VCTGA News Journal Spring 2013

VIRGINIA CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS ASSOCIATION Inside this Issue: Christmas Tree Contest Facts and Myths − 3 President’s Message − 4 White House Christmas Cheer − 6 National Meeting in VA − 7 Trees from Troops Updates − 9 Agritourism & Direct Marketing Liability − 10 Combating False Information Related to Our Industry – 10 Your Dues and TIP − 12 Marketing Survey − 13 Evolution of Evergreen Acres − 15 Welcome New Members − 15 Lyme Disease Tips − 16 Pest Primer Online − 18 VCTGA on Facebook − 18 Spring Pest Scouting Schedule – 19 Member Profile The Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm – 20 VCTGA News Journal Advertising Schedule – 22 Classified Ads – 23

Advertisers Rosser Family Christmas Trees – 2 Alpha Nursery − 5 Bosch’s Countryview Nursery − 8 Southern Forest Products – 11 Cherokee Mfg −12 Tim Mitchell’s Yule Stand System − 15 Kelco – 18 Riverside Enterprises − 18 Tree Teck − 21 Kubota − 23 Wagoner’s Fraser Knoll − 24

Volume 3, Issue 2

Spring 2013

Member Profile: The Boys’ Home Christmas Tree Farm

Growing a Greener Virginia Grown Christmas Tree VCTGA

2013

VCTGA Save the Date!

Truckin’ Back to Blacksburg Celebrating 50 PLUS Years . . . and Still Growin’ . . .

August 15-16, 2013

2 |

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

Christmas Tree Contest - Facts & Myths

2. Trees should be 6' - 8' in height from bottom of the handle to the top of the leader.

3. The handle should be at least 6 " but no longer than 12".

4. The tree shall not be artificially colored.

Contributing and Coordinating Editors Membership Kathy Rasnic

Over the last several years, the participation in the grower’s contests has greatly declined and that's a fact.

I would like to address some of the myths that seem to surround our annual contest.

"I don't enter, because I don't have a tree large enough to present to the governor." The fact is -- if you don't have the size tree for the governor, the VCTGA will find you one. And, you get the publicity for your farm and you get to present the tree to the governor.

"I don't enter because I don't grow Frazer Firs". The fact is that white pines and spruces also win the contest and they have done so in recent years.

"I just don't have time to find a tree". The fact is, you have until the August 15th annual meeting. That's plenty of time and we can all pick out the perfect tree pretty quickly.

The facts: You should enter the contest - it's great publicity and exposure for your farm, is a proud tradition of the VCTGA and it's fun.

Additional information to remember when you are selecting your entries: 1. There are four (4) contest classes a. b. c. d.

Page 4

all firs all pines all spruces all other species.

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

Technical Support & Production John Carroll & Kyle Peer Mount Rogers Report Charlie Connor

WREATH CONTEST There are two categories in the wreath competition: decorated and undecorated.

•

Wreaths are to be made of real Virginia grown Christmas tree evergreens.

•

No colorant may be applied.

•

Wreaths may be single or double faced.

•

•

They will be judged either hanging on a wall or on an easel.

All wreaths must be made on a 12" diameter frame and decorated wreaths must have a bow.

Set up for the tree and wreath contests will be from 8:00 am - noon on Thursday, August 15th.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to all of your entries this year.

Pathology & Disease Norman Dart Pests Eric Day VDACS Support & Updates Danny Neel Dave Robishaw Marketing, Promotion, & Social Media Sue Bostic Grant Updates Sue Bostic, Greg Lemmer Editor in Chief - Jeff Miller Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Inc. 383 Coal Hollow Rd Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 PH: 540-382-7310 Fax: 540-382-2716 secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org

www.VirginiaChristmasTreees.org

Robert O'Keeffe; Rifton Farm & Nursery; (540 )651-8440; rifton@swva.net

VCTGA News Journal –Spring 2013

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Presidentially Speaking…

From the President As I write this column we are all in the midst of our “spring farm agendas”- prepping fields, planting, and look toward those things which need to be done as we proceed into our spring & summer seasons.

We’ve recently hosted two successful winter meetings in Waynesboro and in Hillsville, both made possible in part with money from our grants.

I’m grateful to those who worked diligently to plan and put on these two meeting. A special thank you goes to Greg and Janet Lemmer, my husband John Carroll, Greg Miller for attending meetings and leading in numerous ways and, of course, our secretary Jeff Miller and his wife Sandy for the “behind the scenes” work. All this work, plus a little luck with winter weather and exceptional program speakers contributed to the success of both meetings. We were fortunate to have Paul Shealer and his wife come from Pennsylvania and speak at our Waynesboro meeting along with the Lemmer’s, Amy Rosher of Virginia Farming, and Eric Day with a “Pest Primer” for us. In Hillsville, we can be grateful we had organizational help form Danny Neel in handling many of the arrangements for us. Our thanks also goes out to Della Deal for coming and sharing with the growers a strategic update on the on-going work at the Mt. Rogers Seed Orchard, to Jim Rockis for coming with his son and for sharing with us, to Felix Acousta from the Virginia Employment Commission, to Rodney Richardson for serving as a panelist, and to the participants who shared and helped to enlighten us on marketing and labor issues.

Out of those two meetings, came a realization that we as growers across 4VCTGA | News Journal – Spring 2013

the Commonwealth need to partner more closely in promoting, marketing, and ultimately selling our trees.

We need to remain abreast of the issues impacting our industry, not the least of which is labor- both in the short and long term. At both meetings we were able to share some additional promotional items which we acquired through strategic use of some of our grant money. We continue to be appreciative of the grant money which is enabling us to better create an awareness of and a desire for our Virginia Grown Christmas Trees. We are indeed fortunate to have increased the number of “tools” in our marketing “tool box”. It’s now up to us to be good stewards of those tools and good ambassadors for our industry. We want to continue to promote our product through positive exposure at both statewide and regional events.

We need to commit our time and energy into showing up and taking advantage of the exposure we receive at events such as our State Fair of Virginia and select trade shows.

Right now, I encourage you to mark your calendars and plan to attend our 2013 Annual VCGTGA meeting, August 15-16 in Blacksburg. We’ll be observing a shorter format this year. In addition to the meeting program we’ll be celebrating an associational anniversary- VCTGA- 50 Years and Still Growing! This meeting will conclude my tenure as president, but my hope is that our association will: •

Continue to grow in both membership and impact as the associational representative for our industry

•

Continue to recognize the need for strategic planning and have the stick-to-itiveness to see that those plans are carried forward both in terms of meeting the

demands of an ever-changing public •

Continue to need to address the negative perceptions of our public toward our product and the reality of issues such as allergies, messiness, environmental and the other concerns which negatively impact those consumers considering whether or not to use a real tree.

•

Continue to forge stronger relationships with fellow Christmas tree growers across the state, especially with our Fraser fir growers in the southwestern part of our state.

•

Continue to foster solid working relationships with VDACS, the Virginia Agribusiness Council, the Green Industry Council and other organizations which share our common interests.

We’ll work hard to use wisely our marketing grant dollars to best promote our industry.

In additional to our annual meeting, I’d like to encourage you to reserve August 10 & 11 for the National Christmas Tree Association’s “Pre-Season Clinic” in Arlington, Virginia. The clinic will feature the best of NCTA’s educational and networking offerings compressed into a cost-efficient, informationpacked weekend. For more information, visit www.christmastree.org/dnn/2013clinic.

In closing, I encourage each of you to consider how very important your role is in our organization. Keep your membership current, support your officers and board members and work as growers, individually and collectively, to be a positive advocate for your farms, your association, and your industry. [continued on page 6] VCTGA News Journal – Spring Page 52013

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

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[President’s Message continued from page 4] I’m looking forward to returning to Blacksburg this year, as your outgoing president. As I’ve stated before, I’m grateful to have had this opportunity and appreciate the support you have afforded me during these two terms. I hope to see each of you in Blacksburg as we meet together. We can reflect back a little as we celebrate our anniversary, even as we look ahead to where we can go in the next 50 plus years.

Take a moment and think where we as an association and as an industry might be able to go in the future and remember the future starts NOW!

Virginia Chisholm Carroll, VCTGA President

MISSION:

Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association (VCTGA) is an association of professional Christmas tree growers interested in the expansion of our farming industry by growing and marketing quality trees.

Through our support of research and education, we strive to improve the numbers, quality and types of trees available to the fresh tree market.

SAVE THE DATES! VCTGA Annual Membership Meeting & Conference August 15-16 Truckin’ Back to Holiday Inn University Blacksburg, VA

6 |

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

Christmas Cheer Arrives at the White House, Courtesy of NCTA Members Peak Farms Presents White House with 2012 Blue Room Christmas Tree On the day after Thanksgiving, the White House was bustling with Christmas cheer – thanks in part to a gorgeous 19-foot-tall Fraser Fir presented by growers Rusty Estes and Beau Estes, father and son coowners of North Carolina’s Peak Farms. The tree, which arrived at the White House by horse-drawn carriage, was destined for the famed Blue Room and served as the centerpiece of the White House holiday décor throughout the Christmas season.

First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters accepted the tree from Rusty, Beau and their families, following a brief tour, reception and photo session inside the White House. Representatives of the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) and North Carolina Christmas Tree Association also attended the event, which generates a great deal of positive media attention for the Real Christmas Tree industry each year and helps ensure that farm-grown Christmas Trees remain a tradition in our nation’s house.

“I got goose bumps watching them lift the tree in place, knowing we planted it and grew it on our farm,” said Rusty Estes. “It’s always a special feeling watching a tree you grew go into a house – especially this house.”

Co-owner Beau Estes agreed, saying the opportunity to provide a Christmas Tree to the First Family is not one that he and his family would forget. “I hope they are as happy

with this tree as I am to provide it,” said Beau Estes.

The Estes family earned the honor of providing the White House Christmas Tree by winning the National Grand Champion title during NCTA’s National Christmas Tree Contest last August. The Reserve Grand Champion, Paul Smith of Cool Springs Nursery, Banner Elk, N.C., received the honor of providing the official Christmas Tree for the Vice President’s Residence.

Trees were shipped to Washington, D.C., in a tractor trailer graciously provided by the North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture.

To enter NCTA's National Tree Contest and compete for a chance to provide the White House Christmas Tree, growers must first win their state/regional competitions in the previous 12 months. The 2013 NCTA National Tree Contest will be held in conjunction with the NCTA Pre-Season Clinic, Aug. 10-11, in Arlington, Va. Entry forms for eligible participants will be available this spring. NCTA members have presented the official White House Christmas Tree for display in the Blue Room since 1966.

“The whole tree industry benefits from this opportunity, no matter what kind of trees you grow on your farm,” said Cline Church, NCTA president. “I wish the whole country could see that the entire White House is decorated with Real Christmas Trees and greenery, grown by American farmers.”

Provided by the National Christmas Tree Association

Did You Know?

In 2007, Virginia ranked 9th in the U.S. with 9,414 acres of Christmas Trees!

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

Page 7

A New Event for the New NCTA: 2013 NCTA Pre-Season Clinic Among the big changes at the National Christmas Tree Association for 2013 is the addition of a new, specialized event for the Real Christmas Tree industry, the 2013 NCTA Pre-Season Clinic. The clinic will take place Aug. 10-11 in Arlington, Va. During the summer of 2012, NCTA convened a national task force to evaluate what types of events would most benefit the Christmas Tree industry. The task force provided NCTA with recommendations aimed at enhancing the overall experience for attendees, with the goals of ensuring programs are valuable and unique, while controlling attendee costs as much as possible.

One result is the 2013 NCTA PreSeason Clinic, which will feature the best of NCTA’s educational and networking offerings, compressed into an information-packed weekend experience. From the Networking Center to the Learning Labs to the Experiential Learning to the Education Workshops, attendees will have lots of options – all focused on helping you grow your business. The clinic program will also include NCTA’s 2013 National Tree and Wreath Contests.

Another result is that NCTA will no longer be holding a NCTA Convention & Trade Show on an annual basis, or hosting a CT Plus meeting.

Look for the Convention-style event to return in 2014, as a biannual event with an updated focus, fine-tuned to align with task force recommendations.

During the interim year of 2013, the NCTA Pre-Season Clinic is the place to be. If you are focused on enhancing the profitability and sustainability of your business, you will not want to miss it.

Another unique twist is the clinic’s “bundled” pricing structure. NCTA knows that events and conferences can be a significant investment, and the costs quickly add up. The clinic will offer inclusive pricing for greater value. Your registration will include: •

Hotel accommodations for two nights at the beautiful Renaissance Arlington Capital View

•

Meals (receptions, lunches and continental breakfasts)

•

Access to the Networking Center, Learning Labs and Educational Workshops

Ad - NCTA

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

Page 8

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VCTGA News Journal –Spring 2013

•

Access to educational materials and virtual education (email, conference call, website) resources to extend the value after the event

The Renaissance Arlington Capital View is located just two miles from Reagan National Airport and offers beautiful room accommodations and meeting space, as well as complimentary Internet access and discounted parking. This location is easy to get in and out of for those flying and is within driving distance for many growers and retailers, particularly those in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Industry partners: if your company offers a product or service that is applicable to the Real Christmas Tree industry, the clinic is for you as well. There will not be a trade show, but there will be opportunities to present products, services and innovations in the onsite Networking

Center and through scheduled Learning Lab opportunities. Take advantage of the many opportunities to generate goodwill, show your support for the industry, build customer relationships, and most importantly, increase sales. Contact NCTA at 636/449-5070 for sponsorship information.

Consider the NCTA Clinic your “pre-season training camp” for the 2013 sales season, and plan to join with other industry leaders Aug. 10-11 for networking and education designed to get your business ready to go for the 2013 sales season and beyond. Registration will begin this spring.

ABOUT NCTA

The National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) is the national trade association representing the farm-grown Christmas Tree industry. NCTA represents more than 700 active member farms, 29 state and regional associa-

tions, and more than 4,000 affiliated businesses that grow and sell Christmas trees or provide related supplies and services. It is estimated that those affiliated with the NCTA produce roughly three-quarters of the farm-raised Christmas Trees in the United States. To learn more about the NCTA, visit www.realchristmastrees.org, or call 636-449-5070.Provided by the National Christmas Tree Association

SAVE THE DATES!!

VCTGA Annual Membership Meeting & Conference August 15-16 Blacksburg, VA Holiday Inn University

Ad – Bosch’s Countryview Nursery 10785 84th Avenue • Allendale, Michigan 49401 Phone: (616) 892-4090 • Fax: (616) 892-4290 Email: brian@boschsnursery.com www.boschsnursery.com

Fall2010 2012and andSpring Spring 2011 2013 Wholesale Wholesale Price Fall PriceList Listfor for

Quality Seedlings & Transplants Age

Size

Per 100 Rate

Per 1,000 Rate

Age

Size

Per 100 Rate

Per 1,000 Rate

FRASER FIR (3-0) 6-12” $45.00 $225.00 (2-2, PL+2) 8-15” $100.00 $725.00 (3-2, PL+2) 10-18” $110.00 $750.00 (P+3) 12-22” $125.00 $850.00

WHITE SPRUCE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $40.00 $175.00 (2-1, 2-2) 15-20” $90.00 $595.00 (2-2) 15-24” $110.00 $750.00 (X-LG) 20-30” $250.00 $1,600.00

BALSAM FIR (2-0) (P+1) (P+2)

5-10” 8-14” 10-18”

$40.00 $195.00 $86.00 $575.00 $110.00 $750.00

NORWAY SPRUCE - Lake States (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $40.00 $175.00 (2-1, 2-2) 15-24” $90.00 $650.00 (X-LG) 20-30” $250.00 $1,600.00

CANAAN FIR (P+1) (P+2)

8-14” 10-18”

$90.00 $115.00

BLACKHILL SPRUCE (2-0) 5-12” (2-1) 8-14” (2-2) 8-15” (2-2) 12-18”

DOUGLAS FIR - Lincoln (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” (2-1) 12-18”

$595.00 $795.00

$40.00 $175.00 $86.00 $575.00

CONCOLOR FIR (2-0) 5-12” $45.00 $225.00 (2-1, P+1) 8-14” $90.00 $595.00 (2-2, P+2) 12-18” $115.00 $795.00

COLORADO BLUE SPRUCE - San Juan & Kiabab (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $40.00 $175.00 (2-1, 2-2) 10-16” $75.00 $495.00 (2-2, P+2) 10-18” $110.00 $750.00 (X-LG) 15-24” $250.00 $1,600.00

1 8VCTGA | Ad_1_BW.indd News Journal – Spring 2013

$40.00 $75.00 $95.00 $110.00

$175.00 $495.00 $695.00 $750.00

SERBIAN SPRUCE (2-0) 8-14” $45.00 $225.00 (2-1, P+1) 8-14” $90.00 $595.00 (2-2, P+2) 12-18” $115.00 $795.00 AUSTRIAN PINE (2-0) 5-12” (1-2) 12-18” RED PINE - Lake States (2-0) 4-8” (2-0, 3-0) 5-12”

$40.00 $175.00 $115.00 $795.00 $35.00 $150.00 $40.00 $175.00

Age

Size

Per 100 Rate

Per 1,000 Rate

WHITE PINE - Lake States (2-0) 4-8” $35.00 $150.00 (2-0, 3-0) 5-12” $40.00 $175.00 (3-0) 8-15” $45.00 $225.00 (2-1) 8-14” $82.00 $550.00 (2-2) 12-18” $110.00 $750.00 (X-LG) 18-24” $250.00 $1,600.00 SCOTCH PINE - Scothighland + French (2-0) 6-12” $35.00 $165.00 (2-0, 3-0) 9-15” $40.00 $175.00 WHITE CEDAR (2-0) (3-0) (2-1) (2-2, P+2)

4-8” $40.00 $195.00 8-15” $45.00 $225.00 8-14” $82.00 $550.00 12-18” $110.00 $750.00

ARBORvITAE - DARK GREEN, TECHNY, EMERALD & GREEN GIANT (RC+1) 6-12” $110.00 (RC+2) 12-18” $140.00

$750.00 $950.00

10-20% Discount on orders over 10,000 plants For complete list please write or call us.

Brian Bosch / Owner

12:37 PM VCTGA News Journal 7/28/10 – Spring 2013 Page 9

Trees for Troops® Tops 121,000 Christmas Trees in 2012

Through the generosity of Christmas Tree growers, retailers, consumers and shipping partner FedEx, the national Trees for Troops® program delivered 18,694 free, farm-grown Christmas Trees to U.S. troops and military families in 2012. This brings the total during the eight-year tenure of the program to more than 121,000 trees. Trees were delivered

by FedEx to 65 military bases in the U.S. and Middle East, covering every branch of the armed services.

“The giving spirit of the Real Christmas Tree industry, the public and FedEx was once again overwhelming in 2012,” said Nigel Manley, Christmas SPIRIT Foundation chairman. “To bring a joyful, traditional Christmas to more than 18,000 military families and servicemen and women is truly humbling, and it is the generosity of these donors and volunteers that makes Trees for Troops possible.”

Trees for Troops – a program of the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation in conjunction with the National Christmas Tree Association, many state and regional Christmas Tree associations and FedEx – has received thousands of thank-you messages and photos, many of which are posted at www.TreesForTroops.org and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Trees4Troops.

Thank you to all who donated trees and/or collected funds from customers to support Trees for Troops. A VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013 Page 10

list of the tree donors for each state (as supplied by the state coordinator) is posted on the Trees for Troops website and will be included in the next issue of NCTA’s American Christmas Tree Journal. If you donated but don’t see your name, please contact your state coordinator or Trees for Troops headquarters so you can be added.

The 2012 program kicked off Nov. 20 at Dull's Tree Farm in Thorntown, Ind., where more than 50 volunteers helped organize, box and load 300 trees to be shipped overseas. Trees were donated by members of the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association and flown to the Middle East by FedEx. Recipients were Camp LSA and Camp Virginia in Kuwait and troops stationed at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan.

Then, members of the National Christmas Tree Association and many state and regional Christmas Tree associations began donating trees by the thousands. Many collection points exceeded their previous donation levels, even during a busy season.

Consumers and retailers supported Trees for Troops Weekend by donating a record-high 6,028 trees at the 32 farms and retail locations across the country that hosted FedEx trailers Nov. 30-Dec. 2. One garden center participant, Mahoney's Evergreens, sold 1,525 trees among their eight locations in the Boston area. Many other Trees for Troops Weekend participants also well exceeded their goals and previous donations.

Deliveries to military bases all over the country started in late November and ended in mid-December. This year, the FedEx Freight trucking network racked up 67,851 donated ground miles, plus those donated by FedEx Express air operations for international deliveries.

are critical, and each donation will help provide another Christmas Tree as a token of thanks and gratitude for the sacrifices of America’s servicemen and women and their families.

Provided by the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation; To learn more, visit www.treesfortroops.org or call 636/449-5060.

New River Valley Growers Participate in Trees For Troops Editors Note: We missed including this in the last issue when listed VCTGA member participants.

Christmas tree growers in the New River Valley participated with the Trees for Troops Program again in 2012. The program, sponsored by FedEx and the Christmas Spirit Foundation, provides Christmas trees to men and women serving on U.S. bases and overseas.

New River Valley growers donated 270 trees. Willow Springs Tree Farms; Radford, was the area collection point. Trees from the New River Valley were sent to Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Greg Miller along with his staff at Willow Springs collected area donations and loaded the FedEx trailer. A big thanks to Greg for coordinating the effort again this year.

This year’s contributions were from: Clark’s Hilltop Nursery, Bobby Clark; Joe’s Trees, Sue Bostic; Idyllwood Farm, George Hall and Sharon Morley; Lady Di Tree Farm, Larry and Zeb Ethier; Rifton Farm & Nursery, Robert O’Keeffe; Slaughter’s Tree Farms, Lonnie Slaughter; The White Horse Tree Farm, Stuart Sours; Willow Springs Tree Farms, Greg Miller.

Many thanks to all of the contributors.

Robert O’Keeffe, VCTGA Treasurer

Planning and fundraising to help make the 2013 Trees for Troops program possible has already begun. Donations from growers, retailers and the public

VCTGA News Journal –Spring 2013 | 9

Agritourism & Direct Marketing Legal Liability Jesse Richardson and Martha Walker with Virginia Tech have just completed the "Managing Legal Liability for Agritourism and Direct Marketing" project which was funded by the 2011 Extension Risk Management Education Grant Program a program of the Southern Risk Management Education Center. Project partners included: • • • • • • • •

Danville Community Market Harrisonburg Farmers' Market Virginia Cooperative Extension Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Virginia Farm Bureau Virginia FAIRS Virginia Tourism Inc. Williamsburg Farmers' Market

The latest publication, Managing Liability, is now available at www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/CV/CV25/CV-25.html.

There are also seven factsheets posted on the Virginia Cooperative Extension website: •

•

•

Managing Legal Liability Series: Insurance factsheet. VCE publication CV-16NP http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/CV/CV16/CV-16.html - Whitus, L., Richardson, J. & Walker, M. (2012).

Managing Legal Liability Series: How much liability insurance coverage show I have.

VCE publication CV-17NP http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/CV/CV17/CV-17-PDF.pdf - Richardson, J. (2012).

Managing Legal Liability Series: Conducting the liability assessment. VCE publication

News Journal – Spring 2013 10VCTGA |

CV18NP http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/CV/CV18/CV-18.html Richardson, J. (2012).

•

Managing Legal Liability Series: questions to ask when comparing insurance coverage. VCE publication CV-19NP http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/CV/CV19/CV-19.html - Richardson, J., Walker, M. & Plourde-Rogers, H. (2012).

•

Managing Legal Liability Series: Virginia attorneys: Members of the American Agricultural Law Association.

VCE publication CV-20NP http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/CV/CV20/CV-20.html - Richardson, J. & Walker, M. (2012).

•

Managing Legal Liability Series: Workers' compensation & vendor liability for farmers' market owners and operators.

VCE publication CV-24NP http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/CV/CV24/CV-24.html - DeNoon, S., Richardson, J., & Walker, M. (2012).

Provided by Danny Neel, VDACS Marketing Specialist SW Virginia

Combating False Information Related to Our Industry Let’s reflect a moment on what we were doing last November, the to-do list. How will we sell more trees, have a safe season, employee enough seasonal help to get the job done? Tractors and trailers need to be looked over one more time, decorations to be found for Choose and Cut, posting pictures on Facebook, update the website and the list goes on and on.

There is one item I did not include on the list that could have a large impact on sales every season. Let’s not forget combating false infor-

mation related to our industry. I was curious, so I gave the National Christmas Tree Association a call and ask if they kept any statistics on the subject. In 2012, the National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA) received more than 200 calls from news media and around 550 emails related to Christmas trees. Around 45% of these contacts were received before November 1. One example of misleading information was a story entitled “Christmas tree critter check” which was about gypsy moths, aphids and spider mites. After the above story appeared on a Naples, Fla., NBC affiliate station, two different NBC reporters tried to turn it into a national story. The Christmas tree lot owner in Atlanta, GA contacted NCTA PR Manager Rick Dungey to alert him to the issue and that he had been contacted about gypsy moth phytosanitary certificates. Talking points on the subject were quickly prepared and the story ultimately became a nonissue.

Of course, not every negative story can be stopped, but it is comforting to know that we have the support of Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association and the National Christmas Tree Association behind us.

Each year, the staff at the National Christmas Tree Association responds to numerous questions and requests for information from news media, members, students and consumers. Protection issues are becoming increasingly important as attacks come from every direction. The National Christmas Tree Association exists to protect and promote the Real Christmas Tree industry. If you would like to be a member of the National Christmas Tree Association, please contact NCTA or at (636) 449-5070 info@realchristmastrees.org .

Sherrie Taylor, Severt’s Tree farm, stf@severtstreefarm.com VCTGA National Director to the NCTA

Page 12013 1 VCTGA News Journal – Spring

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

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Tree Industry Partnership Fact Sheet Your Dues Dollars Working for You! Q: What is the TIP program?

threats facing the Real Tree industry has increased over the years, the TIP program rate of $20 per state association member has not increased.

bat misinformation about farm-­‐grown Christmas Trees and conduct industry research, benefit ALL Christmas Tree professionals.

Q: Does my state participate in TIP? If not, how can we get involved?

In addition, each state association member in a participating TIP state receives the following benefits:

A: The Tree Industry Partnership (TIP) was started in 1995 as a way to work together with state/regional associations to protect and advocate on behalf of the Real Tree industry.

Initially, state association members were asked to assess their members $20, the retail price of one tree at that time.

A: As of 2012, 23 state/regional associations support TIP through their annual contributions of $20 per member.

The VCTGA is a member and YOU receive extra benefits. Are you taking and advantage of yours?

Since then, TIP contributions have been used to fund a variety of industry programs, including consumer and industry research, holiday safety education, legislative and regulatory efforts, environmental action, the White House Tree presentation and more. While the number of the

A: The TIP program helps fund valuable protection and advocacy work that could not be easily accomplished on a local level. TIP programs, such as efforts to improve and maintain fair fire codes, support legislation and regulations conducive to the growth of small business and our industry, com-

Specials Virginia Virginia Fall Specials

Q: What do we receive in return for our participation in the TIP program?

•

A FREE basic listing (wholesale or retail) on the NCTA Tree Locator at www.christmastree.org .

•

The option of upgrading to an enhanced listing for $15/year and adding a web link for $25/year.

•

Discounted subscription rate for the American Christmas Tree Journal.

•

Discounted registration rate for NCTA events, including the 2013 Pre-­‐Season Clinic, Aug. 10-­‐11 in Arlington, VA.

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LENO (White Burlap) 15x300 $175.00 per roll

BAHCO P16‐40 Short Handle Loppers $45.00

LENO (White Burlap) 12x300 $120.00 per roll

4’ Pole Pruner $65.00 each

LENO Tarps (24x50 w/2’ grommets) $68.00 each

6’ Pole Pruner $75.00 each

Shade Cloth Panels (24x100 w/4 grommets@73% shade) $188.00 each

7’ Heavy Pole Pruner $84.00 each

1 Ply Plain Sisal Twine $11.00 per 10 lb roll

130 DXR Hand Pruners $23.50 each

SHEARING KNIVES AND ASSC.

FELCO #2 Hand Pruners $48.00 each

(SHARP SHOP)

**SHEARING KNIVES, WREATH RINGS,

16” Plain Blade w/6” Wooden or Poly handle $38.00 each (12 or more $34.00 each)

(CLAMP & HANDTIE) WREATH WIRE,

16” Serrated Blade w/6”Wooden or Poly Handle $40.00 ea. (12 or more $35.00 each)

FLAGGING TAPE AND MANY OTHER

Rainsuits (yellow) $10.00 each

ITEMS AVAILABLE!

Thanks for the opportunity to quote you!

CHEROKEE MFG

80 Ceramic Tile, Morganton NC 28655 828‐584‐3334 (Office) 828‐584‐7434 (fax) DUSTIN HAPRPER 828‐390‐7125

News Journal – Spring 2013 12VCTGA |

Page 12013 3 VCTGA News Journal – Spring

All state members are also invited to receive additional benefits by becoming a full member of the National Christmas Tree Association through a General or Premier membership. These benefits include a complimentary subscription to the Journal and other publications, vendor discounts, free enhanced Tree Locator listing, access to the Online Member Center and Directory, member sign and window decal and more. For more information on NCTA membership, please contact us at 636/449-­‐5070 or visit www.christmastree.org .

Q: What are our obligations as a participating TIP state?

A: Each participating state/regional association is asked to submit $20 per member and provide NCTA with a current member list annually, to ensure that its members receive all of their TIP benefits. (Reminders are sent to each state association executive at the beginning of each year.)

To ensure all listings are accurate, and to give TIP members the opportunity to purchase additional add-­‐ons, such as a website link or Journal subscription, update forms are mailed to all TIP state members twice a year – in the spring for wholesale listings and in the fall for Choose & Cut/retail listings. Website listing corrections may be made at any time throughout the year by calling 636/449-­‐5070 or sending an email to rgates@amrms.com .

The need for a recognized nationwide Real Christmas Tree community – with the desire to have its voice heard – has never been stronger. The more voices we have working together, the more we can accomplish. Thank you to all of our participating TIP states and their members for their ongoing support! www.realchristmastrees.org, or call 636-449-5070.

Provided by the National Christmas Tree Association

Page 14 VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

March 15, 2013 Dear Christmas Tree Growers, A big thanks to those of you who had the time to fill out our 2012 Survey. We reviewed the results during both winter meetings held in February. Our 2012 results is a baseline survey and we won’t know how successful our marketing initiatives have been until we conduct a second survey next year.

However, most in attendance expressed the opinion that our marketing initiatives have contributed to increased sales.

We also believe we need more data. The survey form has been posted on the website, under the events tab, where it can be downloaded and completed. We are asking, that the members who didn’t complete the 2012 survey, prior to our winter meetings, do so yet this spring. Our next grant application will be due in mid-April and it would be useful to have as many of the surveys completed as possible upon submission. Also on the website is a link to the running totals of the survey.

Over the past three years, our association has been very fortunate to have received three USDA Specialty Crop Competitive Grants totaling $87,635. Those funds have been expended to hire marketing consultants, to redesign our logo; create a library of professional stock photos; and design brochures, displays and posters. We have redesigned our website, expanded our presence at agritourism

activities, trade shows, vendor fairs and other public venues. We have just completed our winter meetings, funded in part by the current grant, and enjoyed the opportunity to compare notes on the recent selling season, further our professional education and gain access to speakers who are not readily available during our summer meetings. The Board of Directors believes the Association is on a very positive course in promoting our Virginia Christmas trees and ultimately increasing sales for all growers.

But, in order to sustain our successes and remain competitive through the grant process, we must be able to provide measurable outcomes. Accordingly, we need to gather statistics and be able to demonstrate to VDACS and USDA that the funding translates to positive outcomes. The 2012 survey is establishing the baseline and we need to have that baseline as complete as possible.

If you have not done so already, please complete the survey and return it to Jeff within the next three weeks so that the results will be available when applying for the next grant. Your response will be anonymous. Surveys may be returned by mail, email, fax or telephone.

See Survey on next page 15

Have you renewed your membership for 2013?

Don’t miss the VCTGA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

VCTGA News Journal –Spring 2013 | 13

VCTGA Survey, Christmas 2012 1. On how many total acres are you producing Christmas trees? ___________________ 2. By type, how many trees do you have in production and how many did you sell during Christmas 2012.

# Sold Off-­‐Farm # Sold Choose & Species # In Production # Sold Wholesale Retail Cut

Austrian Pine

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

Blue Ice Cypress

Blue Spruce

Canaan Fir

Caroline Sapphire Cypress Fir Concolor

Douglas Fir

Fraser Fir

Leyland Cypress

Norway Spruce

Scotch Pine

Virginia Pine

White Pine

White Spruce

Other

How many wreaths did you sell? _______________ Do you make your own wreaths or purchase them for resale? ________________ How many feet of roping did you sell? _____________ How much were your gross total sales? _____________ How many wholesale customers did you have? __________ Of your wholesale customers, how many were civic organizations? _________ How many off-­‐farm retail customers did you have? ________ How many choose & cut customers did you have? _________ In general, how did your overall sales change in comparing Christmas 2011 and 2012?

______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ 12. Did the Association’s media promotions and marketing efforts have any bearing on your sales? ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Fax to: 540-­‐382-­‐2716 or mail to VCTGA Survey, 383 Coal Hollow Rd, Christiansburg, VA 24073 info@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org

14VCTGA | News Journal – Spring 2013

Greg Lemmer, VCTGA Vice President

VCTGA News Journal – Spring Page 12013 5

Resources to learn more about Evergreen Acres

The Evolution of Evergreen Acres

•

By: Paul A. Shealer, Owner & Operator of Evergreen Acres Tree Farm, Auburn, PA

How did we get there?

Evergreen Acres Website: http://www.evergreenacreschrist mastrees.com/

•

Lancaster Farming newspaper video clip on Evergreen Acres: http://www.lancasterfarming.co m/video/results/Shealer-video

•

Strong family involvement and backing

•

Worked off farm jobs to support the family and the farm income went back into the business

•

Evergreen Acres testing tree equipment for companies:

•

Worked long hard hours and missed many events that many of us take for granted

http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=ThjwvG8OdCM&feature=yo utube_gdata_player

•

http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=26W4g4PVzAs

•

•

Upgraded equipment as finances allowed

•

Didn’t take on too much debt at once

•

Paid attention to detail

•

Gain as much knowledge as possible

This is a snapshot of a presentation at the VCTGA Winter Tree Summit in Waynesboro on February 22, 2003

Welcome to these New Members!

Bees & Trees LLC (formerly Crazy Joe’s Trees) Teresa & Jeff Gregson 18028 Carrico Mills Rd Elkwood, VA, 22718 Gee's Trees Jeff & Mary Gee 276-979-0590 PO Box 68 North Tazwell VA 24630 Miller Farms Market Ben & Wayne Miller 12101 Orange Plank Rd Locust Grove, VA 22508

Ad – Tim Mitchell’s Yule Stand System

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

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VCTGA News Journal –Spring 2013

Spring Prevent Lyme LymeDisease Disease Spring Ahead: Ahead: Prevent

Spring officially began today, bringing positive thoughts of increasing daylight and warmer temperatures.

As we look forward to shedding winter wear and spending more time outdoors, the national Lyme Disease Association (LDA) reminds everyone that ticks, which transmit Lyme disease, become more active when temperatures are above 35°.

Lyme is found in ~65 countries worldwide and is endemic in many areas. In 2011, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 33,097 Lyme disease cases.

With only 10% of cases actually reported, numbers may exceed 300,000 annually. The top 10 states were PA, NY, NJ, WI, CT, MA, MN,MD, NH, and VA. If not diagnosed and treated early, Lyme can lead to disseminated infection, affecting every system in the body, including cardiac and central nervous systems. Mental confusion, memory problems, weakness, arthritis, and gastrointestinal problems may occur.

Blacklegged (deer) ticks, feed once per stage – larva, nymph, adult─ and can pick up Lyme and pass it on at each feeding. They can also transmit Babesia, bartonella, anaplasma, tularemia, and Powassan virus.

The poppy seed-sized nymph probably causes more disease. Other types of ticks can transmit different diseases.

16 |

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

Effective tools to manage Lyme are lacking. Diagnostic tests have significant limitations causing treatment regimens to be problematic and controversial. To that end, LDA is sponsoring its 14th annual Lyme & TickBorne Diseases CME Conference June 1-2 in Minnesota. While hosting scientific conferences and funding research on Lyme─$250,000 awarded in 2012 grants alone─ the LDA emphasizes the importance of prevention, such as wearing protective clothing and immediate tick checks after being in tick infested areas, especially on the edges of woods and paths. See more prevention tips on LDA's website.

While LDA and other groups are advocating for better patient care, federal legislators have joined the fight to improve Lyme research and education. Congressman Christopher Smith (NJ-4) joined last month by Congressmen Wolf (VA), Gibson (NY), and Peterson (MN), introduced HR 611, a bill that expands federal efforts in Lyme and other tick-borne diseases' prevention, treatment, education, and research activities. It also establishes a TickBorne Diseases Advisory Committee to improve communication among federal agencies, medical professionals, patients and advocates to ensure that the best science is represented in public health policy decisions.

See LDA's website for a state-bystate Lyme legislation table.

Fighting for patients for 21 years, LDA is gratified that so many others have joined in to develop tools to prevent, treat, and cure tick-borne diseases.

ABOUT LDA: A national nonprofit dedicated to Lyme disease education, prevention, research, and patient support, LDA's been accepted into Combined Federal Campaign 2012, an approved charity for federal workplace giving. It's also a Guidestar.org exchange member, recognized for transparency. LDA's an Environmental Protection Agency PESP Partner and offers LymeAid 4 Kids program for children without insurance.

See next page for Major TickBorne Diseases, Tick Removal and Tick Identification.

See additional information at http://www.lymediseaseassociation.org/

Legislators in nineteen states have introduced bills in recent years to address Lyme. Virginia Governor McDonnell signed a law earlier in March requiring doctor disclosure of limitations of Lyme diagnostic tests.

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

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VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

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Pest Primer Online

Are you on Facebook?

The VCTGA is!

Logon and LIKE us.

• Let other members know what you’re doing

We were fortunate to have Eric Day speak at the Winter Tree Symposium at the Waynesboro Meeting in February. His presentation provided detailed information on pest id, pest tree symptoms and control measures.

The PowerPoint Presentation is on the VCTGA website under the members only tab.

• Ask for solutions to your problems • Post photos of your business operations • Offer seasonal tips and solutions that have helped you • Let other members know how you are using Facebook or other social media www.facebook.com/jeff.millervctga www.facebook.com/vctga

www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org

Ad – Riverside Enterprises

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

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Ad – Kelco Industries

Page 19

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

Spring scouting schedule for selected Christmas Tree species in Virginia Spring scouting schedule for selected Christmas Tree species in Virginia.

Consult your VCE PEST Mangement guide ( Pub 456-­‐017) for more complete information. Prepared by Kyle R Peer and Eric Day Species

Pest

Frasier Fir

Bagworm

Frasier Fir

April

May

June

Spruce Spider

Scout

Scout

Scout

2

Frasier Fir

Balsam Twig

Scout

Scout

Frasier Fir

White Grubs

Scout

4

Frasier Fir

Balsam Woolly Adelgid

Spruce

Bagworm

Spruce

Gall Adelgids

Spruce

White Pine Weevil

Spruce

Spruce Spider

Scotch Pine

Bagworm

Scotch Pine

Pine Tortoise Scale

Jan

Feb

Mar

Scout

Comments 1 3 5

Scout

6 Scout

Scout

7

Scout

8 Scout

Scout

Scout

Scout

9 10

Scout

11

Scotch Pine

Nantucket Pine Tip Moth

Scotch Pine

Sawflies

Scout Scout

Scout

12

Scotch Pine

Pine Spittle Bugs

Scout

Scout

White Pine

Bagworm

Scout

White Pine

Pales Weevil

Scout

White Pine

White Pine Weevil

Scout

17

White Pine

Pine Bark Adelgid

Scout

18

White Pine

Needle Sheath Mite

Scout

White Pine

Pine Needle Scale

White Pine

Pine Spittle Bugs

Scout

Scout

21

White Pine

White Pine Aphid

Scout

Scout

22

13 14 15 16

19 Scout

20

Comments

1, 6, 10, 15 Pick over winter, Chemical control mid-­‐June 2, 9 Treat only if trees are waist high to year before sale, treat if the percentage of shoots with mites exceeds 20%.

3 Treat only if the trees are within 2 years of harvest 4 Maintain as much grass growing between the trees as possible as the white grubs prefer to feed on grass roots 5 The best time to scout is in July as the adelgids are covered with a white cottony wax and are easily observed.

7 Look for small tufts of cotton like material at the base of buds. Treat with dormant oil in February or March 8,17 Look for resinous bleeding in late March or early April. Prune out and destroy infested tops in late June 11 Look for darkened patches or branches on the side or top of the tree 12 Look for small copper-­‐colored moths flying from trees. For light infestations, simply shear off the damaged tip 13 Check the upper sections of pine tree for colonies of sawflies on the tips of lateral branches or on the leader.

14, 21 Look for spittle masses on shoots and trunk and for dead and yellow twigs 16 Treat the stumps in February or March with Asana where the tree was cut down less then one year ago, “first year stumps”.

18 Check for the white cottony wax on the trunk and twigs. If adelgids are present and more then 5% of tops are witch’s broomed consider treating.

19 Check trees in March by checking 10 needle bundles on 10 trees randomly selected in each block 20 Treat only if stunted growth, yellowing, or unsightly populations of scales are present 22 In May and June again scout for the aphids and mark trees for spot spraying or spray entire blocks if more then 5% of the trees are infected.

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

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assist with the Choose & Cut sales at the Farm.

Member Profile: The Boys’ Home Christmas Tree Farm

The Boys’ Home Christmas Tree Farm, located near West Augusta, is operated by Boys’ Home, Inc. of Covington Virginia. Boys’ Home provides residential education for young men ages 6-17. Joanne Tannehill, one of the founding members of VCTGA, as a bequest, left her Augusta County Christmas Tree Farm as a teaching and learning experience for the residents at Boys’ Home.

With the help of Virginia Tech, The Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, the Richard & Caroline T. Gwathmey Trust, Harold Reid of the Statler Brothers, and our friends and neighbors, we began this new adventure in 1994 – this will be our 20th Christmas!

News Journal – Spring 2013 20VCTGA |

Primarily we are primarily a Choose and cut Operation, featuring white pine and Norway spruce. We have a limited inventory of blue spruce and Scotch pine and are able to produce enough Fraser fir and concolor fir to advertise their availability. We also supply local volunteer fire departments, convenience stores, produce centers and our own Covington retail lot with wholesale white pine.

We have available wreaths, made for retail by our neighbors and staff, roping (some of which made by our residents) and swags, most of which decorated by our residents. The farm includes 20 acres of Christmas trees and another 60 acres of ponds and forest.

Like many farms, we open the Friday after Thanksgiving. The next day we host an open house and are regularly open thereafter each Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Christmas. We usually have boys working at the farm each business day. The younger ones greet the customers, orient them and offer refreshments. Teams of older kids, two or three to each team, then harvest and carry the fresh cut tree for the customers while another team operates the shaker, bale the trees and load the customer’s vehicle.

And one resident gets to operate the tractor and pull the hayride trailer.

Our residents actively participate in all aspects of the tree farm. In the spring, they set out transplants and plant seedlings. In the summer and fall, they shear trees and groom fields. During the winter, they cut and deliver trees for wholesale and

During the school year, the boys work at the farm on selected weekends and school holidays, usually making the 136 mile round trip on a daily basis. And in the summer months, a crew of three or four residents will depart Boys’ Home after breakfast each Monday and return in time for supper the following Thursday. As each farmer knows so well, there is no beginning nor is there an end to farm chores. Beyond the trees and fields, the boys maintain the road, fences, out buildings, equipment and cottage. They prepare their own meals and take full advantage the clothes washer and dryer. We keep two of our three ponds well stocked with bass, sunfish and blue gill and our inventory includes canoes, a paddle boat and fishing boat.

We have subscriptions to satellite television and broadband internet to round out the workday. We border the National Forest on three sides which facilitates hiking, camping and hunting (in season).

Our mission is to help each resident strive toward becoming a responsible and productive member of society by developing his potential - spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially.

The main campus of Boys’ Home is located two and one-half miles west of Covington, Va. on Route 60. The campus consists of 70 developed acres, along with 1,400 mountainous acres of woods, streams and cliffs, Page 22013 1 VCTGA News Journal – Spring

where the boys can hunt, fish or swim.

Our campus offers the perfect setting for allowing young men to mature in a Christian environment. Our program is based upon personal responsibility and discipline, which is reflected in our mission statement. The Boys' Home Christmas Tree Farm is essential to the fulfillment of our mission and a vital part of the lives of our residents.

Greg Lemmer, Associate Director/Support Services and Business Operations http://www.boyshomeinc.org/treeFar m.shml

These photos are available to VCTGA members to use in your marketing promotional materials. Contact the VCTGA office for details.

540-382-7310

Ad – Tree Teck

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

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VCTGA News Journal –Spring 2013

VCTGA Advertising Schedule, Deadlines, Rates Ad Rates Select Ad Size

SOLD

Ad type

Size

Per issue

Per year

10x7.5”

$150

$600

7.75x7.5”

$200

$800

1 Page B&W

10x7.5”

$100

$400

Half Page B&W

5x7.5”

$65

$260

¼ Page B&W

5x3.5”

$50

$200

1 Page Color inside cover 1 Page Color outside back cover

Newsletter Deadlines and Mail Dates Check Issues for Ads

Issue

New Deadline

Mail Date

Winter Spring Summer Fall

Nov 15 Mar 15 June 1 Sept 15

Jan 15 Apr 15 Jul 1 Oct 15

[__] Run same ad in each issue [__] Rotate Ads [__] New Ad in each issue [__] Check here if you want an invoice for four pre-paid consecutive issues (10% discount).

Otherwise, we will send you an electronic invoice after the issue is mailed to members.

Contact Person: _________________________________________________ Company Name: ________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ________________________________________________ City: ____________________________ ST____ Zip code _________-_____ Phone: _____-______-____________ Fax: _____-______-____________ Email: _________________________________________________________ Date: ____/____/______

For Additional Information, Call, Fax or Email:

Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association Inc. 383 Coal Hollow Rd, Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 540-382-7310 ---- Fax: 540-382-2716 Email: secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org

22 |

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

Page 23

VCTGA Member FOR SALE, Help Wanted VCTGA MemberSection As a FREE member service, Section FOR SALE, Help Wanted

we will list items you have for sale, help wanted or consulting needs.

As a FREE member service, Email to: secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org we will list items you have for sale, help wanted or consulting needs.

Email to: Needs secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org Help with Beekeeping Bees & Trees LLC

Needs Help with Beekeeping (formerly Crazy Joe’s Trees) Teresa Jeff Gregson Bees &&Trees LLC 18028 Carrico Mills Rd (formerly Crazy Joe’s Trees) Elkwood, VA, 22718 Teresa & Jeff Gregson 804-543-8464 temp#Mills Rd 18028 Carrico Elkwood, VA, 22718 804-543-8464 temp#

Page 24

Page 24 News Journal – Spring 2013 VCTGA

VCTGA News Journal –Spring 2013

VCTGA News Journal –Spring 2013 | 23

383 Coal Hollow Rd Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 383 Coal Hollow Rd 540-382-7310 Christiansburg, VA

STD PRST US POSTAGE PAID WYTHEVILLE, VA PERMIT 172

24073-6721 540-382-7310 www.Virginia

ChristmasTrees.org

www.Virginia ChristmasTrees.org

SAVE THE SAVE THE DATES!!

DATES!!

VCTGA Annual VCTGA Annual Membership Membership Meeting & Meeting & Conference Conference August 15-16 Blacksburg August 15-16 Blacksburg

VCTGA News Journal – Spring 2013

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