Join the Celebration: FNGLA’s 60th Annual Convention!

A M O N T H L Y P U B L I C A T I O N F O R F N G L A M E M B E R S . D I G I T A L M O N T H L Y I S S U E L O C A T E D A T H T T P : / / G R E E N L I N E . F N G L A . O R G

June 2012 | Volume 33, Issue 6

Join industry colleagues and FNGLA friends June 29-30 in Jacksonville for an important and fun industry event: FNGLA’s 60th Annual Convention! A shortened schedule makes this an affordable and time-convenient meeting. Register at https://www.fngla.org/events/annual-convention/registration.aspx before June 15 for the best prices.

Convention’s host hotel is the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverside, where all of Saturday’s meetings will take place. To reserve your room, call 888-421-1442. Don’t miss any of the action as we celebrate FNGLA’s accomplishments from the past year – and the past 60 years!

FRIDAY, JUNE 298:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Tour of Jacksonville Zoo and GardensFNGLA’s Northeast Chapter welcomes you to Jacksonville with a visit to one of the area’s star horticulture attractions! The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a first-of-its-kind botanical garden inside a zoo which, unlike other zoos, is integrated among the animal exhibits. A river of color runs through the zoo and themed pocket gardens serve as forecourts to the animal exhibits. They include the African-Savanna Blooms Garden, South American-Range of the Jaguar Garden, the native gardens of Wild Florida and Play Park, the formal Gardens of Trout River, and the Asian Garden. Horticulture staff will serve as guides for this 2-hour garden tour. Bus transportation is provided. This is an optional event hosted by FNGLA’s Northeast Chapter!

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. FNGLA Board of Directors Meeting

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. “Back To Our Roots” 60th Anniversary Celebration at Glen St. Mary Nurseries Co.You’ll feel you’ve gone back in time as you explore the grounds of historic Glen St. Mary Nurseries. Established in 1882, this enchanting “Old Florida” setting is complete with original houses, barn and buildings, a saw mill and a nursery museum. FNGLA “old timers” will be on hand to tell industry stories from way-back-then. Glen St. Mary Nurseries Co. is a founding member of FNGLA with 3rd generation owner, Lin Taber and his wife, Magi, opening their doors to their fellow FNGLA members with true Southern hospitality. Dinner will be an ol’ fashioned fish fry, with homemade ice cream and cakes for dessert. Music will be provided by local FNGLA members. It’ll be a great evening to relax and celebrate the past with FNGLA friends and family. Bus transportation will be provided from the host hotel. Sponsored by Stallings Crop Insurance!

(Continued on Page 3)

Halsey BeshearsFNGLA 2011-2012 PresidentPRESIDENT’S LETTER

Time flies when you are having fun.

If you remember, those are the exact words I wrote last July for my first President’s Perspective. Time does not slow down as we age, it merely accelerates. I have enjoyed this past year as the FNGLA president. I have had the great opportunity to meet numerous members whom I had never met before and have seen different operations. The one thing I always found in common

throughout the state that makes this Association so great is you, the member. All of the great people I have met, all of the small business owners, operators and employees who make up this fine industry and Association are what makes this organization as strong as it is.

Our association is one of the top associations in the country. This is a bold statement to make, I know. However, our track record speaks for itself. Financially we are sound, and politically, we have a presence that helps influence policy. Now, if we can just make an economic impact on our members that translates to sales and jobs, we will be batting a thousand! Please settle for 2 out of 3. Seriously, our industry continues to correct itself through consolidation or the termination of businesses. While this is difficult to watch, unfortunately, the pain is not quite over.

Perhaps after this Presidential election cycle, democracy will determine the best course for our country and we can find a way to begin healing as a nation. Regardless of what our President thinks and publicly admits, economic fairness must create value. If you do not believe that, then look at every person who works in this industry. Regardless of your political views remember this: every employee who works for a company must provide value for the

company as a whole. If you do not agree with that statement, and you are still employing and paying people through these tumultuous times that do not provide value for your company, then perhaps we need you to show up and help run the country. We all exist to provide value for our companies, just like FNGLA is there to provide value to us as a whole. Our Association continues to be a beacon of hope, inspiration, and a model for success compared to others across the nation, due to the staff of FNGLA working hard to represent our needs as an industry.

I can say that the Association is in great hands moving forward with the slate of officers to come. Wes Parrish is a class act who will work tirelessly to represent our industry and our members with the best interests of our association and our industry at heart. Mike Marshall will continue to bring his business acumen and common sense to the board with a macro point of view unlike many others. Our newest officer to be sworn in at FNGLA’s convention, Sandy Stein, will continue to bring his level-headed, cool approach to the Board.

It has been an honor and pleasure serving you this last year. I hope I will see many of you at our convention June 29 & 30 in Jacksonville. It will be simple, yet tasteful, and a good time to catch up with other members across the state. My best to all of you and I continue to look forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the years to come.

Very Respectfully,

Halsey W. Beshearshalsey@simpsonnurseries.com

FNGLA’s Landscape Awards: Which Projects will you Submit?

http://www.fngla.org/recognition/landscape-awards/Don’t Delay! Project Submission Deadline is July 6!

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Annual Convention (Continued from Page 1)

SATURDAY, JUNE 30

8 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Coffee and ConversationCome early and catch up with your fellow FNGLA friends and colleagues. Continental breakfast will be served. 9 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. FNGLA 60th Annual MeetingYou will be proud to be part of the Association to honor the past, act in the present and plan for the future as FNGLA convenes its 60th Annual Meeting. Celebrate as industry award winners are recognized, new leaders elected and FNGLA’s influence and activities are showcased. Learn the industry outlook from Ben Bolusky, FNGLA’s CEO, and a farewell perspective from FNGLA President Halsey Beshears, as we look from our past to our future. If you’ve never attended FNGLA’s Annual Meeting, this is a great year to take part!

12 noon – 2 p.m. FNGLA Membership LuncheonFNGLA’s Unconventional Convention closes in a very conventional way: Members join together to share a meal and look toward the future. Invited guest speaker, Craig Regelbrugge, VP of Government Relations and Research with the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA), will share the industry’s national perspective, both politically and in broader terms. A strong advocate for the nursery industry for more than 25 years, Craig has his fingers on the industry’s pulse and will share with you the dynamics which will most influence its future – and yours! Don’t be fooled by Craig’s conventional title. He is an engaging and humorous speaker, well versed in the topics you want to know! And while the 60th convention concludes, it is just the beginning of a New Year and new decade for FNGLA! Wes Parrish, FNGLA’s 2012-2013 President, will send you home with a bright promise for a new FNGLA year! Sponsored by LPL Financial, Matt Antos, CFP!

Although all official business is completed with the membership luncheon, you may wish to enjoy this unique area of Florida for the entire weekend.

For recommendations to restaurants, shopping, gardens and museums from local FNGLA members to help make your stay in Jacksonville as enjoyable as possible, visit: http://www.fngla.org/events/annual-convention/2012/images/LocalAttractions.pdf.

Craig Regelbrugge,ANLA’s VP of

Government Relations & Research

For more information about FNGLA’s Unconventional Convention, visit: http://www.fngla.org/events/annual-convention or call the FNGLA office at 800-375-3642.

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Back By Industry Demand! The Landscape Show – Where You Are the Star!

The 2012 Landscape Show will offer several new elements: • The FNGLA Short Course, now known as The

Landscape Show’s Knowledge College, is moving onto the show floor! We’re creating a “theater-styled” setting for the educational offerings. There will be traditional and non-traditional formats for learning and networking, as well as special Saturday “matinee” sessions which will offer a range of industry CEUs.

• The final session of The Landscape Show’s Knowledge College on Friday will be open to everyone at the show. This will be an inspiring, innovative and entertaining presentation by Mike Rayburn, a musical virtuoso. Be ready for some musical fun and a new way of thinking.

• “Tapped In” is a new event for young industry professionals to meet and build important business contacts and information. This social networking event will take place on Friday at 5:30 p.m., conveniently across the street from the convention center at Pointe Orlando.

• The FNGLA Landscape Awards presentation will take place on the show floor on Friday afternoon! So, there will be more opportunities for showcasing the winning projects and companies who created them.

• Mobile web-based apps will be available to add to your mobile devices, making it easier to find the companies and products for which you are looking at The Landscape Show and keep up with all the show activities.

Many of the most popular aspects of the show will continue and be better than ever:• The Landscape Show will once again offer a

complimentary Opening Session with a business focus prior to the show opening on Thursday morning. Dr. Charlie Hall, known as the industry’s favorite economist, will give his view of the current economy and the significance to the nursery and landscape industry. Dr. Hall shares numbers and economic theory in layman’s terms and is a strong advocate for promoting value over price when it comes to the products and services of the nursery and landscape industry.

• More presentations will be added to the demonstrations schedule -- with several relating to new and potential crops.

• The Opening Night Reception moves poolside at the Rosen Plaza Hotel, offering a setting that includes plants, trees and hardscapes, all products from our industry.

• More show specials will be offered by exhibitors!

The Landscape Show continues to be the best one-stop, economical resource for anyone in the nursery and landscape business. It’s all about face-to-face learning, connections and inspiration that will help build your business for today and even more in the future. Trade show badges are $15 and good for all 3 days of the show. Additional fees apply to the FNGLA Short Course program. Online registration will open in July. Online hotel reservations are open at: http://www.fngla.org/thelandscapeshow/accommodations.aspx.

It’s not too early to mark your calendar for The Landscape Show on September 27-29 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. FNGLA’s signature event for nursery and landscape professionals will not only be packed with informative and relevant connections and experiences to enhance your business, but it has time built-in for fun and a little entertainment! This year’s show theme plays off the world of movies with the headline The Landscape Show – Where You Are the Star! “Everyone who comes to The Landscape Show is important to us,” said Linda Adams, The Landscape Show manager. “The people are the stars at the show and the plants and products are the featured props. We plan to have fun with this year’s movie theme.”

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Expanded Promotions for Exhibitors: The Landscape Show

Things are looking up and your business is on display! Are you planning to maximize your exposure as an exhibitor at the 2012 The Landscape Show?

If you are previous exhibitor or a new one you have some exciting new opportunities which will help drive sales at the premier green industry event in the southeast. With the economy poised for a rebound can you afford to miss out on one of the largest and most affordable marketing events in our industry? Currently nearly 80% of the booths on the floor are booked. If booth placement matters to you, then act now and reserve one of the remaining booths while they are still available.

For all exhibitors, both new and returning, we have an exciting new promotional opportunity for you! To help you stand out and to encourage buyers to come to the show we are asking exhibitors to submit a “show special” deal that is offered only at The Landscape Show. Once you submit your show special to FNGLA, we will list it under a Show Special section on The Landscape Show area of the FNGLA website for all incoming attendees and buyers to see and for you to promote yourself at the show. As an added incentive, exhibitors offering a show special will be entered into a drawing to win one free 10’x10’ space at the 2013 The Landscape Show.

If you’ve never exhibited or you haven’t exhibited in the past few years, you are in for a special treat! We will spotlight your company on The Landscape Show’s website under a “new exhibitor” section where buyers and attendees can easily access your firm’s details and show directory listing information- making you a star!

The Landscape Show, sponsored by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), is the largest business-to-business event for the nursery and landscape industry in the Southeast.

Contact Sabrina Haines at shaines@fngla.org or Clay Archey at carchey@fngla.org at the FNGLA office to reserve your booth space. Both can be reached toll free at (800) 375-3642.

If you’re already signed up to exhibit, MYBOOTH.ORG is open! Look for your password to access this area to arrive in your inbox.

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

June 1 kicked-off Hurricane Season: Are You Prepared for 2012?Over the years, we’ve gotten pretty used to the drills: securing loose items that can be dangerous projectiles, laying down plants that are likely to blow away, and sticking to a communiations plan with your employees... all in time for June 1: the start of Hurricane Season. While no one really wants to think about the next big storm, it’s inevitable that there is one. It’s just a matter of time. And while the last five years have been much ado about nothing, as a nursery business owner, it’s that time of year to survey your surroundings and safeguard against disaster later.

Experts are predicting a below-average 2012 season: 11 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 2 major hurricanes, Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. These forecast numbers are below the long-term average from 1950-2011 (12 named storms, 7 hurricanes, 3 major hurricanes) and well below the averages for the current active era from 1995-2011 (15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, 4 major hurricanes).

Here’s a friendly reminder not to be caught off-guard:

Long Before the Storm ...Make sure the nursery infrastructure is in good maintenance. Clear ditches free of weeds and debris so maximum drainage can occur. Make sure your interior roads are in good repair to allow access to all areas of the nursery.

Make sure all buildings are in good repair. Make sure all windows, doors, siding and roofing are secured according to building codes. Once wind gets under loose building materials, they will rip off. If you have portable sheds and trailers, tie them down securely. Evaluate whether you should remove covering of greenhouses and shade structures prior to a storm. Is it better to let the roofs and sides be torn off or allow for less resistance? Each grower must make his/her own decisions. Prior to a storm, inventory whether you have sufficient materials to minimally repair facilities.

Make sure all equipment is serviced and adequate supplies are on hand. For days to weeks after a hurricane, normal deliveries may be disrupted. Make sure you have fuel and other supplies you may need. Consider having minimal building materials on hand to repair structures. Evaluate all your potential needs. Make sure you have a supply of potting soil, fungicides, etc.

Make arrangements for power. Power lines may be disabled for days or weeks jeopardizing your irrigation systems. Develop a plan for irrigation, running office functions, running propagation areas, etc.

Make sure you have crop insurance. Crop insurance is a requirement to participate in any federal disaster programs. You must sign up for the program well before a storm threatens, because there is a 30-day hold.

View FNGLA Hurricane Preparedness Information for additional tips on what to do when a storm is approaching and what to do once one has passed:http://www.fngla.org/resources/hurricane/index.aspx.

IMPACT ON FLORIDA’S ECONOMYThe Nursery and Landscape Industry’s

A quiet resil ienceA strong presence

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Make the Numbers Work for You at the 2012 Financial Management Clinic!Back by popular demand, the Florida Agriculture Financial Management Conference will be held on September 9-11, 2012 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, Kissimmee, FL. Come with your pencils sharpened and be ready to fine-tune your financial skills, securing the future of your business! From a look at the state of the “Agricultural Economy” to “Understanding Your Lender and What They Want From Their Borrowers,” this program will provide you with take-home tools you can use daily on the job.

This educational conference is an intense skill-building program designed to help specialty crop commodity producers understand and overcome economic challenges within their businesses. Whether you are looking to develop an estate plan, learn the latest on tax planning or maybe you

want to discover the difference between cash accounting and accrual accounting-- this is your program!

This two-day program will feature national leaders from the financial arena at a very affordable price of just $199 per person or a special rate of $375 for two individuals from the same company. Take advantage of the great rooming rate of $94 single/double at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Conference Center, Kissimmee, FL.

When industry members are financially strong, they will become the driving force in returning Florida’s economy to brighter days. For more information about the conference, visit www.fafmc.org, email Linda Reindl, at lreindl@fngla.org or call FNGLA at 800.375.3642.

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Classic Caladiums®

Growers of New Generation Caladiums™

www.classiccaladiums.com

THE SUNTORY®

COLLECTION

Participating Breeders:

2012 Floriculture Field Days a Colorful Industry Success!Beautiful colors, shapes and sizes were seen at the FNGLA’s 2012 Floriculture Field Days. On May 9-11, attendees came from across the country to attend the educational conference and tour performance trials held in conjunction with the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival. It was a showcase of the industry’s newest varieties and an exceptional educational experience.

Industry professionals captured the opportunity to assess over 100 new varieties and how they handle Florida’s heat and humidity. Attendees participated in two days of educational programs, visited with industry exhibitors and networked with peers and the nation’s leading breeders.

Special thanks to the event’s participating breeders and conference sponsors: Agri-Starts, Ellepot USA, Everris, Fafard, Harrell’s, Harry P. Leu Gardens, Knox Nursery, Inc., Natural Industries, Stockosorb, Summit Plastic Co., Syngenta and Ted Mahr Supply Co. And to Knox Nursery, Inc., Riverview Flower Farm and AmeriScapes Landscape Management Services for their efforts in preparing plants and the trial site; and, especially, Walt Disney World’s Horticulture team for their hard work in maintaining the gardens.

While the 2012 conference was indeed a great event and floriculuture industry success, preparations for 2013’s conference are already in the works! Plan now to participate next year. Stay tuned as details develop and visit www.floridaflowertrials.info for additional plant and conference information.

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

FNGLA Impacts End Consumers with Social Media Outreach

Are you in social media overload? Perhaps you’re already LinkedIn to your ideal customers or you’re looking to trade Facebook for actual facetime. The social media bandwagon is big... and expanding... and an opportunity waiting for the industry-at-large. While it can be very difficult for a small business to keep up with social media trends, FNGLA is working on behalf of the industry to help create a consumer gardening buzz with Florida’s gardening enthusiasts and plant novices.

It’s easy to see great value in gardening consumers “sharing” their favorite garden inspirtations, new plants and gardening projects with their friends and followers. In fact, other than the time commitment, social media may be the most cost-effective, easily attainable marketing that’s available.

Early on in the social media game, FNGLA established a Facebook presence and quickly added Twitter and LinkedIn to its repertoire of social media interfaces. All are successful given their platform’s focus and the limited time commitment the Association invests.

As FNGLA’s interest in interfacing with consumers grew, we expanded our social media efforts on Facebook with Florida Gardeners on Facebook pointing folks back to the FNGLA consumer website: www.FloridaGardening.org.

Pinterest entered the social media scene just over two years ago, but has gained popularity quickly and has been deemed one of the “fastest growing social services in the world.” It’s particularly popular with American women (83% of US users). In January 2012, Pinterst reportedly had 11.7 million unique users. And given gardening’s aesetic nature, we’ve expanded FNGLA’s consumer efforts into this platform hoping to promote gardening among Florida’s consumers.

For those who are unfamiliar with it, Pinterest is a pinboard-

style social photo sharing website that allows users to create and manage theme-based image collections such as events, interests, hobbies, and more. Users can browse other pinboards for inspiration, ‘re-pin’ images to their own collections and/or ‘like’ photos. Pinterest allows its users to share ‘pins’ on both Twitter and Facebook, which allows users to share and interact with a broad community. Currently, we’re expanding FNGLA’s social media efforts to include this platform.

To connect with FNGLA’s effort, visit http://pinterest.com/fngla/. While you don’t need to sign-up for an account to look, you do to interact and “re-pin.”

Connect with FNGLA through any or all of our social media efforts.

Industry-Centered Social Media Efforts:• www.facebook.com/FNGLA • http://twitter.com/fngla• LinkedIn: search groups for FNGLA, The Landscape

Show and TPIE• https://vimeo.com/fngla

Consumer-Centered Social Media Efforts:• www.facebook.com/FloridaGardenersOnFb • http://pinterest.com/fngla/

For more details on FNGLA’s social media marketing efforts,

INDUSTRY NEWS

Farm Credit of Central Florida Announces New ChairmanFarm Credit of Central Florida’s Board of Directors has elected a new chairman for the first time since 1978. David J. Stanford, a Winter Garden citrus grower, was chosen to succeed Al Bellotto Sr., a Lakeland cattle rancher and citrus grower, who has served as chairman since 1978.

David Stanford represents the 6th generation of his family to be involved in Orange County agriculture. He was an executive of Winter Garden Citrus Products overseeing their orange juice concetrate operation which at one time was the state’s second largest.

“Dave Stanford has been a critical member of this association’s board for over 20 years. He offers a diverse skill set, having been a grower, processor, and a director of commercial banks and savings loan associations,” said Farm Credit of Central Florida President & CEO, Reggie Holt. Mr. Stanford was elected Vice Chairman of the Board in 1997.

Mr. Bellotto, along with Seminole County Citrus grower, W. Rex Clonts, Jr. and Lakeland realtor and citrus grower, John S. Langford, were re-elected by the cooperative’s membership to new three-year board terms with Mr. Clonts also being elected by the board as the new Vice Chairman. Mr. Belloto was give the title of Chairman Emeritus in recognition of his 35 years of service to the association.

Farm Credit of Central Florida is a member-owned agricultural lending cooperative providing funds for agricultural operations, residential mortgages and sells crop insurance. It serves 13 central Florida counties including Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Orange, Osceola, Lake, Sumter, Volusia, and Brevard and has an outstanding loan volume exceeding $800 million with almost 1100 member borrowers.

Farm Credit of Central Florida is part of the nationwide Farm Credit System created in 1916 to provide a stable, reliable source of credit to America’s ranchers, farmers and growers. The Farm Credit System celebrated 95 years of service in 2011.

David J. Stanford, Chairman Farm Credit of Central Florida

Florida Ag Hall of Fame Seeks NominationsFlorida agriculture is filled with industry giants who have left a rich legacy of achievement, innovation and progress. The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame, which honors those who have made significant contributions, is accepting nominations for 2013 inductees.

The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame honors men and women who have made lasting contributions to agriculture in this state and to mentoring of our youth, who represent the future of agriculture in Florida.

Nomination forms with detailed instructions may be downloaded and printed from the Florida Ag Hall of Fame website. Visit floridaaghalloffame.organd click on the “Nominate” tab. Nominations and supporting materials must be postmarked no later than September 1, 2012.

The 2012 inductees were Laurence Paul Cutts, a second-generation beekeeper; renowned orchid grower Bob Fuchs; Gerald Mixon, founder of SunnyRidge Farm Inc.; and Sid Sumner, a veteran of Florida’s beef cattle and agriculture industry.

Nominations should be mailed to AHOF Nominations, 100 S. Mulrennan Road, Valrico, FL 33594. For more information, call 813-230-1918.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Nominations Open for 2012 America In Bloom Community Champion AwardNominations are now being accepted for the America in Bloom John R. Holmes III Community Champion Award. This honor is to recognize an individual who exemplifies community leadership through actions that reflect the mission of the organization. The award recipient, who must be from a city that has participated or is currently participating in the program, will have demonstrated a vision and selfless commitment to moving the community forward. America in Bloom (AIB) created the award in 2009 in memory of John R. Holmes III, the late CEO of OFA - The Association of Horticulture Professionals, who died unexpectedly three years ago. An AIB board member and officer since AIB’s inception, John was a tremendous advocate for city beautification and a true believer in the power of flowers and plants to change lives. Last year’s winner was Vivian Lund, Warrenville, Illinois. Vivian Lund has demonstrated servant leadership, for over

60 years, in her adopted home town of Warrenville, Illinois. As a dedicated teacher, mother, and the town’s mayor, Vivian has worked tirelessly enhancing the neighborhoods and improving the living conditions of the town’s citizens. This year’s award will be presented during the 2012 AIB Symposium & Awards Program, September 20-22 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The symposium is open to all who may have an interest in AIB activities. Nominations will be accepted until July 31. To learn more about the award of other AIB activities, visit www.americainbloom.org.

Florida Communities of Excellence Awards Spotlight IndustryThe Florida Communities of Excellence Awards were presented to 23 community associations in front of a sold-out audience of community board members, managers, residents and corporate underwriters on March 30 in South Florida. The awards culminated a day of continuing education classes and educational sessions underwritten by two dozen companies serving the community association industry in Florida.

Now in its fourth year, the independently judged program enables the top communities in the state to promote their accomplishments and raise their profiles while documenting their success and enabling others to learn from their examples.

In the category of Florida Friendly Landscapes TM and judged on the criteria of environmentally sound landscape, wetland, preserve, and lake management policies. three projects were awarded honors:

• Baldwin Park, Orlando; Valley Crest Landscape, Landscape Contractor (large division)

• Wellington at Seven Hills, Spring Hill (large division)• Eagles Landing, Clearwater (small division)

For more information on the program, please visit www.communitiesofexcellence.net.

MEMBER NEWS

FNGLA Members Receive Industry RecognitionGreen Industry Best Management PracticesSumter County Extension recently contracted with the Federal Prison in Coleman, Florida, to offer a vocational program to their inmates. Graduates received two industry certifications after passing the exams: 1) Florida Nursery and Landscape, Growers Association Certified Horticulture Professional certification; and 2) the GI-BMP training certificate. This is a first of its kind in the state, and University of Florida’s first contract with the Federal Department of Justice. Dale Wallace, GI-BMP instructor, is the full-time lead Instructor for the program, and Lloyd Singleton, Florida Yards & Neighborhood Agent at the UF/IFAS Sumter County Extension oversaw the program as a part of their responsibilities. The first 13-week class started in October 2011 and graduated 30 students. The second class is finishing up in May 2012 and will graduate approximately 45 inmates. There are currently 175 inmates on the waiting list to take the program, with a target of 160 graduates each fiscal year. This program has a significant economic impact for the region. The program costs are funded by the profits from the prisoner’s commissary. Bureau of Prisons research shows that a released inmate is 35% less likely to return to prison if they have received vocational training. With an average annual cost of incarceration of over $28,000, this program is poised to save taxpayers well over $1 million per year. An additional benefit is a trained, certified workforce for the landscape and horticulture industry.

Gardening in a Minute: GWA AwardGardening in a Minute has been awarded a Silver Award of Achievement for On-Air Talent, Radio from the Garden Writers Association as part of the organization’s 2012 GWA Media Awards. Celebrating its fifth year and led by Tom Wichman, Gardening in a Minute is a radio program airing every day on public radio stations in Florida. Each show gives a short tip to amateur and experienced gardeners, and the website features all the shows plus additional gardening information. The show is a production of the UF/IFAS Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology, IFAS/Extension, andWUFT-FM. The Garden Writers Association is the national organization for garden professionals, including book authors, staff editors, syndicated columnists, freelance writers, photographers, radio and television personalities, extension agents, and more. As a Silver Award recipient, Gardening in a Minute will also be eligible for a Gold Award at the GWA 2012 Awards Banquet on October 15, 2012 in Tucson, AZ. Congratulations to Tom and the Gardening in a Minute team!

David Liu, Foliage Design Systems: Plant Industry Alliance AwardThe lifetime achievements of David Liu, Foliage Design Systems, will be recognized by the Plantscape Industry Alliance at the Plantscape Industry Expo, August 14 – 16, in Las Vegas, NV. Honoring his contributions to the development of the interiorscape industry, David will be inducted into the Interior Plantscape Hall of Fame as the 2012 Plantscaping Professional during the Interior Plantscape Hall of Fame and PIA Awards Celebration Gala to be held Thursday, Aug. 16. David is a longtime indsutry member whose involvement has advanced the interiorscape indsutry. Congratulations David!

Dale Wallace and Lloyd Singleton, both from UF’s Sumter County Extension.

Tom Wichman, Gardening in a Minute

David Liu, Foliage Design Systems

NEW MEMBERS

ACTIONForemostCo., Inc.David Kirwan (Associate)1751 Williams RdWinter Garden, FL 34787-9162407-877-8876

Gulfshore Insurance Brian Sivillo (Associate)1643 Williamsburg SqLakeland, FL 33803-4279904-673-9617-cell

Jeff Wright (Student)PO Box 358Gotha, FL 34734-0358321-348-4940

Orange County Sheriff’s OfficeJeff Elder (Supportive)PO Box 1440Orlando, FL 32802-1440407-254-7432

Orlando HealthRobert B Esparza (Supportive)1519 Sligh BlvdOrlando, FL 32806407-595-5850

Valencia CollegeJavier Garces (Supportive)1800 S Kirkman RdPO Box 3028Orlando, FL 32811-2302407-582-1820

BROWARDAndrew Guerrero (Student)3800 SW 137th AveMiramar, FL 33027-3211954-347-7652

LAKE REGIONOscar Mayor (Student)145 Rollins DrDavenport, FL 33837-8230407-319-8491

PALM BEACHJeremy LaMott (Student)3454 Pebble Beach DrLake Worth, FL 33467-1212561-358-2776

Plant & Grow Tree Farms, Inc.Bill Boyer1057 E Canal St NPO Box 2465Belle Glade, FL 33430-4166561-993-4343Referred by: Pahokee Palms, Benjamin Magrill

TAMPA BAYRyan Burke (Student)625 Holland AveTemple Terrace, FL 33617-3828813-928-1998

OUTSIDE FLORIDAUS Dept of Veterans AffairsReed Jeavons (Supportive)400 Veterans Ave., Bldg 10Biloxi, MS 39531-2410228-523-4981

Welcome New MembersThe following are new FNGLA members from April 22, 2012 - May 21, 2012

FNGLA Members Pass AwayFNGLA is saddened to report three recent industry deaths:

Nadine “Nada” Knox, 77, passed away April 27 in Orlando. She and Jim Knox were married in September 1956 and started Knox Nursery in 1962 in a 4’ X 4’ mist box on their back porch. Knox Nursery has been an FNGLA member since 1974. Nada participated in all aspects of the family business, retiring in 1999 at which time she was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy.

Wilfredo “Willie” Gonzalez Sr., 54, of Lake City, died unexpectedly, Thursday, May 17, 2012. A native of Manhattan, New York, Mr. Gonzalez had been a resident of Lake City since 1992 having moved here with his family from Tampa, Florida. Mr. Gonzalez had been the head of maintenance at the Lake City Middle School for several years and was most recently the general manager of the G&S Plant Nursery.

Jack Christmas, 81, passed away May 24, 2012. Jack served as FNGLA President in 1969-70. After his Korean War Service with the Marines, Christmas and his father started an indoor houseplant business, Oakdell Nursery, in 1956 in his native Apopka. He was president of the Orange County Farm Bureau and appointed to the St. Johns River Water Management District’s governing board in 1976. In 1989, Christmas was inducted into the FNGLA Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the foliage industry.

Calendar of EventsFNGLAPhone: 407.295.7994Toll-free: 800.375.3642Fax: 407.295.1619E-mail: info@fngla.orgWeb: www.fngla.org

CEO/EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTBen Bolusky

GREENLINE EDITORJennifer Nelisjnelis@fngla.org

PresidentHalsey BeshearsSimpson NurseriesP.O. Box 160Monticello, FL 32345(850) 997-2516

Past President Carolan MahrTed Mahr Supply, Inc.407A SW 2nd StCape Coral, FL 33991(239) 574-2214

President-Elect Wes ParrishParrish Nursery5900 SW 185th WayFt. Lauderdale, FL 33332(954) 680-3544

Secretary/Treasurer Mike MarshallMarshall Tree Farm17350 SE 65th StMorriston, FL 32668-4508(352) 528-3880

Contact UsSee and submit events at http://www.fngla.org under calendar

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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.

June10-12: Trees Florida: Presented by Florida Chapter ISA, South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island

14: Green Industries Best Management Practices Training, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples

21: Green Industries Best Management Practices Training, Orange County Extension Service, Orlando

25-28: GCA ‘Revved Up’ Summer Tour, Detroit

29-30: FNGLA Annual Convention, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, Jacksonville

28-30: Florida Chapter ASLA Annual Conference 2012, Renaissance World Golf Village Resort, St. Augustine

July14-17: Ohio Short Course, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus

24: Florida Turfgrass Symposium 2012; Osceola County Extension Service, Kissimmee