FNGLA Greenline March 2015

February 2015 | Volume 36, Issue 2
FNGLA’S MONTHLY PUBLICATION: DIGITAL MONTHLY ISSUE LOCATED AT HTTP://GREENLINE.FNGLA.ORG
Nursery & Landscape
Industry Showcased at
Florida State Fair
Gov. Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet — Commissioner of Agriculture
Adam H. Putnam, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial
Officer Jeff Atwater — “flipped the switch” signaling the official opening
of the Florida State Fair and made their way inside to the Taste of Florida
Breakfast and FNGLA’s lush display showcasing the nursery and landscape
industry among the area’s many agriculture participants.
The 2450 square foot “garden” display served as the backdrop for the
Taste of Florida event and remained in place for the duration of the fair,
serving to inspire the fair’s 500,000 guests and fuel their enthusiasm for
their outdoor spaces. While the fair saw 1/2 million guests, the Florida
Agriculture Hall of Fame Building, where FNGLA’s showcase garden was
located, saw approximately 65,000 to 70,000 consumers during the 12-day
fair event.
Florida’s Commissioner
of Agriculture kicked-off
the morning’s festivities
with a shout-out to
FNGLA speaking of its
value to Florida. See
the shout out at: https://
vimeo.com/119152598.
Many FNGLA members
contributed plants,
materials or manpower to the effort. See the complete list to the right.
And a grand thank you to these folks for their contribution.
Continued page 3
Special Thanks to those who
assisted onsite with the garden:
AmeriScapes Landscape Management, Inc.
Ameriscape USA (Tampa)
Ed Bravo, Big Trees Plantation (Newberry)
Steve Brown, A & S Horticulture (Maitland)
Sydney Park-Brown, Riverview Flower Farm
(Seffner)
Billy Butterfield, AmeriScapes Landscape
Management, Inc. (Orlando)
FNGLA’s Tampa Bay Chapter
Will Womack, Tampa Bay Landscaping
(Tampa)
And to those who donated plants
and material:
Bates Sons & Daughters (Lake Placid)
Better Blooming Orchids (Kissimmee)
Big Earth Landscape Supply (Tampa)
Big Trees Plantation (Newberry)
Chestnut Hill Tree Farm (Alachua)
FiberDust LLC (Glastonbury, CT)
Florida Strawberry Growers Association
Florida Tuxedo Plants (Miami)
Forest Grove Palms (Alachua)
Garden Light LED (Tampa)
Isuzu/Nextran Truck Center (Tampa)
Medallion (Homestead)
Oak Lane Farms (Bell)
Oglesby Plants Int’l (Apopka)
Pine Island Nursery (Miami)
Plants in Design (Miami)
Riverview Flower Farm (Seffner)
Salmon’s Wholesale Nursery (Ocala)
Slay’s Trees (High Springs)
Sunshine Growers (Lakeland)
Tampa Bay Landscaping (Tampa)
Tropic Traditions Nursery (Gainesville)
Wekiwa Gardens (Apopka)
1

PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Sandy Stein
FNGLA 2014-2015 President
FNGLA’s Success: Valuable Industry Relationships
“Never fail to appreciate someone who cares for you. Just because they’re always
in your life to help in some way, never fail to give thanks or recognition. To
value someone or something too lightly is a risk no one should take.”
– Unknown
FNGLA works on multiple
fronts simultaneously for the
good of our members. I have
spent significant time sharing what for me has been
most appealing and congruent with my personality.
That is our Association’s efforts around attracting more
of our industry to our roles and finding new ways
to market our products sold through retail outlets or
installed by Certified Professionals within the state
and across the country. This month though, I want to
place the focus on just how your Association has been
so successful building relationships and protecting our
Association’s political best interests in Washington and
Tallahassee.
Ben Bolusky, our CEO, came to FNGLA by way
of the former American Nursery and Landscape
Association. It was quite the coup for our Association
to have landed Ben. His connections in Washington
and his experience working for the best interests of
nursery growers and landscape contractors nationally,
maybe made acquiring him a “reach,” but thank the
powers that be, we did. Ben has been helping make
this Association a voice that has had a seat at the table
for all things important to the landscape contracting
and nursery industries for many years now. All of us
know and appreciate Ben.
Some of us may not know Jim Spratt though. Jim was
FNGLA’s in-house staff lobbyist for approximately 8
years. Though he spent most of his time in Tallahassee,
Jim is no shy-guy. He has worked hard building
relationships for us in Washington as well, and has
regularly updated your FNGLA Board of Directors on
his progress protecting our abilities to continue in the
businesses we all love.
Jim first garnered the attention of FNGLA when, as
part of the Florida Department of Agriculture’s water
policy division, he helped craft the Best Management
Practices which have been in place making our
ag-business lives manageable with respect to water for
many years now. FNGLA saw an opportunity to bring
Jim onboard and was not going to miss it.
Three years ago Jim left to start his own firm,
Magnolia Strategies, LLC, where he continues his
important work for FNGLA, as well as for other
ag-interests, all of whom understand the expertise Jim
brings to educate our legislators on issues vital to our
industries and who understand the deep respect shared
by all who know Jim. Married to Sharon and the father
of two-year old twins, James and Laura, Jim is just
getting started as a family man, yet he is our seasoned
go-to-guy and I regard him as a great friend.
If you come to our annual convention in Coral Gables
on June 12 & 13, you will be able to meet Jim. I have
no doubt you too will see just why our Association is
in such great hands in Tallahassee and Washington. If
you’re shy, don’t worry, Jim will say hi to you.
Sandy Stein
The Jungle Nursery (Miami)
sstein@junglenursery.com
2

FNGLA HAPPENINGS
With an estimated 65,000 to 70,000 visitors to the display, the FNGLA area reached many Florida-based consumers as well as
agriculture leaders from across the state and the area is home to the “Taste of Florida Breakfast” held the fair’s opening day. The
2016 Florida State Fair will take place February 4 - 15 at the Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa.
3

FNGLA HAPPENINGS
2015 Legislative Preview: Issues Affecting Our Industry
By Jim Spratt, Magnolia Strategies, LLC
As the Legislative Sessions swings into full gear, it’s
important you know what’s pinging squarely on
FNGLA’s radar in Tallahassee. FNGLA will be reaching
out to targeted FNGLA members and members-at-large
on specific grassroots actions when needed to propel
forward top priorities such as water policy and budget
issues. Stay tuned to your email...the ride may get a little
bumpy before the Legislative Session closes in May! In
the interim, here is a snapshot of FNGLA’s full legislative
plate as we protect and promote your business interests:
Water Policy
HB 7003 by Rep. Caldwell
Contains numerous statutory amendments and
clarifications including: equal standing for self-suppliers
of water to be eligible for technical assistance from water
management districts in the development of alternative
water supplies and the identification of water sources.
This bill also reinforces the founding principles of
Florida’s water law ensuring the Districts are meeting
their statutory requirement to plan for all existing and
future reasonable, beneficial uses of water. Requires the
Districts to re-open their water supply plans if a new
or competing use of water impacts an MFL (minimum
flows and levels). Requires the implementation of BMPs
within Springs Protection Zones.
SB 918 by Sen. Dean
This bill is largely a continuation of last year’s Springs
Restoration legislation which did not succeed. Unlike
the more comprehensive approach adopted by HB7003,
this bill focuses almost exclusively on springs. This water
bill mandates the creation of Springs Protection Zones
and outlines land use activities which are prohibited
within the zones. It requires expedited adoption of MFLs
for Outstanding Florida Springs and provides direction
to develop and enforce interim regulatory programs until
scientific data exists to finalize the MFLs.
This bill requires significant investments to abolish the
use of septic tanks within Spring Protection Zones,
connecting these septic users to central waste water
systems. The bill also creates a new advisory council to
review and rank water and restoration projects statewide.
Lastly, the bill encourages local governments to adopt,
at a minimum, the state model ordinance for urban
fertilizer application yet, provides significant latitude to
adopt much more emotionally driven non-science based
regulations.
Agricultural Sales Tax Exemptions
$15 million Impact on State Revenue
HB 249 by Rep. Raburn, SB 398 by Sen. Stargel
• Irrigation parts/repairs – $2.4m
• Parts and repairs for power farm equipment – $9.3m
• Stakes for plant production – $0.6m
• Trailers used in ag production – $1.3m
• Equipment used for storing ag products on the farm –
$1.4m
Property Rights
HB 383 by Rep. Edwards, SB 284 by Sen.
Diaz de la Portilla
Codifies portion of U.S. Supreme Court ruling
on a Florida case (Koontz decision) relating to
unconstitutional governmental exactions on property
owners. Also, this legislation clarifies when settlements
between governmental entities and property owners can
be reached during potential Bert Harris Act Claims.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Review Board
HB 120 by Rep. Beshears, SB 220 by Sen. Simpson
Expands make-up of the Commercial Motor Vehicle
Review Board by four people to include specific private
citizens and statutorily extends the time an individual has
4

FNGLA HAPPENINGS
to appeal citation. Also, this legislation provides mechanism
to appeal citation issued based on portable scale.
Other Bills
• Assessment on Nonresidential Farm Buildings: HB31,
SB142
• Fire Code for Assemblies in Ag Buildings: (Awaiting bill
numbers: Rep. Raburn, Sen. Stargel)
• Liability Protection for Gleaning: HB137, SB158
• Genetically Modified Organisms: HB351, SB416
FNGLA Priority Budget Issues
University of Florida/IFAS Budget:
• Workload – $5.5m
• Protect Center for Public Issues Education (PIE) funding
– $1.45m
• Center for Leadership – $0.892m
Florida Department of Agriculture &
Consumer Services
Agricultural Water Policy:
• Nutrient reduction and water retention projects in Lake
Okeechobee Watershed – $15m
• Ag best management practices within Northern
Everglades – $5m
• Ag best management practices within Florida’s spring
sheds – $5.2m
• Ag water supply planning and conservation programs –
$1.5m
Division of Plant Industry (DPI)
Pest and Disease Issues:
• Reclassification of 119 DPI inspectors – $0.752m
• Support avocado industry in its efforts against laurel wilt
and its vector – the red bay ambrosia beetle – $0.5m
Citrus Nursery Issues:
• Citrus greening research – $8.0m
• Citrus Health Response Program (CHRP) – $7.4m
• Transfer funding to support the Citrus Inspection Trust
Fund – $2.5m
Agricultural Products Marketing
• Florida Agricultural Promotional Campaign to promote
Fresh From Florida – $4.0m
Operation Cleansweep
• Operation Cleansweep to collect expired chemicals/
pesticides – $0.1m
Jim Spratt is President of Magnolia
Strategies, LLC, a Tallahassee-based
lobbying firm with a focus on small
business and agriculture issues. Jim
is a former FNGLA staff member
and has been serving Florida’s
nursery and landscape industry since
2004. Jim can be reached at jim@
magnoliastrategiesllc.com.
Assure a Growing Influence for Florida’s Green Industry: FNPAC
FNGLA’s Legislative efforts are an important element of FNGLA’s activities, however these happenings can be vast and
sometimes costly. FNGLA’s Political Action Committee (FNGLA’s PAC) sole purpose is to increase visibility and provide
campaign assistance - on a bipartisan 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. Can you donate to this purpose? Yes and here’s how... http://www.fngla.org/political-center/
FNGLA-PAC/donate.aspx.
5

FNGLA HAPPENINGS
If Productivity and Your Bottom Line are Essential in Your
Landscape Business, Don’t Miss Next Week’s Workshop
FNGLA is teaming up again
with the Landscape Management
Network (LMN) to present two
2-day workshops focused on
business success, productivity
and your bottom-line. This
workshop gets landscape
professionals out of their trucks
and takes their landscape
business to the next level.
It’s the most popular green
industry workshop in North
America with over 3,000 companies attended to date. We’ve offered this before and it was so impactful to those who
previously attended and such a success, it’s now headed to West Palm Beach and St. Augustine.
March 10 & 11 at: Kelly Tractor CAT, 5460 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach
March 12 & 13 at: Ringpower CAT, 500 World Commerce Pkwy., St. Augustine
Attend this workshop and you’ll leave with real numbers built for your business. Bring a few simple statements and you’ll
leave with:
• Profitable sales goals
• Benchmarks to compare your results
• Real charge-out rates and markups calculated specifically for your company
• Your true capacity for sales: how much revenue you should be earning with your company
Day 1: Don’t Hope for Success, Plan for It
In just 1 day, you’ll build a profitable operating budget customized for your business. You’ll leave this workshop with clear
sales goals and spending plans showing you exactly what your business needs to sell and accomplish to earn a fair profit.
Day 2: Know Where You Need to Be and Where You Stand
Never guess at a price again. Using your budget, you’ll calculate the right price for every job, including costs, overhead and the
profit you want to earn. You’ll learn simple, proven methods for job tracking, job costing, and incentive systems that get staff
thinking and acting like owners instead of hourly workers just putting in time.
Don’t miss the deadline, sign up by tomorrow, Friday, March 6. Two Convenient Locations: March 10 & 11 in West Palm
Beach || March 12 & 13 in St. Augustine. Cost is $99 FNGLA Members/$149 Non-members (Includes both days, lunches
and beverages).
6

FNGLA HAPPENINGS
FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days Take Place May 13 & 14
Spring is in the air and FNGLA is gearing up for
the 2015 FNGLA Floriculture Field Days! Taking
place May 13 & 14, 2015, this educational program
showcases trials of the newest bedding plant varieties
tested at three different venues: Walt Disney World’s
nursery, Harry P. Leu Gardens; and, UF/IFAS Orange
County Extension Service. Plan now to attend and see
how you can make your business bloom!
Want to know “What’s New and What’s Next in
2015 and Beyond?” As attendees come together to
learn all they can about the new varieties and genetics
changing the landscape of our industry, you will also
have the opportunity to examine new innovations for
your businesses.
Previously, John Kennedy, John Kennedy Consulting,
has spoken to our audiences about not “wasting this
recession” and the need to change everything about
your perspective and insight to what is possible!
Now John’s message is even more encouraging:”Don’t waste this recovery!” All economic indicators
are showing a continuous improvement in our economy’s strength and you will want to take full
advantage of every opportunity to drive momentum, margin and magical thinking!
John will immerse himself into every aspect of Floriculture Field Days and put the finishing touches
to your investment with strategies and “successories” to breed your new business plan. The winners
of the top picks will likely have a common theme: different, innovative, magical. Watch for the full
program details of John’s program and the rest of the speaker line-up coming in April’s Greenline!
The 2015 participating breeders are excited to see how their latest varieties meet the challenge of
Florida’s tough climate. This is a great opportunity for one-on-one time. Breeder representatives from
Ball Flora Plant; Bates Sons and Daughters; Benary; Classic Caladiums; Greenfuse; Sakata; Hem
Genetics; and, PanAmerican Seeds will be on hand to interact with attendees and provide individualized information on their
plants and products.
Ensure you are part of the action! Stay at the conference’s host hotel. Reserve your room at Disney’s Coronado Springs by
the April 17 deadline to guarantee the special FNGLA rate of $139 Single/Double. Reserve your room online at Walt Disney
World’s Coronado Springs Resort, http://www.disneynow.com/profile/form/index.cfm?PKformID=0x1942003fe4 or contact
Disney’s Group Reservations at 407-939-4686.
BE A PARTICIPATING SPONSOR
FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days is an ideal venue to interact with the leaders of the Floriculture industry and to gain
exposure for your business. Position your business as a leader to this key audience of floriculture experts, landscape
professionals and garden center owners. Access available Floriculture Field Days exposure opportunities at: http://www.fngla.
org/events/floriculture-field-day/Sponsorship.aspx.
7

Last Call for FNGLA Industry Awards Nominations: Submission
Deadline is March 6
Let FNGLA’s Industry Awards Committee know all the good work
your industry colleagues have been doing on behalf of FNGLA and the
industry. Who should be honored with the FNGLA Industry Awards in
2015? You can be a part of the process by submitting your nominations
to FNGLA by March 6.
Award recipients will be recognized at FNGLA’s Annual Meeting on
Saturday, June 12 at the Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables.
The FNGLA Industry Awards include Outstanding Chapter Secretary
or Treasurer, Outstanding Chapter President, Outstanding Volunteer,
Outstanding Educator, Farm Credit/FNGLA Outstanding Young
Nursery Professional, FNGLA Hall of Fame and the FNGLA Wendell
Butler Award which is FNGLA’s most prestigious award recognizing
industry service and leadership.
Nomination forms and awards descriptions are available online. For more information contact Linda Adams at ladams@fngla
or call 800-375-3642.
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• A cost in use per acre that’s competitive with tank mixing Control times two.
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Registration is now open for FNGLA’s Convention
and Annual Meeting!
Plan to attend FNGLA’s favorite event for building business
relationships and keeping current with your Association
and industry. Taking place June 12 & 13 at the Westin
Colonnade in historic Coral Gables, the FNGLA Convention
offers a diverse selection of FNGLA exclusive activities.
Start the convention on Friday, June 12 with optional tours
of two of our nation’s most unique gardens and botanical
research centers. Special tours are available for FNGLA
convention participants of Montgomery Botanical Gardens
and the elaborate European-style gardens at Vizcaya, the
famed south Florida winter residence of millionaire James
Deering.
After a day of exploring gardens, or discovering Little
Havana, shopping along Miracle Mile or finding your way
to South Beach, the FNGLA Convention moves inside for
a Cuban Nights themed reception. The historic and grand
rotunda of the Westin serves as the backdrop as guests enjoy
authentic Cuban fare, drinks, music and dancers and even a
freshly rolled cigar.
FNGLA’s Annual Meeting is at the top of the agenda for
Saturday morning, June 13. Here’s where industry and
Association trends and news are shared, inspiration is
provided via FNGLA’s Industry Awards presentation, and
leaders are elected to keep the Association moving forward.
An open afternoon on Saturday allows time for an on-yourown
visit to Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens,
just a short drive from the Westin. Fairchild is
internationally renowned as a botanical
garden, plant and palm conservation
leader and hosts several diverse
and unique specimen
collections. A number
of discounts and tour
options are available.
For those who prefer an
afternoon to relax and
cool down with FNGLA
friends, the Westin
roof top pool offers
an exceptional view
of Miami and the
landmarks of Coral
FNGLA HAPPENINGS
Gables.
FNGLA’s
Convention
comes to its grand finale
Saturday evening at the President’s
Gala. This is where the traditional and
contemporary meet, as FNGLA’s Past Presidents
are recognized and current leaders offer their wisdom
for the future. Special guest speaker will be Florida State
Representative Katie Edwards. The night will not be
complete until current FNGLA president Sandy Stein follows
the tradition of passing the FNGLA Big Shoes to incoming
FNGLA president Billy Butterfield.
Finish your convention stay in grand style on Sunday with a
tour of the Biltmore Resort, another of Coral Gables historic
landmarks. Located within two miles of the Westin, the
Biltmore offers complimentary tours at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30
p.m. each Sunday afternoon.
Not only does FNGLA’s convention offer a valuable and
diverse program, it does so at exceptional pricing thanks
to the many convention sponsors. Registration options
provide for single event purchase, yet the best option is a Full
Package for only $135 if you register by June 2. The Full
Package includes Friday’s Cuban Nights Reception, Saturday
continental breakfast, Annual Meeting and the President’s
Gala, access to the FNGLA Miami-Dade Chapter Hospitality
Suite and chapter welcome gift. The option to attend
Montgomery Botanical Center is available at no extra fee.
The Vizcaya admission price is only $15.
Reservations for the Westin Colonnade are now being
accepted at the FNGLA group rate of only $139. Use
the online reservation system or call 305-441-2600.
Included in the rate for FNGLA Convention participants is
complimentary self-parking, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi
in the hotel’s guest rooms and public areas.
More convention details are available online. Contact Linda
Adams at 800-375-3642 or ladams@fngla.org for additional
information.
9

FNGLA HAPPENINGS
Maximize Opportunities for Industry
Visibility & Promotion via FNGLA
Grower Members:
• The FNGLA Locator powered by PlantANT places your product online
where buyers search for plants and services every day. FNGLA Members can
advertise 5 listings at no cost: http://www.fngla.org/locator.
• Take advantage of your “Fresh From Florida” membership, provided to you from FNGLA. What does this mean? It
means your business qualifies to take advantage of customized Fresh From Florida benefits. As one example, Customized
Business signage with Fresh From Florida logo. Qualified members may be reimbursed up to $1,500 in printing costs
when using the Fresh From Florida logo on retail packaging, plant sleeves, and automobile signage/wraps: Access aditional
details: http://www.bit.ly/FNGLAFFF.
• Our newest member benefit, PlantFinder, brings together both print and online advertising opportunities. 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 an additional 5 listings, over $70
monthly value, free to FNGLA members. Call PlantFinder at 800-627-3819 for more information.
10
Landscape Members:
• The grass is beginning to grow and March is the month to take advantage
of special discounts exclusively for FNGLA Members from Gravely.
Gravely is launching its Florida Fleet Sale Event – a 20% discount on
ONE (1) Gravely Commercial Mower. The dates for the sale are March
23 – 31, 2015, available at all Florida Gravely dealers. Purchase a Second
Gravely Commercial Mower within 90 days and become qualified for
Fleet Pricing for the remaining 12 months. Contact Bill Collester for
details, 920-756-5106.
• Add an Isuzu to your fleet and utilize your FNGLA member benefit.
Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, Inc. will provide all FNGLA
members a special FNGLA-only discount on the purchase of any new
Isuzu commercial vehicle from any Florida Isuzu dealership. The member
benefit will provide an additional $800 discount above any published
retail assistance that may be in effect at the time of purchase. The
discount will be off the selling price of the vehicle
before applicable taxes. The discount is immediate,
and no rebate coupons are needed. Contact Matt
Messick at 678-763-3537 for more information.
• Take advantage of your Fresh From Florida
membership, provided to you from FNGLA.
What does this mean? It means your business
qualifies to take advantage of customized
Fresh From Florida benefits. Members may be
reimbursed up to $1,500 in printing costs
when using the Fresh From Florida logo
on automobile wraps. Access other Fresh
From Florida benefits: http://www.bit.ly/
FNGLAFFF.
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
More Programs, More Details on the flipside!
Access FNGLA’s complete Member Benefits Flyer at:
http://www.fngla.org/membership/benefits/PDFs/make-most-of-membershipflyer.pdf.
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 info@plantsearch.com.
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
Upcoming Opportunities:
May brings FNGLA’s Floriculture
Field Days and several exposure
opportunities for businesses looking
to connect with this segment of
the industry. See the available
opportunities and more on the
conference at http://www.fngla.org/
events/floriculture-field-day/index.
aspx.
June brings FNGLA’s Annual
Convention! 2015 is “Bienvenido
a Miami Tropical” as
we celebrate a year of
accomplishment and look
forward to 2015-16 and the
industry successes we know
await us. For details on
sponsoring this event, go to
http://www.fngla.org/events/
annual-convention/.
And, there are many, many print,
digital and other conference
opportunities to fit your needs.
See more at: http://www.fngla.org/
resources/advertise/.

INDUSTRY NEWS
Fresh From Florida & FNGLA Promote Florida Gardening
FNGLA is super excited to announce as part of our FDACS’ Fresh From Florida partnership, a marketing campaign for
Florida plants and landscaping is being launched on the major TV and cable networks!
The Florida consumer advertising begins running March 9 in all of Florida’s top 10 markets. This is part of the television
production, media and digital buys, print ads and point of purchase campaign forged together by FNGLA and Fresh From
Florida. FNGLA will be re-enrolling all of our Florida-based nursery, landscape firm and retail garden center members into
Fresh From Florida as a special benefit as part of your FNGLA membership.
Watch for the first-time ever Fresh From Florida TV and cable ads promoting Florida plants and landscaping!
Florida Agriculture Literacy Day: April 21
The 12 th 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.
The book is geared to third, fourth and fifth grades. Volunteers are
encouraged to read on Agriculture Literacy Day at their local elementary
school, preferrably on April 21, but any day can serve as a celebration.
The book and materials will be provided to volunteers in advance and
can be left at the school to add to their library. This program is possible
thanks to funding FAITC receives from sales of the agriculture specialty
license plate known as the ‘Ag Tag.’
Teachers and agriculture industry representatives interested in
participating, please check FAITC’s website, www.agtag.org, to order
materials. The deadline to register for materials is Tuesday April 7.
Volunteers are asked to schedule their classroom visits first and then order
materials on the FAITC’s website. For more information on this engaging event, contact Lisa Gaskalla at 352-846-1391 or
email gaskalla@ufl.edu.
11

INDUSTRY NEWS
PLANET to Become The National Association of Landscape
Professionals
The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET)
announced a reinvigorated vision and recommitted
focus on national representation of the professional
landscape industry. As of April 2015, the
organization’s name will change to the National
Association of Landscape Professionals. The
association is the only national trade association
built by the collaboration of landscape professionals
who specialize in landscape, lawn and tree care, irrigation, landscape design and installation, and interior plantscaping. Its
diverse membership also includes manufacturers and suppliers as well as consultants, faculty and students members.
“The Professional Landcare Network was formed 10 years ago with the merger of the Associated Landscape Contractors of
America and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America,” said PLANET CEO Sabeena Hickman, CAE, CMP. “We
are the national association that represents companies across all sectors of the landscape industry, but our name didn’t reflect
the unity and breadth of our membership and our industry.”
The National Association of Landscape Professionals will continue to provide business and safety education to its members,
certification through the Landscape Industry Certified designation, as well as lobbying on behalf of the industry with
lawmakers and promoting the industry to the public. But, it also will now focus on a reinvigorated commitment to advocacy,
spotlighting the professionalism of its members, providing the public with the best, most trusted source of landscape and lawn
care information, and promoting the value of using professional landscape industry services.
“Our new name will more accurately reflect our industry and our members, bringing higher visibility to the professionalism
and care that our members bring to creating and maintaining the nation’s landscapes,” said PLANET President, Jim
McCutcheon, Landscape Industry Certified.
The rebranding process produced more than just a new name and logo. It also included six months of member research to
refine the strategic direction of the association, making sure the organization’s vision, mission and goals represented member
needs and delivered solutions to support landscape companies and advance the industry.
Irrigation Association Relocates
The Irrigation Association has relocated its office to a new
location in Fairfax, Virginia, moving from its Falls Church
Virginia location where it had been headquartered since
1999. The Irrigation Association will be headquartered at
8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA
22031.
The Irrigation Association is the leading membership
organization for irrigation companies and professionals. Together with their members, they are committed to promoting
efficient irrigation and to long-term sustainability of water resources for future generations. IA works to improve industry
proficiency, advocate sound water management and grow demand for water-efficient products and services. For more
information, visit www.irrigation.org.
12

Progress in the Fight Against Citrus Greening
INDUSTRY NEWS
A 3D printed “SmartTrap” may turn the tide in a decade-old war to save Florida’s $10.7 billion citrus industry from a bacterial
disease known as citrus greening. Scientists at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services developed the
traps using 3D printing technology to more efficiently catch and study the Asian citrus psyllid, which carries the bacterial
disease decimating Florida’s citrus groves. A five-year, $200,000 National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant awarded to
Florida this week will allow the traps to be deployed and tested in California and Texas to prevent a similar crisis.
“This technology is a gigantic leap forward,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “This 3D printing innovation gives our
scientists the best chance to find a game-changing breakthrough in the fight against citrus greening.”
Using computer software and a fast-working 3D printer, researchers can easily adjust the trap’s shape, color, lights and chemicals
to better attract the psyllid. This allows researchers to more efficiently and accurately study the insect that transmits greening.
Citrus greening makes fruit turn green and bitter and causes it to drop to the ground sooner. Eventually, the disease is fatal to
the tree.
Previously, yellow sticky traps were hung in the trees, requiring a trained trap-reader for further testing. With the “SmartTrap,”
about 99 percent of the insects collected are psyllids. The traps also preserve the psyllids, unlike the yellow sticky traps,
which leave psyllids exposed to the elements where they quickly decompose and are virtually impossible to remove from the
entangling glue for further analysis.
The Asian citrus psyllid, no bigger than a pin, is an invasive insect first recognized in Florida in 1998. Citrus greening began
seriously affecting crops in 2005 and has contributed to record low citrus harvests.
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13

INDUSTRY NEWS
Florida Water Star SM Expands Across The State
Two additional Florida Water Star SM training programs have been planned for 2015. Join
industry professionals to increase your irrigation and landscape knowledge that can lead to
water savings.
This comprehensive water conservation program focuses on Florida-friendly landscape
alternatives and irrigation requirements that can have a major impact on water usage.
The full-day program includes a half day on irrigation and a half day on landscape and
provides the opportunity to test to earn the Florida Water Star SM Accredited Professional
designation.
Florida Water Star SM 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 the following day, April 9.
Florida Water Star SM travels to Ft. Lauderdale May 13 & 14 at the City of Ft. Lauderdale. Hosted by the South Florida Water
Management District, the program is expected to draw a large South Florida audience.
Other programs in 2015 took place in March in Clearwater and was hosted by the Southwest Florida Water Management
District and sponsored by Toro and in Palm Coast in February, hosted by the City of Palm Coast and sponsored by Hunter.
More than 100 industry professionals have taken part in this water conservation training in 2015.
Continuing education credits are approved for FNGLA Certified Professionals, Irrigation Association, Registered Landscape
Architects and Volusia County’s irrigation license.
Complete information about the Florida Water Star SM program can be found at www.floridawaterstar.com or contact Deirdre
Irwin, dirwin@sjrwmd.com, at the St. Johns River Water Management District.
To register for April 8 in Kissimmee, or May 13 in Ft. Lauderdale, contact Merry Mott, mmott@fngla.org or call 800-375-
3642.
14
Florida Water Star SM training in Palm Coast included a tour
of the Florida Friendly TM display gardens.
Florida Water Star SM attracts attendees from around the
state to learn about water conservation through efficient
landscape and irrigation design.

CERTIFICATIONS
Dual Landscape Certification
Exams a Hit at SeaWorld
SeaWorld Horticulture in Orlando hit a homerun with
the first-ever combination exam of both FNGLA’s
Certified Landscape Technician (FCLT-Installation) and
Landscape Maintenance Technician (FCLMT) exam,
Saturday, February 21, 2015.
Thank you to our Judges!
Gary Weitermann, FCLMT, SeaWorld, Host
Cynthia Brown, FCLMT, Sea World
Dan Brown, FCLMT, Sea World
Jorge Del Palacio, FCLT/MT, SeaWorld
John Dixon, FCLMT, Sea World
Herb Jimenez, FCLT/MT, Sea World
Jo Ann Kani-Miller, FCLC, A New Vista
Ken Martin, FCLC, Ken-Lin Landscaping
Christian Martinez, FCLT, ValleyCrest
Luis Perez, FCLT, ValleyCrest
Paul Rauch, FCLC, Pay It Forward Farm
Sarah Rosen, FCLT, Harry P. Leu Gardens
Diane Sappington, FCLD, A Landscape Vision
Jose Serrano, FCLT/MT, Sea World
Paul Sykora, FCLC, ValleyCrest
Kris Thiel, FCLT/MT, Lowes
Linda Tootle, FCLT, Tootle Construction
Tim Wills, FCLT/MT, Universal Studios
Ryan Woodward, FCLMT, Jupiter Island Club
Space is still available in the bilingual FCLT-Installation
exam Friday, April 24, 2015, hosted by FNGLA’s
Broward Chapter and the UF Ft. Lauderdale Research
Center in Davie. Training will take place Friday, April 3.
The training program is offered in English only.
Contact Robert Shoelson at Getting Green at 954-680-
1819 to register for the training program and Merry
Mott at FNGLA at 800-375-3642 or mmott@fngla.org
for the exam.
Plant ID, Pest Management, Fertilization, Vehicle Operation,
Irrigation, Pruning, Turf Management and, Site Evaluation are all
part of the one-day certification exam. An FNGLA installation
exam will be given on April 24 in Broward County.
15

MEMBER NEWS
Florida Ag Hall of Fame Inducts
Industry Leaders
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. The annual banquet took place February 10 in Tampa as
part of the Florida State Fair happenings.
For 2015, four awards were given and two include familiar industry
faces and names: Robert Blake Whisenant best known as the
inventor of the Earthbox, and Edward, Ferdinand S. & Joseph Duda,
third generation leaders for A. Duda & Sons, Inc. The other two
inductees, Dr. Alvin C. Warnick and Pat Wilson are closely linked
to Florida’s cattle industry. These individuals have made outstanding
contributions to Florida’s agriculture industry and have mentored
future leaders in their fields.
“Each of these men left an indelible mark on the history of Florida
agriculture,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H.
Putnam. “Not only are they leaders in their respective fields, but
they’ve also influenced agriculture industries in other parts of the
world. I’m proud to honor these Floridians for their contributions.”
Robert Blake Whisenant invented the
Earthbox and is a 2015 Agriculture Hall of
Fame Inductee.
The Florida Ag Hall of Fame has honored 144 inductees since
1980. These individuals’ contributions to agriculture have helped
advance the industry and ensure it continues to thrive. Their tireless,
unselfish efforts to promote and protect Florida’s greatest industry are
recognized with the agricultural community’s highest honor.
Edward, Ferdinand S. & Joseph Duda, third
generation leaders for A. Duda & Sons, Inc.
were also inducted into the 2015 Florida
Agriculture Hall of Fame.
16
Photo Courtesy of Ron O’Connor-Farm Credit
At the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame Dinner, FNGLA members
met Dr. Kent Fuchs, new President of the University of Florida.

Welcome New Members
The following are new FNGLA members: from January 22, 2015 - February 21, 2015
NEW MEMBERS
ACTION
International Iron
Heidi Larson
2325 Clark St
Apopka, FL 32703
407-809-5856
J.N.M. Horticulture Services, LLC
Jonathan McKinney
1824 Marion County Rd
Weirsdale, FL 32195
352-259-0905
BROWARD
AJ Baumgartner (Supportive)
770 NE 38th St
Oakland Park, FL 33334
954-803-3130
FRONTRUNNERS
Stockwood Liners LLC
Tommy Lewis
2576 SE 32nd Place
Ocala, FL 34471
352-528-3422
LAKE REGION
McDowell Landscape Services, Inc.
Mark McDowell
5160 Athenia Dr
Lakeland, FL 33813
863-370-8300
MANASOTA
J & T Holland, Inc.
Terri Holland
480 Shotgun Ln
Osprey, FL 34229
941-966-1870
MIAMI-DADE
Miami-Dade County
Margarita Marcio (Supportive)
3447 SW 112 Ct
Miami, FL 33165
305-297-3565
Dixie Chopper
Ed Garcia
6800 SW 40th St #141
Miami, FL 33155
786-631-0903
Jolo Farms, Inc.
Yale Fishman
13661 Deering Bay Dr
Coral Gables, FL 33158
305-216-9999
Muni Farms
Matthew Munilla
26100 SW 157 Ave
Homestead, FL 33031
786-488-2100
NORTHEAST
University of North Florida
Rhonda Gracie (Supportive)
1 UNF Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32224-7699
904-620-1375
Marshall Creek CDD
Roy Hutcherson (Supportive)
9 Ladyfish St
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-813-1275
PANHANDLE
Solid Rock & Material
David Dykes
3578 Juniper Creek Rd
Milton, FL 32570
850-336-6291
Rec’d by: Keith Sylvest, Coastal Machinery
PALM BEACH
Palm Beach County Extension - South
Laurie Albrecht (Supportive)
559 N Military Trail
W Palm Beach, FL 33415-1311
561-233-1700
PINELLAS
Tara Solutions
Cesar Diaz
310 E Harrison St
Tampa, FL 33602
813-563-1463
ROYAL PALM
Jose Mares Lawn Service, LLC.
Jose Mares
4547 31st Place SW
Naples, FL 34116
239-465-9372
Rec’d by: John Schwind, Steele Truck
Center, Inc.
GCase Landscape LLC
Gilbert Case
1131 13th Street SW
Naples, FL 34117
239-877-7811
Rec’d by: Debbie Perkins, Perkins Nursery,
R & R Sprinkler & Sod, Inc.
Rene St. Pierre
931 SE 11th Ave
Cape Coral, FL 33990
239-772-2607
Rec’d by: John Schwind, Steele Truck
Center, Inc.
Environmental Turkey Solutions
Anthony Cialone
99 Vanderbilt Beach Road Ste 200
Naples, FL 34108
239-325-1855
Daley Lawn Care, Inc.
Jeff Daley
2316 Pine Ridge Rd #462
Naples, FL 34109
239-353-5416
Rec’d by: John Schwind, Steele Truck
Center, Inc.
Pinnacle Landscapes, Inc.
Britton Dudley
P O Box 100520
Cape Coral, FL 33910
239-225-0615
TAMPA BAY
Pop’s Nursery
Casey Cooper
2910 James L Redman Pkwy
Plant City, FL 33566
813-325-2844
Rec’d by: Lori Johnson, American Farms,
LLC
TREASURE COAST
Creek Nursery, LLC
Dawn Rose Full
1776 SW Ranch Tr
Stuart, FL 34997
772-233-5285
Also part of the Florida State Fair Opening
Day Events was The Governor’s Day
Luncheon where Florida’s Cabinet Members
honored Veterans and touted the many
benefits of Florida agriculture. From left:
Ron O’Connor (Farm Credit of Florida),
James Lewis (Farm Credit of Florida),
FNGLA’s Incoming President Billy Butterfield
(AmeriScapes Landscape Management),
Jennifer Nelis (FNGLA), Reggie Holt (Farm
Credit of Florida), Will Womack (Tampa
Bay Landscaping), Liz Felter (University of
Florida), Amanda Hébert & her husband Scott
(Big Earth Landscape Supply). Also present,
but not pictured, was Linda Reindl (FNGLA).
17

Calendar of Events
See and submit events at http://www.fngla.org, under calendar
Contact Us
March
10 & 11: FNGLA/LMN Build A Better Landscape Business, RingPower CAT, St.
Augustine
12: Pests of Annual and Perennial Flowers, UF/IFAS Orange County
Extension, Orlando
12 & 13: FNGLA/LMN Build A Better Landscape Business, Kelly Tractor,
West Palm Beach
18 & 25: Make 2015 Your Most Profitable Year - 2 of a 4 Part Series, Indian
River Research and Education Center, Ft. Pierce
FNGLA
Phone: 407.295.7994
Toll-free: 800.375.3642
Fax: 407.295.1619
E-mail: info@fngla.org
Web: www.fngla.org
CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER
Ben Bolusky
GREENLINE EDITOR
Jennifer Nelis
jnelis@fngla.org
2014-2015 STATE OFFICERS
President
Sandy Stein
The Jungle Nursery
29100 SW 162 Ave
Homestead, FL 33030
(305) 246-5324
Past President
Mike Marshall
Marshall Tree Farm
17350 SE 65th St
Morriston, FL 32668-4508
(352) 528-3880
President-Elect
Billy Butterfield
AmeriScapes Landscape
Management Services, Inc.
PO Box 568762
Orlando, FL 32856-5041
(407) 872-0855
Secretary/Treasurer
Robert Shoelson
Getting Green Plant Services &
Betrock Information Systems
PO Box 840107
Pembroke Pines, FL 33084
(954) 680-1819
26: Landscape Inspectors Association of Florida 2015 Annual Industry
Seminar, Sunrise Civic Center, Sunrise
April
9 & 10: 3rd Annual Native Plant Show, Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee
11-16: California Spring Trials, Multiple Locations Throughout California
May
13 & 14: FNGLA’s Floriculture Field Days, Orlando
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.
1533 Park Center Drive
Orlando, FL 32835-5705
Read the latest FNGLA news inside & visit
Greenline online at http://greenline.fngla.org