TNLA Working For You January 17, 2020

Be First in the Know with News and Updates from TNLA! JANUARY 17, 2020

GET AN EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK AT THE TNLA GREEN MAGAZINE JANUARY/ FEBRUARY ISSUE! Clck Here to Read it Now!

TABLE OF CONTENTS COVER FEATURE: TNLA GREEN MAGAZINE A WORD FROM THE STATE Member News You Need to Know -Member Benefit Partner: Car Rental Partners -Young Leader & Summit Nominations -2020 State Board Nominations Events -Nursery/Landscape EXPO 2020 -Product Rodeo & Education Corral Legislative & Regulatory -2020 TNLA PAC Auction *ITEMS NEEDED* -TNLA Members Push for H-2B Cap Relief -TNLA Meets with TDA Plant Quality Program Staff -Texas Water Conservation Advisory Council Meets -Texas Hemp Rules and Upcoming Hemp Meeting Education -HEB Texas Backyard Holiday Show -OLE! -West Texas Workshop

MEETINGS & EVENTS January 14, 2020 Region IV Meeting Southern Botanical

February 11, 2020 Region V Meeting Fort Worth Botanic Gardens

January 28, 2020 Region V Meeting Piccolo Mondo

February 26-27, 2020 Product Rodeo & Education Corral Will Rogers Stadium | Fort Worth, TX

January 31, 2020 Region II Winter Workshop Houston Community College

WE WANT TO SHARE THE JOY OF TNLA REGIONS! Please submit your Region photos and/or efforts to ashley@tnlaonline.org and help TNLA share what your region is accomplishing!

If you are new to TNLA and want to find out more about your Region offerings, please contact Sara Fern at sara@tnlaonline.org

EVENTS & CEU OPPORTUNITIES

TNLA WEBINARS EARN 1 CEU PER WEBINAR

Choose from categories such as: Business Management, Pest & Disease Management, Economic Updates & Influences, and More!

TNLA GREEN CEU QUIZ January/February Join us as companies come together to rodeo their products through hands-on demonstrations and take part in high-impact Education Corral sessions.

FEBRUARY 26-27, 2020Â WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL CENTER FORT WORTH, TX

March 26-27, 2020 | Alpine, TX Register Today!

A WORD FROM THE STATE Members News You Need to Know Hear it straight from the State Office

MEMBER SERVICE PROVIDER: AVIS & ENTERPRISE Be sure and use these TNLA member discounts when traveling for business or pleasure!

Avis - Car rental discount. Up to 25% off depending on availability. Use discount code AWD# U059686 Enterprise - Car rental and fleet service. Use discount code 65A1840 at checkout to activate your Member discount.

YOUNG LEADER & SUMMIT NOMINATIONS Each year, TNLA recognizes outstanding contributions and achievements in the Green Industry with Young Leader Awards and Summit Awards. Nominations for these awards are currently being accepted!

Please help TNLA honor individuals and Member companies doing great work in out industry by submitting nominations by May 15!

Go to www.tnlaonline.org today to submit your nomination!

A WORD FROM THE STATE Members News You Need to Know Hear it straight from the State Office

2020 STATE BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATIONS The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2020 State Board of Directors. The Call for Nominations is now open and seeking candidates for the positions of: State Region Directors: Region V State Director Region VII State Director State Business Category: Landscape Director Supplier Director Service on the Board of Directors of TNLA in an officer position is a chance to help drive the decisions of the association and shape the future of the industry.

The opportunity to work with other leaders in the association allows you to be part of the decision making process on the state level, driving the strategic goals of the organization. This is an exciting time to join the leadership of the A Get more information and submit your nomination for the 2020-2021 State Board of Directors at https://www.tnlaonline.org/tnla-elections.html

A WORD FROM THE STATE Events

Hear it straight from the State Office

NURSERY/LANDSCAPE EXPO 2020 With the power of thousands of Green Industry professionals attending EXPO, you have the opportunity to expose your brand by becoming an official EXPO Sponsor. As a sponsor, you have the upper hand in tapping into the buying power of thousands of attendees even before you hit the Tradeshow Floor. Your early exposure brand will be promoted both digitally on the EXPO website, E-blasts, and Mobile App and also in print in Attendee Brochure and the July/August edition of TNLA Green Magazine. Whether you are looking for print or digital marketing, EXPO can help create a custom plan to fit your specific needs, reach your goals, and expand your ROI! Contact expo@nurserylandscapeexpo.org or visit EXPO's Sponsorship Gallery filled with a variety of opportunities by clicking the link below: https://s19.a2zinc.net/clients/TXNLA/NLE20/Public/sponsorshipgallery.aspx?

ID=4687&sort=Price:%20High%20to%20Low

PRODUCT RODEO & EDUCATION CORRAL TNLA Staff got their boots dirty this week in Fort Worth walking the floor of the Watt Arena, planning for the live equipment and tech demonstrations at the upcoming Product Rodeo & Education Corral. Join us February 26th and 27th for two action-packed days, where your favorite brands are busting out of the traditional tradeshow layout to let you take products for a test drive right in the arena. Register you and your team for this can't miss event and be a part of the action. Be sure to book your hotel by February 3 to take part in the TNLA group rates.

For information on how you can get in on the fun, visit www.tnlaonline.org/product-rodeo--education-corral

A WORD FROM THE STATE Legislative & Regulatory Hear it straight from the State Office

2020 TNLA PAC AUCTION *ITEMS NEEDED* Last year’s TNLA Political Action Committee Auction was a huge success and offered some very exciting items for bid at EXPO. The TNLA PAC trustees are again asking all TNLA members to consider donating an item for the auction. Items can include anything from hunting gear, jewelry, electronics, vacation stays, and more. Like monetary contributions to PAC, each item must be donated personally from the individual. Please consider helping this important cause on behalf of our industry. You can find out more information by contacting Ryan Skrobarczyk at ryan@tnlaonline.org.

TNLA MEMBERS PUSH FOR H-2B CAP RELIEF With the FY 2020 H-2B cap having been hit, green industry advocates are left to pressure the Trump administration to release the additional 60,000+ H-2B visas authorized by Congress. After an alert from the TNLA Legislative Action Center, our members sent messages to over 20 different Texas Congressional offices urging them to sign onto a bi-partisan letter supporting the release of additional H-2B visas. The list of signees toward the end of the day yesterday included over 100 U.S. House members with many prominent Texas officials and over 20 U.S. Senators including Texas’ Senator Cornyn. The H-2B Coalition will continue to lobby the administration to release the additional visas as soon possible.

TNLA MEETS WITH TDA PLANT QUALITY PROGRAM STAFF TNLA President Amy Graham and Director Ryan Skrobarczyk met with a group of TDA Plant Quality staff, including Dr. Awinash Bhatkar, to discuss ongoing pest & disease issues for the green industry and a new training initiative for nursery growers that TDA & TNLA will be spearheading. Based on a systems approach to clean nursery stock, this initiative will be kicked off later this year at EXPO 2020 and the TNLA Growers Summit.

Did you like seeing these updates? For access to member-only Legislative and Regulatory updates subscribe to the TNLA Leader List for periodic newsletters

A WORD FROM THE STATE Legislative & Regulatory Hear it straight from the State Office

TEXAS WATER CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETS The Texas WCAC is comprised of water conservation activists from across the state and they met this last week in Austin to continue their development of legislative recommendations for the coming legislative session. While several proposals considered represent reasoned approaches to water conservation, proposal concerning mandatory statewide watering restrictions continue to surface. TNLA is participating in this group regularly as these discussions continue and will be weighing in with policymakers during the next session.

TEXAS HEMP RULES AND UPCOMING HEMP MEETING TDA has published the Texas’ proposed hemp rules and have posted them for public comment. Greenhouse and nursery growers considering entering the hemp propagation market should analyze the rules for any concerns. In addition, TDA will be hosting a public meeting on the hemp rules where the audience can submit public comment. The meeting will be held next week on January 22nd at 9am in Waco, TX at the Texas Farm Bureau Conference Center. You can find the link for the proposed rules in the link below: https://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/archive/January102020/Proposed%20R ules/4.AGRICULTURE.html

Did you like seeing these updates? For access to member-only Legislative and Regulatory updates subscribe to the TNLA Leader List for periodic newsletters

A WORD FROM THE STATE Education

Hear it straight from the State Office

HEB TEXAS BACKYARD HOLIDAY SHOW James will be talking to over 300 HEB Texas Backyard employees about getting their certification through the new certification program offered by HEB, through TNLA.

OLE! James will be at TAMU to host a meeting between OLE! Texas and the Junior Master Gardener program. The purpose is to help the two organizations connect to further help promote horticulture to early childhood education programs across the state.

Keep an eye out for future collaborations!

WEST TEXAS WORKSHOP Time is running out for you to join in this one of a kind education experience. TNLA and TNLA Region VI, along with our sponsors, are proud to offer you a West Texas Horticultural Experience. At this event, you will experience the unique plants and trees of this unknown area of Texas. With a spectacular group of speakers, now including author Michael Eason, highlighting the awesomeness and sustainability of a unique part of Texas and a guided tour of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, you won't want to miss out.5 TNLA and 4 ISA CEU's available.

Check out the detailed education schedule in this newsletter!

WEST TEXAS WORKSHOP EDUCATION SCHEDULE Thursday, March 26 3:45 - 5:15 The AWESOMENESS of Chihuahua Desert Flora & Fauna Nate Priest & Lico Miller This unique 1.5 hour session will be an in depth look into how local plants and trees are collected and propagated for industry distribution. Lico Miller, West Texas Plants, will give the audience a firsthand look into the unique plants that can be found in the nursery industry that have West Texas origins. Nate Priest, owner of Nate’s Tree Service and Yucca Pointe, will discuss unique trees that are from the West Texas region that can be used throughout Texas and beyond. Nate will also discuss yucca species and how these species are linked to West Texas.

Friday, March 27 8:00 - 9:00 Great Plants for Trans-Pecos Landscapes Jackie Lyle This early rise session will be focused on what current nursery stock work great for the West Texas region and what types of plants to look for in unique drought tolerant conditions throughout Texas. Jackie Lyle from Civano Growers will leave you motivated to look at unique plants that are great for many areas throughout Texas.

9:10-9:40 A West Texas Xeriscape; Plants, Process & Purpose Seth Hamby Join Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute’s (CDRI) Seth Hamby as he gives the attendees a quick 30minute look into what classifies a West Texas landscape as a true Xeriscape. Seth will also talk about plants and what fundamental aspects are typically found that are unique to a West Texas Xeriscape. Join Seth, as well as other CDRI members for a tour at the facility after the West Texas Workshop on Friday.

9:50-10:50 West Texas Pocket Prairies Pat Merkord & Della Barbato Pocket Prairies are a new and novel way to utilize native and other pollinator friendly plants to landscape small spaces in urban and residential areas. They also provide naturally beautiful wildscapes for education and relaxation. Join Pat Merkord, President of the Native Prairies Association of Texas, as she helps attendees discover the value and beauty of pocket prairies with directions for installation and maintenance.

11:00-12:00 The Unique Ecosystem of the Trans-Pecos Michael Eason Renowned author and plant enthusiast Michael Eason will take the audience on a captivating tour of the rarely seen and unknown ecosystem of the Trans-Pecos region or Texas. Michael will showcase several trees, plant and wildflowers that inhabit this region, and will inspire attendees to begin thinking ‘outside the box’ in Texas’ Green Industry.

TNLA BRANDING OPPORTUNITIES ADVERTISING

With the power of over 139,377 businesses, the Texas Green Industry makes a $23 Billion Impact on the Texas economy. By aligning your marketing strategies with the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) your company will be able to reach customers within the Texas market directly. TNLA offers branding opportunities through two printed publications, the bimonthly TNLA Green Magazine and Membership Directory printed annually. Don’t miss your chance to gain the power of doing business in Texas with the help of TNLA showing you the path.

It’s through TNLA’s readership who represents over 80% of decision-makers. They are the industry’s leading company owners, chief operating officers, executives, directors, and managers including 700+ TNLA Certified professionals. Download the TNLA Media Kit for rates, specs and more. Contact the advertising team at 512-579-3861 for more information.

PRODUCT RODEO & EDUCATION CORRAL

TNLA's Product Rodeo & Education Corral is the premier indoor product rodeo. The Rodeo showcases Texas' leading hardscape equipment and technology, latest green business offerings, and solutions for landscapers, retail garden centers, irrigators, and growers. This event is interactive, with hands-on, high-impact demonstrations and top tier education sessions. Guests can test exhibitors' equipment right in the arena throughout the event. Join us February 26 - 27 in Fort Worth, a city that celebrates rodeo, music, Texas culture, and the outdoor experiences our industry makes possible. You can also call our Rodeo team directly at 512-579-3862.

SPONSORSHIP

It’s time to think outside the booth and ‘Soar above the Crowd’! Promote Your Brand to its Fullest Potential by partnering with TNLA as a sponsor.

Promoting your brand will help you get ahead of and stand out from your competition while making your marketing more efficient and exposing potential customers to your products and services. Go to www.tnlaonline.org for the many TNLA EXPO & Product Rodeo Sponsorship opportunities and tools available to help build your bottom line and bring customers directly to you! With pricing starting at $200, there is an option for every budget. If there is something specific you have in mind, give us a call. We can customize a package that best fits your needs.

Contact the sponsorship team at 512-579-3862 for more information.

NURSERY/LANDSCAPE EXPO 2020

Find Your Greatness at the 2020 Nursery/Landscape EXPO being held August 13-15, 2020 in San Antonio! EXPO is the premier horticulture show in the South-Central United States for profitable sales and face-to-face interaction. One thing remains steady in the TEXAS Green Industry … people only want to do business with companies they have met face-to-face.

Attendees (including Landscape, Grower, Irrigation & Retail Professionals) want to see, touch, and feel what’s new in the Industry. EXPO has brought buyers and sellers together for over 65 years … a trusted and reliable forum to help you do business better in TEXAS! You can call our EXPO team directly at 512-579-3857.

AWARDS FIESTA

A Celebration of individuals and organizations that continue to challenge and set the standards in the Nursery and Landscape industry. Awards given include the Texas Excellence in Landscaping Awards, Texas Garden Retail Awards, Young Leader Award, Arp Award, and Summit Award. These Awards bring together the leaders and influencers in the Green Industry.

A salute to Excellence in the Green Industry. Date: August 14, 2020. Contact the Awards Fiesta team at 512-579-3862 for more information.

LOVE YOUR CITRUS With the ongoing spread of citrus canker and greening, Texans at every level need to be more aware than ever what you can do to help stop the spread and better LOVE your citrus. Are you in a recently expanded citrus quarantine zone, specifically in Houston? Find out by visiting the Texas Department of Agriculture website. If you are, and operate a business in the green industry, be sure you have a compliance agreement in place with the USDA and TDA. Do you know how to identify the symptoms of greening or canker? Visit the Texas A&M AgriLife resources online to review how to quickly spot and report signs of disease. Working together, Texans can enjoy the wonderful dooryard citrus we love for generations to come.