From the President

This is my last President’s message. And I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make our industry and association better. It’s been a pleasure to serve as your TNLA President. I look forward to the future as Sam Kinsey will take over on January 1st. We will have several big events next year including our Field Day at UT Gardens, our annual golf tournament, and TNGRO ’26 is back on October 15 – 16th at the Farm Bureau Expo Center

Before I go I will take you on a little trip down memory lane. This past year has been very busy for the board and I want to share the highlights in case you missed it. We published a new Buyer’s Guide for the first time in over a decade, revamped our website, re-started our 5 consecutive year plan to have TNGRO at the Farm Bureau Expo Center, held our annual golf tournament at Fall Creek Falls, supported the state FFA program, planted a green screen at a local High School soccer field, held our annual Field Day at UT Gardens, delivered aid and donations to those affected by Hurricane Helene in East Tennessee and North Carolina including donations to rebuild a high school greenhouse that was destroyed, lobbied for regular order in the pear tree ban being contemplated by the state legislature, lobbied Governor Lee for an Ag Expo Center for Warren County, began working towards a unification plan with MTNA, and so much more!

The future also looks bright. We are working on a new outside marketing campaign for TNGRO. We remain engaged in the Ag Expo Center for Warren County. We are working steadfast with MTNA on a way forward. Join us on the board. Serve on a committee. Get involved in your association. Thank you for all that you do to make the nursery business in Tennessee the best it can be.

Ozzy Lopez

TNLA President