President's Letter: Wrapping up Hurricane Season and Looking Ahead to Convention and Thanksgiving
Hurricane season is almost over.
Wow, what a season: three storms crossed our state this year. After traveling across Florida, visiting Ralph Taylor Nurseries on the west coast, then seeing the tornado-ravaged areas of Loxahatchee, I’m proud to say the industry is resilient and resourceful.
After each year, and each storm, we discover new challenges and obstacles our industry and members face. Some lessons learned after hurricanes Helen and Milton were related to power and fuel. Our members have learned to overcome issues such as assuring food, water and hygiene when storms decimate area supplies, but without power to run irrigation pumps, our industry’s products quickly feel the effects.
After Milton, power was an issue for many, as we know the nursery industry is susceptible when it comes to lack of power to run irrigation pumps. We saw and heard of many not having the facilities ready to operate essential pumps. I urge you all to know your systems. Talk to local well installers and electricians to gain a full understanding of your needs and implement plans.
FNGLA’s Board of Directors recently held its board meeting where they discussed putting together a workshop for FNGLA members to gain that knowledge and know who to call and for what needs one needs to be ready to implement. If anyone has knowledge they can share, please feel free to contact me or the FNGLA office.
In other news, dates have been officially set for FNGLA’s 2025 Annual Convention! We’re looking forward to coming together for this event June 20-22, 2025, at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. “Where it all begins” is the theme for this year. This theme shares a tremendous number of ties to our industry and membership. For starters, Shingle Creek is ‘where it all begins.’ It’s the headwaters of the Everglades. Water Resources are, in my opinion, the one essential we must protect the right to use and use efficiently. Another tie in for ‘where it all begins,’ is to hopefully shine light on how we as an association can help members become active in local and state issues. On that note, it must begin somewhere. Hopefully, with this Convention tagline, we’ll encourage members and those in our industry to talk to county commissioners, city and county staff, friends and neighbors about our industry and the FNGLA. We also hope to highlight the importance of getting involved in FNGLA’s local Chapters, association committees, and beyond.
About 10 years ago, I remember asking FNGLA Director of Certification and Career Development Merry Mott at the Landscape Show, “How do I help? Where can I get involved?”
I wanted to do something more. Many times, we are frozen due to a lack of knowledge. We just have to ask.
Where does it begin for you?
I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope you get to enjoy family, food and fun.
Phillip Hisey
FNGLA 2024-25 President
