TNLA Working For You, April 16, 2021

TNLA Working for You E-Newsletter

TNLA

April 16, 2021

Working for You

REMEMBERING OUR FRIEND

JIM PREWITT

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April 16 2021 - TNLA Working For You

Pradia is a registered trademark of Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.

Pradia® is a combination product developed to control a wide variety of sucking and chewing pests on ornamental and nursery crops. Pradia delivers a quick knockdown and excellent long-term control on aphids, thrips, whitefly and scale.

April 16, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

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Table of Contents 03 Meetings & Events Calendar plus Upcoming TNLA Deadlines

04 You Don't Want To Miss TNLA's Latest Happenings: Ride the Wave of TNLA's Education, CEU & Event Offerings From Now and into the Summer

05 Latest TNLA Region Happenings

06 Legislative & Regulatory Updates 07 COVID Updates

Winter Storm Updates

08 Remembering Our Friend, Jim Prewitt 10 TNLA Member Updates 11 TNLA Career Center Latest Jobs Tailgate Topics: Mowing

Meetings & Events Calendar April 29, 2021

Legislative MidSession Briefing (Virtual) More Info Here!

May 12-14, 2021

Water & Pest Workshop (Virtual) More Info Here!

May 19-20, 2021

TNLA Valley Short Course, (In-Person) Port Isabel, TX More Info Here!

Ad Index 02....OHP, Inc.

Upcoming TNLA Deadlines:

• Texas Weather Assessment Survey Due Soon!

• Nominations for Young Leader and Summit Award Candidates Deadline: May 15, 2021 • Retailers, Get Listed on the Map of Participating Locations taking part in the Memorial Weekend Lawn & Garden Tax Holiday, click here and email your company name and address by May 19, 2021 • Advertise in the June 11th Issue of Working For You and place your product ad in The Green Shop, Ads Due June 2, 2021 • Early bird discount rates for Nursery/Landscape EXPO End July 16, 2021, Register Here • Want to attend the TNLA Awards Fiesta, Space is Limited, Register prior to August 3, 2021 to save your seat!

12....Creekside Nursery Inside Back Cover...Hotchkiss Insurance

Back Cover....TNLA Lawn & Garden Tax Holiday

April 16, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

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You Don’t Want to Miss TNLA’s Latest Happenings Ride the Wave of TNLA’s Education, CEU & Event Offerings From Now and into the Summer •

TNLA 87th Legislative Mid-Session Briefing, Online Webinar April 29, 2021 at Noon, Earn 1 Hour TNLA CEU: Click here to register for free • TNLA Water & Pest Workshop, Online Education May 12-14, 2021, Earn 12 Hours TNLA CEUs, Visit here for information on speakers and topics and click here to register (Three-Day and One-Day Passes available) • TNLA Virtual Texas Excellence In Landscaping Awards (TEIL), Online Awards Presentation for TEIL, June 25, 2021, 11:30 am -1:30 pm, Click here to register for free • TNLA Awards Fiesta, (In-Person Awards Presentation) Venue Villita in San Antonio, TX, August 6, 2021, 6:45 pm - 8:45 pm, Register prior to Aug. 3, 2021 to secure your seat, for more information visit here or to register click here • 2021 Nursery/Landscape EXPO, In-Person Tradeshow & Education Conference at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, TX, August 5-7, 2021, Earn 3 Hours TNLA CEUs for Attending EXPO’s Tradeshow and Stack Up On Earning Multiple Hours of CEUs During EXPO’s Education Conference, for more information visit here or to register as an attendee click here or register as booth personnel click here

April 16, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

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Latest TNLA Region Happenings Coming Together!

Region V Met at Silver Creek Materials on April 14, 2021 for outdoor fun!

Region II will meet on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 6pm at Rancho Encino Tree Farm (In-Person), RSVP to lauren@springcreekgrowers.com Earn 1 Hour TNLA CEU

TNLA Region VII Valley Short Course, (In-Person) at the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center in Port Isabel, TX, May 19-20, 2021, Earn 7 Hours TNLA CEUs (includes boxed lunch on Thursday, May 20th), For more information on pricing and speaker schedule visit here, to register click here. (Hotel information coming soon.)

April 16, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

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Legislative & Regulatory Updates: TNLA Advocacy At Work For You! The Fight for More H-2B Visas in FY 2021 The USCIS held a listening session on whether the administration should use their current authority to expand the number of H-2B visas available for this year. Texas landscape and irrigation companies as well as H-2B allies across the country were well represented on the call. The number of proponents of releasing the 64,000+ H-2B visas vastly outweighed the opposition. The administration made clear they intended to gather this information to make a decision on releasing the additional visas soon. TNLA signed on to a joint letter to the Biden Administration following the listening session to urge the administration to take action.

Click here to view letter.

Email Biden Administration to Release Additional H-2B Visas You can take action to urge the Biden Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to release the additional visas by emailing them at public.engagement@uscis.dhs.gov Send the following information: · Include your name, title and company; · Urge DHS to immediately make all of the approximately 65,000 additional H2B visas that are authorized under the law available to seasonal businesses that needed their workers as of April 1; · Stress the difficulty in filling seasonal jobs and the consequences to your business, US workers and community if you do not have H-2B workers to fill temporary jobs.

TNLA 87th Legislative Mid-Session Briefing, April 29th at Noon (Online) TNLA will provide updates on important bills we are tracking that impact your business. Stay ahead of emerging policy developments and see how TNLA is working for you. This is a member’s only online webinar!

Register to join the briefing for free, click here.

During the briefing you will receive Legislative updates on the following: • • • • • • • •

Strengthen “Direct Supervision” for Landscape Contractors Eliminating the Tax Liability on PPP loans Creating a New Plant Disease Detection & Surveillance Program Keep Texas Trucking Commercial Vehicle Tort Reform Preemption of Local Employment Mandates on Benefits and Practices Reforming the Process for Bringing Industry-Based Certification into High Schools Putting a STOP to Mandatory Plant Labels for Pet Toxicity Warnings PLUS MUCH MORE!

April 16, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

COVID UPDATES: Did You Apply for a PPP Loan For COVID relief?

The PPP program will expire on May 31, 2021. TNLA has partnered with TransPecos Banks, a Texas state savings bank headquartered in San Antonio, to be the endorsed source for TNLA members to obtain First and Second draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The Paycheck Protection Program is still open and TransPecos Banks continues to receive and process PPP applications and stands ready to support your business needs. If you think you qualify or want to learn more about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) please apply by clicking here.

USDA Reopened Sign-Up for CFAP 2 Ending the first week of June, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has committed at least $2.5 million to improve outreach for CFAP 2 and will establish partnerships with organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are informed and aware of the application process. Click here for more information.

WINTER STORM URI UPDATES: Help the Industry Move Forward, Take the Assessment Texas Nursery & Landscape Association and Texas A&M AgriLife are measuring the Winter-Storm Damages for the Nursery and Landscape Industry in Texas. The results of this survey will be useful for estimation of losses and identifying potential programs that may provide assistance to our stakeholders. If you have not had the chance to take the survey, click here and submit your assessment today.

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April 16, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

REMEMBERING OUR DEAR FRIEND, JIM PREWITTT November 13, 1940 - April 10, 2021

Last week we lost a friend and longtime supporter of the industry and of TNLA, Jim Prewitt, Owner & CEO Landmark Nurseries, Inc. Many in the industry have a story or two about working with Jim. He touched many lives and will always be remembered and cherished in our TNLA hearts.

Jim was a symbol of strong work ethic, character and true grit. He was born and raised on a family farm near Kirbyville. As an aspiring agriculturist, he proudly served as a Texas State FFA President and later as a National FFA Vice President. He studied agriculture at Sam Houston State University and was also given the opportunity to work as a congressional intern in Washington DC which instilled in him an abiding interest in policy and politics that later compelled him to fund similar internship programs at Texas Tech and Texas A&M University. After a short stint at U.S. Brass, Jim felt the call to return to his roots and founded Landmark Nurseries, Inc. Jim and his wife Paula were married for 58 years. Paula was his ever-present faithful companion and business partner helping him lovingly raise their family and build a life business and legacy of service. The Prewitt’s resided in Flower Mound, but spent as much time as possible at their East Texas tree farm near Grand Saline on the Sabine River watching their children and grandchildren grow, laugh, fish, play cards and explore the outdoors. Jim was preceded in death by, his daughter Kelly Prewitt Stewart and his son-inlaw Blake Davis. He is survived by his wife Paula, his daughters, Kim Norris and husband Kevin, Carol Davis, his son-in-law Jason Stewart and nine amazing grandchildren Tatum, Jill, and Cate Norris; Cole and Meg Davis; Will, Ben, Sam and Ella Steward; and his siblings Everett Prewitt, Elizabeth (Betty) Richardson, Hilda Prewitt and Elton Prewitt (Kerza).

As President & CEO of Landmark he transitioned the company from providing purely residential and commercial landscaping services to opening the first of his wholesale nurseries in Garland, Texas. Today Landmark Nurseries, Inc. has evolved into one of the largest, wholesale grower and distributors in Texas with six distribution centers located in Dallas, Coppell, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. In addition, the company operates various plant growing facilities across Texas, including sites in Austin, Kirbyville, Grand Saline and Edgewood. In 2002, Jim acquired and launched a nascent biological products company called XC International (CXI) and became a manufacturer and distributor of high quality microbial products offering biosolutions to soil fertility, waste management and bio-remediation.

Jim always gave more than he took and he shared a spirited generosity to lend a helping hand across all sectors of the agriculture and green industries. As a leader with a strong belief in building the future of agriculturists and horticulturists he yearly offered sponsorships, scholarships and gifts to universities, livestock shows, associations and more! No one will truly know how many lives he impacted with his philanthropic efforts.

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REST IN PEACE FOR ALL ETERNITY

He had a servant’s heart and volunteered countless hours to TNLA. Jim’s advice for those coming into the industry was to get involved in the right things, at the right time and be sure you can make a difference, and he surely did that with TNLA by serving the association in many capacities including: • • • • • • • •

Chairman of the TNLA Board of Directors Chairman of the TNLA Foundation Chairman of the Political Action Committee EXPO Committee Member Grower Committee Member Membership Committee Member Best of Texas Publication Committee Member Position Statement Committee Member

Jim and Landmark Nurseries, Inc. were also recipients of TNLA’s most distinguished awards the association has to offer including the Arp Award, Summit Award and Honorary Lifetime Membership Award.

He was very passionate about educating the industry as well as youth. Also, he made sure his team was equally involved in TNLA, as many have become Texas Certified Professionals. Jim was always the first to step up and donate plants for the Parks and Patio Area at EXPO and for the Landscape Challenge for Youth Participants at the San Antonio Livestock Show & Rodeo. Through the years Jim and his staff often volunteered at local region events and have worked the EXPO loading dock helping exhibitors move in. He never missed an opportunity to plant seeds in the lives of others or organizations and he took great pride in watching those he helped take root and grow. To honor Jim, the TNLA Foundation will continue his legacy of giving through the newly established Jim Prewitt Endowed Memorial Scholarship and continue to plant seeds for the future.

Jim and Landmark Nurseries, Inc. became members of TNLA in 1989. It is very certain TNLA has not been the same since that day in 1989.

Services will be held Monday, April 19, 2021, at the First Baptist Church Rockwall, 610 Goliad St., Rockwall, TX 75087 at 2pm. Click here for more information to come regarding a live stream link for the service.

If you are interested in giving to the newly established Jim Prewitt Endowed Memorial Scholarship Fund, click here and select the Memorial Donation Category.

April 16, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

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TNLA MEMBER UPDATES: Catch the Latest Updates from TNLA’s Town Hall Member Meeting Held Last Week Dues and renewals for TNLA membership are going out, should you have questions regarding your company’s invoice contact the TNLA State Office.

Watch the TNLA Member Town Hall Meeting Video here.

Select Your Award-Winning Candidates for TNLA’s Young Leader & Summit Award This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the best this industry has to offer. TNLA’s Young Leader Award is given to the person who has made a significant impact on the TNLA and in the industry early in their career. The TNLA Summit Award is presented to member firms who have made a huge impact with their contributions and volunteer efforts to support TNLA, their community and the green industry. Visit www.tnlaonline.org to download the forms and submit your award-winning candidates by May 15, 2021!

Calling All Women Professionals, Join TNLA for the Next Women In Hort Call!

Ladies it is time to come together, share experiences and connect during the next TNLA Women In Horticulture Zoom Call, April 26, 2021 at 11:15am. Hear directly from your peers as they share their Spring experiences. Mary Beth Simmons, Managing Partner of Business and Marketing with Simmons Oak Farms in Harlingen, Texas will also share her story with us. To join the calls and help volunteer at the in-person Women In Horticulture Get Together at EXPO email your name and company by clicking here and get plugged in with this amazing group of women leaders in the industry!

TNLA Mobile Membership Directory at Your Fingertips!

First, we experienced Winter Storm Uri, then a mega-container vessel was stuck in the Suez Canal holding up international trade of goods. Your Spring is busy enough and your company does not have to be held up any longer on your pursuit to find quality products, supplies and business services. Download the TNLA Mobile Membership Directory and easily source items that will meet your business’s needs from TNLA members you can trust, all with a touch of a button. The app is free and exclusively for TNLA members, available on Google Play and Apple Store. Need help navigating the app? Click here to email TNLA Staff to guide you along the way.

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April 16, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

TNLA Career Center Latest Jobs Check out the latest job opportunities: NEW! Laborer Maldonado Nursery & Landscape Inc. San Antonio, TX VISIT POSTING Landscape Consultant Fowlkes, Norman & Associates Fort Worth, TX VISIT POSTING

NEW! Dispatcher Silver Creek Materials Fort Worth TX VISIT POSTING

NEW! Customer Service Representative Silver Creek Materials Fort Worth TX VISIT POSTING

Looking to Hire? Recruit Your Next Team member at https://careers.tnlaonline.org

TAILGATE TOPICS: MOWING

Professional turf management requires annual, monthly, and sometimes daily scheduling to insure optimum performance of turf areas. Timing is often just as important as the function itself.

Objective: Participants will be able to correctly determine when to mow a turf area, as well as the correct method for mowing.

APPLICATION: The best way to learn how to mow is to actually mow. Have participants determine when the proper time to mow is, take safety precautions needed prior to mowing and mow a turf area to the correct height.

When to Mow: Healthy turf is cut often enough so that no more than half of the leaf area is removed at each mowing.

It is recommended to mow when: • turf leaf blades are dry and the ground is not too wet • mow blades are sharp (dull blades leave ragged, brownish edges on the ends of grass) What to Wear: Precautions should always be taken when using lawnmowers. Operators should wear eye protection, ear protection and heavy, closeted boots or shoes.

How Much to Mow: Different species demand different management skills. Generally speaking, cool season grasses are cut higher (3-4”) than warm season grasses (1-2”).

It is recommended that: • new lawns should be mowed when the grass is 50% higher than the desired height • no more than 1/3 (33%) of the total surface should be removed at any one time • turf under stress (from either heat or drought) should be cut higher than normal to retain plant vigor • leave clippings whenever possible, grasscycling is good!

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April 16, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

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Page January 13 2020 - Green Concept

January 2020 - Green Concept Page 13

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We offer a personalized, consultative approach to protecting your investment, and are proudly endorsed by the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association.

CALL US TODAY AT 800.899.9810 OR VISIT HIALLC.COM

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April 2, 2021 - Working For You

MEMORIAL WEEKEND SATURDAY, MAY 29 - MONDAY, MAY 31 Get your business in on the fun this Memorial Day Weekend by letting your customers know about the Lawn & Garden Tax Holiday. Throughout the weekend retailers can sell water saving products without charging sales tax (includes all plants and more). Retailers sign up to receive a complimentary promotional tool kit to use on your social media platforms and also have your garden center listed on TNLA's online map of participating locations!

Email communications@TNLAonline.org to get your company in on the Memorial Weekend Lawn & Garden Tax Holiday action!