From the President

Exciting Changes Ahead

When I was in the Air Force, I had an old Colonel who used to tell me, “Jon, no good deed goes unpunished. And it’s better to be a volunteer than voluntold.” So, I’m back as your TNLA President. This organization, like many of your own businesses and lives, is undergoing a significant change in the way we do things. Louree Walker will transition from Executive Director to part-time Assistant Director then to retirement, while Danae Bouldin transitions from Assistant Director to Executive Director. We’re also working on several initiatives from the monthly newsletter to active social media campaigns highlighting our sponsors, to developing an industry job board, and publishing a new buyer’s guide.

This year we will re-invigorate our scholarship program which also includes an avenue for certain eligible projects for high schools. We want to promote our Field Day events and maximize attendance. There will be some great presentations and lots to learn and talk about with academic experts and people like you and I who are out there making it happen. We are working with American Hort on matters of national and regional significance and partnering with TSU’s Nursery Research Center to address our biggest concerns with pests and diseases. We are your direct advocates with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. We correspond with, meet with, and participate with inspectors, policymakers, and the commissioner on a wide variety of issues from regulations to industry-wide promotions. TNLA is your leading green industry advocate statewide.

I look forward to the coming year and working with you and my fellow board members. We are hardworking people supporting hardworking people in the green industry. Remember, we are always looking for people willing to serve on committees and on the board. If you are interested in serving or if you have any questions or comments, please reach out to us at Danae Bouldin, Executive Director, mail@tnla.com / (931)473-3951.

Jon Flanders

TNLA President