FNGLA's May 2014 Greenline

May 2014 | Volume 35, Issue 5

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

Excitement Builds for FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days: May 14 & 15 Join 15 of the nation’s top breeders, 10 great event sponsors and countless other leaders in the Floriculture and landscape industry for FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days taking place May 14 & 15 in Orlando! And if those numbers are not enough to sway you, how about the 13 educational sessions from which to choose, the 3 trial sites, and 2 jam-packed days of happenings and opportunities to connect, learn and grow from both experts and industry peers.

See how the new varieties of the industry’s top breeders handle the Florida heat and humidity in three trial settings: Walt Disney World’s Epcot Resort area, Harry P. Leu Gardens and the UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Service. Conference attendees can take back to their businesses innovative ideas on what’s new in Florida’s floriculture offerings and how the breeder’s new varieties perform in Florida’s environment.

Growers, landscape professionals and garden center retailers are gearing up to absorb tips, details and information on the industry and on the more than 140 varieties of plants trialed at the event. Industry speakers from all over the U.S. will bring their insights, knowledge and motivation as you soak in the experience.

During the conference, attendees take to the road and learn as they go. Educational sessions start each morning at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort and attendees will then hop on the bus to explore a theme park (one day Epcot and SeaWorld the other). Each afternoon, we’ll visit Harry P. Leu Gardens and the UF/IFAS Orange County Extension Service for educational sessions and time in the trial garden.

Programs will feature information about new varieties and address key business strategies.

Continued page 3 Expert education presenters: CAROL REESE

BOB KODZIS TOM SHAY

WILLIAM McCLENATHAN

RICK SCHOELLHORN

Also speaking: Chris Beytes; Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, Christina Salwitz; Dr. Mike Raupp; Pablo Perez; Bisser Georgiev; and, Mark Russell(Con’t page 3)

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Mike Marshall FNGLA 2013-2014 President

Finishing Strong For many people, this time of year is about transitions and finishing strong – the school year is ending, the legislative session was closed there are graduations, new jobs, weddings, summer vacations right around the corner and, if you live in a college town like I do, it means a quieter summer on the horizon. It also means we are getting closer to another transition in FNGLA leadership.

It’s hard to believe my year of service as president of your FNGLA is drawing to a close in June. FNGLA will be in great hands with incoming President Sandy Stein from The Jungle Nursery in Miami, President-elect nominee Billy Butterfield of AmeriScapes Landscape Management Services of Orlando, and Secretary/Treasurer nominee Robert Shoelson of Getting Green Plant Services & Betrock Information Systems in Ft. Lauderdale. I encourage you to take a moment to look back at the progress our industry and FNGLA have accomplished in the last year, and also to take advantage of some wonderful opportunities at exciting events that are just around the corner too.

The 2014 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival wraps up on May 18 so you still have several weeks to see one of the best displays of Florida grown flowers and plants each year. Even better, you can attend the Floriculture Field Days & Performance Trials, happening May 14 & 15 and experience the Flower and Garden Festival at the same time.

FNGLA, Disney’s Horticulture team, Harry P. Leu Gardens and the UF-IFAS extension have teamed up to showcase the newest flowering plant releases and the greatest innovations in the floriculture industry. You will see firsthand how new varieties perform in Florida’s tough growing conditions.

You will also hear from the floriculture industry’s leading professionals, and tour the 2014 Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival display with Disney Horticulture.

The next big event on the FNGLA calendar is FNGLA’s 62nd Convention & Annual Meeting at the beautifully located and newly remodeled Marriott Sawgrass at Ponte Vedra Beach, June 20 & 21. FNGLA’s Annual Convention is a time each year for FNGLA members and industry friends to come together and celebrate the past year of success while welcoming FNGLA’s new leadership into office. It is also the venue for FNGLA’s Annual Meeting and

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the place we celebrate our industry’s best and brightest with the FNGLA’s Industry Award Winners. I speak on behalf of the Frontrunners Chapter and the convention committee when I say we are proud and excited to host this year’s convention at the beautiful Marriott Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Marriott Sawgrass is an exceptional spot for our industry to gather and celebrate our achievements. Events begin on Friday with the option of a tour of the Jacksonville Zoo or a complimentary leadership workshop with Dr. Hannah Carter, director of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute. The Friday evening Welcome Reception will be a relaxed event at the 100th Hole poolside bar and deck with panoramic view of the water and golf course below. Saturday events include the Annual Meeting and Industry Awards in the morning with time to relax in the afternoon or sign up for an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit and lunch at The Players Club Sawgrass on Saturday afternoon. A full two days will end on Saturday night with the Presidents’ Gala. We’re honored to host distinguished guests at the Presidents’ Gala on Saturday evening - Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation Ananth Prasad! Both will attend the President’s Gala on Saturday evening, June 21. Secretary Prasad will receive FNGLA’s Friend of the Industry Award and Commissioner Putnam is the evening’s keynote speaker. It is a huge compliment to FNGLA and its members to have these two state leaders at our event.

Thank you to the Frontrunners Chapter and the Convention Committee for working so hard to put on such a spectacular event. I look forward to seeing you all there.

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

From Page 1-Field Days

and

s at Epcot ® Performance Trial

Conference attendees receive breedersupplied promotional materials, as well as a complete 2014 Trial Plant book detailing each variety planted in the three trial site’s trial gardens.

May 14 & 15, 20 14

Make your plans now to attend this great conference: Members can register for both days of happenings for Trial Plant Details just $230. Rooms at the host hotel, Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort start at $129 per night.

Trial Sites: Walt Disn ey World®, Harry P. Leu Gardens and UF/IFAS Ora nge County Exte nsion Service

Brought to you

by:

View the complete itinerary for the conference at http://www. fngla.org/events/floriculture-field-day/schedule.aspx or register to attend at https://www.fngla.org/events/floriculture-field-day/ registration.aspx.

2014 Breeder Participants:

FNGLA HAPPENINGS FNGLA Announces New Slate of Officers for 2014-2015 FNGLA’s Nominating Committee announces its recommended slate for FNGLA’s 2014-2015 officers.

President-Elect Sandy Stein (The Jungle Nursery in Miami) automatically advances to FNGLA President for 20142015. FNGLA’s Nominating Committee nominates Billy Butterfield (AmeriScapes Landscape Management Services in Orlando) as FNGLA’s 2014-2015 President-Elect. Robert Shoelson (Getting Green Plant Service in Fort Lauderdale and Betrock Information Systems in Hollywood, FL) is nominated as FNGLA’s Secretary/Treasurer for 2014-2015.

Current FNGLA President Mike Marshall (Marshall Tree Farm in Morriston) automatically advances to FNGLA Past President for 2014-2015.

Incoming FNGLA President Sandy Stein started in the nursery business in 1981. Serving FNGLA’s MiamiDade Chapter in many capacities, including president, Sandy has served on the FNGLA Board of Directors as an officer and as the Woody Division Board Representative.

He has also chaired FNGLA’s Membership Committee. Sandy is a graduate of the UF/IFAS Wedgworth Leadership Institute and has served on local nursery boards and committees. He is the owner of The Jungle Nursery in Miami and also a licensed psychotherapist.

Nominated to serve as PresidentElect, Billy Butterfield became active in FNGLA through his interest in its landscape certification programs. He has served on FNGLA’s Certification Committee and is one of the most experienced and rigorous certification exam judges. Billy served FNGLA’s Action Chapter in many capacities, including president. He has served on the FNGLA Board of Directors as an officer and as Action Chapter’s Board Representative.

Billy has been on FNGLA’s Membership Committee, The Landscape Show Committee and FNGLA’s education committees. He sits on many local advisory boards and committees and is a graduate of the UF/IFAS Wedgworth Leadership Institute. Billy owns AmeriScapes Landscape Management Services in Orlando.

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Nominated to serve as FNGLA Secretary/Treasurer, Robert Shoelson has grown up in the nursery and landscape industry starting with Betrock Information Systems in 1992 and Getting Green Plant Service in 1998. He was active on FNGLA’s Certification, Short Course and Budget Committees. Robert has served on FNGLA’s Board of Directors as Woody Division and Broward Chapter Board Representatives. He was president of FNGLA’s Broward Chapter three times and is active in several industry groups, including the Landscape Inspectors Association. Robert is a Certified Landscape Inspector and has earned two FNGLA professional certifications -Landscape Contractor and Horticulture Professional. He was named the FNGLA Young Nursery Professional of the Year in 2006-07. Robert is the owner and president of Getting Green Plant Services in Fort Lauderdale and the COO of Betrock Information Systems in Hollywood, FL. Mike Marshall automatically moves from president to FNGLA Immediate Past President. He has served FNGLA as a committee member and chair of the Great Southern Tree Conference; chaired FNGLA’s Budget Committee; a Woody Division Leader; and, sits on FNGLA’s Board of Directors as an officer. Aside from FNGLA, Mike is also a leader in several industry groups, including the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). He too is a graduate of the UF/IFAS Wedgworth Leadership Institute. Mike is very involved in sales, marketing and production at his family business, Marshall Tree Farm in Morriston.

FNGLA officer elections take place during FNGLA’s Annual Meeting on Saturday morning, June 21 in conjunction with the 2014 convention in Ponte Vedra Beach which is located between St. Augustine and Jacksonville. All members are welcome to attend the Annual Meeting. Details on attending can be found at: http://www.fngla.org/events/annualconvention/.

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FNGLA HAPPENINGS FNGLA Convention Offers More Opportunities to Connect, Lead & Discover The 2014 FNGLA Convention is adding more fun, more value and more prestige with three exclusive new programs and two very special convention guests. FNGLA’s Convention is the best place to interact with other FNGLA members, keep up-todate on industry news and views, and take advantage of personal development opportunities. It takes place on June 20 & 21 at the Marriott Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach.

FNGLA is excited to welcome two public policy leaders -- Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam and Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation Ananth Prasad -- to this year’s convention! Both will attend the President’s Gala on Saturday evening, June 21. Secretary Prasad receives FNGLA’s Friend of the Industry Award and Commissioner Putnam is the evening’s keynote speaker. It is a huge compliment to FNGLA and its members to have these two state leaders at our event. Three new activities are now added to the convention schedule -- each provided complimentary for FNGLA members

by FNGLA members. They are: Friday, June 20, 9 - 11 a.m. Tour of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Bob Chabot, director of horticulture and facilities at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, offers convention attendees a complimentary tour of the gardens! The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a first-of-its-kind botanical garden inside a zoo that, unlike other zoos, is integrated among the animal exhibits. A river of color runs through the zoo and themed pocket gardens serve as forecourts to the animal exhibits. Transportation is on your own.

Friday, June 20, 10 – 11 a.m. Growing Ourselves, Growing Business, Growing Industry, a special FNGLA Leadership session provided by Dr. Hannah Carter, director of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute, UF/IFAS The past few years were filled with rapid change. How do you maintain and increase value to yourself, your business and this industry? How do you build ROR (Return on Relationships)? This special session focuses on the ideas presented in Tim Sanders’ (Chief Solutions Officer at Yahoo) recent best-seller, Love is the Killer App: How to Win Business and Influence Friends. We focus on ideas how to share your knowledge, networks and compassion to become an extraordinary leader. This event takes place at the hotel.

Unique Golf Opportunity for FNGLA Conventioneers Sawgrass Country Club has been synonymous with great golf ever since hosting the premier PGA Tour Event, The Players Championship, from 1977 - 1981. It is now a private club, yet FNGLA has secured tee times for 28 players on Friday, June 20, beginning at 7:30 a.m. A very special rate of $125 is offered, which includes a foursome caddy. If you are interested in reserving a tee time, email twise@fngla.org. Tee times will be offered to foursomes on a first come, first served basis.

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Saturday, June 21, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. Behind-the-scenes tour of the TPC (The Players Club) Sawgrass Golf Course and Clubhouse Todd Fonda, landscape manager of TPC and FNGLA member, offers a complimentary tour of the facility, complete with “storytellers” to provide the history of the renowned TPC headquarters and championship golf course! Lunch is compliments of John Deere Landscapes. Attendance is limited to 50 people.

These activities are exclusive for FNGLA convention attendees and have limited registration. While there is no additional cost to take part, registration is required.

You can do so for all convention activities via the online registration form. http:// www.fngla.org/events/annual-convention/. Prices are lowest prior to June 6th.

Now’s the time to make your hotel reservation at the Marriott Sawgrass. For your convenience, register online at https://aws.passkey.com/g/21380260 or call 800457-4653 and mention FNGLA for a special rate of $115 for a standard room.

Reservation deadline is May 19.

For additional FNGLA convention details, visit http://www.fngla.org/events/annualconvention/index.aspx or contact Linda Adams at ladams@fngla.org.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS BUCK ROBERTS

FNGLA HAPPENINGS FNGLA’s Landscape Awards: Submit Best Projects by June 27 FNGLA’s 2014 Landscape Awards program is accepting submissions: Enter your very best landscape projects! As the industry is again on the rise, now is a grand opportunity to promote and position your landscape firm as one of the “best of the best” our professional industry has to offer!

FNGLA’s Landscape Awards bring excellence and prestige to your business portfolio. The entry categories and applications are straightforward and submitted on-line. And, you can even submit twice as many digital images of your landscape entry! Florida landscape projects installed and completed since January 1, 2011 are eligible for submission.

The cost to enter a project is $145 for FNGLA members and $200 for non-FNGLA members. The deadline for all entry applications is 5 p.m., Friday, June 27, 2014.

Submit New Installations; Redesign/ Renovation; and, Maintenance projects in the following categories:

• Residential Single-Family • Residential Community • Commercial • Theme Park • Institutional/Public • Interior Project • Special Project

The winners receive their awards on the main stage of The Landscape Show, September 25-27, 2014 in Orlando. Chosen from the pool of winning projects, three projects are elevated with additional honors at the show: the Floriculture Award; the Roy Rood Award (best Project of the Year); and, the Florida FriendlyTM Landscape Award. In addition, the Blakely Award is presented to an FNGLA member-business which exemplifies design and landscape excellence by the appearance of the landscaping at their place of business. There is always much to celebrate!

A recap of last year’s project winners can be located here: http://www. fngla.org/recognition/landscape-awards/winners.aspx.

• Student Project • Environmentally Sustainable Site Special Awards include:

• FNGLA S.J. Blakely Award • FNGLA Floriculture Award • FNGLA Florida Friendly Landscape™ Award • FNGLA Roy Rood Award 8

Winners from the 2013 awards received their plaques from Adam Putnam, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture at The Landscape Show’s main stage. With its prominent placement, the main stage is again planned as the location for presenting 2014’s winners!

FNGLA HAPPENINGS Remaining Garden Volunteer Spots at Epcot® are Limited: Act Now! The 2014 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is an exceptional event and opportunity for FNGLA to showcase our industry and Florida gardening to over 2 million expected consumers. 2014 marks FNGLA’s 16th year of participation and FNGLA continues the volunteer opportunities for members and FNGLA Certified Professionals.

BACKYARD PLAY GARDEN

As an official festival partner, FNGLA is the host organization to the returning theme of children’s gardening focused on family gardening fun. With its “backyard look and feel,” the area incorporates a variety of fun gardening elements easily recreated by virtually any home gardener. Many areas are returning from last year’s garden. FNGLA volunteers serve in pairs as garden hosts each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the festival, now until May 18.

Estimates show between 150,000 and 180,000 consumers enter the garden area at Epcot. And with volunteers present more than 1/2 of the time, more than 75,000 consumers have the opportunity to interact with FNGLA-provided garden professionals!

FNGLA’S TRIAL GARDEN

The setting for FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days Performance Trial Garden features breeder selections of plants expected to be released for use in Florida’s climate. For the public, this is a sneak peak opportunity.

FNGLA is seeking members and FNGLA certified professionals to serve as trial garden hosts each Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, now until May 18. There is one shift for the trials: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The trials are located on the promenade at the International Gateway, just outside the resort entrance to Epcot and there are three time slot openings still in need of a volunteer: Thursday, May 8, Saturday, May 17 & Sunday, May 18.

While we are able to allow gardenqualified friends and spouses to serve as FNGLA volunteers for both areas, you must be able to fulfill the host duties which include answering garden-specific questions. We cannot allow children to participate. All FNGLA volunteers gain entrance to the park for the day of their commitment and are free to enjoy Epcot and the festival before and after their volunteer time. FNGLA Certified Professionals also receive 2 CEUs for their volunteer service.

Reaching out to the end consumer is, indeed, a necessary task for the industry. If you are interested in filling any of the few remaining spots, contact FNGLA’s Amy DiBella at adibella@fngla.org!

FNGLA’s Backyard Play Garden provides a source of inspiration for Epcot park guests. Volunteers assure no question goes unanswered.

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FNGLA NEWS The Landscape Show Does a Side Step South The Landscape Show makes a slight shift when it takes place September 25-27 in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center. Continuing in the North/South Building, the show simply shifts from the north side of the convention center to the south side. The south concourse faces International Drive and is connected via walkways to the Hilton Orlando and the Hyatt Regency Orlando, two of The Landscape Show’s host hotels.

The exhibit halls and meeting space in the north and south concourses are mirror images so only very minor changes had to be made to the show layout and exhibitor locations. Parking and access to the building are easy to access from International Drive. Plenty of restaurants and entertainment options are available at Pointe Orlando, which is a short walk from the south concourse via walkways and sidewalks. Pedi cabs and the I-Drive Trolley are also available along International Drive for quick and easy transportation.

Seize the Momentum – Exhibit in The Landscape Show

Florida’s economy is on the upswing with new construction and climbing consumer confidence. Take advantage of this positive momentum by positioning your company front and center at The Landscape Show. More than ever the key to successful sales and long-term profits revolves around valued individual relationships and business partnerships. Taking place September 25-27, The Landscape Show offers an ideal venue in Orlando at the Orange County Convention Center for exhibitors to meet people who are in a “ready-to-do-business” frame of mind. With more than 6,500 industry professionals in attendance, this major event offers a wide cross section of potential customers, from landscape architects to landscape contractors to retail professionals to government agencies to growers and more.

Considered one of the best values among industry trade shows, The Landscape Show offers competitive booth costs and complimentary move-in and move-out assistance in most cases. FNGLA members receive discounts on exhibit pricing as well as preferential treatment in selecting booth space.

Take a quick look at the 2013 Landscape Show video to learn more of the advantages of exhibiting at this popular industry business event: http://vimeo.com/89400267.

Seize Exposure at The Landscape Show

Exhibit space is a great first step to keep your company in the eyesight of industry buyers. Studies show more space allows for more interaction as attendees are more likely to enter displays with open spaces as well as attractive product displays. Add to your company exposure outside your exhibit space through a variety of promotional opportunities now available at The Landscape Show.

Do you have a new product you wish to highlight? Consider placing product banners in the lobby, on aisle signs or as floor stickers and column wraps. The lobby and exhibit areas offer a variety of high traffic locations. Prices vary according to types of signs and locations – there is something to fit every budget. Want to stand out as a leading industry company? Consider sponsoring one of the major events at The Landscape Show, such as the Opening Night Reception or the FNGLA Landscape Awards Presentation. Sponsorships can be customized to reach your target market at a price fitting your budget.

Advertising still works to make an impression and The Landscape Show offers print and digital options for exhibitors to get your brand and message out front. Whether you wish to stand out in the show directory or mobile website, attendees will appreciate the added shout-out from your company! Take advantage of The Landscape Show advertising special – place an ad in the show directory and you receive a 50% discount on an ad in Greenline, Ben’s Bullets or an FNGLA web banner ad.

This special is exclusive to FNGLA members! Contact FNGLA today to reserve your place: 800-375-3642!

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FNGLA MEMBERSHIP IS A GOOD BUSINESS DECISION MEMBER BENEFITS & DISCOUNTS Commercial Vehicle Discount

Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. provides FNGLA members a special discounts on the purchase of any new Isuzu commercial vehicle from any Florida Isuzu dealership.

Credit Card Processing Discounts

Integrity Merchant Solutions offers members special FNGLA group benefits including: no hidden fees, free cost comparisons, no early termination fees, ability to use your old equipment, and working with all card types and offering check processing and gift card programs.

Employment Law Hotline

This Law “Hotline” offers advice to FNGLA members needed assistance with wage & hour, OSHA, I-9 issues and workers’ compensation retaliation claims.

Group Life Insurance

Take advantage of discounted rates on group life insurance for yourself, family members and your employees. The program features Guaranteed Issue Amounts up to $50,000 with no medical exams required.

Online Marketing

PlantANT.com offers FNGLA members five complimentary plant listings in the newly re-launched FNGLA Locator now hosted online by PlantANT. FNGLA members with more than five listings qualify for a 5% PlantANT discount. You can also track your results with real time statistics and upload images with PlantANT’s smartphone app. Access PlantANT at www.fngla.org/locator.

Payroll Processing Discount Tired of being treated like a number? You can outsource your company’s payroll without giving up the flexibility and personal attention you need. MasterPay USA will keep you in compliance and make payroll easy. FNGLA members are eligible for an exclusive 15% discount on published payroll processing prices. The discount is immediate and ongoing -- not an introductory rate.

• FREE Direct Deposit and Web Access • Automated payment of all Federal, State & Local payroll taxes • Garnishment administration with electronic Child Support Payments

Printing, Graphics and Marketing

Creative is the One-Stop-Shop for all printing, graphics and marketing needs of FNGLA members. With its special online system www.my4color.com, it’s easy to order everything from business cards to large signs at FNGLA member discounts! Among its many professional services, Creative offers FNGLA members an exclusive FREE 2-hour marketing consultation (worth over $500) with report & recommendations; 15% discounts off web and logo designs; and, monthly specials & coupons.

For complete details of each program, visit www.fngla.org/membership/benefits

LEARN MORE AT WWW.FNGLA.ORG ADVOCACY Government Relations

FNGLA protects your business interests in Florida’s Legislature, regulatory agencies and Florida’s Water Management Districts. FNGLA distributes news alerts and weekly Bullets keeping members fully informed of timely industry hot topics and FNGLA business issues.

Protecting Your Bottom Line

FNGLA fights to protect and promote your business’ bottom line in Tallahassee every day. Issues like ag water, immigration, fertilizer use, Greenbelt, taxes & private property rights are just a few top industry issues where we focus effort.

FNGLA-PAC

FNGLA-PAC is a separate fund which supports candidates who promote and protect nursery & landscape industry’s interests in Tallahassee.

FNGLA-PAC’s sole purpose is to increase visibility and provide campaign assistance - on a bi-partisan basis - to Florida state legislators and candidates who actively support our industry.

FNGLA PROS

FNGLA members have access to FNGLA’s Policy, Regulations & Operations Standards (PROS), an online resource library featuring business practices for Florida’s nursery and landscape industry.

COMMUNITY Chapters

All FNGLA memberships include a primary Chapter membership.

Chapters are the place where members gather to build their business, learn and have fun. 16 Chapters across Florida serve FNGLA members!

Networking and Career Opportunities

Networking opportunities at members-only events as well at annual events such as Convention, The Landscape Show, and TPIE. FNGLA members have access to a full member directory and can post job listings for just $10 per listing in our online Career Center.

Social Media Networking

FNGLA is active through several social media channels, further pushing out the word about our members, our industry and what we have to offer consumers. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Vimeo.

Research, Scholarship, Leadership

FNGLA administers foundations and coordinates funds to support industry advancements and provide scholarships.

FNGLA helps to shape our industry through committee involvement and trainings.

VISIBILITY FNGLA Website

With thousands of monthly hits and even more traffic during trade show months, the FNGLA website is the hub for everything FNGLA. Members have the opportunity for great exposure and receive discounted advertising rates. www.fngla.org

Proud Member of FNGLA

Being an FNGLA member provides marketplace and industry credibility. As a member, you have access to the “Proud Member of FNGLA” logo for use in your advertising, website and business.

Membership plaques are also available.

Greenline E-Newsletter

Published every month, this member e-newsletter is online so you can read even more about FNGLA. Members are featured in news articles picked up by search engines and news feeds. Average FNGLA member savings on advertising is over 20%

Discounts on FNGLA Education and Events, Certifications & Trade Show Booth Space

FNGLA members enjoy reduced pricing to attend educational events; on FNGLA certification manuals and exam fees, plus enjoy a lower certification renewal price; and, FNGLA members receive approximately 30% off the non-member booth price on both TPIE and The Landscape Show booths.

Consumer Public Relations

FNGLA promotes our members and their plants, products and services at a host of industry and consumer-related events including industry trade shows, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, through FloridaGardening.org and the Florida Garden Select program.

Recognition

FNGLA honors project excellence through FNGLA’s Landscape Awards program and industry commitment through FNGLA’s Industry Awards.

FNGLA on the Web http://greenline.fngla.org | www.fngla.org/locator www.floridagardening.org | www.nationalfoliagefoundation.org www.facebook.com/FNGLA | www.twitter.com/FNGLA 1533 Park Center Drive | Orlando, FL 32835 (407) 295-7994 voice | (800) 375-3642 toll-free | (407) 295-1619 fax | info@fngla.org

INDUSTRY NEWS Upcoming Ag Plastic Recycling Conference The 2014 Agricultural Plastics Recycling Conference & Trade Show (APRC) will be held July 20-22, 2014, at the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Marco Island, Florida. This conference is a networking forum for farmers, nurseries, agricultural plastic manufactures, recyclers and government officials to discuss the alternatives to land filling and open burning of waste agricultural plastics.

Plastic products and packaging have become an integral part to all aspects of farming. Plastic films are used to wrap forage, to cover greenhouses, and to mulch fields of vegetables and fruits like tomatoes and strawberries. Most nursery containers are made of plastic, as are the containers used for pesticides.

The list goes on. Much of it has been burned in the field, generating dioxins and other pollutants, or dumped in some out of the way place on the farm. In addition, plastics are buried in landfills. The options for farmers to recycle these used plastics have been neither robust nor sustainable.

“Agricultural plastics are a valuable, energy-rich and recoverable material we should recover, not landfill or burn in the field,” said Gene Jones, Executive Director of the Southern Waste Information eXchange, Inc., one of the organizations hosting the event.

Planned conference topics include: • Overview of Generation Types and Volumes of Agricultural Plastics • Markets for Agricultural Plastics • Funding Agricultural Plastic Recycling Operations • Lessons Learned in Plastic Recycling from Europe, Asia, Australia and Canada • Converting Waste Ag Plastics to Energy, Fuel and Chemicals • Collecting Agricultural Plastics • Processing Agricultural Plastics • Summary of Agricultural Plastics Recycling in North American • Equipment and Technology Advances in Agricultural Plastics • Management of Waste Pesticide Plastic Containers: Success Stories from the Field • Toxicological and Environmental Issues with Open Field Burning of Waste Agricultural Plastics • Regulatory Issues Concerning Agricultural Plastics • Sustainability Initiatives from Abroad and in North America For information on submitting an abstract, becoming a sponsor, or exhibiting, please visit the conference web site at: http://www.aprc2014.com.

Farmland Documentary Preview Scheduled for May 8 Academy Award®-winning filmmaker James Moll’s new feature length documentary, “Farmland,” has been released nationally in more than 60 major markets.

The average American is three generations removed from the farm. The “Farmland” documentary offers viewers a firsthand glimpse into the lives of six young farmers and ranchers across the U.S., chronicling their high-risk/high-reward jobs and their passion for a way of life that has been passed down from generation to generation, yet continues to evolve.

Floridians can view the “Farmland” screening in limited locations around the state on May 8: Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville and West Palm.

Visit http://www.farmlandfilm. com/#trailer to view the movie’s trailers and for details on which locations are airing the preview.

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INDUSTRY NEWS Ag Commissioner Reads “Florida Farms at School” to celebrate Agriculture Literacy Day

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam celebrated Florida Agriculture Literacy Day on Tuesday by reading a new book on Florida farming to second graders from Florida A&M Developmental Research School in the historic Senate Chambers of the Old Capitol in Tallahassee.

More than 72,000 students across 60 counties learned about Florida Agriculture as part of Florida Ag Literacy Day, April 29. Commissioner Putnam read to second graders in Tallahassee.

“Florida Ag Literacy Day is a wonderful opportunity to teach our next generation about the Floridians who provide the food and fiber to meet the needs of the world’s growing population,” said Commissioner Putnam.

Commissioner Putnam read the book as the children followed along with their own copies. The kids talked about their favorite foods and where they came from. Afterwards, the kids sampled Fresh From Florida fruit and met with Smokey the Bear.

For the 11th Annual Florida Agriculture Literacy Day, Commissioner Putnam joined more than 2,000 others, including Florida farmers, growers, ranchers, Florida Farm Bureau members, Florida Cattlemen and Cattlewomen members, FFA students and teachers, 4-H students and teachers, and University of Florida IFAS extension agents and master gardeners, who read in honor of the event.

This year’s Ag Literacy book, Florida Farms at School, highlights the agricultural programs already in schools, such as Agriculture in the Classroom, 4-H, FFA, Farm to School and others. Volunteers visited more than 3,600 elementary classrooms, reaching more than 72,000 Florida students in 60 counties around the state with the message of the importance of Florida agriculture.

Florida Ag Literacy Day is sponsored by Florida Agriculture in the Classroom Inc., a nonprofit organization that develops and trains teachers and agriculture industry volunteers in agriculture curriculum in order to educate students on the importance of agriculture. It also provides grant money to teachers and volunteers for projects that teach children where their food comes from and the importance of Florida’s farmers. The nonprofit is funded by sales of the specialty agricultural license plate known as the Ag Tag.

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INDUSTRY NEWS Eligible Farm Credit of Central UF Student Team Wins Honors Florida Members Share in $3.5 from EPA The U.S. EPA recently held its second annual Campus Million Patronage Refund Farm Credit of Central Florida Chairman of the Board, David J. Stanford, a Winter Garden citrus grower, announced the association’s eligible member/borrowers will benefit from patronage refunds, or profit-sharing, of $3.5 Million, significantly lowering their cost of borrowing. Farm Credit of Central Florida is a member-owned cooperative lending funds to ranchers, growers, farmers, and rural homeowners since 1917. “The patronage refund is a reward to our members for their loyalty and is proof positive of our adherence to cooperative principles. The patronage refund is a critical component of the Farm Credit advantage,” said Stanford.

“This strong patronage refund continues the tradition of putting our profits in our members’ pockets. I am pleased to report 100% of this patronage refund will be paid in cash and represents a return of over 16% of earned interest,” said Reggie Holt, Farm Credit of Central Florida, President & CEO. Since 1988, Farm Credit of Central Florida’s board of directors has declared patronage refunds exceeding $145 million.

The coop’s service area includes 13 central Florida counties including, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Sumter, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Volusia, and Brevard.

RainWorks Challenge. A total of 84 student teams from 29 states submitted green infrastructure designs for the challenge. Many of the designs proposed transformative additions to the campus landscape that show how managing stormwater at its source can benefit the campus community and the environment.

EPA has just announced that the University of Florida Student Team won First Prize in the Master Plan category!

This is the second year in a row that UF students captured First Place Honors! Congratulations to the students and to the UF Water Institute for sponsoring their efforts.

See the project and the members of the team at: http:// water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/ crw_2013winners.cfm. You can also view the team’s project video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBfokR1sxGg &feature=youtu.be.

For perspective, the $145 Million would buy 2,400 John Deere Model 613D tractors, or stretched end to end from Lakeland to Los Angeles almost 6 times, or halfway around the globe at the equator!

Robbie Roberson (Farm Credit of Central Florida Director) and Randy Strode (Agri-Starts, Inc.) hold an oversized check symbolizing the $145 million in patronage refunds since 1988.

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INDUSTRY NEWS LEGOLAND® Florida Embraces Renewable Energy Partnership LEGOLAND® Florida recently kicked off a ground-breaking partnership with Tampa Electric and to celebrate Earth Day, made the 150-acre theme park the first U.S. theme park to run completely on renewable solar energy for the day. The celebration is part of existing and new conservation initiatives, including installations that will educate park guests about solar energy. As part of the partnership, LEGOLAND Florida will also permanently power a section of the park, Imagination Zone, on renewable energy.

The partnership also resulted in the installation of a 30-kilowatt solar panel array mounted atop the Imagination Zone attraction venue. Funded by Tampa Electric, the system supports Tampa Electric’s Renewable Energy program that lets the company’s customers purchase a portion of their electricity from renewable sources.

“This is a partnership built on doing the right thing for the environment,” said Bruce Narzissenfeld, vice president of Marketing, Customer Service, Business Development and Fuel Operations for Tampa Electric. “Together, we’ll teach the next generation about the benefits of investing in renewable fuels like the sun to produce electricity.

As part of the partnership, a new display will be placed inside the park starting in June, featuring an interactive 6-foot LEGO® Earth model that educates guests on solar technologies. Located outside Imagination Zone, visitors will be able to affect the rate of LEGO Earth’s rotation with tactile solar panels. Guests will also enjoy an interactive zone that features LEGO mini model communities running on renewable energy inside the Imagination Zone.

LEGOLAND is also a leader in celebrating Florida landscapes. It won an FNGLA Landscape Award just last year.

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CERTIFICATIONS Unique Opportunities for Horticulture Training As our industry grows and changes, the way we learn must grow and change with it. Several unique opportunities are available for those interested in furthering their horticultural education or earning an industry certifications.

Online Certificate in Horticulture Florida Gateway College offers an 18-credit online certificate program for anyone working in the golf, landscape or horticulture industry. Six 3-credit courses cover items such as plant growth, soils, irrigation, and turfgrass – all available online.

Each program starts at the beginning of a fall, spring or summer semester. For more information, contact John Piersol at john.piersol@fgc.edu or 386-754-4225.

FCHP En Espanol The Institute of Environmental Studies (IES) will conduct another FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) training program entirely in Spanish May 27 29, 2014 in Miami. This new program provides a unique opportunity for industry certification to Spanish-speaking horticulturists.

The course includes two days of instruction, a field day, all course materials and the FCHP Manual in Spanish. It is designed to provide the knowledge required for the FCHP exam and serve as an introduction to Florida’s horticulture industry in general.

To learn more about Spanish-language FCHP training, contact Dr. Fernando Galindez at 954-881-8748 or fjgalindez@gmail.com.

Landscape Design Principles En Espanol Landscape design that focuses on the tropical and subtropical climates of Latin America, the Caribbean and the southern United States is the topic of another Spanish-language course at the Institute of Environmental Studies (IES). This 24-academic-hour course takes place May 29 - 31 in Miami.

This course focuses on designing a landscape using natural elements and components without losing a natural balance. For more information, call IES at 954-881-8748 or info@iestudies.org.

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MEMBER NEWS FNGLA Member Rick Fuhr Recovering After Spinal Injury There are few industry members in South Florida who do not know Rick Fuhr and his family’s business, Universal Enterprises Supply Corp (UESCO). UESCO has been a FNGLA member for fifty years and Rick’s father, Dick, was one of the original founders of the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE). Rick has served as chairman of TPIE and UESCO continues as one of the original exhibitors in the show. Always a generous supporter of FNGLA and the industry, Rick is now going through a very challenging time.

Sadly, Rick recently suffered a spinal injury as a result of a cycling accident which has left him unable to walk. He is currently beginning long-term rehabilitation at Shepard Center in Atlanta.

While it is possible Rick will walk again, the long term prognosis is uncertain. Meanwhile, many of the services and equipment he needs are not covered by insurance, so some of his friends have created a foundation to help with those expenses. FNGLA has been asked to let Rick’s many FNGLA friends know about his situation and the foundation.

Access more details about Rick’s situation and the foundations: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/support-rick-srecovery-from-a-spinal-cord-injury/162262.

Cards may be sent to Rick at Rick Fuhr, Room 513A, Shepherd Center, 2020 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 303091465. Rick and his family appreciate your prayers and supporting energy toward his recovery.

Joyce to Lead IFAS Center Aimed at Leadership Development Beginning July 1, Dr. Joseph Joyce will trade his post as Associate Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources to begin a new venture developing an IFAS Center aimed at leadership development.

As director of the IFAS Center for Leadership, Joyce will be responsible for the long-range planning, budgeting, and program direction of all IFAS leadership programs. In addition to current IFAS programs, such as the Wedgworth Leadership Institute and the Natural Resources Leadership Institute, Joyce will assist in direction for LEAD IFAS and other academic programs.

Joyce will work in direct coordination with the current directors of the individual leadership programs, IFAS deans and other IFAS administrators for program coordination, delivery, budget coordination and development. In addition to other duties, as requested by the senior vice president, Joyce will continue to serve as the executive director of the Florida Leadership and Education Foundation, which is a direct support organization of UF. A search for a successor for his current position will be announced shortly.

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Dr. Joseph Joyce to lead the IFAS Center for Leadership.

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome New Members The following are new FNGLA members: from March 22, 2014 - April 21, 2014 ACTION B & M Landscape Concepts Inc. Steve Boncore 6829 Partridge Ln Orlando, FL 32807 407-677-7799

MANASOTA Bailey Branch Inc Mike Carter 6096 SE Horton Dr Arcadia, FL 34266 863-990-7529

OUTSIDE FLORIDA Universal Storage Systems William Skeele PO Box 25789 Colorado Springs, CO 80936-5789 719-357-9729

TAMPA BAY GardenSmith Smith Watkins Ivins 1004 S Siwanoy St Tampa, FL 33629 813-352-3008

BIG BEND Spence Conrad Conrad Design & Landscape, Inc. 908 Thomasville Rd Tallahassee, FL 32303-6220 850-577-1771

Chuck Drake Sarasota County Technical Institute 4748 Beneva Rd Sarasota, FL 34233-1798 941-924-1365

PANHANDLE Herbafex, Inc. Jeremy Gilliam PO Box 9070 Panama City Beach, FL 32417 850-230-1200

Palms of Plant City Shirley Spirnock (Associate Member) 208 S Wiggins Rd Plant City, FL 33566-0895 813-365-0895

HIGHLANDS HEARTLAND W.A. Williams Citrus Nursery Jeff Williams 1210 SR 64 West Avon Park, FL 33825 863-443-1131

MIAMI-DADE Peggy Machin PO Box 562971 Miami, FL 33256 786-267-1017 Rec’d by: Sylvia Gordon, Landscape by Sylvia Gordon

INTERNATIONAL Pottery Direct International B.V. Krysta Veilleux 1-1500 Sandhill Dr Ancaster, ONT L9G 4V5 Canada 905-648-1198 x225

NORTHEAST Garden Company, Inc. Douglas Gates 45367 Bismark Rd Callahan, FL 32011 904-517-2515

ROYAL PALM Karen Maxwell (Supportive) 5558 Palm Beach Blvd #404 Ft. Myers, FL 33905 207-450-7874 SPACE COAST Green with Envy Landscaping and Lawn Maintenance Matt Suchoski 4540 N US Hwy 1 Melbourne, FL 32935 321-610-1532

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Calendar of Events

Contact Us

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

FNGLA

May 14:

Economic Outlook for the Florida Horticulture Industry, Dr. Hayk Khachatryan, PIE Center Webinar

14-15:

2014 Floriculture Field Days & Performance Trials, Orlando

15-18:

Florida Native Plant Society’s 34th Annual Conference, Ft. Myers

22:

Optimizing Profits by Controlling Resources presented by the St. Lucie County Extension, Gary Roberts Nursery, Ft. Pierce

22-26:

41st Annual Bonsai Societies of Florida Convention, Florida Hotel & Conference Center, Orlando

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

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:

June 8-10:

Trees Florida, Innisbrook Golf Resort, Palm Harbor Florida

13-14:

FNGLA Miami/Dade: Dick Fuhr Memorial Fishing Tournament, Chesapeake Beach Resort, Islamorada

20-21:

FNGLA Annual Convention, Marriott Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa Ponte Vedra Beach

22-25:

Garden Centers of America (GCA) Summer Tour, San Francisco

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.

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