July 2012 | Volume 33, Issue 7
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION FOR FNGLA MEMBERS. DIGITAL MONTHLY ISSUE LOCATED AT HTTP://GREENLINE.FNGLA.ORG
FNGLA Celebrates the Past, Present & Future at 60th Annual Convention FNGLA’s 60th Anniversary Convention was an exciting celebration of the past, present and future of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry and our association with its leading industry role for the past 60 years. Taking place in Jacksonville, more than 150 FNGLA members attended what was called the “Unconventional” Convention. A change in the traditional format made the convention more affordable and time-efficient, and was well-received by attendees. The meeting began with an optional tour of Jacksonville Zoological Gardens, hosted by FNGLA’s Northeast Chapter. FNGLA members were treated to an exclusive tour of this unique garden by the horticulture staff, including horticulture director Bob Chabot. Everyone was impressed with the extensive plant palette and the seamless integration of the gardens with the animal habitats. FNGLA’s “Back To Our Roots” 60th Anniversary Gathering took place at historic Glen St. Mary Nurseries, offering an idyllic setting for any event. Despite 17” of rain just prior to the event, Lin and Magi Taber had Glen St. Mary Nurseries in perfect condition to welcome their fellow FNGLA members. Entertainment was provided by The Greens band and Justin Williams, all of whom are FNGLA members. Stations were set up around the grounds offering storytelling from the industry’s past, to a crab and corn boil, to a Baker County “wine” tasting. A delicious fish fry complete with locally grown vegetables and homemade desserts had everyone smiling. The evening ended with the unique talents of cowboy poet, Stephen Monroe, who had stories and poems to touch the heart and the funnybone. Sponsored by Stallings Crop Insurance, the event was a big hit as people relaxed amid the oaks and magnolias and enjoyed the company of their FNGLA friends. FNGLA’s 60th Annual Meeting took place the following morning at the Hyatt Jacksonville, beginning with a video display in photographs of FNGLA’s past and a pictorial tribute to FNGLA’s past 60 presidents. An interview of Billy Barwald who attended the first organizational meeting of FNGLA more than 60 years ago provided entertaining and intriguing insights on how and why FNGLA first began. FNGLA members moved into the present with a 2011-2012 FNGLA Year in Review, (Continued on Page 3)