NURTURE
ORGANIZATIONAL STRENGTH,
UNITED WE STAND FLORIDA GROWER JOHN CONROY RESEARCHES AND EXPLAINS THE ROLE OF ASSOCIATIONS IN THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY
JOHN CONROY
I would like to start this column with a heartfelt “Thank You” to the green industry leaders who enthusiastically contributed time and energy to this column. Their generosity characterizes the commitment which they and their organizations promote. Our objective here is to encourage your support of organizations which advance your interests as well as those of the green industry at large. It is not possible to thoroughly discuss all the services and benefits which they provide in detail. We have condensed and highlighted their thoughts about key issues for your consideration. Added details can be found at: south.prolandscaperusa.com.
38
OUR PANEL OF LEADERS
WITH
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
How does your organization represent the needs and interests of your membership ? Organizational leaders all agreed that advocacy is an important component of what they offer their members. Ben Bolusky (FNGLA) states, “As a full-service association, FNGLA is fortunate to have a variety of effective arrows in its quiver which it can deploy. Perhaps FNGLA’s most fundamental arrow is its exercise of powerful political advocacy at the state and federal levels of government.” Lanie Riner (GGIA) adds, “GGIA offers a multitude of benefits to our members, but at the forefront are our advocacy efforts. Specifically, dedicated legislative relations
Pro Landscaper USA South November/December 2021
BEN BOLUSKY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, FNGLA
Ben Bolusky has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and master’s degree in Public Administration, and worked with the American Nursery & Landscape Association for 12 years, even serving as the director of government affairs. After working in Washington D.C, he became the Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association. It’s the nation’s largest state nursery/landscape association with 1,500 member businesses, and works to promote and protect the future of Florida’s $25.4 billion industry.
LESLIE HERNDON, PRESIDENT OF NCNLA AND TIM JOHNSON (DIRECTOR, NCNLA)
LESLIE HERNDON 2021 PRESIDENT OF THE NCNLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Leslie Herndon is the President of Greenscape Inc. in Holly Springs, N.C., where she began her career 19 years ago. She has a bachelor’s in horticultural science and is a Certified Plant Professional with manager and technician certifications from the National Association of Landscape Professionals. She is the 2021 president of the NCNLA Board of Directors.
south.prolandscaperusa.com
