President’s Message

Season’s Greetings

Season’s Greetings from your outgoing VNLA President. I hope you, your family and your business have had a successful 2023. The VNLA has had a busy year as well. Thank you once again to everyone who sponsored, supported and attended Field Day at Virginia Tech’s Hahn Horticulture Garden.

As it does each year, the VNLA is preparing to transition leadership on the Board’s Executive Committee. Jason Stern is our incoming Board President. I am confident that Jason will continue to guide the Board with thoughtful leadership and maintain efforts to continue to build a strong foundation for the future. The VNLA consistently looks for others who are interested and willing to consider serving on the Board. Currently, we specifically have a need for a Board member who is interested in the legislative component of our industry. While the VNLA is a strong organization, it operates with a volunteer Board and one employee. We have worked and continue to work to diversify and create revenue streams. At this time, the VNLA’s budget does not support the capacity to bring on additional staff to focus on legislative matters. We must rely on a volunteer Board member who owns a company or has an employer that would allow occasional flexibility to participate in some of the legislative events hosted by partners such as, Virginia Agribusiness Council and AmericanHort. If you have interest yourself or a recommendation, please get in touch and let us know!

With Christmas around the corner, I am sure many of you are starting to think about MANTS 2024. We hope all of you can attend this Masterpiece of a Trade Show. As many of you know, “MANTS Means Business”. It is a great opportunity to learn about new plants, new chemicals, new equipment and make new connections. A large majority of attendees are decision makers. That is one good reason to attend MANTS. The other reason is to join us for the VNLA member breakfast meeting. It always includes updates from the VNLA Board and guest speakers from VT’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Agribusiness Council and AmericanHort. Further, we review the VNLA’s budget and vote-in the incoming VNLA Board Officers and Directors. Of course, there is coffee, OJ and a delicious breakfast buffet. Key topics are covered at the VNLA member breakfast meeting. So, come to MANTS, do some business and spend some time with your favorite Nursery and Landscape Association.

It has been a pleasure to serve on this Board with a great group of volunteers. The VNLA has been on a 5+-year mission to update, upgrade, modernize and streamline. I pass the baton to Jason Stern, and am confident he will continue to push through the changes that are underway.

A big thank you to past president Jeff Howe as he rolls off the Board. A big thank you to David Seward and Matt Deivert too! Both have changes in their lives and careers that have led them to decide to step off of the Board as well. These gentlemen have been so gracious with their expertise, time and commitment to the VNLA. Thank you to all three and the many years of service to the VNLA!

Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad. Have an amazing and joyous holiday season. Cheers to a great New Year…may 2024 be successful and prosperous for you all!

Chris Dowdy

VNLA President