FNGLA's April 2015 Greenline by FNGLA

April 2015 | Volume 36, Issue 4

FNGLA’S MONTHLY PUBLICATION: DIGITAL MONTHLY ISSUE LOCATED AT HTTP://GREENLINE.FNGLA.ORG

FNGLA.. A Solid Business Decision? FNGLA pushes a no-apologies, pro-business, pro-agriculture, and pro-jobs agenda. Not to toot FNGLA’s horn too loudly, yet without FNGLA, chances are our industry would be politically weak… and your business would be an easy target for repeated bullying. Yet, it’s human nature to ask, “Yeah, but where’s the value?” One of the many answers is the portfolio of exclusive value-added FNGLA member business discounts and services. Can your bottom-line be helped by discounts in the credit card processing fees you pay? How about discounts to process your payroll? Do you know you can get free listings in not one but two online plant listing services just because you’re a FNGLA member? Can your business use a creative marketing shot-in-the-arm? What about group life insurance with no medical exams? How about an Isuzu truck? And, don’t forget about FNGLA’s employment law hotline where you can gain quick advice on wage-hour, OSHA, I-9 issues and sticky workers’ compensation situations. Each of these exclusive FNGLA member benefits can make a welcome, positive impact on your business bottom-line. And, the potential savings from using any one of them may end up paying for your membership dues…and then some. Or, how about this…FNGLA has re-enrolled each of our Florida-based grower, landscape and retail members in the Fresh from Florida campaign! This partnership with the Florida Department of Agriculture is designed deliberately to drive consumer awareness and promote the high quality tropical foliage, landscape plants and trees which FNGLA members produce, sell and install. And, we haven’t even touched on the real business value of FNGLA’s two top-rated marketing venues – The Landscape Show and TPIE -- in which you can market and shop for the newest plants, products and services. Or, how about the value of building your business network and relationships offered by FNGLA’s Chapters throughout our great state. Or, what’s the value to your business of tapping into the knowledge and emerging trends offered by FNGLA’s premier educational events? How about the value of earning any of FNGLA’s five certifications to shape your firm’s professional image in the eyes of your clients? There is a big team of members, leaders and staff working shoulder-to-shoulder developing a valuable menu of FNGLA business programs, benefits and services. FNGLA aims high. We try to be authentic, delivering what is promised -- business Continued page 3

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Sandy Stein FNGLA 2014-2015 President

Bring FNGLA to Its Full Potential: Time for Change “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead I recently attended my FNGLA Miami-Dade Chapter board of directors’ meeting in Homestead. It had been quite some time since I last attended since I have not sat on my Chapter board for a number of years. It was great to see our current group of volunteers trying to make a difference for our industry and for FNGLA locally on all manner of issues. Not to mention the work they are doing for FNGLA’s state Convention to be held in Coral Gables on June 12 & 13 (hint…hint). The economy has affected all of our businesses and, in Miami-Dade, we lost so many nurseries it has been hard finding volunteers to maintain the momentum and excitement for our Chapter that existed before the economy turned downward. In Miami-Dade, we have what might possibly be a unique situation, yet I bet it’s not. Our nurseries are located down south in the agriculture area, while the landscape segment of our industry and nearly all its work is done north -- often 30 to 50 miles north. As a result, our Chapter Board has traditionally been comprised of nursery members and their allied suppliers. Once upon a time, it was easy to field a team for our Chapter boards, yet times have changed and we better be ready to change with them. The FNGLA added the “L” for good reason: the Landscape segment of our industry is an integral part of what makes our whole machine work. Some effort has been made in years past at our Chapter level to reach out to the landscape contracting community, but the energy necessary to fully bring them into our Chapter has been inconsistent. The thing is, landscape contractors working 30 to 50 miles north of us, all day long, cannot find a compelling reason to drive that far south for dinner meetings, let alone take the time to sit on a local Board. If we want to steer our FNGLA ship where it has the real potential to go, we are going to have to go significantly out of our way to make that happen. For us down in South Miami-Dade this means scheduling meetings farther north,

including agendas that serve the interests of the professional landscape community, showing them how much we want them to be a part of us -- how much a part of us they really are. In FNGLA’s upcoming brand new strategic plan for our state Association, the landscape community’s value is being addressed as never before. Your FNGLA Board of Directors established the Landscape Certification Program years ago. Yet, the preponderance of our members still come from the nursery segment of our industry. There is much more we all can do. FNGLA truly wants the landscape contracting and maintenance community fully integrated into our state Association. No doubt though, if we do not put the energy in locally, make the grassroots effort necessary to build our Association as a whole, we will be limiting the degree to which many of our businesses have the potential grow. It will limit our own bottom-lines. Operating in our smaller circle of “grower” is indeed detrimental to the symbiotic role we play as one part, albeit it a major part, in the life cycle of our plants and our businesses. Adapting a new way of thinking and putting the thought to action is what can actually provide the first step, the first motion towards the change we truly need. That’s how we can bridge this gap. This is a discussion we all need to be having together. I really welcome your comments on the subject. Please feel free to email me or call at (305) 525-5503. I welcome your ideas and suggestions. Sandy Stein The Jungle Nursery (Miami) sstein@junglenursery.com

Continued from page 1

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

value for your FNGLA membership dollar. It’s time to renew your FNGLA membership. Dues renewal forms have been emailed and also sent by mail to you. If it’s easier and more convenient, you can now renew online by logging in to FNGLA’s member area: https://www.fngla.org/ members-only/login.aspx. Be sure to renew today. When you do, please add something extra for the FNGLA-PAC – a critical tool in FNGLA’s advocacy and government affairs toolbox. So, is FNGLA a solid business decision? You bet it is!

FNGLA’s Annual Convention: June 12 & 13 The FNGLA Annual Convention is the meeting for people who wish to learn, lead and make a difference. A favorite FNGLA event to make connections and stay abreast of industry issues and accomplishments, the FNGLA convention takes place June 12 & 13 at the Westin Colonnade in historic Coral Gables. Learn the latest industry news and info at FNGLA’s Annual Meeting, including an overview of FNGLA activities, accomplishments and priorities. Learn from your fellow FNGLA colleagues as they share business news and activities. Learn something new about Florida and horticulture as you visit Coral Gable landmarks and access some of the best botanical and research gardens in the country. Lead with your presence at the FNGLA Convention. It’s been said the world is run by those who show up and so it is with associations and industry. This meeting attracts not only FNGLA volunteer leaders, yet also leaders from related fields such as UF/IFAS, the Department of Agriculture and state legislators. Take advantage to connect and talk with influential and FNGLA-friendly leaders. Make a difference in your business and in your industry with the connections you will make and the information you will learn at FNGLA’s convention. New people, new ideas and new resources become important assets as you and your business move forward. Make a difference for yourself and others as you enjoy time with FNGLA friends and family, applaud the work of FNGLA’s many volunteers and set the example of being engaged and active within your industry. In its 63rd year, FNGLA’s Annual Convention is a mix of association traditions, current events, fun and relaxed networking. This year’s schedule includes two garden tours, a Cuban Nights reception, FNGLA’s annual membership meeting and the President’s Gala, where the FNGLA Big Shoes are passed from outgoing president Sandy Stein to incoming president Billy Butterfield. Not only does FNGLA’s convention offer a valuable and diverse program, it does so at exceptional pricing, thanks to our many convention sponsors. Registration options provide for single event purchases, yet the best option is a Full Package for only $135 if you register by June 2. The Full Package includes Friday’s Cuban Nights Reception, Saturday’s continental breakfast, FNGLA’s Annual Meeting, the President’s Gala, access to the FNGLA Miami-Dade Chapter Hospitality Suite and a chapter welcome gift. An option to attend Montgomery Botanical Center is available at no extra fee. The Vizcaya admission price is only $15. Reservations for the Westin Colonnade are now being accepted at the FNGLA group rate of only $139. Use the online reservation system or call 305-441-2600. Included in the rate for FNGLA Convention participants is complimentary selfparking and Wi-Fi in the guest rooms and public areas. Access more convention details online or contact Linda Adams at 800-375-3642 for additional information, including how to sponsor the event!

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Florida’s Flower Trials: Spring Into the Season With Color! FNGLA is gearing up for the 2015 FNGLA Floriculture Field Days! May 13 & 14 is when this cutting-edge program will showcase the newest bedding plant varieties trialed at three different Central Florida venues: Walt Disney World nursery, Harry P. Leu Gardens; and, UF/ IFAS Orange County Extension Service. From consumer trends to designing with color, FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days features the topics, people and happenings anyone doing landscape or color business in Florida needs to know about. Wednesday’s sessions include members of Disney’s Horticulture team who will share great insights on what they have learned while providing over-the-top displays for their park guests. The learning continues on Thursday with even more industry experts who will help you look at your business in a new light as you plan for future success. While the event has exceptional educational speakers, it’s not just classroom learning. Each day brings opportunities to see different venues, different plants and the breeders’ trial picks for Florida’s environment. FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Trials are planted 6 weeks prior to the conference to allow for ample maturity of the plants. Breeders showcase exciting new colors, textures, pest resistance and durability. Each variety is evaluated by Disney’s horticulture team and by other industry professionals relative to each site’s location. Results are available to industry. Come see first-hand which plants outperform others and what will “wow” consumers in the upcoming year! FNGLA members may register by May 11 for just $175 ($230 after 5/11) and non-members for $200 ($255 after 5/11). A one-day rate for Thursday for FNGLA members is $99 ($125 after 5/11) and for non-members is $130 ($155 after 5/11). There is no Wednesday-only rate to attend. The host hotel is Disney’s Coronado Springs where a special conference rate has been established. Brad’s Bedding Plants, Knox Nursery and Speedling have been chosen as the official growers for the trials because of their quality growing techniques. They will accept and ensure plant material is ready and at its very best for the on-site installation at the Walt Disney World’s performance trials. AmeriScapes Landscape Management has been chosen as the official landscape contractor for the trials. Event Sponsors include: Application Dynamics, BASF, Berger, BioWorks, Farm Credit, Growth Products and Lambert. Complete conference details are available at: www.floriculturefielddays.com.

WILL-BROWN

HOLLAND ARTHUR

DARDEN

SHEPHERD

SCOTT

FNGLA’S FLORICULTURE FIELD DAYS EXPERT PRESENTERS 4

KENNEDY

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

2015 Breeder Participants:

FNGLA’s 2015 Floriculture Field Days is a pleasant mix of learning, exploring, networking and sharing among industry peers and experts. Participants will visit three sites featuring breeders’ trial picks for Florida’s environment. A tour of Walt Disney World’s Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, ending in a private dessert reception, is also part of the event’s itinerary.

FNGLA HAPPENINGS Maximize Opportunities for Industry Visibility & Promotion via FNGLA Grower Members:

• The FNGLA Locator powered by PlantANT places your product online where buyers search for plants and services every day. FNGLA Members can advertise 5 listings at no cost: http://www.fngla.org/locator. • Take advantage of your “Fresh From Florida” membership, provided to you by FNGLA. What does this mean? It means your business qualifies to take advantage of customized Fresh From Florida benefits. As one example, Customized Business signage with Fresh From Florida logo. Qualified members may be reimbursed up to $1,500 in printing costs when using the Fresh From Florida logo on retail packaging, plant sleeves, and automobile signage/wraps: Access additional details: http://www.bit.ly/FNGLAFFF. • Our newest member benefit, PlantFinder, brings together both print and online advertising opportunities. FNGLA members can choose both print and online advertising with member discounts or up to 5 free online listings. FNGLA members and loyal PlantFinder advertisers also receive free PlantFinder banner ads and an additional 5 listings, over $70 monthly value, free to FNGLA members. Call PlantFinder at 800-627-3819 for more information.

Landscape Members: •

Add an Isuzu to your fleet and utilize your FNGLA member benefit. Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. provides all FNGLA members a special FNGLA-only discount on the purchase of any new Isuzu commercial vehicle from any Florida Isuzu dealership. The member benefit provides an additional $800 discount above any published retail assistance that may be in effect at the time of purchase. The discount is off the selling price of the vehicle before applicable taxes. The discount is immediate, and no rebate coupons are needed. Contact Matt Messick at 678-763-3537 for more information. • Take advantage of your Fresh From Florida membership, provided to you from FNGLA. What does this mean? It means your business qualifies to take advantage of customized Fresh From Florida benefits. FN G LA M EM Members may be B ER SH IP IS A G O O D BU SI N ES S reimbursed up to D EC IS IO N M EM BE R BE NE FI TS & DI SC OU NT S $1,500 in printing costs when using the Fresh From Florida logo on automobile wraps. Access other Fresh From Florida benefits: http://www.bit.ly/ FNGLAFFF. Commerc

ial Vehicle Dis

Isuzu Commer count cial Truck of America, Inc. FNGLA mem provides bers special discounts on the purchase of any new Isuz vehicle from any Florida Isuzu dealersh u commercial ip.

Credit Ca rd Proces

Online Ma rketing

Integrity Mer sing Disco chant unts Solutions offe rs members spec ial FNGLA grou p benefits incl uding: no hidd comparisons, en fees, free no cost old equipment, early termination fees, abil ity to use you and working check processi with all card r types and offe ng and gift card ring programs.

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Law Hotlin This Law “Ho e tline needed assistan ” offers advice to FNG LA ce with wag e & hour, OSH members workers’ com pensation reta A, I-9 issues and liation claims.

Group Lif e Insuranc

Access FNGLA’s complete Member Benefits Flyer at: http://www.fngla.org/ membership/benefits/ PDFs/make-most-ofmembership-flyer.pdf.

Take advanta ge of discoun ted rates on grou p life insuranc e for yourself, fam and your emp ily members loyees. The program feat ures Guarant eed Issue Amoun ts up to $50,000 required. with no med

ical exams

Promotion

al Benefits

FNGLA’s grow & Visibility ers, retail garden centers & landscape professionals are enrolled in the Fresh From Florida campaign prom oting Florida’ plants through s out the Southea Fresh From st and giving Florida mem you access to ber benefits.

More Prog rams,

PlantANT.co m offers FNG LA members five complimenta ry plant listings in the newly relaunched FNG LA Locator now hosted FNGLA mem online bers with mor e than five listi by PlantANT. a 5% PlantAN ngs qualify for T discount. You can also with real time track statistics and upload images your results smartphone app. Access with PlantAN PlantANT at locator. www.fngla.org/ T’s

Online Ma rke

ting Use PlantFin der’ system to incr s PlantSearch online ease your exp osure to plant buyers and suppliers. FNGLA members can receive an Onl ine Plant Booth at ww com to manage w.PlantSearch. online listings members can and pictures choose both . FNGLA print and onli member disc ne advertising ounts or up to with 5 free online members and listings. FNG loyal PlantFin LA der advertisers PlantFinder banner ads and also receive free 5 listings (Tot up to $72.50) al Monthly Valu . Get started toda email info@p e lantsearch.com. y! Call 800-627-3819 or

Payroll Pr ocessin

g Discoun Tired of bein g treated like t a number? You can outsourc e your compan y’s payroll with giving up the out flexibility and personal attention you need. MasterP keep you in ay USA will compliance and make pay members are roll easy. FNG elig LA published pay ible for an exclusive 15% roll discount on immediate and processing prices. The discount is on-going -- not • FREE Dire an introductor ct Deposit and y rate. Web Access • Automated payment of all Federal, Stat taxes e & Local pay roll • Garnishmen t administrati on with elec Payments tronic Child Support

More Det ails on th e flipside!

Upcoming Opportunities: May brings FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days and several exposure opportunities for businesses looking to connect with this segment of the industry. See the available opportunities and more on the conference at http://www.fngla.org/ events/floriculture-field-day/index. aspx. June brings FNGLA’s Annual Convention! 2015 is “Bienvenido a Miami Tropical” as we celebrate a year of accomplishment and look forward to 2015-16 and the industry successes we know await us. For details on sponsoring this event, go to http://www.fngla.org/events/ annual-convention/. And, there are many, many print, digital and other conference opportunities to fit your needs. See more at: http://www.fngla.org/ resources/advertise/.

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

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WE’RE HERE TO KEEP YOU MOVING FORWARD.

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FNGLA HAPPENINGS Announcing FNGLA’s 2015 Industry Award Winners The winners for 2015 are as follows: OUTSTANDING CHAPTER SECRETARY/TREASURER Chandler Green, FCHP, Green Heron Landscapes, Naples, FL Royal Palm Chapter OUTSTANDING CHAPTER PRESIDENT Amanda Hébert, Big Earth Landscape Supply, Tampa, FL Tampa Bay Chapter OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR Stephen Greer, FCHP, South Dade Senior High, Homestead, FL OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER MEMBER Deb Joneck, Florida Coast Equipment, Inc., Boynton Beach, FL FNGLA Industry Award winners are selected among a pool of nominations received from FNGLA members-at-large. The FNGLA Industry Awards Committee is comprised of the eight most recent recipients of the Wendell E. Butler Award. The awards will be presented to their recipients during the FNGLA Annual Meeting on Saturday morning, June 23. The Annual Meeting will take place as part of FNGLA’s Convention at the Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables. The FNGLA Annual Meeting is open to all FNGLA members and does not require registration. For those who wish to sign up for the other events of the FNGLA Convention, online registration is now open at: https://www. fngla.org/events/annual-convention/registration.aspx

FARM CREDIT/FNGLA YOUNG NURSERY PROFESSIONAL Richard May, May Nursery, Havana, FL FNGLA 2015 FRIEND OF THE INDUSTRY Tyson Emery, FDACS Division of Plant Industry, Gainesville HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE Hugh Gramling, Tampa Bay Wholesale Growers (retired), Plant City, FL WENDELL E. BUTLER AWARD WINNER Theresa and Kevin Riley, FCHP, Rockledge Gardens, Rockledge, FL

How Do You Nominate a Peer For Industry Recognition? As a member-based and member-valued association, FNGLA honors a select group of individuals each year. Some awards are based upon one’s service to FNGLA, whether it be specific chapter-level involvement or state-level activities. Some awards are given based upon industry service in general, and yet there are others designed to highlight actions benefiting the industry/ association. Each award has specific criteria for which nominees are evaluated. The awards committee, which determines the winners, looks at each nominee’s level of involvement and contributions before deciding which nominees are selected as honorees for each particular year. While FNGLA begins to seek nominations each January, we are always happy to accept a nomination! For more details on FNGLA’s Industry Awards program, visit http://www.fngla.org/recognition/industry-awards/index.aspx.

INDUSTRY NEWS FFA Students Embrace Horticulture Exams Nearly 350 students demonstrated their horticultural skills at the Florida FFA Career Development Events (CDEs) in Floriculture and Nursery/Landscape at the University of Florida Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka in March. UFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diane Mealo hosted these students with FNGLA and Master Gardener volunteers creating an interesting and challenging event. FFA CDEs present students with real-life situations that can be found in the work place, including plant, pest & tool identification, floral design, landscape design, equipment maintenance and customer service. Both problem-solving skills and horticultural knowledge were tested by volunteers from all over the state. Congratulations to the winning schools: Floriculture High School: Apopka High, Apopka Floriculture Middle School: Redland Middle, Homestead Nursery & Landscape High School: Kathleen Senior, Lakeland Nursery & Landscape Middle School: Barrington Middle School, Lithia The winning high school teams will represent Florida at the National FFA Conventionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competition in October. For more information, contact Merry Mott at FNGLA or call 800-375-3642. THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS AND COMMITTEE Victoria Bay, FCHP Steve Brown William Feliciana Javier Garces, FCHP Mick Lochridge Julie Markowitz Diane Mealo Marianne McKinney Brenda Miller Andrew Nielson Hank Oyler, FCLC Sarah Rosen, FCLT Robert Sanford, FCHP Diane Sappington, FCLD Don Schoonover, FCHP Lloyd Singleton Jackie Wildey, FCHP Wendy Poag, FCHP

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS A & S Horticulture Action Chapter, FNGLA American Institute of Floral Designers B & L Landscape BASF Corp Broward Chapter, FNGLA Gerard Environmental Highlands Heartland Chapter, FNGLA Manasota Chapter, FNGLA Medallion Miami-Dade Chapter, FNGLA Northeast Chapter, FNGLA Palm Beach Chapter, FNGLA Pinellas Chapter, FNGLA Treasure Coast Chapter, FNGLA Three Volcanoes Farm University of Florida Mid-Florida REC

Students, advisors and volunteers from around Florida took part in FFA Career Development Events in Apopka. Students were tested on horticultural knowledge as well as their ability to identify plants, tools and pests.

INDUSTRY NEWS Space is Still Available for Florida Water StarSM Training Increase your water conservation knowledge and earn a myriad of CEUs by attending Florida Water StarSM training programs. This comprehensive water conservation program focuses on Florida-friendly landscape alternatives and irrigation design that can have a major impact on water usage. Florida Water StarSM travels to Ft. Lauderdale May 13 & 14 at the City of Ft. Lauderdale hosted by the South Florida Water Management District and the City of Ft. Lauderdale. Continuing education credits are approved for FNGLA Certified Professionals, Irrigation Association, Registered Landscape Architects and Volusia County’s irrigation license. Complete information about the Florida Water StarSM program can be found at www.floridawaterstar.com or contact Deirdre Irwin at the St. Johns River Water Management District. To register for the upcoming exam in Ft. Lauderdale, contact Merry Mott at mmott@fngla.org or call 800-375-3642.

Recycled Water Research Delivers Positive News for Nurseries Research conducted by Drs. Yun-Ya Yang & Gurpal S. Toor from the Soil and Water Quality Laboratory, Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida in Wimauma, FL and funded largely by the National Foliage Foundation (NFF), was initiated to determine the viability and usability of recycled water from nurseries. In the world, 60% to 90% of available water is used for agricultural purposes. In the United States, approximately 80% of the consumptive water is used in agriculturally related activities. Growing population is increasingly competing with commercial and agricultural uses for limited freshwater supplies. In the future, agriculture and other industries may have to rely heavily on using recycled water to meet crop irrigation needs. Water reuse is a growing practice worldwide and Florida leads the United States in using reclaimed or recycled water. With rapid population growth and fresh water scarcity, reuse of reclaimed water is growing worldwide and becoming an integral part of water resource management. To determine a nursery’s best use of recycled water means determining the fate of nutrients, trace metals, bacteria, and legacy organic compounds in this water. Through this research, concentrations of various inorganic and organic compounds in recycled water were determined to be very low and do not appear to be problematic for irrigation purposes in Florida’s nursery recycled water ponds. Access the complete report (PDF) at http://www.scirp.org/journal/ PaperInformation.aspx?paperID=54399#.VRxBk-EyM-0 for more complete information.

At Agri-Starts in Apopka, tanks collect rain water which in turn provides irrigation for the greenhouse crops utilizing an ebb and flow system. Run-off from the plants is then re-collected and recycled back into the system.

INDUSTRY NEWS Approximately $23 Million Available for Citrus Greening Research U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the availability of $23 million in USDA funding to support research and extension projects for producers fighting citrus greening disease. Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly known as citrus greening, threatens the future viability of the citrus industry in the United States, having infected more than 75 percent of the Florida citrus crop. This funding is available through the Citrus Disease Research and Extension Program (CDRE), part of the 2014 Farm Bill. “Citrus greening threatens citrus production in the United States and other nations,” said Vilsack. “It will take continued collaboration with growers, state governments, and researchers to find viable solutions to end this harmful disease. Only long-term solutions through research will help to stop this disease that threatens the livelihoods of thousands of citrus producers and workers and billions of dollars in sales.” Since the initial detection of Huanglongbing in Florida in 2005, the disease has affected Florida’s citrus-producing areas. HLB has also been detected in Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, and small areas in Texas and one residential tree in California. It has also been detected in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 14 states in Mexico. The CDRE grants will be administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA will give priority to projects that are multistate, multi-institutional, or trans-disciplinary and include clearly defined mechanisms to communicate results to producers. Successful applicants will be expected to engage stakeholders to ensure solutions are commercially feasible. Projects should also include an economic analysis of the costs associated with proposed solutions. Pre-applications that include a Stakeholder Relevance Statement are due on June 1, 2015. Applicants who are invited to submit full applications based on an industry relevancy review of the pre-applications will be required to submit full applications by Aug. 14, 2015. See the request for applications on the NIFA website for more information: http://nifa.usda. gov/funding-opportunity/specialty-crop-research-initiativecitrus-disease-research-and-extension-scricdre or visit http://www. nifa.usda.gov.

Florida Agriculture Literacy Day: April 21 The 12th annual Florida Agriculture Literacy Day is scheduled for Tuesday April 21 and a new non-fiction children’s book developed for it highlights Florida’s livestock and poultry industries. The book, the title of which is ‘Drive Through Florida: Livestock and Poultry,’ features an animated red truck that takes students on a tour of Florida’s beef, dairy, poultry, swine, equine, sheep and goat industries. The book is geared to third, fourth and fifth grades. Volunteers are encouraged to read on Agriculture Literacy Day at their local elementary school, preferably on April 21, but any day can serve as a celebration. The book and materials will be provided to volunteers in advance and can be left at the school to add to their library. This program is possible thanks to funding FAITC receives from sales of the agriculture specialty license plate known as the ‘Ag Tag.’ Teachers and agriculture industry representatives interested in participating, please check www.agtag.org, to order materials. The deadline to register for materials is Tuesday April 7. Volunteers are asked to schedule their classroom visits first and then order materials on the FAITC’s website. For more information on this engaging event, contact Lisa Gaskalla at 352-846-1391 or email gaskalla@ufl.edu.

INDUSTRY NEWS Deepwater Horizon Spill: 5 Years After Tragedy In a news statement released March 16, BP claims that the “...Gulf environment (is) returning to pre-spill conditions” although the Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA Trustees) are still assessing the injury resulting from the largest offshore oil spill in our nation’s history. Citing scientific studies conducted by experts from around the Gulf, as well as this council, BP shows varying perceptions on the health and well-being of the Gulf. At over 100 million gallons of spilled oil, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill is more than 10 times the size of the Exxon Valdez. From decades of experience with oil spills, we know that the environmental effects of this spill are likely to last for generations. The state and federal trustees are engaged in a rigorous, scientific process of injury assessment and are still analyzing the data, conducting studies, and evaluating what happened. BP’s obligation under the Oil Pollution Act is to restore the public’s natural resources injured by the Deepwater Horizon spill to the condition they would have been in but for the spill and to compensate the public for the services of those natural resources that were injured or lost. In addition to assessing the damage, BP is undertaking early restoration and developing a long-term restoration plan with public involvement to meet that responsibility. The 5 year mark of this tragedy’s anniversary is approaching. Learn more about BP’s efforts at http://www.gulfspillrestoration. noaa.gov/.

UF-PIE’s Strategic Plan: Goals, Objectives and Growth The mission of the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education conducts and disseminates objective interdisciplinary research and educational programs to increase public understanding of and engagement in agricultural and natural resources issues. Through research, outreach and education, there is a vision to be the preeminent research and education organization on the social science perspectives of agricultural and natural resources issues to promote a more informed and engaged public. PIE Center faculty and staff, with input and approval from the advisory board, created a strategic plan to focus its various research, education, outreach and extension efforts through the next three years. The goals and objectives established in the strategic plan will be the driving force behind the PIE Center’s continued growth. Access their strategic plan at http://www.piecenter.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/stratplan.pdf. One of the most tangible ways for members of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry to benefit from the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education’s efforts is to keep up-to-date on public perception and top issues via the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education’s “Easy As PIE” webinar series. They are convenient and free professional development option for people who want to learn new strategies and tools without taking time off work and paying travel expenses. Experts and practitioners share relevant research, experiences and recommendation in an interactive, online environment. Each hour long webinar is recorded and available to watch whenever you wish. Upcoming topics include the Deepwater Horizon oil spill (April 16), and a new critical thinking tool developed by UF. (June 24) A variety of past sessions are also available as recorded sessions-- all at no cost to you. Learn more at http://www.piecenter.com/easy-as-pie.

INDUSTRY NEWS Project Evergreen’s Green Care for Troops Impacts Deployed and Veterans According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are more than 3.6 million veterans with a service-related disability and the need for day-to-day household and lifestyle assistance services is a major need area. With that statistic in mind, Project EverGreen is pleased to announce the expansion of its Green Care for Troops (GCFT) program to include wounded and disabled veterans in addition to families of currently deployed military personnel. GCFT is underwritten by The Toro Company. The program, now in its ninth year, provides military personnel and their immediate families with free lawn care and landscape services from registered volunteers for the length of deployment; typically nine months to one year. The same service period exists for wounded and disabled veterans; and they can re-apply for an additional year of services if needed. Additionally, there are more than 1.4 million active-duty personnel currently serving in the U.S. military including more than 160,000 personnel deployed in 150 countries across the world. “The need to support the families of those holding down the home front is significant. We’re thrilled to expand this program for wounded and disabled veterans. It’s important to Project EverGreen and our dedicated volunteer base to continue supporting our veterans in their critical time of need,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “We’re very grateful for the continued support from The Toro Company and the leadership they have demonstrated in support of military families goes above and beyond the call of duty.” GreenCare for Troops was launched in 2007. Over the history of the program, GCFT has served more than 10,000 military families across the country with the tremendous assistance of more than 4,000 lawn and landscape contractor volunteers. These valuable services provide military families with peace of mind and so much more. “A well-maintained yard not only provides kids with a safe place to play and a way for neighbors to connect but it also helps increase property values,” adds Code. The volunteer-based program matches families in need with a volunteer in their area. The program is national in scope and the need varies greatly from region to region. Because volunteers and families don’t always align, Project EverGreen encourages volunteers to continue to register to help our nation’s military families. For more information on how to volunteer or sign up for Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops, visit www. ProjectEvergreen.org/gcft. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Project EverGreen is a national nonprofit organization committed to informing the public about the positive effects of well-maintained green spaces, including lawns and landscapes, sports turf, golf courses, trees and parks.

INDUSTRY NEWS April: Celebrate National Lawncare Month Promoting proper lawn care is the focus of National Lanwcare Month and The Lawn Institute and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (formerly PLANET) are focused on heightening public awareness regarding the many environmental and health benefits of lawns. To educate consumers, a toolkit has been created which includes a logo, infographic, photos, a press release, facts and resources, and promotion suggestions that professionals can use in their own client materials. Visit http://www.landcarenetwork.org/ PLANET/National-Lawn-Care-Month.aspx or: http:// www.thelawninstitute.org/pages/april-isnational-lawncare-month. The National Association of Landscape Professionals also promotes National Lawn Care Month on its consumer website http://www.loveyourlandscape.com and in national consumer media outreach. In Florida, FNGLA’s consumer landscape promotions are at http:// www.floridagardening.org.

Connecting the Industry Across the Southeast July 21 - 23 2015 Atlanta Georgia Georgia International Convention Center

SNA 2015

combines the SNA Regional Marketplace with the Southern Plant Conference, the SNA Research Conference, the SNA Annual Business Meeting, the SNA State Officer’s Conference, and SNA Day @ for one unparalleled industry event!

Plants... Featuring the best plants ornamental trees, shrubs, and color from top growers across the region

Products... Featuring the latest in retail, landscape and outdoor living products, garden gifts, accessories and more

People.. Connect with the industry’s most forward thinking growers, breeders, researchers, retailers, landscapers, manufacturers, and distributors from across the Southeast

Education and More... Educational sessions for retailers, growers and landscapers by top industry experts

www.sna.org

SNA 2015 Half Page Ad.FNGLA.indd 1

3/18/15 2:36 PM

MEMBER NEWS Record Earning Reported: Farm Credit Farm Credit of Florida, the largest cooperative agricultural lender in the state, earned record net income for the year ended December 31, 2014. For the year, the total net income was $27.5 million on a loan volume of $853.9 million as of December 31, 2014. Members’ equity also increased resulting in a permanent capital ratio of 22.55% at year end. This record net income combined with a strong capital position, allowed the board of directors to approve an all-cash patronage refund of approximately $7.5 million. “Loan demand was strong across all sectors for working capital, equipment, real estate, and construction,” said Greg Cunningham, president and CEO Farm Credit of Florida. “We are helping the state’s finest producers who supply food, fuel and fiber for the world to grow their businesses. To have their trust and commitment and to know that our growth is a direct result of their growth gives me great confidence in the future of Florida’s agricultural economy.” Farm Credit of Florida is a customer-owned financial cooperative and a member of the nationwide Farm Credit System, which provides financing and expertise to farmers, agri-businesses and rural homeowners for land, homes and farm operating purposes. The cooperative has 1,800 members and $910 million in total assets with 11 offices serving Florida.

FNGLA Pinellas Chapter Explores Weedon Island Preserve Weedon Island Preserve is an expansive 3,190 acre natural area located on Tampa Bay. This coastal system, comprised of aquatic and upland ecosystems, is home to numerous species of native plants and animals, an educational facility and a rich cultural history. Indigenous peoples occupied this site for thousands of years. Today, the preserve protects this wide diversity of natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. As the site for their recent meeting, FYN County Agent, Brian Nieman gave a tour, delivered a little history of the Preserve, talked about volunteer opportunities, and gave a Florida Friendly Landscaping presentation as attendees explored the area.

Pinellas County FYN Agent Brian Nieman led the chapter meeting attendees through Weedon Island Preserve’s 3,190 acre area. Followed by a desert social, in all, nearly 30 attendees participated coming from as far away as Orlando.

Apply online at www.fngla.org or use this form

INDUSTRY NEWS 1533 Park Center Dr., Orlando, FL 32835

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

COMPANY NAME ____________________________________________________________________________________

CONTACT NAME (ONE PER MEMBERSHIP) MR./MS._____________________________________________________________ MAILING ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY ______________________________________________ STATE ___________________ ZIP ______________-__________ COUNTY __________________________________________ FAX __________________________________________________ PHONE ___________________________________________ TOLL-FREE/OTHER PHONE _______________________________ COMPANY E-MAIL _________________________________ DIRECT E-MAIL ___________________________________________ COMPANY WEB SITE ______________________________________________________________________________________ REFERRED BY____________________________________________________________________________________________

Must be a current FNGLA Member. Please include name and company.

rank your business mix (1= largest source of sales, 2 = second largest etc. uP to six codes)

___ Allied Supplies / Services

(Allied businesses support the nursery/landscape industry. i.e.: ceramics, fertilizer, insurance, etc.)

___ Citrus Nursery

q Retail q Seed q Budwood

___ Floriculture ___ Foliage ___ Cut Foliage/Cut Ferns

___ Garden Center ___ Institutes/Schools ___ Interiorscape ___ Miscellaneous ___ Trees ___ Woody Ornamentals ___ Resort/Facility Manager ___ Parks/Recreation/ Gardens ___ Urban Forester

choose membershiP

___ Irrigation Contractor ___ Golf Courses ___ Florist ___ Chain Retailer ___ Supermarket ___ Student ___ Research ___ Broker ___ Re-wholesaler ___ Wholesale Florist

additional membershiPs

Active Firm by Gross Sales

q Less than $500,000

$360

q $500,001 to $2 million

$515

Parent FNGLA Member Firm: _____________________________________

q Over $2 million

$770

q Supportive

$75

Affiliate Firm

$200

Affiliate Member

$150

Name_________________________________

Associate Member

$75

Name_________________________________ Contact the FNGLA office to add additional memberships.

___ Associations ___ Media ___ Building Contractor/ Developer ___ Government ___ Landscape Contracting ___ Landscape Maintenance ___ Landscape Architecture ___ Landscape Design

___% Commercial / ___% Residential

fngla-Pac

Voluntary FNGLA Political Action Committee Contribution q $500 q $250

q $100 q Other________

FNGLA-PAC is a separate fund which supports candidates who promote and protect nursery and landscape industry’s interests in Tallahassee.

ACTIVE FIRM

THIS CATEGORY HAS VOTING PRIVILEGES AND FULL BENEFITS • • • • •

Check Enclosed (payable to FNGLA)

MasterCard

SUPPORTIVE

THIS CATEGORY DOES NOT HAVE VOTING PRIVILEGES AND LIMITED BENEFITS • • •

Government employees Instructors Retired horticulturists

ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AFFILIATE FIRM •

Additional Firm owned by an Active Firm. This category has voting privileges. No limit.

AFFILIATE MEMBER q

Visa

q Discover

Card #_______________________________________________________________ Expiration Date _______________________

•

Print Name (as it appears on card) ____________________________________ Signature _________________________________ Billing Address___________________________________ City_____________________________ ST/Zip ___________________ In applying for membership, I agree to abide by the Association Code of Ethics. I certify that the information contained herein is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and that nay information found to be false may be grounds for denial of membership or removal of membership. Contributions to the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, Inc. are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. However, dues payments are deductible by members as an ordinary business expense. Authorized use and display of the FNGLA logo is limited to current members. Unauthorized use will be subject to legal action in Lake County, FL and all attorneys’ fees and costs paid by the person using the said logo.

Growers/nurseries Landscape firms Garden centers Allied suppliers Consultants

Dues based on company’s gross sales (see box 3).

Payment information

TOTAL (SECTIONS 3 - 5) $ ____________________ q

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATIONS

X ______________________________________________________________ Date ______________________________

Employee of an Active or Affiliate Firm. Voting privileges. Limit 1.

ASSOCIATE MEMBER •

Employee of an Active or Affiliate Firm. No voting privileges. No limit.

NEW MEMBERS The Mission of FNGLA FNGLA’s mission is to promote and protect the interests of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. The following core principles guide the governance and management of FNGLA: Organizational Excellence; Member-Focus; Collaboration and Partnerships; Leadership in Agriculture; and, Continuous Improvement. Don’t jsut read the newsletter,! Be a part of FNGLA!

FNGLA’s Chapters are organized by county. To find your chapter, locate your location and refer to the chapter name online at http://www.fngla.org/chapters/ index.aspx to determine who to contact locally. 1. Action 2. Big Bend 3. Broward 4. Central East Coast 5. Coastal Springs 6. Miami-Dade 7. Frontrunners 8. Highlands Heartland 9. Polk

10. Manasota 11. Northeast 12. Palm Beach 13. Panhandle 14. Pinellas 15. Royal Palm 16. Space Coast 17. Tampa Bay 18. Treasure Coast

Welcome New Members The following are new FNGLA members: from February 22, 2015 - March 21, 2015 ACTION The Brickman Group Cristina Navarro (Affiliate Member) 1174 Florida Central Pkwy Longwood, FL 32750 732-284-7792 R and K Farms Raymond Erjavec PO Box 1150 Lady Lake, FL 32158-1150 352-787-2488 Rec’d by: Matt Aultman, International Iron BROWARD Stephanie Farmer (Student) 4770 E Leitner Dr Coral Springs, FL 33067 954-646-8182 Matthew DiSparano (Student) 7728 NW 5th St Apt 1E Plantation, FL 33324-1949 786-343-5576 FRONTRUNNERS Wiesen Farms Michael Wiesen 12623 NE 199th St Waldo, FL 32694 352-468-2824

LAKE REGION Bok Tower Gardens Nigel Dunning (Associate) 1151 Tower Blvd Lake Wales, FL 33853-3412 863-676-1408

NORTHEAST Beautiful Blooms Landscaping Dan Sekula 10418 New Berlin Rd Jacksonville, FL 32226 904-744-8686

Butler Tree Farm, LLC Kendra Harrell 2929 Forest Hammock Dr Plant City, FL 33566 813-310-1798

OUTSIDE FLORIDA Anissa Bourke (Student) 94 Forrest Rd Perkinston, MS 39573 228-861-5697

MANASOTA Florida SunCoast Orchids Jim Roberts 8211 Verna Bethany Rd Myakka City, FL 34251-7220 941-322-8777

Dreamscapes, Inc. Billy Mathis 3470 Whitestone Dr Semmes, AL 36575 251-366-5655

MIAMI-DADE Miami-Dade County Pedro Perez Garcia (Supportive) 1655 W 44 Pl Miami, FL 33012 786-334-0286 Tropical Organics of South Florida, Inc. Lori Weyrick 14880 SW 200 St Miami, FL 33187 305-345-4661

TAMPA Charles Cornelius (Student) 4210 S Anita Blvd Tampa, FL 33611 813-837-6731 Central Land Care Tray Williams 4718 W Estrella St Tampa, FL 33629 813-765-5296 TREASURE COAST Wells Fargo Bank Travis Robins 1001 20th Place, 2nd floor Vero Beach, FL 32960 772-778-6001

ROYAL PALM Amigo’s Lawn Care of Naples, Inc. Felipe Bautista 885 Everglades Blvd S Naples, FL 34117 239-398-2107 Rec’d by: John Schwind, Steele Truck Center

Calendar of Events

See and submit events at http://www.fngla.org, under calendar

April

FNGLA

UF/IFAS Annual Open House/Taste of Florida, USDA/ARS U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Ft. Pierce

9 & 10:

3rd Annual Native Plant Show, Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee

11-16:

California Spring Trials, Multiple Locations Throughout California

23: Conducting GPS Tree Inventories, Miami-Dade County Extension, Homestead

May

Phone: 407.295.7994 Toll-free: 800.375.3642 Fax: 407.295.1619 E-mail: info@fngla.org Web: www.fngla.org

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Ben Bolusky

GREENLINE EDITOR Jennifer Nelis jnelis@fngla.org

2014-2015 STATE OFFICERS

President Sandy Stein The Jungle Nursery 29100 SW 162 Ave Homestead, FL 33030 (305) 246-5324

President-Elect Billy Butterfield AmeriScapes Landscape Management Services, Inc. PO Box 568762 Orlando, FL 32856-5041 (407) 872-0855

Past President Mike Marshall Marshall Tree Farm 17350 SE 65th St Morriston, FL 32668-4508 (352) 528-3880

Secretary/Treasurer Robert Shoelson Getting Green Plant Services & Betrock Information Systems PO Box 840107 Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 (954) 680-1819

13 & 14: FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days, Orlando 13 & 14: Florida Water Star Training & Exam, Beach Community Center, Ft. Lauderdale

June

Connect with us: About FNGLA

11:

GI-BMP Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Best Management Practices, Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee

12-13:

FNGLA Annual Convention, Coral Gables, FL

17:

Florida Citrus Industry Annual Conference, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa,Bonita Springs, Florida

1533 Park Center Drive Orlando, FL 32835-5705

Read the latest FNGLA news inside & visit Greenline online at http://greenline.fngla.org

This publication is produced by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) as a service to its members. The statements and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Association, its staff, Board of Directors, Greenline or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers or their identification as members does not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services. The mission of the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association is to promote and protect the interests of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry.