TNLA Working For You August 21, 2020

Be the First to Know News and Updates from TNLA! AUGUST 21, 2020

ROSS RAMSEY, TEXAS TRIBUNE

ADRIAN LOPEZ, ALAMO CEO

CONGRESSMAN HENRY CUELLAR

SENATOR JOHN CORNYN

MIKE TEMPLE, GULF LAURIE LARREA, COAST EXECUTIVE GREATER DALLAS DIRECTOR PRESIDENT

AUGUST 28, 2020

TEXAS WORKFORCE COMISSION CHAIRMAN BRYAN DANIEL

DR. ALEX ALONSO, CHIEF KNOWLEDGE OFFICER SHRM

Calendar of Events Members' News You Need to Know COVID-19 UPDATE - A Letter From the Texas Department of State Health Services - Slow the Spread of COVID-19 -USDA Extends COVID Relief to Nursery Growers USDA Extends COVID Relief to Nursery Growers Don't Miss These 2021-2022 Scholarship Opportunities TNLA Webinars Professional Spotlight Compensation & Benefits Study Chat With Green Aggies Upcoming Webinar Opportunities Reminder! Do Not Forget to Update Your Member Profile and Current Product Listing Surround Yourself With a Network That Empowers You to Grow Texas Retail Garden Centers Have What it Takes to be TNLA's Retailer of the Year TNLA Mobile App Sneak Peek Letter from the President: NEW Endorsed Payment Processing Provider Texas Excellence in Landscaping Award Applications are Open!

Events TNLA Labor Summit: Win the Battle Over Labor Shortages. Be the Industry Leader Find Your Greatness at EXPO in 2021 Save the Date for the West Texas Workshop

Legislative & Regulatory TNLA Organizes Meeting with Citrus Growers and the Texas Department of Agriculture TNLA Joins the Texas Agriculture Coalition in Support of Hurricane Relief Funds & Letter to Policymakers

Mark your calendars and register today for these upcoming events presented by the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association.

See more event opportunities here!

21 August

28

August 8:00AM

FREE VIRTUAL EVENT

AUGUST 28, 2020 EARN 4 TNLA CEUS!

29-30

October

12-13 Nov. SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE CLICK HERE FOR MAXIMUM EXPOSURE

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

COVID-19 UPDATE: A Letter from the Texas Department of State Health Services Dear Texas Nursery and Landscape Association Members, As we continue to navigate this pandemic together, we want to thank you for your efforts to run your business while helping contain the spread of COVID-19. While we may be operating separate organizations, we are one Texas.

Recently, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) created COVID-19 communication tools to help you operate your business safely. Tools include videos, social media graphics and animations, plus printable posters. You also have access to minimum recommended health protocols for safe operation. Materials are available in English and Spanish.

The materials promote health safety practices.

You can display posters in high-traffic areas such as entrances, lobbies, restrooms and break rooms. You can post social media content on your channels. You can also feature these messages in employee communication. And you can share these resources with others to use.

To access these materials, please visit the DSHS COVID-19 Communication Tools webpage.

As a dedicated Texas Nursery and Landscape Association member, you can be a part of the solution. Let’s work together for a #HealthyTexas.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Slow the Spread of COVID-19 We can stop the spread of COVID-19. But it has to be all of us — working together for a #HealthyTexas. Here are some simple steps we can all take to slow the spread of COVID19: Wash your hands often for 20 seconds.

Use hand sanitizer if no soap and water are available.

Wear a cloth face covering in public and in large gatherings.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue away.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Disinfect surfaces, buttons, handles, knobs and other high-touch surfaces.

Stay six feet apart from others.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If you’re sick, get tested, then stay home.

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

COVID-19 UPDATE: USDA Extends COVID Relief To Nursery Growers On August 11th, the USDA announced that “nursery crop and cut flower inventory” has been added to the qualifying crops for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This will provide some measure of direct financial relief to green industry growers who choose to take advantage of the payments for crops lost in the qualifying time period.

We are grateful for USDA finally adding some of our commodities to the list. TNLA members will be familiar with our bi-weekly updates in the “Working For You” newsletter where we have detailed the association’s effort to add nursery crops to this relief program. You can find out more program specifics by visiting the USDA website here.

Interested growers are encouraged to work with their local USDA/Farm Service Agency office for specific questions on applications.

Qualifying nursery products include: Nursery crop means decorative or nondecorative plants grown in a container or controlled environment for commercial sale.

The stipulations on relief payments are as follows: CARES Act Payments: For nursery crop and cut flower inventory that was shipped but subsequently spoiled or is unpaid due to loss of marketing channels between January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, the wholesale value of the inventory that was shipped that spoiled or is unpaid, multiplied by 15.55 percent; and CCC Payments: For nursery crop and cut flower inventory that did not leave the farm between January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, due to a complete loss of marketing channel, the wholesale value of the inventory ready for sale that did not leave the farm by April 15, 2020, and that will not be sold due to lack of markets, multiplied by 13.45 percent.

Nursery crop and cut flower inventory that may be sold after April 15, 2020, is not eligible for CFAP. The deadline for the relief applications are September 11, 2020.

TNLA members are encouraged to follow our announcements in future newsletters to ensure you are aware of the latest news as these programs are updated. Link for USDA news on CFAP Nursery Products Here.

On Wednesday, USDA held a stakeholder webinar on the coronavirus Food Assistance Program relief for additional eligible commodities, to watch the webinar click here

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

DON'T MISS THESE 20212022 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITES If you know of a deserving student who is studying programs related to the nursery and landscape industry, please send them to TNLA's Awards Platform to complete the TNLA Foundation scholarship application.

All scholarship applicants should carefully review the program requirements as explained on the website, and then submit their application, letters of referral and transcripts

by December 31, 2020.

The mission of the Grow Texas Scholarship Program (GTSP) is to help young Texans develop the skills needed to lead Texas agriculture into the future.

Scholarship Specifics: The Foundation believes in rewarding youth for hard work and what they would like to give to the industry. We feel that the management of the Grow Texas scholarships would allow a broader reach into the high school, community colleges, universities, FFA, etc. where tomorrow’s leaders gather.

Our current relationships will be enriched to the benefit of both of our programs, plus there may be a subtle introduction for some to the options of agriculture careers in the Green Industry.

With over 25 Scholarships and Endowments, the TNLA Foundation strives to make an impact for many students.

GTSP usually awards a set number of scholarships valued at $1,000 and more.

Scholarship applications must be submitted with all necessary information by the given deadline.

Awards may be used to fund expenditures made during the specified academic semester; however, the Program prefers to reimburse tuition expenses.

We appreciate your support and promotion of this worthwhile program. If you are interested in finding out more, please visit our website tnlaonline.org or contact Cheryl Staritz at (512) 579-3863 or cheryl@tnlaonline.org.

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

TNLA UPCOMING WEBINAR

TNLA WEBINAR OUT NOW ONLINE

The Webinar Opportunities Do Not Stop Here! Check out webinars in topics ranging from Business Management, Pest & Disease Management, Legislative & Regulatory, Plants, & More Here!

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

PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT:

James Theiss, TCLP, TCWSP, Certified Arborist, TNLA Director, Industry Education and Certifications

TNLA's Jame Theiss, Director, Industry Education, and Certifications has been accepted into the inaugural class of the Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute (TFSLI). The class was selected by invitation only and nominated by a planning team. The TFSLI's vision is to establish an institution that will rally existing and emerging leaders within the fields of natural resources and increase their capacity and ability to enact meaningful change throughout the state of Texas. Throughout the program, TFSL will enhance the class's leadership skills to help strengthen the organizations they work with. The current class will also have the opportunity to hear from renowned leadership experts, forge new partnerships, and spark meaningful change for the Green Industry across Texas.

Last week, the Governor Dolph Briscoe Jr. Texas Agriculture Lifetime Leadership Alumni Association (TALL-A) announced its board elections report. TALL-A has named Sarah Riggins, TNLA Director, TNLA & EXPO, Marketing/Communications, to serve in a two-year term in the Vice President position for the Alumni Board. Riggins is a past graduate of the TALL XI Class. The Texas Agriculture Lifetime Leadership (TALL) program is comprised of a cadre of Texas leaders to help ensure effective understanding and encourage positive action on key issues, theories, policy, and economics that will advance the agriculture industry. TALLA continues to enrich the leadership skills of its members and provide a network to assist in securing opportunities to lead and share.

John Leifester, TCLP, Dedicated Landscape Solutions

Sarah Riggins, CEM, TNLA Director, TNLA & EXPO, Marketing/Communications

TNLA is also very proud to have TNLA Member, John Leifester, with Dedicated Landscape Solutions serving as a current participant in the TALL XVI class. After being nominated by his peers and selected by a nominating panel John now joins 22 other agriculture industry professionals to take part in a two-year class term and have the opportunity to travel across the nation visiting with policymakers, producers and other agriculture institutions to help strengthen the green industry and agriculture sectors.

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

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS STUDY The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association is excited to have completed the 2020 Texas Green Industry Compensation & Benefits Survey and is ready for it to be released. With over 100 companies contributing, the survey represents a window into the employee benefits and compensation of your colleagues in the green industry.

This valuable data is an opportunity to know how your competitors monetarily compensate employees, in addition to analysis on workplace culture, education, certification, and ancillary benefits. The study features hard data on compensation, as well as comments from the study participants in order to contextualize the results.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insight into Texas-specific green industry employment information. The complete survey results are available to TNLA members at $100 and nonmembers at $250.

Purchase it here!

CHAT WITH GREEN AGGIES WEBINAR OPPORTUNITIES The Chats with Green Aggies are on Zoom!

Every Thursday 12:12pm. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

August 27 (Host: Erfan Vafaie) Register Here September Webinars Coming Soon!

REMINDER! Do Not Forget to Update Your Member Profile and Current Product Listing It is important to keep in mind potential clients are continually looking for Members and Products on our Member/Product Search page of the TNLA Website. It is one of the highest visited pages on our website.

Be sure to maintain current and accurate information in your Member Profile to help potential customers find YOU! Need help? Click HERE for a handy video on how to update your information through your Member Portal online.

If you have any questions, please call Sara Fern at 512-579-3853 or Amy Prenger at 512-579-3858.

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

TEXAS RETAIL GARDEN CENTERS HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE TNLA'S RETAILER OF THE YEAR Retail Garden Centers are consistently helping to raise the bar for the Green Industry and TNLA wants to shine a light on today's top Texas retailers through the Texas Garden Retailer Award Program (TGRA).

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH A NETWORK THAT EMPOWERS YOU TO GROW TNLA is a strong community to help you reach your professional goals. Whether you are building your horticulture skillset through TNLA's certifications or taking part in our virtual and in-person networking offerings, TNLA is here for you. Another way TNLA can help you grow is through our TNLA Career Center where employers post job positions offering you the opportunity to take the next step in your career path.

TNLA is now taking entries for TGRA to honor retail garden centers demonstrating innovation and quality, merchandising concepts, and providing staff culture within their garden center. Retailers, you have what it takes, enter by Nov. 7, 2020, to become TNLA's Retailer of the Year!

Get your name out there and be seen by posting your resume for FREE, by clicking here and search for today's Green Industry job opportunities.

Your future in the Green Industry is looking bright, and the TNLA Career Center is here to help you along the way!

Enter by following these easy steps: 1. Create an online account on TNLA’s Award Force.

2. Upload your TGRA entry following the criteria guidelines, questions, and providing supporting documentation and images.

3. Submit and pay for your TGRA entry.

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

TNLA MOBILE APP SNEAK PEEK! Coming soon TNLA will be launching a NEW mobile app with the goal of bringing TNLA member's news and information even faster!

One of the features we are really excited about and wanted to provide a sneak peek is the ability for members to engage in COMMUNITIES. The great thing about the TNLA Mobile App is that you will be able to view the app and engage in your communities from any device. A variety of communities will be set up for members to take part in.

Stay on the lookout for more information about TNLA's 365 Mobile App coming soon!

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

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT: NEW ENDORSED PAYMENT PROCESSING PROVIDER TNLA is pleased to announce Merchant Owl as our official Endorsed Service Provider for payment processing service. Being a TNLA Endorsed Service Provider means this is an exclusive relationship between Texas Nursery & Landscape Association and Merchant Owl. They were chosen by a task force of your peers and approved by the TNLA Board of Directors as best able to provide needed payment processing services to our membership.

Merchant Owl LLC acts much like a broker.

They have contracts with the major processors and reserve the right to control fees. What does that mean to you? No more rate increases every six months! Merchant Owl negotiates the lowest rates possible, then fiercely protect your rates from going up.

Merchant Owl and Rich Kling also offer you the best customer service! Having worked with Rich before, he has proved himself to be an experienced professional focused on building relationships and financially helping our TNLA Members.

For those of you currently using FIS Global, our previous provider for this service, give Rich a call at 407-883-2246 or email him at Rich@MerchantOwl.com today to find out how much you could be saving!

Just another way TNLA is working harder for you!

-Amy Graham, TNLA President

TEXAS EXCELLENCE IN LANDSCAPE AWARD APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN! TNLA’s TEIL program changes the way your customers look at your business. By becoming an award-winning company, you can show your company’s professionalism and expertise and promote your company as an award-winning firm!

Submit your application Here Enter in categories that fit your business services: Commercial Installation Commercial Maintenance Residential Installation Residential Maintenance Special Projects Unique Features Design In case you missed it, Watch the TEIL Awards show here and check out the winning projects!

A WORD FROM THE STATE Events

Hear it straight from the State Office

TNLA LABOR SUMMIT: WIN THE BATTLE OVER LABOR SHORTAGES. BE THE INDUSTRY LEADER Workforce shortages continue to plague employers across the Texas green industry despite current unemployment numbers. Now, TNLA is bringing workforce development specialists and policymakers together for a virtual summit designed for Texas green industry leaders.

Join us for FREE next Friday, August 28, 2020, from 8:00am-12:15pm, for the TNLA Labor Summit. This virtual summit is something your business cannot afford to miss!

With the economic volatility from COVID-19 and the loss of additional H-2B Visas, bring yourself and your company managers to gather the facts and come out stronger than before. Throughout the TNLA Labor Summit, you will be able to hear directly from Federal and State key policymakers and thought leaders about the latest labor rules and regulations. More importantly, you will also be able to identify current labor trends, gain insight to diversify your workforce and know what steps your company should take next to solve employment issues.

The TNLA Labor Summit is also offering 4 hours of TNLA CEUs!

8:15am-9:30am - Congressional Panel on Labor, Foreign Work Visas, & Immigration Moderated by Texas Tribune’s Ross Ramsey Panelists confirmed: U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar Participants on this panel will discuss workforce development strategies being employed in major areas of Texas and potential resources available to green industry employers in need of workforce. The panel discussion will include how local employers can get themselves better engaged with workforce development board resources.

9:45am -10:30am - Workforce Development Board Panel Moderated by Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Bryan Daniel Panelists confirmed: Mr. Adrian Lopez, Alamo CEO; Ms. Laurie Larrea, Greater Dallas President; Mr. Mike Temple, Gulf Coast Executive Director Participants on this panel will discuss workforce development strategies being employed in major areas of Texas and potential resources available to green industry employers in need of workforce. Panel discussion will include how local employers can get themselves better engaged with workforce development board resources.

10:45am-11:30am - Strengthening Workforce Through Diversity Speaker: Alexander Alonso, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP This session will focus on the need to strengthen diversity and inclusion in the modern green industry workforce by equipping employers with the tools necessary to successfully promote these values in their companies.

11:30am - 12:15pm - Closing Keynote Address Speaker: U.S. Senator John Cornyn

Proudly Partnered with:

Proudly Sponsored by:

A WORD FROM THE STATE Events

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SAVE THE DATE FOR THE WEST TEXAS WORKSHOP TNLA’s West Texas Workshop allows you to explore the unique West Texas landscape and learn from experts who specialize in the West Texas ecosystem.

See sites and plants only found in West Texas and take that knowledge back to your company to diversify your project and plant profiles.

FIND YOUR GREATNESS AT EXPO IN 2021 Mark your calendars and save-the-date for next year's Nursery/Landscape EXPO in San Antonio, Texas August 5-7, 2021. We will be bringing you all the EXPO favorites of visiting with exhibitors, engaging keynote presentations, and fun networking events.

Current topics include: Chihuahua Desert Flora & Fauna Plants for Trans-Pecos Landscapes West Texas Pocket Prairies & More!

Register Here Today!

A WORD FROM THE STATE Legislative & Regulatory

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TNLA ORGANIZES A MEETING WITH CITRUS GROWERS AND THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TNLA recently gathered the top industry producers of retail citrus to talk one-on-one with leadership at the Texas Department of Agriculture regarding the current quarantines in the South Texas and Coastal Bend areas.

Growers were able to communicate their concerns and review compliance agreements for greening and canker in Texas.

The Texas retail citrus industry continues to grow every year and is an important crop in the mix of green industry products produced in this state. It brings wonderful fruit for consumption and beautiful plant-life for homeowner’s health & enjoyment.

TNLA members are at the forefront of doing their part in helping to slow the spread of citrus disease. #LoveYourCitrus

TNLA JOINS THE TEXAS AGRICULTURE COALITION IN SUPPORT OF HURRICANE RELIEF FUNDS This week TNLA partnered with other agriculture commodity groups to sign onto a letter to Federal policymakers in support of Hurricane Relief Funds for the Texas agriculture industry.

This letter comes in response to the growers and horticultural businesses in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) and Coastal Bend areas of Texas who suffered major losses from Hurricane Hanna on July 25, 2020.

Many businesses were already facing difficult economic times before the hurricane. Losses due to the hurricane will put even more of a strain on our member's businesses with some unable to sustain the loss without assistance.

Read The Letter in the following 3 pages...

The TNLA Leader List newsletter is sent out with political notices, Legislative alerts, and highlights of TNLA advocacy work. Sign up now to receive updates and more about the Legislative and Regulatory action in the Industry!

A WORD FROM THE STATE Legislative & Regulatory

Hear it straight from the State Office

A WORD FROM THE STATE Legislative & Regulatory

Hear it straight from the State Office

A WORD FROM THE STATE Legislative & Regulatory

Hear it straight from the State Office

READ IT NOW CLICK HERE!

EDUCATION & CEU OPPORTUNITIES Don't Ask The Expert, Be The Expert TNLA Green Magazine Articles Including: Notes From SFA Gardens Bugs & Fuzz GreenVision Authors Including: Meng Meng Gu, Ph.D. Kevin Ong, Ph.D. David Creech, Ph.D.

CEU Quiz in Every Issue!

TNLA Academics Education-On-Demand Self-Paced Online Courses Guided Web Courses TNLA Academics Mini Sessions Nursery/Landscape EXPO Keynotes Nursery/Landscape EXPO Interviews Green Industry Essentials (PDFs) Free Webinars TNLA Green CEU Quizzes

The Gift that Keeps on Giving!

With information on Texas native plants, resilient non-natives, landscape design, water smart gardening and more, this is the perfect gift for anyone! Homeowners, renters, garden novices and garden experts alike can all benefit from continued knowledge on optimal growing conditions in all parts of Texas.

Created by industry professionals, for your green thumb.

Member Price 1-9: $13.00 10-100: $6.75 Non-Member Price 1-9: $13.00 9-100: $13.00 Make your yard the best it can be with the TNLA Best of Texas Landscape Guide!

Visit tnlaonline.org/best-of-texas-landscape-guide to order yours today!