolina Horticulture Industry (SCHI), Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, SC
7-10:
ProGreen Expo, Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO
21: Landscape U: Diagnosing Problems of Trees, Shrubs and Groundcovers, UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Service, Orlando
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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