TNLA Working For You February 22, 2021

TNLA Working for You E-Newsletter

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February 22, 2021

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Working for You

THE GREEN SHOP - THINK DIFFERENT

GEAR UP FOR SPRING Check out great products and services featured here!

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February 2021 - TNLA Working For You

Pradia is a registered trademark of Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.

Pradia® is a combination product developed to control a wide variety of sucking and chewing pests on ornamental and nursery crops. Pradia delivers a quick knockdown and excellent long-term control on aphids, thrips, whitefly and scale.

February 2021 - TNLA Working For You

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Table of Contents 03 04

Meetings & Events Calendar TNLA 2021 Board of Directors Nominations

National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Specialty Crop Research

Initiative (SCRI) Needs Your Help

05 TNLA Winter Storm Recovery Assistance 06 Feature: The Green Shop-Think Different Gear Up for Spring 09 Legislative & Regulatory Update 10 TNLA Tailgate Topic: Preparing An Emergency Response Plan 11 TNLA Career Center - Latest Job Opportunities

Meeting & Events Calendar March 22-25, 2021

DATE CHANGE, TNLA Virtual Advoacy Week More Info Here!

August 5-7, 2021

Nursery/Landscape EXPO 2021 San Antonio, TX More Info Here!

On Demand

TNLA Virtual Retail Summit Sessions Available for Purchase More Info Here!

Ad Index 02....OHP Inside Back Cover...Hotchkiss Insurance

03....Best of Texas Love Your Plants Sale 13...TNLA Mobile Membership Directory

Back Cover....PartnerShip

February 2021 - TNLA Working For You

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TNLA 2021 Board of Directors Nominations Call For Nominations is NOW OPEN!

Service on the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Board of Directors (TNLA) 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 Association and help map the future of TNLA. Help lead your association and profession into the future by nominating a colleague or yourself. The call for nominations closes on April 1, 2021. Click Here for additional information.

The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2021 State Board of Directors. The Call for Nominations is now open and seeking candidates for the positions of: • Region IV State Director • State Grower Director • State Irrigation Director

National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s (NIFA) Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) Needs Your Help Stakeholders from the Green Industry Needed for Online Peer Review NIFA’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) program is seeking representatives from the specialty crop industry to serve as reviewers of industry relevance for SCRI applications. The specialty crop industry requested a separate relevancy review, and Congress included this requirement in the 2014 Farm Bill. The additional review ensures that proposals submitted for scientific merit review are focused on topics that are current and relevant to industry needs. NIFA is seeking help from the specialty crop industry to help us accomplish this review.

They have need for industry representatives from these areas: fruiting vegetables, produce food safety, turf, pollinators, tropical crops, non-fruit tree crops, coffee, mushrooms, and hops. We would like to add to our list more representatives from less common but developing crop groups. What is required: • Read and evaluate up to 15 Stakeholder Relevance Statements and submit reviews in NIFA’s online Peer Review System. There is no need to travel to participate.

• Participate in a review panel conference call approximately one hour to agree on ranking of proposals with each topic group.

• The estimated time commitment is between 10 to 15 hours.

• We are currently filling gaps for the 2021 process.

To volunteer contact one fo the following NIFA staff members, Dr. Tom Bewick at tbewick@usda.gov or Megan O’Reilly at megan.oreilly2@usda.gov Please note: Those who are part of a team submitting a propsosal to SCRI in the current year cannot serve on the relevancy review team. If you are interested in participating in future years, contact the staff members listed above, and you will be added to a database of potential reviewers.

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February 2021 - TNLA Working For You

TNLA is currently meeting with officials from the Farm Service Agency, Texas Department of Agriculture, A&M AgriLife, and elected officials about how we can best prepare for recovery efforts.

We are working to help the state in its development of an accurate loss assessment in order to deliver aid to our industry. TNLA is also working with additional government groups with hopes industry businesses in Texas will receive a Federal Emergency Declaration for relief funds. In the days ahead please ACCOUNT and DOCUMENT for loss as best as possible. Click here for up-to-date information for Winter Storm Recovery Assistance.

Stay on the lookout for additional information coming to your email inbox soon from TNLA requesting your businesse’s help to provide us with an assessment on your product and infrastructure loss and damages from the 2021 Winter Storm. This information will help in making certain federal aid programs available to disaster areas. When you receive this request for information from TNLA please be sure to respond timely manner so we can help better serve you.

TNLA staff are standing by to help and push out relevant information to help our entire industry.

We are working with our counterparts in other states to make the horticulture industry’s voice strong nationally to get the aid we will need.

For Assistance, please call Ryan Skrobarczyk at (512) 579-3851 or email Ryan@tnlaonline.org.

RECOVERY ASSISTANCE -USDA Disaster Relief Programs At A Glance CLICK TO VIEW -USDA Winter Storm Disaster Center CLICK TO VIEW -USDA Tree Assistance Program (TAP), Financial Assistance for eligible growers CLICK TO VIEW -Low-Interest Loans Available to Some Counties CLICK TO VIEW

WINTER STORM RECOVERY PREPARING FOR BUSINESS PROFI OSS ASSESS EN : DESCRIBE: Provide details on the exact nature, size, and number of products lost or damaged TALLY: Estimate the number of Approx. acres in lost product PROJECT: Determine the projected sale value of lost product ESTIMATE: Calculate the estimated labor and infrastructure costs associated with prep and recovery CAPTURE: Take pictures and treat this like an insurance claim, pictures help document loss and tell your story

WWW.TNLAONLINE.ORG

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February 2021 - Working For You

THE GREEN SHOP - THINK DIFFERENT

Hayes Truck Group • New 2019 Isuzu NPR HD Crew Cab Landscape Truck in stock now • 14’-4’ft Landscape Body Expanded Metal Storage Headboard, Curb Side Folds • Onsite Fabrication Department specializes in Custom Built Flat Beds and more! www.hayestruckgroup.com

Action Visa Assistance WE ARE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY Family Owned & Operated • Offices in US & Mexico

Serving the Green H2A & H2B Communities Since 2001

Action Visa Assistance

WE PROVIDE TO YOU:

• Timely and Accurate Filing of Your Application • Dedicated Compliance Officer – Consistent proactive updates on regulatory changes • No Out-Sourcing – We handle your application from start thru your workers arrival and beyond • 20 Years of Experience

• We stay up to date on regulations – so you can too.

• Have a question? Give us a call.

PROUD MEMBER OF:

www.actionvisa.com

972-442-4244 alan@actionvisa.com

www.ActionVisa.com

• We advocate for your seasonal business.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS

February 2021 - Working For You

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GEAR UP FOR SPRING!

JMI Distribution, LLC • JMI Distribution, LLC has everything to cover your packaging needs.

• Our product lines include boxes, bags, containers, sacks, Cajun Ice® Gel Ice, corrugated plastic, and other miscellaneous supplies.

• Custom printing and sizing are available on most products. www.jm-ind.com/distribution

JMI Legacy Manufacturing, LLC • JMI Legacy Manufacturing, LLC has over 45 years of knowledge and experience in tarp manufacturing.

• We have the applications to support many industries, especially the Horticultural, and Landscape industries.

• Our tarps and covers are available in stock and custom sizes. www.jm-ind.com/manufacturing

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February 2021 - Working For You

THE GREEN SHOP - THINK DIFFERENT GEAR UP FOR SPRING!

Keystone Financial Associates, LLC

ATTENTION TNLA MEMBERS

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Call Toll-Free 877-676-9900

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• National Health Plan PPO! • NO Referrals Required!

• Access to 2.6 million healthcare professionals, 22,500 ancillaries and 9,930 hospitals!

• Save with Discount Programs: Doctors RX Choice Prescription Drug Card, Aetna Discount Dental Access, Coast to Coast Vision, Beltone for Hearing Aids, UHS Chiropractic Network and More!

www.keystonefa.com

Fish Branch Tree Farm • Cold Hardy • Tropical Appearance • Drought & Heat Resistant • Prefers Well Drained Areas

www.fishbranchtreefarm.com Mule Palms Available Spruce Up Your Spring Landscapes!

February 2021 - TNLA Working For You

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Legislative & Regulatory Update TNLA Member Hosts Governor Greg Abbott for Industry Ruibal’s Plants of Texas hosted a small roundtable for Governor Abbott’s office to discuss issues important to our employer and industry. TNLA worked with the Governor’s office to coordinate the meeting and TNLA CEO Amy Graham & Director Ryan Skrobarcyzk participated in the discussion. Topics included COVID liability of employers, workforce development, labor challenges, and incentivizing nursery development.

ERCOT Becomes Legislative Focal Point Considering the winter storm disaster, Governor Abbott has named ERCOT reform an emergency item. Texas Senate and House leaders will be convening special hearings in the next week to investigate the agencies involved in regulating the Texas energy market and electric grid. TNLA will be monitoring these discussions closely.

Lt. Governor Dan Patric Meets with Texas Ag Council TNLA currently has a spot on the executive committee of the Texas Agriculture Council and we were privileged to hold a conversation with Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. The key topic of discussion is the ongoing legislative session, specifically the development of the state budget. Patrick indicated the state’s leadership had such a strong sense of an economic recovery that both House and Senate base-budgets include an additional $7 billion in unaccounted for tax revenue.

TNLA’s Virtual Advocacy Week Postponed to March 22-25, 2021 Due to the extraordinary circumstances during last week’s inclement weather we have decided to postpone TNLA’s Virtual Advocacy to March 22-25, 2021. There are still spots available to meet with legislators and regulatory experts so you can stay informed regarding the latest policies being discussed during the Texas Legislative Session! Click here for additional information or visit here to register.

February 2021 - TNLA Working For You

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TNLA Tailgate Topic: PREPARING AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN FOR IRRIGATION SYSTEMS Objective: Participants will be able to correctly identify and define parts of an irrigation system.

APPLICATION: Follow the steps bellow to begin creating or complete an emergency response plan for your company. Take all employees needs/concerns into consideration. Prior to completing the plan, have employees practice responding to an emergency to see if any changes need to be made. Preparing an Emergency Response Plan is very valuable because it could possibly save your business, a life, or the environment of your community. Preparation should include input from all employees. Once a plan has been put in place, it should be made available to current and future employees and emergency response units.

STEP #1: IDENTIFY POTENTIAL HAZARDS Conduct hazardous assessment by examining equipment, chemicals/pesticides, and the spaces and places in which potentially hazardous actives could take place. Use this information to address ways to remove the hazard from work areas.

STEP #2: PRACTICE RESPONDING TO AN EMERGENCY Practice responding to all types of emergencies, including spills, fires, and accidents.

You should be able to locate needed personal protective equipment, spill kits, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. It is important to know how to use these items and to recognize when the situation is beyond their control. Post essential emergency phone numbers.

STEP #3 WRITE AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN Complete a response plan for your company that includes input from all employees.

Once completed, the plan should be updated on a regular basis. It is strongly suggested having an emergency mailbox on site to store information for emergency response units who may respond while no on is on the property. The response plan should include the following: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Who to contact in an emergency Where employees should rendezvous if evacuated Types of chemicals stored on-site Precise locations of chemical storage areas A site map of your property and facilities Assigned duties for each employee

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February 2021 - TNLA Working For You

TNLA Career Center Check out the lastest job opportunities: NEW! Seasonal Gardenar Confidential San Antonio, TX VISIT POSTING

NEW! Estate Gardenar Assistant Confidential San Antonio, TX VISIT POSTING

NEW! Landscape Project Supervisor Ambassador USA Houston, TX VISIT POSTING

NEW! Landscaping Technition/ Licensed Irrigator Ambassador USA Houston, TX VISIT POSTING

NEW! Landscape Designer Word + Carr Design Group Austin, TX VISIT POSTING

NEW! Sustainable Landscape Technician I San Antonio River Authority San Antonio, TX VISIT POSTING

Landscape Installation and Maintenance Manager Colorful Impressions, LTD Dallas, TX VISIT POSTING

General Manager LMI Landscapes, Inc. Carrollton, TX VISIT POSTING

Environmental Coordinator South Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc. Nursery, TX VISIT POSTING

Safety Specialist South Texas Electric Cooperative, Inc. Nursery, TX VISIT POSTING

Plant Care Specialist/Maintenance Articulture Designs Austin, TX VISIT POSTING

For additional information to register to post a job, visit careers.tnlaonline.org/employers/

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February 2021 - Working For You

Exclusive Shipping Discounts for TNLA Members Ship smarter with the TNLA Shipping Program, managed by PartnerShip®.

SMALL PACK AGE

LTL FREIGHT

TRUCKLOAD FREIGHT

» Save 40% on select FedEx Express® services and 30% on select FedEx Ground® services.

» Reduce your LTL freight costs and easily rate shop with UPS Freight, YRC, XPO, and many others.

» Benefit from partial and full truckload options for shipments that need added reliability or require specialized equipment.

H OW I T WO R K S

BENEFITS

» The FedEx discounts get added to your account and then automatically applied to your shipments.

Don’t have a FedEx account? A rep will reach out to help you get started.

» Reduce your shipping costs with TNLA discounts on a variety of services.

» You’ll receive access to the quoting tools on PartnerShip.com so you can compare LTL freight rates and carrier options.

» Save valuable time with a dedicated team operating as your very own shipping department. » Rest easy with custom shipping solutions that match your specific business needs.

» For truckload shipments, rates and coverage are arranged by experts so you rest easy.

PartnerShip.com/TNLA

Page January 13 2020 - Green Concept

January 2020 - Green Concept Page 13

PROVIDING PROTECTION IN A WORLD OF UNKNOWNS

With more than 40 years of experience protecting the green industry, we understand the unique risks and challenges your business faces.

We offer a personalized, consultative approach to protecting your investment, and are proudly endorsed by the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association.

CALL US TODAY AT 800.899.9810 OR VISIT HIALLC.COM

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February 2021 - Working For You

HAVE YOU DOWNLOADED THE NEW TNLA MOBILE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY? Search for members, products and ask questions to over 2,000 of your industry peers!

Available to Download on Google Play & Apple Store!

TNLA's Mobile Membership Directory experience provides members resources to search products and company listings, gives YOU the ability to make instant industry connections, Will strengthen your company's brand virtually and provides on-the-go access to member benefits. www.TNLAonline.org