FNGLA 2024-25 President Phillip Hisey speaks to students at the FNGLA Horticulture Career Fair at The 2024 Landscape Show. | FNGLA Photo
President's Letter: What a great 2024 Landscape Show!
September 6, 2024
It truly was a BIG DEAL as we celebrated the 72nd year the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) has produced this annual industry trade show. FNGLA is a BIG DEAL because it is the largest of the “Big 6” agricultural organizations in sales volume across the state. It’s a BIG DEAL because this was the largest show in 10 years. And it’s a BIG DEAL because of the members who show up year after year, dedicating their time to the show. Hats off to The Landscape Show Committee for an impressive event. And thanks to the show sponsors for their generous donations and time, which ensured a successful event. The Landscape Show Knowledge College was a great success thanks to the Knowledge College Committee and the presenters. There was a wealth of knowledge provided and gained at these education sessions. A job well done.
The show kicked off with an FNGLA Board meeting where attendees shared opportunities, challenges and successes. One highlight shared: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College now accepts FNGLA Certifications, issuing college credit to FNGLA Certified individuals. This is huge! The move offers FNGLA’s Certification program an additional boost -- and credit for what it truly offers.
Another highlight shared at the Board meeting: The National Horticulture Foundation (NHF) is as strong as ever, and continues to provide a way for industry members to support studies to better understand the complexities involved in plant and nursery management.
Another distinction of note: Congratulations to Janel Taylor (Ralph Taylor Nurseries) for her commitment to education by joining The Landscape Show Knowledge College Committee. Claire Lewis from UF/IFAS has also joined FNGLA’s Landscape Irrigation Committee. Lewis is a great addition to the committee. And Reilly Brooks (Biosafe Systems, Tampa) has also joined FNGLA’s Marketing and Membership Committee. Thanks again to all our members and the active involvement which makes our association a BIG DEAL.
We also had an outstanding event Thursday evening of the show as FNGLA’s Landscape Irrigation Committee hosted a panel which consisted of Lance Smith from the City of Zephyrhills, Rodney Tilley from TOHO Water Authority, and Dierdre Irwin from the St. Johns River Water Management District. The panel discussion topic was The Future of Florida Landscapes. Each presenter offered insights, and the meeting concluded with a question-and-answer period that brought out some inspiring discussion. We cannot make these events what they are without event sponsors. Thank you to all sponsors for your contributions to the successful event. Where do we go from here? more to come and we will continue to beat the drum for efficiency in landscape irrigation! Water is a BIG DEAL in this great state, and we need to be on our toes in coming months and years to make an impact with our lawmakers.
Friday of the show, FNGLA hosted an enormous crowd from high schools across the state at the Horticulture Career Fair. We have a bright future ahead of us with the young up-and-comers, and the future of the landscape industry is looking bright.
FNGLA’s incoming Chief Operating Officer (COO) Shawn Pattison and I had some interesting discussions with students prior to the doors opening. Topics included plant growth with NASA on the space station, and more. It is amazing what kids are learning in the classroom, thanks to the educators in our schools. Many thanks to The Landscape Show exhibitors in attendance for assisting the future and showing them the way. “The future depends on what you do today.” – Mahatma Gandhi
As I look to September, it will be just as lively. FNGLA’s Action Chapter will host its annual Batson Award luncheon on September 10 - and more events on the horizon. Don’t forget about FNGLA Manasota Chapter's 36th Annual Golf Tournament at TPC Prestancia.
Thanks again to all Landscape Show exhibitors, attendees and committee members who ensured a successful event.
Lastly, thank you to the FNGLA staff for their commitment to the Association and their assistance every step of the way!
Your 2024 – 25 FNGLA President,
Phillip Hisey
