President's Letter: FNGLA Leaders in Tallahassee
Last month the FNGLA Board of Directors were in Tallahassee for the association’s annual Board Meeting and visits with local lawmakers at the state’s Capitol. Board members gathered for FNGLA’s third board meeting of the year, and we were joined by many from the FNGLA Emerging Leaders Program as Class 1’s regular session coincided in timing and location. The future looks so bright with these individuals stepping up and taking on the challenge. Board Members and ELP participants also took part in an evening social event which FNGLA hosted, chatting with lawmakers which included Senator Keith Truenow, Rep. J.J. Grow, and Rep. Yvette Benarroch.
FNGLA’s Board and ELP Class spent the next morning at the Capitol where we were visited by a line-up of Florida senators and representatives. Representatives Kaylee Tuck, Yvette Benarroch, Allison Tant, and Tiffany Esposito stopped by to talk and take questions. We were also visited by Senators Stan McClain, Keith Truenow, and Corey Simon. Conversation topics included the UF/IFAS 2025 Legislative Budget Request and items like workload budget to equipment modernization, to 4-H camp renovations.
Each year I go to Tallahassee for FNGLA’s Board Meeting, I have come out with a broader knowledge of our government, and better understanding of how the sausage is made. The association’s visit to Tallahassee adds depth in our abilities to help and advise our elected officials on making decisions.
Our industry generates $31 billion in total sales output each year with the nursery and greenhouse sector being the leading agricultural commodity in Florida by sales. That accounts for $31 billion! We are the biggest of the “Big 6” in sales volume. Nursery and Landscape businesses employ more than 266,000 jobs across the state and our lands provide the critical habitat which protects wildlife. The industry needs your support too! Contact your representative, make calls and get to know them…they were elected to do a job.
In other news from other areas of the association, membership renewal season is about to begin, so get signed up and continue to support FNGLA – and Florida’s nursery and landscape industry – with your annual membership renewal. Make sure you speak with your fellow industry businesses about the value of being an FNGLA member. And Chapter leaders: wherever possible, please communicate with your FNGLA team in Orlando to assist with updating member contact details. And Chapters, talk up membership!
Looking forward to seeing so many of you at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando for the FNGLA Annual Convention June 19 – 21. Be sure to book your hotel accommodations now for the event; it is looking to be a great one.
Your FNGLA 2024-25 President,
Phillip Hisey
