Start the New Year with Success at TPIE

January 2015 | Volume 36, Issue 1
FNGLA’S MONTHLY PUBLICATION: DIGITAL MONTHLY ISSUE LOCATED AT HTTP://GREENLINE.FNGLA.ORG
Start the New Year with Success at TPIE
The economic outlook for 2015 is continued growth, higher employment and increased consumer spending. Are you ready
to take advantage of these positive forecasts? Regardless of your business segment in the nursery and landscape industry, the
Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) offers excellent programs and resources to increase your business success in 2015
and beyond.
With a sold-out exhibit hall, TPIE has nearly 400 exhibiting companies in more
than 800 booths spaces showcasing the newest and best-selling plants, products
and services. Add the expertise and latest information the booth personnel
have to share, and just walking the trade show floor makes TPIE an excellent
business tool to get your 2015 off to a smart start! From your mobile device, visit
http://m.tpie.org to stay up-to-date on show happenings and events.
But wait, there’s more! As consumer spending increases, it’s more important
than ever to understand consumer trends and mind sets. No one knows this
topic better than Christine Boland, international trends analyst who specializes
in retail, fashion and social trends and how to apply them to individual business.
Christine is the TPIE Opening Session keynote speaker on Wednesday, January
21 at 9 a.m. Admission to the TPIE Opening Session is included with a TPIE
badge.
Look for additional trend and value-added selling ideas at the TPIE Create
Theater where floral designers from the American Institute of Floral Designers
(AIFD) offer idea-loaded workshops, twice a day, each day of the show. The
Create Theater is also the spot to see what’s trending at TPIE as The Garden
Center Group presents the top 15 TPIE Cool Products as voted by show
Continued page 3
1
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Sandy Stein
FNGLA 2014-2015 President
2015 Brings TPIE, New Business Opportunities
& Escalating Industry Sales!
“Without customers, you don’t have a business. You have a hobby.”
– Don Peppers & Martha Rogers
I love January. It begins the
ascension upward toward what
will be our industry’s nowreality “Spring Sales” where for
our business (and I suspect for
many container plant- based
businesses) approximately 66% of our sales are made.
And to start the year off right, here once again comes
TPIE!
The Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition is a spectacle
– a spectacle of what is newest in interior foliage,
spring-color, pottery, retail packaging, merchandising,
educational experiences and more. It is truly a one-stop
showcase reflecting where the best and the brightest
are creatively taking this huge segment of our industry
– and demonstrating just how far we have evolved.
Walking the show floor is a treat, with everyone
dressing our products in their finest attire. With the
new show layout, which started just last year, buyers
are funneled past every possible product they might
need over the coming year.
In our industry, as with many industries, trade
shows are an irreplaceable means of developing new
business relationships. If it were not for trade shows,
and specifically TPIE for our business, we would
be forced to spend far greater dollars searching out
new customers and using both our time and dollar
resources to travel to all areas of the United States,
Canada, and the Caribbean Islands, just to name a
few, trying to develop new business. For existing and
potential customers, TPIE affords an ideal setting
to source product for the coming year and beyond.
Buyers get to speak with existing vendors and find
new suppliers and products to further develop their
businesses. It’s a win-win for everyone.
The educational experiences FNGLA offers can
substantiate the time and travel costs for some buyers.
Our business was privileged to be a stop on last year’s
TPIE “Road Show” and the tour had a substantially
positive impact on our business. Those attending
this year can choose either the Garden Center tour
or the Interiorscape Tour, each with its own opening
educational classroom experience. Traveling by bus to
either Garden Centers or Interior Foliage production
nurseries, each is somehow unique in their product
selections and presentations. For the nursery tour,
representatives from each business have a captive
audience of eager buyers to showcase their products, to
introduce their staff, and to allow attendees to see the
operations of which they feel so proud. Check out the
FNGLA website to see all the particulars of this year’s
TPIE and to find information about signing up for
these educational opportunities, as well as everything
else under the TPIE sun.
Here’s to an awesome 2015. May this year continue to
bring escalating sales and ever-increasing opportunities
to become more than we are individually and
collectively. The FNGLA staff and its Board of
Directors look forward to serving you another year
and we welcome your input and participation. Please
use the contact information on the website www.fngla.
org to reach any of our staff or you can reach me at
[email protected].
Sandy Stein
The Jungle Nursery (Miami)
[email protected]
The Best FNGLA Summer Meeting for 63 Years: FNGLA’s Annual Convention
Save the Date – June 12-13, 2015
Bienvenido a Miami Tropical! | Welcome to Tropical Miami!
Westin Colonnade, Coral Gables, Florida
2
FNGLA HAPPENINGS
Special Thanks to our
Show Sponsors
TPIE Happy Hour & Lanyard Sponsor
Continued from page 1
attendees! This is unveiled on Thursday, January 23 at 2
p.m.
For more in-depth and face-to-face learning, grab a seat on
the TPIE Road Show, which takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 20!
Offering a garden center track as well as an interiorscape
track, the TPIE Road Show starts with overview sessions to
set the stage and then travels to garden centers or nurseries,
depending on the track you selected. The TPIE Road Show
includes sessions by professional presenters, coach travel
to the tour stops, lunch and exclusive time with industry
experts and colleagues.
Business success often depends on business connections.
TPIE delivers those not only on the trade show floor and in
learning sessions, yet through fun activities such as the TPIE
Happy Hour which is in the Fountain Courtyard outside
on the convention center on Thursday, Jan. 21 from 5 – 6
p.m. Sponsored by Suntory, this dynamic event mixes fun
and entertainment with a laid back atmosphere for casual
conversations and shared ideas. Many profitable business
deals had their genesis at the TPIE Happy Hour!
If you have yet to register, you can still do so! For just
$30, a show badge includes three days of the show, TPIE
Opening Session, continuous learning sessions, 400 vendor
companies and thousands of plants, products and people to
see and meet. Add the TPIE Road Show to your pre-show
experience for just $150 additional.
The best hotel rates and availability are available
through TPIE’s housing company, Eventsphere. Use
TPIE’s online housing reservation for the up-to-date
availability and pricing. Shuttle buses run from TPIE’s
host hotels to the convention center on all three show
days. Access TPIE’s 2014 Photo Gallery: https://
plus.google.com/photos/101900735408609469622/
albums/5973654788995014417.
Opening Session Sponsors
Innovations Lounge
Create Theater presented by AIFD
Thursday
Sessions Sponsor
Exhibitors’ Showcase
Tradeshow Bags
General Sponsor
Rest Stations
TPIE is another signature event produced by FNGLA and
its members with its proceeds used to serve the industry.
3
FNGLA HAPPENINGS
More TPIE Happenings: Maximize Your Investment at the Show!
Your TPIE badge gives you entrance to all three days of the
world’s most comprehensive tropical foliage event, admission
to the TPIE Opening Session, continuous learning sessions,
400 vendor companies in 800 booths and thousands of plants,
products and people to see and meet. Extend your experience
with TPIE’s Road Shows, just $150 for a day of learning, tours
and networking:
For Retail Garden Center Professionals
Tom Shay, Profits Plus, will provide insight on where the customer is in the marketplace today. Hear how garden centers can
sell more plants when they take their eyes off the sale and focus on the customers’ needs.
Then, Internationally known for his work in garden center and retail nursery design and space planning, Ernest Wertheim,
Wertheim/van der Ploeg & Klemeyer will take attendees for a walk through a garden center before you get on the bus. From
the entrance to the checkout, Ernest will share successful ways to layout a store and tips and lessons learned from his many
years of industry experience.
Once “on the go,” attendees will visit three local garden centers:
• Since 1996, Flamingo Road Nursery has provided a friendly and knowledgeable staff and a full line of plants, pottery,
and garden accessories. Featured at this stop will be event planning. Hear how adding a Harvest Festival to their fall
season has made it the most profitable time of year for them. Special sessions on event planning and the care and
handling of plant deliveries will take place here.
• Living Color Garden Center has been serving the South Florida community since 1990, and offers 5 acres of plants,
outdoor seating, garden supplies and accessories to beautify home and gardens. Living Color’s team will share with
attendees some unique ways to display plants which can result in increased sales and offer their customers creative ideas to
use in their garden centers.
• Don’t miss the last stop of the day: attendees will see how the GardenWorks team has repurposed a corner gas station
transforming the space into a successful garden center. Offering a great selection of native and exotic plants, garden
supplies and garden services to local residents and business owners alike, their goal is to provide the best customer service.
A special grower showcase will be offered at this stop.
For Interiorscape Professionals
Dr. James DelPrince, Mississippi State University, will cover innovative marketing and design ideas for work spaces and
special events. Then, Kathryn O’Donnell, Botanicus Interior Landscaping will provide a vision for the future of interior
landscape.
Take the morning lessons into action visiting Homestead area nurseries, the first step in creating stellar interiorscape projects.
• Farm Life Tropical Foliage was founded in 1985 on five acres of land in the heart of the Redlands district in South
Florida. Today, Farm Life’s production area is 18.5 acres of shadehouses, 10 acres of marl field and three acres of large
trees and palms in in-ground grow bags. As one of the favorite stops on TPIE’s Road Show, attendees will hear about their
in-house pest management program. You’ll leave with a better understanding of what it takes to consistently grow and
ship top-notch material.
• Plants in Design has been in continuous operation for more than 25 years utilizing state of the art greenhouses,
computerized irrigation systems and robotics. In fact, Plants in Design may be the most technologically advanced facility
of its type. Through on-going communication with hybridizers and laboratories worldwide, their goal is to respond to
customers’ requests for timely access to new hybrid varieties with distinctive look of novel colors and shapes.
4
FNGLA HAPPENINGS
Attend Complimentary Workshops at TPIE
Take advantage of informal, free workshops provided by the
American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), all with a
foliage focus. Presentations take place on the show floor as
part of the Create Theater happenings and feature many of the
plants and products found on the TPIE show floor.
Wednesday, January 21 – Plant Design Trends
Sponsored by University of Florida, IFAS
11 a.m. – A Touch of Glass
A hot design trend is the use of glass as containers, terrariums, table décor and more.
Designers will feature multiple creations combining glass and plants for ideas easy to use and
easy to see through!
2 p.m. – TPIE’s Foliage Designer Duel!
Who will win as three top AIFD designers use plants and products they borrow from TPIE
exhibit booths to create designs which capture current trends as applied to foliage and tropical
plants? En garde!
Thursday, January 22 – Plants with A RePurpose
Sponsored by Delray Plants
10 a.m. – Plant Props: Thrift Store Finds Repurposed
Old drawers stacked become a living wall of plants; burned out light fixtures can beam with
plants, glass cake stands become terrariums. See the creative metamorphoses the designers
come up with as they repurpose the old and make it new with plants.
1 p.m. - Plants Redux
Designers will share ideas on taking plants which are overgrown, stretched or not viable as a
standard, to be incorporated into a new means to sell. Whether used as novel elements of a
container garden, trimmed in an avant garde style or even turned upside down for a hanging
effect, you’ll rethink the traditional look needed to sell a plant.
Friday, January 23 – The Art of Plants
Sponsored by Rockledge Gardens
10 a.m. - Art Brought to Life
Fabric, Painting, Photograph. Each of these visual art medium will be the starting point as
designers use plants to interpret the artistic qualities of each element. Be inspired to borrow
the themes for store merchandising and interiorscape projects.
12:30 p.m. - Interactive Arts Meet Plant Art
Whether music, painting, dance or plant design, the arts bring more than beauty to our lives.
They touch a place in our soul which enriches and is worthy of sharing. Enjoy this unique,
dynamic presentation combining several mediums of interactive art with the art of plants.
5
FNGLA HAPPENINGS
FNGLA Addresses The Need For Qualified Employees at TPIE
One of the biggest concerns we hear from members is the need for qualified employees – and where to find our future leaders.
FNGLA is linking employers with a host of potential employees at the 2015 TPIE show in Ft. Lauderdale, January 21-23.
Job Board
FNGLA will feature a traditional Job Board in its membership
booth #2500 during the show. Come by to post open
positions you would like to fill at your company. Job seekers
are encouraged to post their resumes too! FNGLA staff will
be available at the booth to facilitate the postings and answer
questions.
Career Fair
Introduce your company to tomorrow’s leaders at TPIE’s Horticulture Career Fair Friday, January 23, 2015. Career tabletops
open at 10 a.m. with presentations starting at 11 a.m. Nearly 300 high school horticulture students from around Florida take
part in this annual event.
New this year, table spaces are available for any company wishing to set-up a display to connect with these students. Contact
Amy DiBella at [email protected] to reserve a spot. Following the event, students are invited to learn about Florida’s nursery
and landscape industry by visiting the TPIE show floor.
FFA Career Development Events
Although not taking place at TPIE, each year nearly 350 students demonstrate their horticultural skills at the Florida FFA
Career Development Events (CDEs) in Floriculture and Nursery/Landscape. The 2015 events takes place Saturday, March 7
at the University of Florida Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka. Booths will be available for you to attract
the best and brightest horticulture students from around the state.
For more information on FNGLA’s career events, contact Amy DiBella at FNGLA or call 407-295-7994.
As positions open up and qualified candidates become harder to source, FNGLA is expanding its efforts to connect both
qualified professionals and the next generation to potential employers.
6
FNGLA HAPPENINGS
Know an FNGLA Hero? Nominations for FNGLA Industry Awards
Now Being Accepted!
FNGLA is so fortunate to have many hard-working volunteers who
generously and happily share their time, expertise and resources
with fellow members to help build a better Association and a better
industry. Make sure the folks who go above and beyond for FNGLA
receive the recognition they deserve. Nominate them for one of
FNGLA’s prestigious industry awards and help FNGLA put the
spotlight on an FNGLA Hero.
FNGLA seeks nominations for annual industry awards in the
following categories: FNGLA Hall of Fame; Wendell Butler Award;
FNGLA/Farm Credit Young Nursery Professional of the Year;
Outstanding Chapter President; Outstanding Chapter Secretary/
Treasurer; Outstanding Volunteer; and, Outstanding Educator.
Visit http://www.fngla.org/recognition/industry-awards/ for a
description of the various awards, as well as the nomination forms.
You can also find a list of previous FNGLA industry awards winners at this site. For more details, contact Linda Adams at
[email protected] or call 800-375-3642.
A busted mower can mean a busted business.
So when your equipment is down, we know you
expect parts on our shelf and a
skilled mechanic in our shop.
Whether you need a box of blades or an
overhaul on your engine, your local
Horizon Service Center can get the job done.
Visit www.HorizonOnline.com to learn more about our Service Centers.
Scan here to shop online, or visit your local Florida Horizon store.
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7
INDUSTRY NEWS
PREREGISTER
ONLINE AND
SAVE!
February 13 & 14, 2014
at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds
Don’t leave your
business to chance
What’s new
in the field.
Refresh your
relationships.
Plant the seeds for
growing your business.
FNGLA
®
FLORIDA NURSERY, GROWERS
AND LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION
Leading Florida’s Green Industry
Northeast Chapter FNGLA | 904.292.1117 | nefngla.org
FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days Takes
Place May 13 & 14, Orlando!
Plan to attend the next
FNGLA’s Floriculture Field
Days: May 13 & 14 in
Orlando! Florida’s spring
season is an ideal time to
evaluate plants for garden
performance and test their
resilience. Breeders will
bring their newest varieties
to Central Florida to test
their durability against the
heat and humidity. The
program will feature new
varieties at all three locations:
Walt Disney World’s nursery;
Harry P. Leu Gardens;
and, University of Florida’s
Orange County Extension
Service.
Looking to increase your
knowledge of designing
with color and textures?
FNGLA’s Floriculture Field
Days is a great place to learn
the latest design techniques
and maintenance as well as
an ideal venue to interact
with the leaders of the
Floriculture, Landscape and
Garden Center segments of
the industry. A day and a
half program will offer both classroom and trial time.
FNGLA HAPPENINGS
FNGLA Highlights
Plants and Certification
at HOA/Condo Show
In December, members of FNGLA’s
Marketing and Certification committees
promoted Florida-grown plants and FNGLA
Certified Professionals to property managers,
condos, apartments and homeowner
associations at an industry show in Ft.
Lauderdale.
Thanks to Deb Joneck of Florida Coast
Equipment and Wes Parrish of Parrish
Nursery for fielding the many questions at
the booth and to Robert Shoelson, FCLC,
of Getting Green Plant Services for serving
on the show’s Ask The Expert panel.
Questions ranged from how to choose a
landscape company to the best plants for
their properties. The booth attracted many
attendees thanks to plants from Parrish
Nursery and succulent dish garden giveaways
from Lukas Nursery.
This event was an opportunity to get in
front of yet another market for FNGLA’s
member products and services.
Looking for sponsorship opportunities? Position your business as a leader
to this key audience. Great sponsorships are available: http://www.fngla.
org/events/floriculture-field-day/Sponsorship.aspx. Choose to have an
exhibit table to display your business products or capture higher visibility
as an exclusive event sponsor of one of the conference happenings which
includes the opportunity to briefly address the group at the event. For
details on participating, log on to https://www.fngla.org/events/floriculturefield-day/. For details on sponsoring, contact Linda Reindl, lreindl@fngla.
org. Your participation will help increase awareness and strengthen the
professionalism of the industry.
9
INDUSTRY NEWS
More Great Things from the University of Florida/IFAS
By Jack Payne
[email protected]
UF/IFAS has 14 academic departments and two schools, so I spend a lot of time finding the right
people to lead them. Finding a new chair for the Department of Environmental Horticulture was
easy, because I already employed an ideal candidate in Ft. Pierce.
Sandy Wilson has done outstanding research and teaching, she has boundless enthusiasm, and she
has what it takes to lead.
Dr. Wilson is known for her work on the invasive
potential of ornamental species. Because I’m the senior vice president of
agriculture and natural resources at UF, that’s exactly the kind of work I believe
is so crucial for Florida. We must help industry identify opportunities for profit
while protecting natural resources that help make Florida such a great place to live
– and to visit.
She’s also an expert ornamental propaGator (our UF computers automatically
capitalize Gator in any context!), an active participant in industry events, and a
Friend of Ben. Her dedication to the land-grant mission of research, Extension
and teaching make her a valuable asset to IFAS and to stakeholders.
I always say you can expect great things from IFAS, and here’s what you can
expect from Sandy:
• More attention to garnering national awards for our students and faculty.
• Efforts to increase undergraduate and graduate student enrollment.
• Advocacy for more resources so the department can do more for
the industry. She began talking about the need for more faculty to
complement the 30-member department before she even moved to
Gainesville!
• A continued commitment to solid science.
• Leadership involvement in the industry. She was the most recent guest
speaker at the FNGLA Frontrunners Chapter meeting, introduced herself to a number of the industry vendors at
the recent FNGLA Landscape show in Orlando, and is looking forward to attending the Tropical Plant Industry
Exhibition in January. She’ll continue to serve on the board of the American Society for Horticultural Science as
vice president of education and is an active member of the International Plant Propagation Society, in addition to a
number of other plant organizations.
It’s important for us to have someone like Sandy who has such a strong relationship with FNGLA. Your input helps keep our
research relevant. Her hire also demonstrates our gratitude for industry support in the form of research funding, scholarships,
letters of support for grant applications and use of nursery lands for demonstration projects.
Although Sandy is more noted for building a large teaching botanical garden at the Indian River Research and Education
Center, her yard in her home in Ft. Pierce contains a diverse mixture of leftovers from student projects: firebush, Simpson’s
stopper and wild coffee.
Please welcome Sandy. She can be reached on her mobile phone at 772-834-7619 or by email at [email protected]. The
department website is http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/.
10
FNGLA MEMBERSHIP IS A GOOD BUSINESS DECISION
MEMBER BENEFITS & DISCOUNTS
Commercial Vehicle Discount
Isuzu Commercial Truck
of America, Inc. provides
FNGLA members special
discounts on the purchase of any new Isuzu commercial
vehicle from any Florida Isuzu dealership.
Credit Card Processing Discounts
Integrity Merchant
Solutions offers
members special
FNGLA group benefits including: no hidden fees, free cost
comparisons, no early termination fees, ability to use your
old equipment, and working with all card types and offering
check processing and gift card programs.
Employment Law Hotline
This Law “Hotline” offers advice to FNGLA members
needed assistance with wage & hour, OSHA, I-9 issues and
workers’ compensation retaliation claims.
Group Life Insurance
Take advantage of discounted
rates on group life insurance
for yourself, family members
and your employees. The
program features Guaranteed
Issue Amounts up to $50,000 with no medical exams
required.
Promotional Benefits & Visibility
FNGLA’s growers, retail
garden centers & landscape
professionals are enrolled
in the Fresh From Florida
campaign promoting Florida’s
plants throughout the Southeast and giving you access to
Fresh From Florida member benefits.
Online Marketing
PlantANT.com offers FNGLA
members five complimentary
plant listings in the newly relaunched FNGLA Locator now hosted online by PlantANT.
FNGLA members with more than five listings qualify for
a 5% PlantANT discount. You can also track your results
with real time statistics and upload images with PlantANT’s
smartphone app. Access PlantANT at www.fngla.org/
locator.
Online Marketing
Use PlantFinder’s PlantSearch online
system to increase your exposure to
plant buyers and suppliers. FNGLA
members can receive an Online
Plant Booth at www.PlantSearch.
com to manage online listings and pictures. FNGLA
members can choose both print and online advertising with
member discounts or up to 5 free online listings. FNGLA
members and loyal PlantFinder advertisers also receive free
PlantFinder banner ads and 5 listings (Total Monthly Value
up to $72.50). Get started today! Call 800-627-3819 or
email [email protected].
Payroll Processing Discount
Tired of being treated like a
number? You can outsource
your company’s payroll without
giving up the flexibility and personal
attention you need. MasterPay USA will
keep you in compliance and make payroll easy. FNGLA
members are eligible for an exclusive 15% discount on
published payroll processing prices. The discount is
immediate and on-going -- not an introductory rate.
• FREE Direct Deposit and Web Access
• Automated payment of all Federal, State & Local payroll
taxes
• Garnishment administration with electronic Child Support
Payments
More Programs, More Details on the flipside!
INDUSTRY NEWS
PLANET Announces Rebranding
Initiative for 2015
Florida Water StarSM Teams
With FANN
In an effort to
strengthen their
voice, PLANET, the
Professional Landcare
Network, has announced a rebranding initiative which will
include the launch of a new association name to be announced in
late February at their “Great Escape” conference in the Bahamas.
They’re committed to developing a concept for a new brand that
will help them aggressively advocate for and promote the industry
in a way to benefit all their member companies.
Even though the new brand will be unveiled in February,
PLANET won’t officially begin using it until April 2015, giving
the industry and its members time to learn about and implement
the new brand.
For more details on this happening, visit https://www.
landcarenetwork.org/PLANET/About-Us/About-Us/PLANET/
About-Us/PLANET-Rebranding.aspx.
Florida Water StarSM (FWS) Accredited Professional
training and testing will be a part of the 2015 Native
Plant Show in Kissimmee, hosted by the Florida
Association of Native Nurseries. This is yet another
example of industries working together toward a
common goal of water conservation. Training is April
8 with an optional exam April 9, 2015.
This comprehensive water conservation program
focuses on Florida-friendly landscape alternatives and
irrigation requirements that can have a major impact
on water usage. The day-long program includes a
half day on irrigation and a half day on landscape.
Continuing education credits can be earned for
FNGLA, Irrigation Association, Registered Landscape
Architects and Volusia County’s irrigation license.
Space is still available for the February 3, 2015 FWS
program hosted by the City of Palm Coast.
St. Johns River Water Management District has
contracted with FNGLA to administer the FWS
Accredited Professional exams in irrigation and
landscape. To date, 178 irrigation and landscape
professionals have earned the Accredited Professional
designation.
Complete information about the Florida Water
StarSM program can be found at www.floridawaterstar.
com or contact Deirdre Irwin at the St. Johns River
Water Management District at [email protected].
For more information on the February 3 or April 8
programs, contact FNGLA’s Merry Mott at mmott@
fngla.org.
13
INDUSTRY NEWS
Florida Agriculture Literacy Day: April 21
The 12th annual Florida Agriculture Literacy Day is scheduled for Tuesday April
21 and a new non-fiction children’s book developed for it will highlight Florida’s
livestock and poultry industries.
The book, the title of which is ‘Drive Through Florida: Livestock and Poultry,’
features an animated red truck that takes students on a tour of Florida’s beef, dairy,
poultry, swine, equine, sheep and goat industries.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, the Florida Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and Florida Agriculture in the
Classroom (FAITC) invite farmers, growers, ranchers, Farm Bureau members,
Florida cattlemen and cattlewomen, University of Florida IFAS extension and
4-H agents, master gardeners, FFA teachers and students and agriculture industry
representatives to read in elementary classrooms around the state in honor of the event.
The book is geared to upper elementary students - third, fourth and fifth grades. Readers are encouraged to read on
Agriculture Literacy Day, but they don’t have to. They can read until the end of the school year. The book and materials will
be provided to readers for free thanks to funding FAITC receives from sales of the agriculture specialty license plate called the
‘Ag Tag.’
Teachers and agriculture industry representatives interested in participating, please check FAITC’s website, www.agtag.org, to
order materials beginning February 2015. The deadline to register for materials is Tuesday April 7 for those who are reading
on Florida Agriculture Literacy Day two weeks later. Readers are asked to schedule their classroom visits first, and then order
materials on the FAITC’s website.
Florida Agriculture in the Classroom is a non-profit organization that educates Florida teachers and students about where
their food, fiber and fuel comes from using lessons, materials, grant programs and other projects. For more information on
this exciting event, contact Lisa Gaskalla at 352-846-1391 or email [email protected].
AmericanHort’s Next Level Conference: February, Ft. Lauderdale
Managing the business end of your business is the best way to ensure it survives
and thrives. Experience AnericanHort’s Next Level Conference February 3 - 5 in Ft.
Lauderdale where you can learn to define your business goals, connect with innovate
peers and put your plan into action.
Next Level is an elite, three-day conference focused solely on helping you make the
most of your business. From development sessions led by some of the nation’s most
admired business experts and thought leaders to more casual gatherings designed to help you network with and learn from
your peers, Next Level will provide you with extraordinary insight, empowering ideas, and a plan you can put into action
once the conference is over.
Whether you’re most interested in marketing, leadership, managing a family business, planning for the future, or building
a better team, Next Level will get you there, and ensure both your horticulture business and your bank account stay green.
Learn more at http:// http://yournextlevel.org/.
14
CERTIFICATIONS
SAF Offers Pest &
Production Management
Conference, Orlando
Mark your calendar and plan to attend SAF’s
Pest & Production Management Conference,
February 19-21 in Orlando at the Rosen Plaza
Hotel on International Drive.
Top plant pathologists will share the latest info
on best practices and concerns like:
• Neonics and pollinators
• Bacterial outbreak prevention
• Early PGR use
• Precision irrigation technology
Schedule highlights include:
• Four educational tracks with multiple
sessions on production, pests, pathogens
and weeds
• Hands-on workshops using real tools
and live samples
• Table Top Showcase of production tools
and services
• Optional Growing Operations Tour
(additional fee)
The SAF member rate is $385.
Nonmembers pay $435.
The Society of American Florists is the
leading organization representing all
segments of the floral industry. SAF is
proud to provide marketing, business
and government services to its members,
including growers, wholesalers, retailers,
suppliers, importers, educators, designers
and allied organizations.
For more details on the conference, visit
http://www.safnow.org/ppmc.
Make 2015 Your Year To Become
FNGLA Certified!
Training classes and testing opportunities abound in early 2015 to give
you the best opportunity to earn your FNGLA Certification. Regardless
of your business mix or expertise, FNGLA has a certification program
for you!
FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP)
Preparatory classes for FCHP – which is a broad-based written
certification exam that tests your knowledge in everything from plant
biology through plant maintenance – begin across the state in January.
Ft. Myers, Ft. Pierce, Homestead, Orlando, Palm Beach Gardens, Plant
City, Sarasota and St. Petersburg will each host a training class. The test
is then given online. See FNGLA’s “Certification Preparation” website
at http://www.fngla.org/certifications/preparation.
FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician (FCLT) and Landscape
Maintenance Technician (FCLMT)
These hands-on landscape exams for technicians focus either on
landscape installation (FCLT) or landscape maintenance (FCLMT).
Several exams are scheduled. For more information, contact FNGLA’s
Merry Mott at [email protected]
Saturday, February 7: FCLMT-Maintenance Exam, SeaWorld
Horticulture, Orlando
Saturday, February 14: FCLT-Installation Exam, Pinellas Technical
College, St. Pete
Saturday, February 21: FCLT-Installation Exam, SeaWorld
Horticulture, Orlando
Friday, April 24: FCLT-Installation Exam, UF Ft. Lauderdale REC,
Davie
Plan to earn an FNGLA certification to increase your knowledge and
professionalism – and that of your employees.
FNGLA’s Certification Showcase: TPIE
Plan to visit a special Certification Showcase while at the Tropical Plant
Industry Exhibition January 21-23, 2015 in Ft. Lauderdale – manned
by FNGLA Certified Judges and Certification Committee Members.
Not only can you learn more about how to bring additional education
and professionalism to your company, you can actually practice several
of the exams – including Plant Identification, Job Evaluation and
Irrigation.
15
MEMBER NEWS
Brickman and ValleyCrest Are Now BrightView
Brickman and ValleyCrest recently announced BrightView as
the future name of their combined organization. Following the
announcement of Brickman and ValleyCrest’s merger in June of last
year, this represents the next step for the $2 billion landscape services
firm and its 22,000 employees in continuing to shape the landscape
industry.
The name BrightView suggests the bright views, or beautiful landscapes, the organization designs, builds and maintains on
its clients’ properties. Additionally, it speaks to the bright view the organization will offer its team members in the form of
opportunity and career advancement, as well as a continued commitment to excellence in service delivery for its clients and
their customers.
Although a forward-looking name, BrightView also honors the organization’s legacy brands, founders, shared values and all
the people who contributed to Brickman and ValleyCrest’s combined 140 years of success. This is done by carrying forward
the ‘B’ from Brickman and the ‘V’ from ValleyCrest. A new logo system will also be revealed that acknowledges the legacy
brands and reinforces their position as a dependable, adaptable and proactive partner to their clients.
“BrightView is more than a name; it indicates what is to come. BrightView reflects our optimism for the future and our drive
to create greater value for our clients. It embodies our excitement to leverage the strengths of our combined company to
enhance how we care for our people, our clients and our communities. It also enables our team members and clients to take
pride in trusted relationships and solutions that matter,” said BrightView CEO Andrew Kerin.
Isuzu Commercial Trucks Offers Big First-Half 2015 Special
Pricing For FNGLA Members
In recognition of their FNGLA
partnership, Isuzu Commercial Trucks
has extended FNGLA members an
$800 discount on top of their special
promotion pricing:
Isuzu FNGLA Member Special Incentives include:
2014 Gas = $2250 + $800 FNGLA = $3050 total savings
2014 Diesel = $3250 + $800 FNGLA = $4050 total savings
2015 Gas = $1250 + $800 FNGLA = $2050 total savings
2015 Diesel = $1750 + $800 FNGLA = $2550 total savings
Or, you can opt for one of their special finance/lease plans with rates starting as low as 0.99% for
36 months. Trucks must be delivered by the end of June to qualify. See your local Isuzu dealer or
call Florida’s New District Sales Manager Matt Mesick, FNGLA’s new point person, at
678-763-3537 for complete details.
16
Matt Mesick moves
from District Service
& Parts Manager
to District Sales
Manager and is
FNGLA’s new
point person.
NEW MEMBERS
Welcome New Members
The following are new FNGLA members: from November 22, 2014 - December 21, 2014
FRONTRUNNERS
Michael Sciardi (Student)
3800 SW 15th St
Gainesville, FL 32608
904-318-9267
MANASOTA
Automated Conveyor Company, Inc.
Jeff Van Hoose
5200 Gulf Dr #203
Holmes Beach, FL 34217
941-737-0678
Mullett Brothers Landscape & Brick
Pavers
Bryan Morris
1177 Cattleman Rd
Sarasota, FL 34232
941-342-9907
MIAMI-DADE
Mann Investment & Export, Inc.
Maria Mann-Moreno
1624 NE 177th St
North Miami Beach, FL 33162
305-332-5981
Stockton Group
Graziela Pedreira
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 607
Aventura, FL 33180
305-682-1211
OUTSIDE FLORIDA
Weeks Roses
Dawn Miller
30135 McCombs Rd
Wasco, CA 93280
661-758-5821
PANHANDLE
First Choice Automotive Inc.
Dan Jaquish
5500 NW St
Pensacola, FL 32505
850-341-1514
Keith Sylvest,Coastal Machinery
NOLES-SPELL, LLC
Mark Noles
1520 Michigan Ave
Lynn Haven, FL 32444
850-248-0973
City of Cape Coral
Kraig Hankins (Supportive)
PO Box 150027
Cape Coral, FL 33915-0027
239-574-0746
Springtime Farms
Sabreena Williams
13301 State Rd 80
Moore Haven, FL 33471
863-983-9627
ROYAL PALM
Neumann Landscaping LLC
Chris Neumann
1005 Ridge St
Naples, FL 34103
239-304-8012
17
Calendar of Events
Contact Us
See and submit events at http://www.fngla.org, under calendar
FNGLA
9:
Mejores Prácticas de Manejo de las Industrias Verdes GI-BMP,
Wildwood Community Center, Wildwood
Phone: 407.295.7994
Toll-free:800.375.3642
Fax:
407.295.1619
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.fngla.org
10:
Winter 2015 Ornamental & Turf Pest Management Workshop,
Orange County Extension Service, Orlando
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
14:
Scouting and Management of Citrus Insect Pests, UF-IFAS
Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Immokalee
GREENLINE EDITOR
14-16:
MANTS, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
21- 23:
Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition, Broward County Convention Center, Ft. Lauderdale
28-30:
2015 Gulf States Horticultural Expo, Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center, Mobile, AL
January
February
3:
Turfgrass Academy 2015 Series begins, UF/IFAS Osceola County Extension, Kissimmee
3-5:
AmericanHort: The Next Level, Hyatt Pier 66, Fort Lauderdale FL
Ben Bolusky
Jennifer Nelis
[email protected]
2014-2015 STATE OFFICERS
President
Sandy Stein
The Jungle Nursery
29100 SW 162 Ave
Homestead, FL 33030
(305) 246-5324
President-Elect
Billy Butterfield
AmeriScapes Landscape
Management Services, Inc.
PO Box 568762
Orlando, FL 32856-5041
(407) 872-0855
Past President
Mike Marshall
Marshall Tree Farm
17350 SE 65th St
Morriston, FL 32668-4508
(352) 528-3880
Secretary/Treasurer
Robert Shoelson
Getting Green Plant Services &
Betrock Information Systems
PO Box 840107
Pembroke Pines, FL 33084
(954) 680-1819
Connect with us:
About FNGLA
This publication is produced by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association
(FNGLA) as a service to its members. The statements and opinions expressed herein
do not necessarily represent the views of the Association, its staff, Board of Directors,
Greenline or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers or their identification as
members does not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services.
The mission of the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association is to promote and
protect the success and professionalism of our members.
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ORLANDO, FL
PERMIT #2041
1533 Park Center Drive
Orlando, FL 32835-5705
Read the latest FNGLA news inside & visit
Greenline online at http://greenline.fngla.org