Your WSNLA Executive Officers Share Thoughts on Service.

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important - without them we have minimal food and gardening - period. Planting some of these and saving the bees to me says it all!

MP: Our ability to respond to the many challenges that have come along that could have been devastating to our members. From the pandemic to all that mother nature and the legislature have thrown at us, we have been able to respond quickly. We communicate effectively with the right people and let them know how an action, or inaction will affect our members. This would not be possible without the longstanding relationships, industry knowledge, and open communication our staff has across the state and nation wide. People might not think they need a trade association, until they really do.

TG: With the perseverance of our executive director, Breanne Chavez, our organization worked with state government that allowed independent retail nurseries and garden centers to remain open during the 2021 Covid-19 shutdown of our state. Pacific Stone was able to stay open because of our license as a retail nursery. Yes, I called two fellow WSNLA members to sell us a bunch of food-producing plants, trees, and vines in order to meet the requirements!

What have you learned, personally or professionally, from your service on the WSNLA Board?

KM: I have known for a long time that our industry is unique and tight knit, it is also diverse and wonderful, but as a whole, the challenges are often a shared frustration and if we work together and collaborate we can make more progress to address whatever we are facing. WSNLA also provides an amazing platform for shared information and shared information becomes education so we can help the next generation be successful as they find their place in the industry.

TC: In just two years on the executive board it has opened my eyes to all the WSNLA does for all of us. I have learned about lobbying in our legislature on issues for our industry absolutely helps. There are some great people involved with WSNLA and I appreciate the chance to both learn from them and offer a fresh perspective from the retailer level. If you are considering joining a committee, task force or even Board please do. You will not only be challenged but also meet some great industry peers and help shape the future of the WSNLA.

KL: It was with great conviction that some of my only words offered at the first board meetings I attended were to involve students in greater and new ways. Of course, it takes time to see change happen. I’ve learned that the overwhelm that can come from goals or projects that seem unsurmountable or unachievable can be obtained best through small steps, perseverance, patience, and collaboration. Should you also feel the need to incorporate new voices, diverse backgrounds, and unconventional ideas into our industry, please join me.

MP: Meeting and learning from others in all areas of the industry was very helpful for my business. The people in our industry are generous and friendly. I became connected to other designers, contractors and suppliers which made it easy to ask for assistance from those with experience when I needed it. Going forward being able to return the favor to others has been very rewarding.

TG: Each year is another confirmation that being in our industry was the right choice for my career. I still go to work with a positive outlook and later wonder just a bit how the day went by so fast.

What would you say to someone thinking about or interested in serving on the WSNLA Board, committee or task force?

KM: If you have passion for what you do and you are ready to share that with others who are like minded please consider getting involved. WSNLA is as great as the effort we put forward as members, to get more out we must put more in.

KL: If you have ideas, share them with us. If you are challenged by something in our industry, let us try and help you. If you need help, reach out to us. If you have a victory, let’s celebrate together. By stepping forward, I assure you you will get more than you give. If you are a joiner, join us.

MP: Jump in the water is fine! You might think you don’t have something relevant to offer. You do, and we value it. You can help shape the industry going forward in whatever areas you find interesting. I would love to chat with you about any of the programs or committees we have or you think we should consider.

TG: You will definitely learn new things and there’s no doubt you’ll gain new industry connections and gain new friends!