Be the First to Know News and Updates from TNLA! JULY 3, 2020
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Table of Contents Calendar of Events Members' News You Need to Know COVID-19 UPDATE TNLA Joins Horticulture Industry Comments on CFAP Embrace Your Space TNLA Webinar Spotlight 2021-2022 Scholarships Compensation & Benefits Study Chat with Green Aggies Webinar Opportunities Coming Soon … TNLA’s NEW Member Engagement Mobile App! Texas Excellence in Landscaping Award Applications Open Today! Announcing TNLA Texas Garden Retailer Awards Program
Events TNLA Labor Summit Texas Excellence in Landscaping Virtual Awards Ceremony TNLA Annual Business Meeting & Virtual Awards Fiesta The 2020 Nursery/Landscape EXPO is Cancelled, Now What? 2020 EXPO Cancellation - Exhibitor Reminder
Legislative & Regulatory TCEQ Approved Updates to the Landscape Irrigation Rules TNLA Monitors the TWDB Water Conservation Advisory Council Trump Executive Order Suspends H-2B; Green Industry Responds Texas Legislature Taking Safety Precautions
Calendar of Events Mark your calendars and register today for these upcoming events presented by the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association. See more event opportunities here!
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August 12:00PM
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August 3:00PM
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August 8:00AM
A WORD FROM THE STATE Members' News You Need to Know Hear it straight from the State Office
COVID-19 UPDATE: TNLA Joins Horticulture Industry Comments on CFAP While TNLA encouraged individual growers to submit comments on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) in order to include horticulture products in the federal financial relief program, our association also joined organizations across the country in our own comments. The goal is to allow for producers in our industry to be able to access the funds under the CFAP program for real losses associated with the COVID crisis. While the USDA had signaled an intention to let green industry producers access the program, we were not included in the first round of qualified products and the USDA specifically asked for more information from nursery growers. Our hope is that the feedback will be enough for our growers to now be qualified. You can find the comment TNLA signed onto by Clicking Here!
A WORD FROM THE STATE Members' News You Need to Know Hear it straight from the State Office
TNLA WEBINAR SPOTLIGHT The Economic Outlook for the Green Industry in the New Normal with Dr. Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture Texas A&M
COVID-19 Status Report: Independent Garden Centers Danny Summers, Managing Director & Chief Instigator of The Garden Center Group
Getting to the ROOTS of the Issue Dr. Hans Williams, Stephen F. Austin University
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
2021-2022 SCHOLARSHIPS We are now Accepting Applications for the 2021-2022 Scholarship Program 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 Foundation Trustees have stressed the importance of having good personal references accompany the scholarship application form -- many times it is the personal references that help the Trustees decide between two deserving students. 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) 5793863 or cheryl@tnlaonline.org.
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 non-members at $250. Purchase it here!
A WORD FROM THE STATE Members' News You Need to Know Hear it straight from the State Office
CHAT WITH GREEN AGGIES WEBINAR OPPORTUNITIES July 1 | 11:00AM: Crapemyrtle Bark Scale---Pollinators & Beneficials Register Here 1. The laboratory of Dr. Kevin M. Heinz in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University, College Station has focused on documenting the abundance and distribution of crapemyrtle bark scale natural enemies in Texas, the factors influencing these parameters, and initiating the search and possible importation of novel natural enemies that could possibly improve biological control of this pest. Kyle Gilder will present on his intensive survey of natural enemies occurring in two localities of Texas, across six consecutive seasons, and two crapemyrtle cultivar groups. Kenneth Masloski will present on his search for natural enemies in China that do not occur in Texas and his subsequent work to research their efficacy and safety as necessary prerequisites for obtaining a permit for possible field release in the future. 2. Outbreaks of crape myrtle bark scale have led to increased use of insecticides on these crape myrtle trees in the landscape that would otherwise not be treated. The landscape entomology research team at Auburn University has focused on residues of these insecticides in treated trees and exposure to beneficial insects. In this webinar, Dr. David Held (Auburn Univ.) will discuss the current knowledge about what beneficials visit crape myrtle trees. In addition, he will discuss the routes of exposure of beneficials visiting treated trees. July 8 | 11:00AM: Crapemyrtle Bark Scale---Chemical Control Register Here Dr. Mike Merchant and Erfan Vafaie, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Over the past three crapemyrtle bark scale webinars, we have learned about susceptible species and crapemyrtle cultivars, mechanical and biorational pesticides, and beneficial insects in the landscape. Despite these efforts, crapemyrtle bark scale populations may still be higher than desired, especially in a nursery setting where tolerance for the presence of scale is very low. In this webinar, we will learn about research demonstrating insecticide options that can significantly reduce crapemyrtle populations in nursery and landscape settings. We will also cover what we know about the impacts of these treatments on beneficial insects.
A WORD FROM THE STATE Members' News You Need to Know Hear it straight from the State Office
Coming Soon… TNLA’S NEW MEMBER ENGAGEMENT MOBILE APP! This year we are replacing the ‘printed’ Membership Directory with a new TNLA 365 Mobile App designed specifically for the mobile experience. The App will be a current, up-to-date, and more robust Member and Product Search Directory available 24/7 with your Mobile device. Additional Features: Dedicated Communities specific to your interests – connect with your peers, share resources and experiences, and discuss hot topics of the day. Mentor Matching – Connecting experienced mentors with ambitious mentees to share resources, experiences, and work together to achieve professional and personal goals. Expert Directory – Searchable resource of industry leaders, speakers, and subject matter experts This NEW TNLA Mobile experience will deliver current, useful, and relevant information for all TNLA Members. Stay tuned for more details!
TEXAS EXCELLENCE IN LANDSCAPE AWARD APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN! Take your company to a NEW level! By entering Texas Nursery & Landscape Association’s Texas Excellence in Awards (TEIL) program, you are putting your company’s expertise and skill to the test. Stand proud with your company’s logo. TNLA’s TEIL program helps you establish you company as an awardwinning firm. Enter in categories that fit your business services: Commercial Installation Commercial Maintenance Residential Installation Residential Maintenance Special Projects Unique Features Design
A WORD FROM THE STATE Events Hear it straight from the State Office
TNLA LABOR SUMMIT
TNLA’s Labor Summit is the premier event for Texas Green Industry employers to gather information to combat the labor crisis in our industry from leading policymakers and workforce development specialists. Like in years past, this event will delve into the federal seasonal employment visa programs, workforce recruitment & retention challenges, and workforce development strategies that are being implemented in our state. You are invited to participate in the TNLA Labor Summit on August 28, 2020. This year’s event will take place in a virtual format due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, however we are very excited to bring a dynamic lineup of speakers and presentations. Get more information by clicking here! #2020TNLALABORSUMMIT SCHEDULE SNEAK PEEK
A WORD FROM THE STATE Events Hear it straight from the State Office
JOIN US ONLINE FOR THE TEXAS EXCELLENCE IN LANDSCAPING VIRTUAL AWARDS CEREMONY The Texas Excellence In Landscaping Virtual Awards Ceremony will feature this year's winners including the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Winners! Find out more about the details behind each winning project and gain visual insights provided by these winning experts. Join us on Friday, August 14, 2020, at noon, register for FREE by visiting www.TNLAonline.org.
A WORD FROM THE STATE Events Hear it straight from the State Office
SAVE THE DATE FOR TNLA'S ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING & VIRTUAL AWARDS FIESTA The TNLA Annual Business Meeting & Virtual Awards Fiesta is going to be a LIVE STREAMED event available online for you and your entire team to tune in and watch FREE. We will provide TNLA's annual report and year in review, and also celebrate this year's award winners for the Honorary Member, Young Leader, Summit, and Arp. In addition, during the presentation, we will reveal this year's Texas Excellence In Landscaping (TEIL) Best of Show! Be sure to sign up to watch for FREE on August 14, 2020, at 3pm by visiting www.tnlaonline.org to RSVP and Save Your Seat.
JOIN US ONLINE AS WE CELEBRATE THIS YEAR’S WINNERS! Honorary Lifetime Member Award: Awarded to honor and dedication, hard work and valiant service to the industry. This year TNLA is proud to have two winners, Dr. Michael Wade and Mark Rose. Young Leader Award: Given to the person who has made a significant impact on the Texas Nursery & Landscaping Association. This year’s winner is Veronica Seever with Leaf Landscape Supply. Summit Award Winner: The highest honor bestowed on a TNLA Member firm. Congratulations to this year’s winner, TreeTown USA. Arp Award: Honors an individual professional for their outstanding service and contributions to the industry. We are honored to announce the winner of this year’s Arp Award is Neil Sperry.
A WORD FROM THE STATE Events Hear it straight from the State Office
THE 2020 NURSERY/LANDSCAPE EXPO IS CANCELLED NOW WHAT? I am sure many of you are wondering, well if there is no EXPO this year then what is available now? Not to worry, TNLA has plenty planned to help you stay connected and gain CEUs during these Summer months. First thing you need to make sure and do though is SAVE THE DATE for the 2021 Nursery/Landscape EXPO, August 5-7, 2021. It is a little earlier than normal, so be sure to go ahead and block those dates on your calendar now. Here are some virtual offerings TNLA has in store for you and your company coming your way in August: Texas Excellence In Landscaping Virtual Awards Ceremony, August 14, 2020 at noon (FREE to Attend) To RSVP and watch online Click Here TNLA Annual Business Meeting & Virtual Awards Fiesta, August 14, 2020 at 3pm (FREE to Attend) RSVP and Save Your Virtual Seat Here TNLA Labor Summit, #2020TNLALABORSUMMIT, August 28, 2020 at 8am, this virtual experience includes 4 hours of CEUS for more information and to check out the Speaker Line Up, Click Here Also coming down the pipeline will be a virtual CEU web-based education offerings. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. In the meantime, if you are looking for CEUs here are some quick resources to obtain an hour or two: Take a Quiz, TNLA Green Magazine’s CEU Quizzes, Click Here for Archive Watch a Webinar, TNLA Academics Webinars, Click Here to View Gain Updates from TNLA’s COVID-19 Webinar Series, Click Here to Access If you have any additional questions on how to obtain CEUs, please contact certification@tnlaonline.org.
A WORD FROM THE STATE Events Hear it straight from the State Office
2020 EXPO CANCELLATION - EXHIBITOR REMINDER - 2020 EXPO EXHIBIT PAYMENT DEFERMENT In an email was sent on June 8th to all 2020 EXPO Exhibitors who had an exhibit space at the time of EXPO cancellation. Included in that email is a link to submit how you would like to handle your Exhibit payment for the 2020 EXPO. Multiple options are available. If you have not yet submitted your form, please click HERE. Any Exhibitor not submitting the Official Response Form will automatically have their payment deferred to the 2021 EXPO and be non-refundable. If you have not received this email, click HERE for complete information. Questions? Call Trevor Peevey at 512-579-3859 or Amy Prenger at 512-736-4784. Important Note for 2021: 2021 EXPO Exhibit Sales will begin late July or early August. You will be notified of your booth selection date and time by email. Be sure to Save the Date for August 5-7, 2021 in San Antonio.
A WORD FROM THE STATE Legislative & Regulatory
Hear it straight from the State Office
TCEQ APPROVED UPDATES TO THE LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION RULES The TCEQ commissioners, after several rounds of public comment, have approved an update to the landscape irrigation rules in the Texas Administrative Code. TNLA kept a close eye on the process and engaged key agency staff several times throughout the rule development. TCEQ staff came to TNLA headquarters and delivered a review of the proposal via webinar for our members. In addition, staff worked closely with our irrigators on the TNLA board to develop comments, which the association submitted to the agency prior to the Commissioner’s vote. Key changes in the rule include: requiring at least 17 major cities which have no irrigation ordinance to adopt one; required testing for backflow prevention assemblies upon installation, repair, relocation, or replacement; required annual testing for backflow prevention assemblies on high hazard systems. TNLA will be hosting a presentation for irrigators with an update by TCEQ staff. You can find the rules Here!
TNLA MONITORS THE TWDB WATER CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL Staff attended the virtual meeting of the TWDB’s WCAC last week to review the proposed changes to the group’s legislative report. Each interim the WCAC submits a legislative report to the House and Senate with recommendations for changes in law related to water conservation. This year’s report recommendations do not currently include legislative proposals directly harmful to the green industry but, our staff will continue to monitor the group as it nears its final report modifications.
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
TRUMP EXECUTIVE ORDER SUSPENDS H-2B; GREEN INDUSTRY RESPONDS The president’s recent executive order suspended the H-2B program through the end of the year. While the order has denied entry to anyone under the program through December 31st, the implications for the processing and application process for the first half of 2021 are unknown. The industry is working to encourage the president to reconsider the order and encourage the administration to acknowledge the current parameters which already protect American workers. In addition, our coalition has already started to implement a plan for relief in the 2021 season and will be communicating with Texas representatives in the coming weeks. TNLA staff spoke with the Texas Tribune about our reaction to the order. You can read the article Here!
TEXAS LEGISLATURE TAKING SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Recently House Chairman Lyle Larson from San Antonio tweeted out a photo of the Texas House Chamber showing plexiglass dividers being installed between desks. In the COVID-era without a vaccine, government proceedings have nearly all transitioned to virtual settings. However, much of the Texas Legislature and its proceedings remain unknown as committee hearings have been cancelled and guidance on engagement with legislative offices has not been issued. Obviously TNLA will continue to monitor the progress of this as it impacts the development of key legislation for our industry in the coming session.
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!
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
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