TNLA Working For You, March 22, 2021

TNLA Working for You E-Newsletter

TNLA

Working for You

Texas Garden Retail Awards

See the Winners!

Innovation, Merchandising Concepts & Staff Culture

March 22, 2021

Page 2

March 22, 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.

March 22, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

Page 3

Table of Contents 03 Meetings & Events Calendar plus April Deadlines 04 Legislative & Regulatory Update 05 Disaster Relief Updates 06 Tailgate Topics: Housekeeping

07 TNLA 2021 Board of Directors Nominations Due April 1st TNLA Summit and Young Leader Nominations Form Due May 15th 2021 Nursery/Landscape EXPO Registration and Hotel Block Now Open 08 Texas Garden Retailer Award (TGRA) Winners 12 TGRA Winners Continued: Gold Winners, Texas Garden Retailer of the Year

Meeting & Events Calendar March 22-25, 2021

TNLA Virtual Advocacy Week More Info Here!

May 13-14, 2021

TNLA WATER & PEST Workshop More Info Here!

D E M O S ,

August 5-7, 2021

Nursery/Landscape EXPO 2021 San Antonio, TX More Info Here!

C E U S ,

I D E A S

REGISTER TODAY www.TNLAonline.org

April Deadlines: TNLA 2021 Board of Directors Nominations DUE April 1st

More Info Here!

Ad Index 02....OHP

03...TNLA Water & Pest Workshop 14...Merchant Owl LLC

Back Cover....Nursery/Landscape EXPO Inside Back Cover....Hotchkiss Insurance

March 22, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

Page 4

Legislative & Regulatory Update TNLA’s Pesticide Applicator Bill Appears Headed for Full House Vote One of TNLA’s legislative priorities was voted unanimously from the Texas House Ag Committee last week and is now headed to the Texas House Calendar’s committee. House author Rep. Cody Harris successfully whipped the committee votes to have it sent unanimously. Rep Harris is also a member of the Calendars committee. Calendars is a procedural committee that schedules bills for the floor and it is often the place where bills get hung up in the process. TNLA will continue working with the Texas house members to get it pushed expeditiously over to the Texas Senate.

Plant Pest and Disease Bill Up for Hearing on Thursday The Texas House Ag committee will be hearing HB 2089 by Rep. Burrows on Thursday which would create a new program of cooperative agreements between TDA and universities to develop plant pest and disease surveillance and detection methods. The funding through the cooperative agreement will expand the work of TDA to detect and mitigate emerging plant pests and disease. TNLA supports the new investment in mitigating the spread of plant pest or disease and is working with the author’s office to ensure the program is of the greatest value to the green industry.

Farm Workforce Modernization Act Voted Out of U.S. House; Future Unclear in Senate TNLA activated our Legislative Action Center as the Farm Workforce Modernization Act hit the US House floor and we would like to say THANK YOU to all those members who sent in messages to their elected officials. It truly makes the difference. The bill, which modernizes the H-2A program making it less burdensome and expensive to use, was successfully voted out of the US House and sent to the Senate. Its future is less clear in the Senate chamber due to the larger ongoing illegal immigration crisis that has captivated much of the focus of Washington D.C. in recent days. While industry continues to be supportive, the political sentiment is moving against anything seen as immigration reform until the border crisis is dealt with.

TNLA Virtual Advocacy Week is this week - March 22nd - 25th The 2021 TNLA Virtual Advocacy Week started today and goes through Thursday, March 25th. Join us each day as we cover current legislation and regulations impacting your business and provide updates on the Winter Storm Uri Disaster Relief Efforts. Throughout the week we will also visit with Elected Officials and their offices plus more! Click the links below to meet up with TNLA for daily Morning Policy Briefings!

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 8:30 am CLICK HERE Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 9:00 am CLICK HERE Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 9:00 am CLICK HERE For a schedule, special guest information and more, visit here.

March 22, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

Page 5

DISASTER RELIEF UPDATES Many in our industry are in search of relief following the recent winter storm. TNLA remains committed to advocating for a comprehensive relief package from Congress to provide aid to the green industry.

INDUSTRY ASSESSMENT: TNLA in partnership with Texas AgriLife Extention are still collecting data for the industry loss assessment. If your company has not had a chance to fill out this survey, please do so by CLICKING HERE. The results collected from loss assessments from our industry is critical. We NEED your information!!!

FEMA ASSISTANCE: FEMA Assistance Available through DisasterAssistance.gov If your business was damaged or inventory lost due to the storm, we would encourage those businesses to apply for potential aid through the DisasterAssistance.gov website. This website will help determine what programs you may qualify for through FEMA or the Small Business Administration (SBA). Applications can be made by clicking here.

USDA FARM SERVICE AGENCY – Tree Assistance Program or Low-Interest Loans Growers, specifically, should contact their local USDA Farm Service Agency office and inquire about aid available for the nursery industry. Potential programs may include the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) and certain low-interest loans. Find your regional FSA office click here for more information.

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE STAR FUND Texas STAR Fund is available from the Texas Department of Agriculture to apply for a small relief payment to provide immediate assistance. Applications can be made by clicking here.

IRS HAS ANNOUNCED RELIEF FROM TAX SCHEDULE The IRS will postpone certain tax-filing and tax-payment deadlines for taxpayers who reside or have a business in the disaster area. For instance, certain deadlines falling on or after February 11, 2021, and before June 15, 2021, are postponed through June 15, 2021. This includes 2020 business returns, normally due on March 15, and individual and business returns normally due on April 15. Find more information visit here.

COVID-19: 1st & 2nd PPP Loans The PPP program will expire on March 31, 2021, with a possible extension to 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.

If you are a small business and suffered a 25% decline in revenue during any quarter of 2020 compared to 2019, you could be eligible for a PPP loan. The Paycheck Protection Program is designed to help small businesses affected by the Pandemic get through unexpected challenges.

Additionally, the SBA recently released an Interim Final Rule that substantially changes PPP loans for Schedule C filers because it establishes an alternative calculation methodology for payroll costs for sole proprietors and independent contractors. The SBA has determined Schedule C filers may now calculate the owner compensation share of their “payroll costs” based on either “gross income” or “net earnings from self-employment”.

TransPecos Banks has been a leader within the state of Texas in issuing these loans and successfully processed thousands of PPP loans during the first-round last year and is well into thousands more this round. Our online application process is easy to use and our team is available to answer any questions you have. You do not need to have an account at TransPecos to be eligible for a PPP loan.​

PARTNERED WITH

March 22, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

Page 6

TNLA Tailgate Topics: HOUSEKEEPING Objective: Participants will be able to properly identify good housekeeping tips that help create a safe, healthful and pleasant place to work.

Point out the specific areas in you operation that need immediate attention and/or relate experiences where better housekeeping would have made a difference. Good housekeeping is the foundation for a safe, healthful and pleasant place to work. Many accidents are caused each year by poor housekeeping. It may mean a little extra effort to keep the work place clean, but it could prevent injury and work stoppage.

APPLICATION:

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING PRACTICES INCLUDE:

1. Keep materials and equipment out of aisles and passageways. Materials and equipment should also be kept off stairways. Remember: If it isn’t moving, it doesn’t belong in these places.

2. Keep tools in their proper place. Do not allow them to become scattered on the floor or left in/on equipment 3. Have a place to store spare parts – not in the corners.

4. Keep floors dry. Avoid spilling liquids, especially oils. Clean up all spills immediately.

5. Oily rags, old paint cans, oil containers, etc. that have contained flammable liquids are fire hazards. Dispose of them as soon as possible.

6. All broken bottles, glass, trash and scraps should be placed in proper waste containers. Place oily materials in covered metal containers.

7. Weeds and tall grass around the property should be cut. They can be a fire hazard and can hide other safety hazards.

8. Dispose of all chemical and pesticide containers properly. No dumping or rinsing in unapproved areas.

9. Clean all chemical and pesticide applicator equipment thoroughly after use.

10. Keep work area clean.

11. Failure to follow safety procedures properly or to pay attention to workplace safety could result in injury to you or your fellow workers.

12. A general rule for good housekeeping: “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

March 22, 2021 - TNLA Working For You

Page 7

TNLA 2021 Board of Directors Nominations Call For Nominations is OPEN!

Service on the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association Board of Directors (TNLA) is a chance to help drive the decisions of the association and shape the future of the industry. The opportunity to work with other leaders in the association allows you to be part of the decision-making process on the state level, driving the strategic goals of the organization. This is an exciting time to join the leadership of the Association and help map the future of TNLA. Help lead your association and profession into the future by nominating a colleague or yourself. The call for nominations closes on April 1, 2021. Click Here for additional information.

The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is pleased to announce the call for nominations for the 2021 State Board of Directors. The Call for Nominations is now open and seeking candidates for the positions of: • Region IV State Director • State Grower Director • State Irrigation Director

Nominate a deserving company for the Summit Award and a superstar individual for the Young Leader Award today!

Help TNLA recognize extraordinary contributions by member companies and professionals! Visit TNLAonline.org to download the nomination forms and submit them to Nancys@tnlaonline.org by May 15, 2021. Winners will be recognized at the Awards Fiesta on Aug. 6th in San Antonio, Texas during the 2021 Nursery/Landscape EXPO!

EXPO’s Registration and Official Housing Block is NOW OPEN!

We are looking forward to getting together face-to-face at this year’s Nursery/Landscape EXPO, August 5-7, 2021 in San Antonio, TX. Be sure to save by registering your team early to receive early bird discounts! EXPO’s Hotel Block features rooms at Grand Hyatt and Hilton Palacio Del Rio. Hotels and Early Bird discounts END July 16, 2021! Click here for Attendee Registration and Click Here for Exhibit Booth Personnel Registration. To reserve your hotel, click here to book at the Grand Hyatt or visit here to book at the Hilton Palacio Del Rio. If your company is interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Amy Prenger at Amy@tnlaonline.org or visit here for available sponsorship opportunities.

Page 8

March 22, 2021 - Working For You

Discover TNLA’s Newest Texas Garden Retailer Awards Winners!

Retailers are being recognized across the State as the leading retail garden centers in Texas through the newly established TNLA program, the Texas Garden Retailer Awards (TGRA). Winners of TGRA will receive statewide promotion, unrivaled recognition among their peers and two will hold the prestigious title of Texas Garden Retailer of the Year!

Texas Garden Retailer of the Year Criteria: • Innovation & Quality • Merchandising Concepts • Staff Culture within the Garden Center About the Categories: To be awarded as Texas Garden Retailer of the Year, judges selected only two winners as the overall outstanding retailer from following two categories: • Retail Garden Center’s Under 1 Million in Yearly Revenue • Retail Garden Center’s ​Over 1 Million in Yearly Revenue

SEE WHO WILL BE NAMED THIS YEAR'S TEXAS GARDEN RETAILER OF THE YEAR

The top award winning retail garden centers will be recognized at the TNLA Awards Fiesta on August 6, 2021, held during the Nursery/Landscape EXPO in San Antonio, Texas.

Page 9

Over $1 Million in Yearly Revenue

ENCHANTED GARDENS Silver Winner INNOVATION & QUALITY

MERCHANDISING CONCEPTS

STAFF & CULTURE

Page 10

March 22 2021 - TNLA Working For You

Over $1 Million in Yearly Revenue

SHOPPE LEAF Silver Winner INNOVATION & QUALITY

MERCHANDISING CONCEPTS

STAFF & CULTURE

Page 11

Under $1 Million in Yearly Revenue

JUST POTS Silver Winner INNOVATION & QUALITY

MERCHANDISING CONCEPTS

STAFF & CULTURE

Page 12

March 22, 2021 - TNLA Working For

TEXAS GARDEN RETAILER OF THE YEAR Over $1 Million in Yearly Revenue

CALLOWAY’S NURSERY Gold Winner

INNOVATION & QUALITY

MERCHANDISING CONCEPTS

STAFF & CULTURE

Page 13

TEXAS GARDEN RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Under $1 Million in Yearly Revenue

GARDEN’S AT THE RIDGE Gold Winner

INNOVATION & QUALITY

MERCHANDISING CONCEPTS

STAFF & CULTURE

Call or Email Rich Kling today for a FREE March 22, analysis!

2021 - Working For You

Page 14

407-883-2246

Rich@MerchantOwl.com

Payment Processing For Agriculture

Cash Discount Program Lets you pass some or all of the fees on to your customers and keep more of your hard earned money!

Large Sales?

No problem We provide next day funding and same day funding is coming soon!

We have a solution!

Retail, Wholesale, Card Not Present, Recurring Billing, Virtual Terminal, POS Systems, Ecommerce, and more!

About Us Merchant Owl LLC acts much like a broker. We have contracts with the major processors, and we reserve the right to control fees. What does that mean to you? No more rate increases every six months! We negotiate the lowest rates possible, then fiercely protect your rates from going up.

TNLA members receive Special Rates from Merchant Owl LLC. Secure Yours Today!

Page January 15 2020 - Green Concept

January 2020 - Green Concept Page 15

PROVIDING PROTECTION IN A WORLD OF UNKNOWNS

With more than 40 years of experience protecting the green industry, we understand the unique risks and challenges your business faces.

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

Page 16

March 22, 2021 - Working For You

UNLEASH YOUR SUPERPOWERS

05-07

Find Your Greatness. Unleash your superpowers at the premier horticulture show for profitable sales and networking. Discover the latest Green Industry products and gain a new perspective as you meet face-to-face with thousands of industry experts. Share new ideas by participating in over 32 education breakout sessions and two notable keynote presentations. This is where unique products are found, great ideas are born and creativity and innovation unite.

#TNLAEXPO2021

FOR REGISTRATION & INFORMATION

NurseryLandscapeEXPO.org

EXPO@NurseryLandscapeExpo.org • 512-579-3863 HENRY B. GONZALEZ CONVENTION CENTER