Interesting Times

There is an ancient Chinese Proverb that says, “May you live in interesting times.” Well, the past year or so has definitely been interesting times in the Nursery and Landscape world in general and on the TNLA board in particular. We have faced two major challenges, the first was the pending ban on chlorpyrifos (Dursban) and the second was the proposed Plant Pest Rule from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA). I am happy to report that our position won the day in both cases. The EPA refused to put a nation-wide ban on chlorpyrifos and TDA withdrew the proposed Plant Pest Rule.

Here are the key take-aways from facing these two challenges. First, membership in organizations such as TNLA and AmericanHort is a force multiplier. It means we speak with a much bigger megaphone with the power of all the members combined instead of a few who may come across as disorganized and isolated. These are the words of State Senator Mark Pody at the Pest Plant Rule meeting during the TNGIE trade show:

"It’s important that we hear from trade associations like yours. That lets us know that your industry is unified and speaking with one voice. Second, cooperation among industry partners and engagement with your local representatives are key. Therefore, I want to thank our partners at MTNA on the TNGIE trade show committee for their efforts in our recent successful trade show (visit www.tngie.com for more info) and in combining forces to create a task force on the proposed Plant Pest rule. I also want to thank AmericaHort for their national organizational efforts on the chlorpyrifos ban and other matters of national concern." For more information you can visit them at www.americanhort.org

Given our successes and industry influence, I will make one final plea for becoming a member, renewing your membership, or increasing your membership to Silver or Gold. Please visit www.TNLA.com and click the Membership leaf, then click on the “Join Today” link in the last line of that page. Download and fill out the membership application and send it, along with your dues to our Executive Director, Louree Walker. Your voice matters, so make it louder by becoming a member today. Already a member? Please get involved on committees and be willing to serve on the board. We are always looking for new ideas and new faces.

Finally, I want to thank my fellow board members for stepping up to serve their industry. The work we do is important. I look forward to the future. Fellow members, please support your board’s efforts as they bring new people and new ideas forward to serve the real Green Industry in Tennessee—which is all of us. I have complete confidence in your incoming President, Bert Driver, and look forward to his stalwart leadership. Bert is a dynamo with new ideas deeply rooted in a proper understanding of the green industry past, present, and future. We may have been through interesting times, but the future looks like exciting times for TNLA. As always, we are hardworking people serving hard working people in the green industry since 1905!

Jon Flanders

TNLA President

TNLA President Jon Flanders