MNLA Aims to Stimulate, Reenergize, and Engage

By Chris O’Brien, MCH

In February, MNLA held the Green Industry Winter Forum Education and Trade Show at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg. The emphasis was on continuing education for our members and Massachusetts Certified Horticulturists as well as the opportunity to meet and speak with businesses that supply products and services to our industry. A couple of other elements to the two-day meeting should be mentioned: the MNLA Youth Career Initiative and the MNLA Leadership Forum.

MNLA invited high schools with landscape and horticulture programs to bring their students to the Winter Forum to learn more about the green industry and to familiarize the students with some of the job opportunities offered in the trade. The Youth Career Initiative kicked off with a scavenger hunt, plant ID, and other fun activities. Then the students gathered to meet with and listen to MNLA members talk about their work and the path that brought them to horticulture. Interesting (and sometimes unexpected!) answers followed when students asked questions of members. The program provided a positive view of the many different opportunities to work and advance in the green industry for students who may have an interest in horticulture. We plan to repeat the program again with additional schools to help build the next generation of “plant people.”

Before the Winter Meeting began, MNLA’s board of directors, committee members, past presidents of MNLA, staff, advisors, and other volunteers convened at a Leadership Forum to discuss how to further stimulate, reenergize, engage, connect, and build the leadership in the association for 2023 and beyond. Past President Mary Jesch, who led a similar exercise during her leadership term several years ago, presented the meeting objectives to participants. Breakout groups formed according to interest: MCH, membership, government relations, history & media, education, social media & market- ing, and summer conference/fun events. After discussions the groups reconvened for presentations on their recommendations.

MNLA’s board of directors will evaluate those reports and organize next steps to implement them. You will hear more about some of those ideas in the coming months. I ask each of you to step forward with your suggestions and volunteer if possible. It can be as simple as helping set up an event or it could be a commitment to serve on a committee. We need your help!

What do you need from MNLA? How can MNLA help accomplish more for your company and for our industry generally? Reach out to a board member or contact the MNLA office with your questions or for more information.

I also urge you to mark your calendars for our Down to Earth Summer Conference, which will be held on July 27th in Marshfield, Massachusetts, at the Fairgrounds. With the unlimited possibilities of this location, the event will feature an equipment rodeo competition, container garden competition, and a day of cutting edge education and vendor displays. The food trucks will be back by popular demand. We hope to see you there.

Chris O’Brien, MCH Howard Garden Designs MNLA President