THE VOICE OF FLORIDA’S ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE … 2018 GreenlineOptimized.pdf · Fight Wilt...

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JUNE 2018 THE VOICE OF FLORIDA’S ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY President Ed Bravo Looks Back on his Year of Service Here are Your 2018 Industry Award Winners Inside: Your Full 2018 Convention Schedule FNGLA’s 2017-18 President Ed Bravo prepares to pass the ‘big shoes’ on to his successor June 16.

Transcript of THE VOICE OF FLORIDA’S ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE … 2018 GreenlineOptimized.pdf · Fight Wilt...

Page 1: THE VOICE OF FLORIDA’S ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE … 2018 GreenlineOptimized.pdf · Fight Wilt and Seasonal Drought with Hydretain . Hydretain’s unique action within the soil

J U N E 2 0 1 8

T H E V O I C E O F F L O R I D A ’ S E N V I R O N M E N T A L H O R T I C U L T U R E I N D U S T R Y

President Ed Bravo Looks Back on his Year

of Service

Here are Your 2018 Industry Award

Winners

Inside: Your Full 2018 Convention Schedule

FNGLA’s 2017-18 President Ed Bravo prepares to pass the ‘big shoes’ on to his successor June 16.

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Page 3: THE VOICE OF FLORIDA’S ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE … 2018 GreenlineOptimized.pdf · Fight Wilt and Seasonal Drought with Hydretain . Hydretain’s unique action within the soil

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ARE YOU TAKING “ADVANTAGE” OF HYDRETAIN?

• Free Introductory Hydretain Sales Kit• Customizable Marketing Materials• Ongoing Product Technical Support• Professional Applicator Website Listing

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Fight Wilt and Seasonal Drought with Hydretain Hydretain’s unique action within the soil provides plants with supplemental

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FNGLA - PAC Supporters

Features06

08

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The Tradition Continues

Feature: Incoming Leadership

2018 Industry Award Winners

18Certification Feature

20Guest Column: Linda Adams

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Ed BravoEd Bravo is FNGLA’s 2017-18 President. He is also a partner at Big Trees Plantation, based in Gainesville, Florida

I wish to invite you all to a celebration: The 2018 FNGLA Convention at the Hyatt Regen-

cy Coconut Point resort in Bonita Springs. We have all been through a crazy and busy year, full of many challenges and, yet, we have so much for which to be grateful. We could all use a break from work and our families deserve a reward. Someone recently told me they thought the Convention was our industry’s Thanksgiving celebration. An annual gathering of colleagues, friends and family to acknowledge the year’s ef-forts and successes. This is when we pay tribute to the traditions of the past, look into the future and reconnect with industry peers. I tend to see the FNGLA Convention more like Christmas morning: months of planning and anticipation followed by surprises and new memories. This year’s Convention location and for-mat are geared for maximum family time and fun! Once you check into the Hyatt Regency, there is very little reason to get back into your car until it’s time to go home. There are different pools for the very young, the family and just for adults. There is a lazy river, waterfalls and hot tubs to relax. The hotel marina will ferry you out to a private beach hourly, rent you kayaks or set-up fishing guides for your pleasure. The spa and onsite golf course will help you burn off a few cal-ories from the fine dining opportunities on the property. The kids, and more than a few adults, will want to try the rock-climbing wall, putting and chipping greens or the corn hole games. To cool you off and get the evenings started, mo-jitos will await you in the FNGLA Frontrunners Chapter’s hospitality room. We will also have

President’s Letter

snacks and a full bar, sodas and water to keep you and your family hydrated. The Friday night reception will be very laid back with a Spanish guitar player in the background and hand-rolled cigars off to the side. This will be a great oppor-tunity to catch up with industry friends and fam-ilies. The Gala dinner will top off the weekend with a live jazz singer playing in the background and Florida State Representative and FNGLA Past President Halsey Beshears as our keynote speaker. For those attending the FNGLA Convention for the first time, it can be an eye-opening expe-rience. I hear it each year: “I had no idea FNGLA did so much for its members and the industry.” The influence and impact on legislative issues, research, education, certification and diversity of programs is absolutely amazing! Many years ago, I attended my very first FN-GLA Convention at the Gaylord Palms in Orlan-do. Certainly, the gorgeous venue with a variety of theme gardens, restaurants and pools under a ten-story atrium made a very big impression. Yet, I was more impressed by the volunteer lead-ers at the board of directors’ meeting and, in par-ticular, the annual business meeting complete with the Industry Awards, FNGLA’s research endowment and the officer installations. It made me aware I was part of something bigger and more important than I had realized. In June 2008, the FNGLA Convention was held in West Palm Beach at the Breakers. It was as if I was living in a beautiful museum for

5CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

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June 2018 Greenline6

The Tradition Continues

FNGLA’s Annual Conven-tion is a time each year

for FNGLA members and industry friends to celebrate the past year of success while welcoming FNGLA’s new lead-ership taking office. It is also the venue for FNGLA’s Annual Meeting and the platform for presenting FNGLA’s Industry Award winners. The event is traditionally held at a venue close to the President’s hometown, but this year we’re shaking it up a bit. We’ll head to one of President Ed Bravo’s favorite destinations for relaxing and re-charging -- Bonita Springs. Overlooking South Flor-ida’s Gulf Coast, it’s there where old industry friends will, once again, gather to honor FNGLA’s past, celebrate the present, and grow the future of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. Over the course of the three-day event, attendees will have the chance to take part in a variety of activities -- all aimed at inspiring comrad-ery and conversation. Pre-Convention activities, for those planning to be there June 14 will include a two-hour boat tour with a stop at Big Hickory Island. The tour

boat will depart from the Hyatt Coconut Point mari-na dock. The cost to attend is $20 for members/$30 for nonmembers. That morning will also include a Golf Tournament at Copperleaf Golf Club, a cham-pionship golf course. Proceeds will benefit FNGLA’s Political Action Committee. New this year will be ‘Snack Chat,’ a chapter lead-ers meet-up planned for 2-4 p.m., June 15. Join FNGLA President Ed Bravo and Pres-ident-Elect Will Womack for a session of sharing ideas and issues. FNGLA staff will also be available at ‘ask me’ tables. There’s also coffee and conversation planned at sev-eral Biz Zone sessions Satur-day, June 16 where attendees are encouraged to grab a bite to eat and check out a few table-top displays. Throughout the event, attendees are encouraged to relax, unwind and enjoy the incredible ‘old Florida’ scenes. Also, to help spread a little cheer, the resort is giving Convention attendees a 10 percent discount on poolside food and beverages, and 15 percent spa discount. Relax-ing, indeed. •

• THE THREE AMIGOSSecretary/Treasurer Shawn Thomas, at left, President Ed Bra-vo, middle, and President-Elect Will Womack, at right.

FNGLA’S 66th Annual Convention Honors the Past, Celebrates the Present, and Grows the Future

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Convention Schedule

Pre-Convention Activities

Thursday, June 14

8:30 a.m.: Golf Tournament at Copperleaf Golf Club.

9-11 a.m.: Eco Estuary Bay Sight-seeing Tour

5:30-9:30 p.m.: Frontrunners Chapter Hospitality Suite

Convention Activities

Friday, June 15

8 a.m.-5 p.m.: FNGLA Registra-tion Desk open

9 a.m.-12 p.m.: FNGLA Board of Directors meeting

2-4 p.m.: FNGLA Chapter Leaders Meet-up

6-7:30 p.m.: Opening Welcome Reception

8 p.m.-12 a.m.: Frontrunners Chapter Hospitality Suite

• Convention TimeThe Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, Florida, where FNGLA’s 66th Annual Convention will take place.

Saturday, June 16

8 a.m.-12 p.m. - FNGLA Regis-tration Desk open

8-8:45 a.m. - FNGLA Biz Zone open

9-11 a.m. - FNGLA’s Annual Membership Meeting

11 a.m.-12 p.m. - FNGLA Biz Zone open

1-4 p.m. - Enjoy hotel amenities and local area.

5-6 p.m. - FNGLA Past Presi-dents Reception. By invitation.

6-10 p.m. - President’s Gala Cocktail Reception and Banquet

10:30 p.m. - Frontrunners Chap-ter Hospitality Suite open

Sunday, June 17

Happy Father’s Day! Enjoy hotel amenities and the local area.

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Taking the Helm

FNGLA Leadership

FNGLA PHOTONEW LEADERSHIP - Will Womack is slated to be installed as FNGLA’s 67th President at FNGLA’s Annu-al Convention June 15-16 in Bonita Springs, Florida.

FNGLA President-elect Will Womack initially considered

being a prosecutor before turn-ing his sights on the nursery and landscaping industry. In 2002, he started Tampa Bay Landscap-ing and has since been active in the Tampa Bay Chapter of FNG-LA and the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau serving in a vari-ety of leadership roles. Will has served on the FNGLA Board of Directors, FNGLA’s Marketing and Membership Committee, the Budget Committee, Certifications Committee and holds two FNGLA certifications.

This month, the UF/IFAS Wedgworth Leadership Institute graduate looks forward to taking the helm as FNGLA’s 67th presi-dent. On the eve of this new chapter in both his and the association’s life, Will shares a little on what he would like to accomplish:

FNGLA: So, tell me the story of how you became involved with FNGLA. When was it? Who in-troduced you? What were your initial thoughts on what your in-volvement would be.

WOMACK: I became involved in the FNGLA in the mid-2000’s. My initial draw to the association was education. I was really keen

on earning a certification – and I did – the FCLC. For me, it was an opportunity to separate my-self from other contractors in the Tampa Bay Area. Not long after earning my certification, I was asked to sit on FNGLA’s Member-ship and Marketing Committee (then just the Membership Com-mittee) and engaged my local chapter which was struggling with

Incomming President Will Womack to be installed as FNGLA’s 67th President

April 2018 Greenline

the separation of contractors and allied folks with the local growers who were primarily engaged with what was then the TBWGA (Tam-pa Bay Wholesale Growers Asso-ciation). My initial thoughts on involve-ment was – honored to be asked (especially as a landscape con-tractor) and had no interest to serve (or thought I would ever

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FNGLA PHOTOADVOCATING FOR THE INDUSTRY— (L to R) Past President Robert Shoelson, President Ed Bravo, Government Affairs Consultant Jim Spratt, Past President Billy Butterfield, and incoming Pres-ident Will Womack visit Washington to speak with legislators on a variety of industry issues.

serve) in a greater capacity.

FNGLA: How has being a part of FNGLA changed you?

WOMACK: Most notably, after my meteoric dive into the asso-ciation, Linda Adams nominated me for consideration into Class 8 of the Wedgworth Leadership In-stitute. I was accepted. That sin-gle experience, alone, has had the most profound impact on me per-sonally and professionally. I felt not only a strong desire to make positive changes and be a part of the voice of our industry, but was imparted actual tools to do so. All credit to Linda Adams and Dr. Hannah Carter.

FNGLA: When did it become clear to you that you wanted to be president of the association?

WOMACK: Despite my Wedg-worth experience and support of so many members and friends, and if I’m being honest, I’m still not clear being the 67th president of the FNGLA is properly in my cards! Just a bit nervous I sup-pose because I take the position so seriously. As a rule, I prefer being a number 2 guy. I feel I can actually get more accomplished “behind the scenes.” However, I am so terribly honored to be giv-en this opportunity to serve and will work tirelessly as a steward. The only thing I am clear about is, I am surrounded by the very best executive committee (Shawn Thomas, Martin Hackney, and Ed Bravo), the very best staff, and BOD’s that are primed to contin-ue to do great things.

FNGLA: What initiatives do you want to push forward during your

tenure as president?

WOMACK: During Ed’s presi-dency, he was very open to ideas. He is a big fan of Reagan. Rea-gan famously stated, “the great-est leaders are not the ones that do the greatest things, he is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things.” I love that quote and philos-ophy. Ed encouraged a team ap-proach to leadership. As such, I was afforded the opportunity to be

very open and share my thoughts – several of which are now in mo-tion. During my tenure, I plan on continuing Ed’s tradition. Over the next year, we hope to make progress with reaching out to young folks and encouraging them to consider a career in our industry (we hear, time and time again, how labor is our biggest challenge – guest worker reform is not likely – so let’s home grow a labor pool and new leaders). In a society where we have so many

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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FNGLA Leadership

April 2018 Greenline

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bright and shiny objects and oc-cupiers/distractions of our time, we would also like to encourage more of our members to be more involved and engage leadership. But, most of all, I am so very keen on “touching” our members and chapters. We are a member driven association. I would like that bridge between state leaders, staff, our “30,000-foot” objec-tives and local leaders to be di-minished. We are a team, every-one has a role and we should be so very supportive of one another.

FNGLA: How do you want to in-novate the association?

WOMACK: In the age of the “interweb,” I am woefully un-equipped. I refer back to Reagan’s quote. I am happy to let others

do great things making our asso-ciation relevant in a social media world. If we extend the notion of “innovation” to new and vanguard ideas, my hope would be that I impart a confidence that it is OK

to re-think old ideas and ways of doing business. We have to think, generally, in different ways and be relevant in an ever-changing world. If we do not, our industry and association will wane. •

FNGLA PHOTOTHE A-TEAM — (L to R) Will Womack, President Ed Bravo, Past President Robert Shoelson, and Secretary/Treasurer Shawn Thomas.

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• THE PROS OF BEING A PRO •

SiteOne is proud to partner with the FNGLA as the Signature Sponsor of this year’s Annual Convention. We are also proud to serve professional contractors by offering the only full-breadth, wholesale landscape supply locations in the state of Florida. With 50 Florida locations to serve you, we are Stronger Together.

SIGNATURE SPONSOR FNGLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

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Titans of Industry

Recognition

FNGLA Announces 2018 Industry Award Winners

April 2018 Greenline

In recognition of the selfless contributions to Florida’s nurs-

ery and landscape industry each recipient has made, the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association has named its 2018 Industry Award winners. Each recipient has contributed in immeasurable ways to advanc-ing Florida’s nursery and land-scape industry through a number of ways including advocacy, lead-ership, education and service. Award winners will be honored at FNGLA’s Convention’s Annual Business Meeting Saturday, June 16, at the Hyatt Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, Florida. Special thanks goes to Stall-ings, the 2018 Industry Awards Sponsors. Here are the winners:

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Outstanding Chapter Leader- Sandy Benton, FCLC, Landscape Service Professionals

A tireless advocate of FN-GLA’s Broward Chapter, Sandy Benton is known among her peers as an ex-ceptionally active volun-teer leader.

Sandy grew up in, what was then a very rural Tamarac, Florida Looking back, Sandy credits her father with instilling her love for agriculture and horticulture by always having a garden filled with fruits and veggies, which they picked together.

Nearly two decades ago from the make-shift office in the dining room of her home, Sandy along with her husband, Tom, found-ed Landscape Service Professionals, a land-scape maintenance and installation firm based in Tamarac. Early on, Sandy made FNGLA an inte-gral part of Landscape Service Profession-als. Thanks to her drive to bring profession-alism to the company, Sandy was one of the very first women ever to earn the FNGLA Landscape Contractor Certification. She also proudly serves as an FNGLA Certified Judge.

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Industry Awards

April 2018 Greenline

Outstanding Educator - Hannah Carter, Ph.D, University of Florida Wedg-worth Leadership Institute (Gainesville)

A long-time friend of Florida’s nurs-ery and landscape industry, Dr. Han-nah Carter has been instrumental in developing leaders within FNGLA. As associate professor and director of the Wedgworth Leadership In-

stitute for Agriculture and Natural Resources for UF/IFAS, Hannah has for roughly the past decade served as a mentor and friend. A passionate advocate of ‘learning by doing,’ Han-nah helps others realize and build upon their natural abilities. Hannah also helps teams develop a deeper

understanding into what skills each member brings. Hannah has worked tirelessly through the years pro-viding leadership training for FNGLA staff and mem-bers. In fact, Hannah was recognized as an honorary FN-GLA staff member in recognition of all the time and training she’s contributed. To date, FNGLA counts five Wedgworth alumni who serve on various boards and committees within the as-sociation. A New England transplant, Hannah grew up on her parent’s potato farm where she developed a love for ag-riculture.

Outstanding Volunteer - Lloyd Singleton, FCHP, University of Florida Lake County Extension Service (Tavares)

A familiar face around the in-dustry, Lloyd Singleton has lent his time and leadership skills to many FNGLA endeavors through the years including his

service as chairman of FNGLA’s TPIE Com-mittee, and many years of help as a member of the Knowledge College Committee. Director of UF/IFAS Lake County Exten-

sion, Lloyd has also tirelessly worked to both develop and advocate for FCHP cer-tification education training at Coleman Correctional, a federal institution based in Sumter County. That program, which has experienced overwhelmingly positive results since its in-ception several years ago, trains inmates for success in earning FNGLA’s Certified Horti-culture Professional designation.

Farm Credit/FNGLA Young Nursery Professional - Joe Shook, FCHP, Joe’s Nursery (Eustis)

Known for his willingness to pitch in and help with both chap-ter events and virtually anything related to furthering the horticul-ture industry, Joe Shook is an in-strumental steward of FNGLA’s Action Chapter.

A familiar face at chapter events, and a past board member, Joe’s volunteer efforts with the chapter’s annual plant sale have in recent years been vital to its continued success.

A Lake County native, Joe grew up surrounded by plants as his father, Rick, was a longtime nursery em-ployee. This helped Joe develop what would turn out to be his life-long love of plants. Joe currently owns and operates Joe’s Nursery, a 15-acre operation which specializes in landscape orna-mentals, based in Eustis. Joe is known among his colleagues as highly trust-worthy and possessing outstanding business ethics. In his spare time, Joe enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.

15

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Industry Award Winners

April 2018 Greenline

Wendell Butler Award - Billy Butterfield, FCLC, AmeriScapes Landscape Management Services (Orlando)

A past FNGLA presi-dent, Bill Butterfield has had a long and respected history of service to both the FNGLA and Flori-

da’s horticulture industry. A very active volunteer in many of FNG-

LA’s programs including FNGLA’s Action Chapter, Billy has helped in a wide range of capacities, most re-cently with erecting training class-es to help professionals train for an FNGLA certification. Billy has also earned a reputation for being a steady and trustworthy confidant and mentor, helping many in-

dustry newcomers obtain success within the industry. Whether a leader, political ad-vocate, father or friend, Billy looks at each role he plays as vitally im-portant. Billy has earned an industry-wide reputation as a steady and trust-worthy confidant and mentor for many industry newcomers.

Hall of Fame – Buck Wurster, FCLC, B & L Landscaping Co. (Jacksonville)

Regarded by many as both a loy-al friend and men-

tor, Wurster has been serv-ing the industry going back roughly four decades. He

and his wife, Louise, are well-regarded for their count-less volunteer hours with FN-GLA’s Northeast Chapter. Their stewardship over the years has helped the NEFN-GLA’s annual Jacksonville Landscape Show achieve incredible successes. The Wursters were two of the

trade show’s founding mem-bers nearly 30 years ago. A past FNGLA president who served from 2003 - 2004, Wurster was a leading voice during his term to change the name of the association to in-clude Landscape. He is also known as a pillar of common sense-commitment, loyalty and can always be counted on for a kind word of sup-port.

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FNGLA’s Legislator of the Year - Senator Kelli Stargel

Buy the AgTag® $20 of your purchase helps educate our kids!Through your purchase of the Florida Agriculture License Plate,

Florida Agriculture In The Classroom is able to provide:• Funds for school gardens• PreK–12 agriculture curriculum• Teacher and volunteer grants

• Workshops and farm tours• Florida Agriculture Literacy Day• And much more!

Visit www.agtag.org to learn more.

Ag Tag Ad_GREENLINE 3.indd 1 4/13/18 4:32 PM

FNGLA’s Friend of the Industry - Charles LaPradd, Miami-Dade County

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Buy the AgTag® $20 of your purchase helps educate our kids!Through your purchase of the Florida Agriculture License Plate,

Florida Agriculture In The Classroom is able to provide:• Funds for school gardens• PreK–12 agriculture curriculum• Teacher and volunteer grants

• Workshops and farm tours• Florida Agriculture Literacy Day• And much more!

Visit www.agtag.org to learn more.

Ag Tag Ad_GREENLINE 3.indd 1 4/13/18 4:32 PM

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Elevator to the Top

Certification Feature

South Florida Landscape Contractor Jenkins Landscape uses FNGLA Certification to Promote Employees

April 2018 Greenline

Business owners know that all-too-often, finding good em-

ployees is only half the battle --- keeping them can prove illusive.That’s why one South Florida land-scape company is using FNGLA certification to encourage employ-ees to move up within the company -- and hopefully stick around for a while. Vice President Erin Jenkins Ban-as of Jenkins Landscape, a Land-scape Contractor based in Hobe Sound, says she takes notice of em-ployees who seek to earn an FNG-LA certification.After employees earn their certi-fication it gives them confidence, and they show a noticeable pride in their position within the company, Jenkins Banas adds. “I love when an employee hangs their certification on the wall,” ex-claims Jenkins Banas. “That tells me they’re working in landscape because they really enjoy it and it’s not just a paycheck!” Jenkins Landscape has 30 em-ployees who hold at least one of FNGLA’s six professional certifica-tions. In April, the company host-ed FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician training and testing for Martin and Palm Beach County landscape compa-nies. Banas says better employees makes for a better company. “The certifications are something we tell our customers and potential

customers about to help us stand out from the competition,” she says. “Our employees’ increased knowl-edge and experience improves their work performance in the land-scape.” Employees also receive a bonus and a pay raise depending on the certification, says Banas. “Every employee wants to make more

money and the certification pro-gram benefits both the employee and employer.” And, more money, more respect and higher rank go a long way to-ward keeping happy, competent employees, Banas adds. For more information on FNGLA Certifications, visit FNGLA’s web-site. •

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COURTESY PHOTOINDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS - The Jenkins family.

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April 2018 Greenline 19

the weekend! The service was impeccable. Each event was meticulously planned and the professional salsa dancers were exhilarating to watch. Yet, the memory I cher-ish the most took place after the evening’s events ended. Out-going FNGLA president Dave Self, FNGLA’s staff Ben Bolusky and Jim Spratt, Past President Paul Polomsky and I sat on the seawall with beers/diet cokes and cigars - and just talked for hours. We talked about our families and businesses, as well as FNGLA and the issues of the day. At some point the oth-ers went to bed, yet Dave and I talked late into the night about our personal stories and our plans for the future. Dave even-tually asked if I would consid-er higher office within FNGLA. I was shocked to be asked and honored to even be considered. Although I was not prepared to say yes at that time, the seed had been planted. I have been to many wonderful FNGLA Conventions since then, yet that experience is my most memorable. Please consider attending this year’s FNGLA Convention in Bonita Springs to make your own spe-cial memories.

Respectfully, Ed Bravo

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

President’s Letter

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Linda Adams

Guest Column

FNGLA ARCHIVEFROM THE VAULT -Past FNGLA President Roy Rood and wife, Patricia, sit beside David K. Stabler, FNGLA’s first president, and Charles Culbreath, at right.

When the Florida Nursery & Growers Association or-

ganized in 1952, one of its first activities was to convene its members to meet one another, conduct association business and expand individual business-es and contacts. This was FN-GLA’s first Annual Convention -- and so the tradition continues. Although I haven’t been around FNGLA since 1952 (de-spite what some may say), I feel

certain there has been a Conven-tion held each of the 66 years FNGA/FNGLA has been around. This annual convening of mem-bers has been an integral part in the development of the associa-tion and the industry. FNGLA’s conventions, like the association and its members, have changed over the years. In some years, Convention was part of what was called FNGLA’s Trade Meet (aka FNATS, The

Landscape Show) active with trade show booths, banquets and meetings on top of meetings. Yet most years, the FNGLA Conven-tion has been a stand-alone net-working event giving members plenty of relaxation time to ex-change industry news, business ideas, and laughter with FNG-LA friends and family. One can think of it as FNGLA’s family reunion. FNGLA Convention = Return on Relationships.

FNGLA Convention -- It’s a ‘people’ thing

April 2018 Greenline

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FNGLA ARCHIVETHE BIG SHOES - Earl Christenbury (‘84-’85), at left, and Roy Davis (‘85-’86) hold the big shoes.

April 2018 Greenline

In 2002, FNGLA celebrated its 50th anniversary. At that time, we created a video in which ac-tive FNGLA members from each of the five decades were inter-viewed. Each person shared dif-ferent accomplishments of FNG-LA during his/her time, whether it was success in Tallahassee, new marketing inroads or a new FNGLA office building. Yet, the FNGLA activity each person spoke of most fondly, no matter the decade, was their time at-tending FNGLA conventions. In that commemoration vid-

eo, Roy and Patricia Rood told us how excited everyone was to be at FNGA’s first conventions in the 1950’s. Jack Seibenthaler (‘66-‘67 talked about decisions made over drinks sitting by the pool at conventions in the 1960’s. Tommy Aiello (‘93-‘94) talked about the close friendships he built attending numerous con-ventions in the 1980’s. Jerry Frye shared the inspiration he received learning from volunteer leaders he met at conventions in the 1990’s. As part of the FNGLA 50th

Anniversary video each person being interviewed was asked what the best benefit was he/she received as an FNGLA member. No matter which decade repre-sented, every one of them said without hesitating – the people. I agree. I have had the privilege of working for FNGLA for 30+ years and have worked closely with hundreds of FNGLA mem-bers. It’s the FNGLA people who have made and continue to make FNGLA the relevant, engaged and happy organization it is to-day. There’s no better place to get to know FNGLA people than at an FNGLA Convention. FNG-LA Convention = FNGLA people. And so the tradition continues. •

FNGLA ARCHIVEFAMILIAR FACES-Past FNGLA President Jerry Frye (‘02-‘03) and wife, Pep.

FNGLA ARCHIVEFROM THE VAULT - Past presidents including David K. Stabler (‘52-‘53), far left, Roy Rood (‘58-‘59), bottom second from right, and Seibenthaler (‘66-‘67).

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Standing Taller Together

FNGLA - PAC

Association gains overwhelming support ahead of important election season

3-D Landscape Nursery Inc

A R M International

Agri-Starts Inc

Agromillora Florida Inc

Alan Shapiro

Albin Hagstrom & Son Inc

Albritton’s Nursery

Ameriscapes

Ann Clement

Arazoza Brothers Corp

B & L Landscape Co

BASF

Bay Landscape & Palm Service

Beckel Landscape Nursery Inc

Bella Vista Nursery

Big Sky Growers Inc

Big Trees Plantation & Nursery

Botanics Wholesale

Boyd Nurseries Inc

Brite Leaf Citrus Nursery LLC

Castleton Gardens Inc

Central Florida Ferns & Foliage

CitriSun Nuseries LLC

Coastal Botanics

Complete Property Maintenance Inc

Costa Farm

Country Joe’s Nursery Inc

Dewar Nurseries Inc

Dilley Citrus Nursery Inc

Dixon Nursery

Eco Solutions Marketing Inc

Emerald Lawn Service Inc

Farm Life Tropical Foliage Inc

Fiddler’s Ridge Farms Inc

Fish Branch Tree Farm Inc

Florica Farms Inc

April 2018 Greenline

FNGLA-PAC’s sole purpose is to increase visi-bility and provide campaign assistance - on a

bi-partisan basis - to Florida state legislators and candidates who actively support our industry. By law, FNGLA-PAC’s money cannot be used for lobbying purposes.

FNGLA-PAC is a separate fund which supports candidates who promote and protect nursery and landscape industry’s interests in Tallahassee. FNGLA would like to acknowledge those who have graciously contributed to the between Jan-uary 1 and June 8, 2018:

FNGLA PHOTOAT THE TABLE -FNGLA officers visit with legislators during a recent trip to Washington D.C..

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FNGLA - PAC

Flying W Cattle Co

Four C’s Nursery

Friendship Foliage

Green Island Nursery LLC

Groundworks of Palm Beach County

Hayslip Landscape/Samuel Comer

Heart of Florida Greenhouses

Irritech International Inc

Jenkins Landscape Co Inc

Jennifer Helms-Shelley

Jon’s Nursery Inc

Just Big Stuff Nursery

KPS Sales

Landscape Service Professionals

Lazy Sago Inc

Living Colors Nursery Inc

Marshall Tree Farm

May Nursery Inc

Mercer Botanicals

Native Sun Landscape Services Inc

Oglesby Plants Int’l Inc

Pahokee Palms

Paul Polomsky

Quinntessence Nursery Inc

R & R Sprinkler & Landscape

Record Buck Farms Inc

Red Oak Nursery

Richard Hagstrom Ferneries

Richard Williams Nursery LLC

Rock & Rose Lawn Care LLC

Rock City Gardens

Rock City Nursery & Landscaping

Roseville Farms LLC

Schoen Lawn Maintenance LLC

Searle Brothers Nursery Inc

Silver Krome Gardens Inc

Simpson Nurseries

Slay’s Trees LLC

Southern Scapes

Sun Bulb Co Inc

Sun City Tree Farm

Suncoast Nursery Inc

Sun-Fire Nurseries LLC

Sunscapes Landscpe Design Inc

Sunset Specialty Groundcover

Terra Feed LLC

The Jungle Nursery

Three Volcanoes Farm LLC

Value Tech Realty Services Inc

Vosters Insurance Inc

Weeds and Seeds LLC

Wekiwa Gardens Inc

Windmill Farms Nurseries Inc

WLM Work-A-Holics Landscape Mgmt

Cherrylake

Silver Vase

Contributors cont’d

April 2018 Greenline

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