President's Letter: March has been a busy month
FNGLA’s Northeast Chapter hosted a member meeting, which also served as a gathering to invite new members into the association. The event, held at FNGLA past president Shawn Thomas’ facility, Sabal Landscape Solutions, proved to be a successful one. There were more than 120 people there. Big shout out to Shawn for hosting, and to the event sponsors and volunteers. These events do not happen without our member sponsors and volunteers.
The FNGLA Frontrunners Chapter also hosted a meeting in March at the College of Central Florida Vintage Farm where students discussed challenges the green Industry faces. The aim of the meeting was also to show students industry opportunities, available scholarships, and networking opportunities.
In other association events, FNGLA held its annual FNGLA/SHARE Golf Tournament on Friday, April 4 at Candler Hills Golf Club at On Top of the World Communities. As always, the course was in great shape, thanks to the golf course staff. Matt Hibbs and Denise Mullen with Candler Hills hosted a great event! The event generated $20,000 for vital industry research through UF SHARE. Through events such as the golf tournament, the research fund has grown to over $1.8 million and is actively fueling 10 research projects this year — all aimed at advancing Florida horticulture. Your support truly makes a difference. A huge shoutout to our Champion Sponsor, SiteOne Landscape Supply, and to our key sponsors which included Big Trees Plantation, Cultivate Wealth Management, Dynamic Equipment Group, and NexTran Trucks. Your efforts make the success of this tournament possible. Lake Jem Farms took home the winning trophy with a 27 under par score. The tournament is always fun and the yarn, mulligans, ball cannon and other optional scoring aids always bring in some of the lowest scores. Thanks to all who attended and for making another successful event!
Speaking of horticulture industry research projects…
If you have any ideas for potential research opportunities, please speak with FNGLA Director of Education Linda Reindl for details on how to share them. It takes the industry to present the issues and problems we face, and to offer research engines like the National Horticulture Foundation and SHARE at UF/IFAS the fuel to feed the studies we so desperately need.
Another important FNGLA coming up soon is Annual Convention. I am looking forward to this event, which is slated for June 19 – 21 at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando. Book your hotel room now for the best block pricing -- and make sure you register to attend. This event will be epic and will promote all that Florida has to offer in the heart of the state. Shingle Creek is known as the “Headwaters of the Everglades,” so, hence this year’s Convention theme, "Where it all Begins.”
Looking forward to seeing many of you at the FNGLA Royal Palm and Manasota Chapter Clay Shooting Competition on Friday, April 18!
Your FNGLA 2024-25 President,
Phillip Hisey
