Feature: TNLA Presents the TNLA Advocacy Award to U.S

TNLA Presents the TNLA Advocacy Leadership Award to U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar

TNLA was honored to present Congressman Henry Cuellar with the TNLA Advocacy Leadership Award at HOLT CAT in Laredo, Texas. The Association created the TNLA Advocacy Leadership Award to recognize individuals for their outstanding advocacy and leadership in the public arena for our State’s Green Industry businesses. Recipients of this award have demonstrated a leadership record of contributions promoting and defending the nursery & landscape industry in Texas and Washington D.C.

The Texas Green Industry is comprised of more than $27 billion dollars of economic impact and over 130,000 businesses ranging from nurseries, supplier manufacturers, retail garden centers, landscape architects, landscape contractors, and floriculture. Recipients of the award have an obvious commitment to keeping Texas as the best State to start a business in our industry, operate, and contribute to the economy responsibly. While the issues facing our industry are varied and complex, the recipients of this award have relentlessly pursued improvements in the regulatory environment which in turn allow our businesses to strengthen our State’s economic engine. These champions help to strengthen key relationships between our organization, our members, our industry and the Texas Congressional delegation and key decision-makers.

“When looking for this year’s recipient TNLA did not have to look far. The TNLA chose to recognize Congressman Henry Cuellar with the TNLA Advocacy Leadership Award because of his longtime commitment to strengthen theTexas Green Industry. Congressman Cuellar has demonstrated his leadership on the Texas industry’s behalf in his roles on various committees. His steadfast leadership in directing federal resources to our State and fighting to bolster the Texas economy by supporting our local businesses has been crucial to sustaining our industry’s growth.” Amy Graham - TNLA President and CEO

Congressman Henry Cuellar has been a critical ally to the Texas Green Industry. With his seat on the Appropriations Committee and as Vice-Chairman of the DHS subcommittee he is one of the first voices to advocate for resources through the appropriations process. In addition, he also serves on the Agriculture and Rural Affairs subcommittee where he has been instrumental in directing dollars toward Texas. When the Democrats control the House, Congressman Cuellar is a key ally in directing Green Industry concerns to house and party leadership.

Texas prides itself on its leaders who show independence, dynamic vision and selfless service. Congressman Cuellar has proven

ownership of these traits by prioritizing growing the Texas economy, supporting businesses and understanding Green Industry Issues.

From left to right: Tim Little, Irrigators Supply, Inc. & TNLA Chairman of the Board, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Amy Graham TNLA President & CEO, Bobby Solis HOLT CAT