In the Boardroom

March 2023 President Matt Watts called the video meeting to order with all board members attending. MDA reported the potential sod bill previously mentioned is dead at this time. Nursery inspections will start in April and May as plants are arriving. They may send out a questionnaire and not personally visit every nursery. Gina presented end of the fiscal year financials and a proposed working budget for fiscal year 2023. The Board discussed expected cost increases for the coming year and planned budget accordingly. Joe gave an update for the Belgard hardscape event being planned for May 5 in Billings. The Board agreed to offer a sponsorship for the event, with a discount negotiated for MNLA members. This class will offer 8 hours of CE, manual and detailed hardscape training. Plans for the Northern Rockies Tree School to merge with MNLA are moving ahead. Kristi noted spring scholarship deadline of March 31. Gina reported the new digital edition of the Spring Leaflet is ready to email out. Peter is continuing to work on Expo speakers, course descriptions, amount of vendor time and suggests that the CPP exam be moved to pre-Expo. Registration prices were finalized, and the Board is excited about the changes lined up for Expo 2024. John reported the Billings Chapter committee is looking for meeting topic suggestions and hopes to focus on maintenance topics and employer/ employee issues. He also reported connecting with The Native Plant Society’s revived Billings chapter that could be a future MNLA partnership.

April 2023 The meeting was called to order with all Board members present. MDA reported on current nursery licenses in the program with an increase in licenses for landscapers. They do not foresee any fee changes at this time and no new legislation on the horizon for this session. Kristi reported on applications for college scholarships and short course scholarships. Applications were reviewed with award guidelines, and recommendations made for awards. Discussion about the scope of short course scholarship awards circled back to the description of courses or material as noted in the application forms. In an effort to allow as many members as possible to participate, course fees and materials may be covered but not travel or lodging. James and Gina report that the first digital edition of the Leaflet had a very strong open rate. They have a great line up of articles for the June edition so stay tuned. James reports that the Fall Tour in Great Falls, September 14-15 is coming together. Site and hotel details are being finalized. The CPP exam will be on Thursday afternoon. Fall is a good time to take the ID portion of the test since you get to look at live plants instead of dry sticks! A mini tradeshow of equipment vendors is planned. John reported that plans for the 10th anniversary golf tournament are coming together and they have filled the sponsor spots. Family Fun Night at the baseball park is June 20 and Field Day is planned for September 21st. Event details are on our website. Joe reported on plans for the hardscape training class in Billings. Belgard is hoping to expand this event beyond Billings. Matt reports that the legal work for the Northern Rockies Tree School is complete. We are looking forward to the collaboration.