PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
A Running Start in 2020 It
is with great honor that I write to you all today as your President for 2020. I want to thank the VNLA Board and Executive Director for all of their hard work and dedication in 2019. As for 2020, we are off to a running start working hard every day for our membership and the betterment of our industry as a whole. In 2019, VNLA saw some positive changes — from simple things like online event registrations and membership renewal — all the way to our entire VCH exam being given electronically. 2019 was a jam-packed year. 2020 will be much the same as we start a new business partnership for membership software, tools and website. With the new platform, we hope to boost engagement and drive growth for now and the future. Having listened to member feedback, we are also changing up our annual Field Day with a new fresh format, which will allow everyone to be engaged and network with our peers. This year, we are heading to northern Virginia on July 30th to Community Landscape Services (CLS) with a social event at the Farm Brewery at Broad Run. With a new, more engaging environment it will definitely be an event worth attending. Please mark your calendars and watch out for updates as they come in! As we start 2020, please know that the entire VNLA board is working every day to enhance, promote and advocate for each and every one of you and your companies. If you ever have any questions or concerns please reach out to me and I will gladly help you with whatever issue you may have. Have a great spring! Christopher Brown, Jr. — VNLA President 2020 chrisbjr@lancasterfarms.com 757.484.4421
Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association 5101 Monument Avenue, Suite 203 Richmond, VA 23230 Tel: (804) 256 2700 Email: info@vnla.org Published by: Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street • Franklin, TN 37064 Tel: (615) 790-3718 • Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com 2020 Officers and Directors Year indicates start of volunteer service to VNLA Board of Directors EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President / Research Foundation Co-Chair Christopher Brown, Jr. 2013 Lancaster Farms • Suffolk, VA Vice President / Legislative Chair Seana Ankers 2017 Meadows Farms • Chantilly, VA Secretary Treasurer Jeffrey Howe 2016 Windridge Landscaping Co. • Afton, VA Past President / Board Recruitment / Research Foundation Co-Chair Brent Hunsinger 2015 Brent’s Native Plantings • Fredericksburg, VA Executive Director Shellie Archer Richmond, VA DIRECTORS Matt Deivert 2017 MANTS Board Representative South Riding Nurseries • Bristow, VA Jeffrey Howe 2016 Windridge Landscaping Co. • Afton, VA Cecilia Palmer 2017 Continuing Education Chair West Winds Nursery / Shade Tree Farm Sudley Springs, VA Neal Beasley 2019 Certification / VCH* Chair Timmons Group • Richmond, VA Marshall Saunders 2019 Membership Engagement Chair Saunders Brothers • Piney River, VA Chris Dowdy 2020 Bennett’s Creek Nursery • Smithfield, VA Jeff Riggleman 2020 Kohler Equipment • Richmond, VA Robin McCall 2020 Williams Brothers Tree & Lawn Service • Staunton, VA Warner Winthrop 2020 Colesville Nursery • Ashland, VA EX-OFFICIO, VIRTUE OF OFFICE: Non-voting Laurie Fox, Ph. D. VA Tech Hampton Roads AREC • VA Beach, VA David Seward J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Montpelier, VA * VCH = Virginia Certified Horticulturist
6 • VNLA News • Spring 2020
