July 2015 | Volume 36, Issue 7
FNGLA’S MONTHLY PUBLICATION: DIGITAL MONTHLY ISSUE LOCATED AT HTTP://GREENLINE.FNGLA.ORG
FNGLA Convention Brought Sizzle to South Florida With the highest attendance in five years, the FNGLA Annual Convention took place June 12 & 13 at the Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables with more than 200 participants. Offering a combination of business and pleasure, the Convention offered a mix of business meetings, exclusive tours and networking events all highlighting South Florida’s culture and treasures. The convention kicked off with a Friday evening “Cuban Nights” Reception in the distinctive rotunda of the Westin Colonnade. Complete with a full salsa band, authentic Cuban food and lots of fun, the evening brought to life the convention theme Bienvenido a Miami Tropical! Earlier in the day, FNGLA members had the unique opportunity to tour Montgomery Botanical Center, which holds one of the world’s largest collection of palms and cycads. This was followed by a private tour at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, one of South Florida’s best-loved early 20th century palatial residences. FNGLA members received exclusive tours by the horticulture directors at both of these historic botanical sites. Convention attendees were treated to a tour of three successful agri-tourism locations in the Redlands – thanks to the courtesy of the Dade County Farm Bureau. FNGLA’s Annual Business meeting combined information, inspiration and leadership as FNGLA’s Year in Review was unveiled and members received a state-of-the-association report by FNGLA’s CEO Ben Bolusky. The 2015 FNGLA Industry Award winners were recognized. A special moment occurred when a team of South Dade High School FFA students arrived to surprise and congratulate their teacher, Stephen Greer, as he received the FNGLA Outstanding Educator of the Year award. Theresa and Kevin Riley of Rockledge Gardens received FNGLA’s prestigious Wendell E. Butler Award. Both Theresa and Kevin have served in a variety of volunteer leadership positions within FNGLA and continue to be two of FNGLA’s biggest cheerleaders. Hugh Gramling was inducted into the FNGLA Hall of Fame. And, Tyson Emery, Bureau chief at the Division of Plant Industry, received the FNGLA Friend of the Industry Award. FNGLA officer elections wrapped up the annual business meeting with Ed Bravo (Big Trees Plantation in Newberry) elected as FNGLA’s new treasurer. Rob Continued page 3
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