A Busy Spring and Summer Ahead!

Spring is here! While I’m sure each of you is busy with the hustle and bustle of the season, I hope you can find a moment to take a deep breath, step back and enjoy the craziness that is spring in the green industry. As hectic as it can be, this season is one of the biggest reasons each of us chose this incredible field of work. With all the uncertainty over the past few years, from COVID to labor shortages to supply chain issues, one thing has remained the same throughout: spring. Even with many forecasting questionable economic times in our future, our industry remains strong.

As we look at the year ahead, I would like to take time to share some of the work the NCNLA board and staff have been doing, as well as some of our upcoming events. There are so many great things happening and exciting events coming up — and, likewise, many ways to get involved with the association.

The board is coming off its two-day spring meeting at the JC Raulston Arboretum, during which we reviewed past events and looked ahead to next year’s Green & Growin’, covered legislative items and discussed ways to keep improving how we serve you, our members. We also had the opportunity to spend some time with faculty and staff at North Carolina State University, and we are thankful that NCSU continues to be so invested in strengthening its relationship with NCNLA. During a meet-and-greet with NCSU staff, we learned about many new things happening at the university and had a chance to tour new facilities at the school. In the process we had a great time getting to know one another, and even shared a meal together.

The NCNLA Legislative Committee has also been incredibly busy in recent months, and I can’t thank Matt Hunter enough for the countless hours he has spent leading our legislative efforts. Matt and Rick have been hard at work and are currently bringing new members on to the committee to help advance its goals. I was able to join the group in Raleigh in March for a day of meetings with legislators, and it has been a thrill seeing this group gain momentum, working with lawmakers and other industry partners to make sure the green industry’s best interests are being fought for and protected. Be sure to read the full Legislative Committee update in this issue.

Looking past this busy season, we have several funfilled and educational events coming up over the summer:

• NCNLA Summer Educational Summit

(June 15): We are excited to host the first edition of this annual event at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. We have an incredible day of learning planned for you and would love to see you there! Visit www.ncnla.com for more information and to sign up. Sponsorships are also available.

• Robert Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament

(June 16): The tournament will be back at Lochmere Golf Club this year, so please consider joining us for an enjoyable day of golf while we raise money to support our scholarship fund. The event has grown every year, and we want to sell it out in 2023 — so please bring customers and/or colleagues out to play. Or, if you’re not a golfer, sponsorship opportunities are available. Funds raised at the tournament go a long way toward helping us support future generations of professionals in our industry.

• Certified Plant Professional Exam (June 30): The CPP exam will be held in Mills River. However, if this location isn’t ideal for you, there will be other opportunities throughout the state over the next several months.

• NCNLA Day at Caterpillar (Aug. 23): We are excited to be going back at Caterpillar’s Facility in Clayton for the third year in a row. This year’s event will offer great opportunities to learn about Caterpillar equipment, as well as different facets of our industry. Stay tuned for more information — you won’t want to miss it!

I hope each of you has a successful and profitable spring, and I hope to see you at the Summer Educational Summit in June. Until then, enjoy the madness!