Building Confidence, Sharpening skills, and making lasting connections- TNLA's Leadership Bootcamp5/15/2025
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May 2025 Legislative Update
When you’re busy running your business, it’s easy to miss what’s happening at the Capitol. That’s where TNLA comes in—advocating for your interests and protecting the future of the Green Industry. Here’s the latest on one of the biggest issues we’ve worked on this session. What Happened? As the Texas Legislature nears the end of its session, TNLA is hard at work representing your business at the Capitol. One of the biggest issues we’ve tackled this month is House Bill 4271, which could have seriously hurt composting operations across Texas. When the bill was first introduced, it would have allowed any legislator in a general area to block or delay any composting site—including those already operating. Thanks to TNLA’s efforts and the support of key legislators and TNLA members like you, the bill has now been narrowed:
What’s Next? We’re not done yet. TNLA is still working with Senators to make sure the bill stays business-friendly. Composting matters—for healthy soil, less landfill waste, and stronger landscapes. It’s part of the real environmental solutions our industry provides every day. We’re making sure lawmakers understand that. Wrapping Up the Session As the 2025 Legislative Session wraps up, TNLA is proud of what we’ve done together. From labor and water to regulations and permitting, your voice has been heard at the Capitol. Once session ends, we’ll send you a full recap so you can see what we achieved—and what’s next for the Texas Green Industry. Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are stronger. At TNLA, we know that growing a successful business takes more than great plants—it takes great people and great promotion. That’s why we’re excited to share two powerful tools now available to help you attract customers and invest in your team. 📈 The 2025 TNLA Compensation & Benefits Study Your people are your greatest asset. But are you offering what today’s workforce expects? With insights from over 160 companies across Texas, this member-driven study delivers real data on:
👉 Secure Your Copy Today (Special member pricing available): Purchase Here  💻 The Embrace Your Space Marketing Toolkit Once you’ve built a great team—let’s help you bring in more customers. Our free member-exclusive marketing campaign gives you everything you need to promote your services this season:
It’s designed to help you increase engagement online and drive more foot traffic to your business. 👉 Access Your Free Toolkit HERE 🛠️ Two Tools. One Goal. Your Growth.
Both resources are designed to help you work smarter, promote better, and grow stronger—whether you’re improving your workforce or boosting your brand visibility. Need help accessing either resource? Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll get you started. Let’s grow together! As the 2025 Texas Legislative Session enters its final stretch, several key bills are moving forward that could impact your business, your land, and your workforce. TNLA is closely monitoring these proposals and working to ensure your voice is heard in Austin. Here are the highlights:
🚨 Mandatory E-Verify for All Employers Senate Bill 324 (by Senator Kolkhorst) has passed the Senate and is headed to the House. If it becomes law, every Texas business—public and private—would be required to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the legal work status of all new hires. ✅ What this means for you:
🌎 Foreign Ownership of Land Restrictions Senate Bill 17 (by Kolkhorst and Hefner) aims to ban certain foreign entities from buying land in Texas, including agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential property. The goal is national security, targeting countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. ⚠️ While U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are exempt, the bill has raised concerns about:
TNLA is watching this bill closely and urging lawmakers to consider how it might impact agriculture and green industry sectors. 🪴 Plant Pest Alert System Moving Forward There’s good news for growers and landscape pros: House Bill 1592 (by Rep. Plesa and supported by TNLA) has passed the Texas House! 📢 This bill creates an opt-in email alert system to notify you of pest and plant disease outbreaks across Texas—helping businesses respond quickly and protect their crops and landscapes. The system will be managed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. ♻️ Protecting Composting and Sustainability TNLA is also working on several bills related to food waste composting facilities (SB 2078/HB 4086 and HB 4271/SB 2240). These efforts come in response to proposed changes in Lee County. We’re working to make sure any new policies:
TNLA Is Working for You We’re actively engaged in advocacy every step of the way—reviewing language, testifying at hearings, and keeping members informed. Your business, your land, and your workforce matter to us. Stay tuned for more updates as the session continues—and thank you for being a part of TNLA. In this quick video update, we share how TNLA is investing in the next generation of green industry professionals—from hands-on programs to strategic partnerships. Discover how these initiatives are helping our members recruit, retain, and inspire a skilled workforce.
 A Pioneer in Horticulture, Conservation, and Community
It is with deep respect and heavy hearts that we honor the life of John T. Nickel, Chairman of the Board of Greenleaf Nursery Company, who passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. John was not only a visionary nurseryman and conservationist, but also a longstanding and dedicated member of the TNLA family. Since 1972, Greenleaf Nursery Co. has been a TNLA member—marking over five decades of unwavering support and leadership in our industry. The company has exhibited at Nursery/Landscape EXPO for 52 consecutive years, a commitment that speaks volumes to John’s belief in advancing horticulture through shared knowledge and community. John’s contributions to our association extended beyond the business he built. Greenleaf is part of TNLA’s Circle of Legends, an honor reserved for those whose influence and service have left an indelible mark on our industry. His entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to excellence, and passion for preserving the beauty of the natural world reflected the very heart of TNLA’s mission. Born in Muskogee, Oklahoma in 1935, John’s love of horticulture took root early. At just 22 years old, he founded Greenleaf Nursery Co. on the shores of Lake Tenkiller, growing it into one of the largest wholesale producers of shrubs, trees, and container-grown plants in the U.S. His legacy lives on not only through Greenleaf’s continued success but through the lives he touched, the natural spaces he preserved, and the generations he inspired. John’s achievements were many—Entrepreneur of the Year, founder of the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, inductee into both the Tulsa and Oklahoma Halls of Fame—but to those in our community, he was also a generous leader, a loyal friend, and a fierce advocate for the green industry. Our thoughts are with his wife Julie, his five children, grandson, extended family, and the over 1,000 employees at Greenleaf who John proudly considered part of his extended family. We are grateful for the impact John had on our association, our industry, and our world. May his legacy continue to bloom. As Easter arrives, so does a season of growth, hope, and reflection—values deeply rooted in the mission of the TNLA Foundation. This season, we’re celebrating both the purpose behind our work and the people who represent its impact—like the 2025 TNLA Foundation Scholarship Recipients. These outstanding students are the next generation of horticulture professionals, educators, and entrepreneurs. With a passion for plants and a drive to make a difference, they represent the future we believe in—and the one we’re building together. Our work doesn’t stop there, the TNLA Foundation has proudly: 🌿 Awarded over $1.1 million in scholarships to students pursuing careers in horticulture and related fields 📚 Funded over $75,000 in research to support innovation, sustainability, and best practices across the industry 💼 Trained more than 50 professionals through the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp, building strong, informed leaders for tomorrow This Easter, as landscapes bloom and communities grow, we’re reminded of the power of planting something meaningful—be it a seed, an idea, or a dream. 🎓 Meet the 2025 TNLA Foundation Scholarship WinnersRecognized for their dedication, academic excellence, and passion for the Green Industry:
💚 Help Us Keep Growing Whether through mentorship, donations, or simply sharing our story, your support helps plant the seeds for a greener, stronger future. Learn more or donate at TNLAonline.org » From all of us at the TNLA Foundation--Happy Easter. May your season be filled with renewal, purpose, and plenty of blooms. 🌼  Spring is in full swing, and we know it’s one of your busiest times of year. Whether you’re in the greenhouse, out on job sites, or managing a team—you’ve got a lot going on. That’s why we’ve pulled together everything TNLA has going on this month, all in one place, so you don’t miss a beat.
Regional Meetings: Connect with Your Local Green Industry Community Region I Meeting – Support the Future of Horticulture Join us for an evening at Palo Alto Community College as we spotlight the Horticulture Program and kick off the student competition season. April 8, 2025 Tour at 5:00 PM | Meeting 6:00–8:00 PM Palo Alto Community College – Art Room 101 Free to attend + Free parking | Dinner provided RSVP by April 7 to: [email protected] Region III Spring Meeting – Tour & Annual Business Meeting Tour the beautiful Purtis Creek Farm and enjoy great conversation and dinner with fellow members. May 15, 2025 4:30 PM – 8:00 PM Purtis Creek Farm – Eustace, TX Free to attend + Free parking | Dinner provided RSVP by May 9 to: [email protected] Speaker: TBD TNLA Green Report Podcast: Industry Voices You Need to Hear Just Released: Season 4, Episode 4: “Cultivating the Future” with Dr. Andrew King Go behind the scenes of the Texas Superstar® Trials and hear what makes a plant a true standout in Texas landscapes. Posted March 31 Listen now: Episode 4 on Podbean Coming April 9: Season 4, Episode 5: “Rooted in Quality” with Savanna Taylor Thornton Get an insider’s look at the 2025 season from Lone Star Trees, plus industry insights on tariffs, labor, and advocacy. Listen here: greenreport.podbean.com Free Webinar: Reaching Families & Educators Through Nature Unlocking New Customer Opportunities Through Early Childhood Connections Presented by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Dr. Jodi Nerren and Anna Raumaker. Thursday, April 24, 2025 1:30 PM Zoom Register: Click here to register Learn how to connect with families and educators by highlighting the benefits of nature in child development—and turn them into loyal green industry customers. Nursery/Landscape Expo 2025 Registration is LIVE! Get ready for Nursery/Landscape Expo 2025, happening August 5–7. Register early and lock in discounted rates by July 18! Booths selling fast!! Mobile App launching soon, be on the look out for updates. Here's a few sneak peek session titles:
Coming end of April: Spring Issue of TNLA Working for You Magazine Our Spring 2025 issue of TNLA Working For You goes live in late April, and you won’t want to miss it! This issue celebrates our award winners honored at the Lone Star Hort Forum, digs into real-time compliance guidance on immigration, features exclusive stories from WTAMU, and offers practical insights into landscape marketing, pest management, and more. Whether you're looking to be inspired, stay compliant, or gain an edge in today’s competitive landscape, this issue has something for everyone in the green industry. Keep an eye on your inbox—we’ll let you know as soon as it’s live. Coming in May: “Embrace Your Space” Campaign Launch! We’re excited to launch our "Embrace Your Space" campaign this May—a free marketing toolkit to help your business promote spring planting and boost customer engagement. Get ready for downloadable social graphics, fliers, and easy-to-use content you can put to work right away. We know this season can be intense—but we’re here to make it easier. From advocacy to events to marketing tools, TNLA has your back. Here’s to a strong spring season! On April 2, 2025, new U.S. trade measures were announced that represent a major shift in federal tariff policy—with broad implications for the horticulture and landscape industries.
Before diving into the specifics, here’s a quick refresher: What Is a Tariff? A tariff is a tax placed on goods imported into a country. It’s designed to make foreign products more expensive, either to encourage consumers to buy domestically or to apply pressure in trade negotiations. Example: If your business imports $100,000 worth of garden tools from Italy and a 10% tariff applies, you would owe $10,000 in duties—bringing the total cost to $110,000. Who Pays for Tariffs?While tariffs are technically paid by importers at the border, the costs often get passed down the supply chain:
Key Changes TNLA Members Should Know 🔹 10% Blanket Tariff on All Imports Effective April 5, 2025, a 10% tariff will apply to all goods entering the U.S., regardless of country of origin. This is one of the most sweeping tariff measures in recent history. 🔹 Reciprocal Tariffs Begin April 9A second round of tariffs will target goods from countries that impose barriers on U.S. exports. These “reciprocal” tariffs will vary by country and industry. Exemptions include:
🔹 Canada & Mexico Impacts are limited for now under active IEEPA orders related to migration and fentanyl:
🔹 End of Duty-Free Imports from China & Hong Kong The de minimis rule currently allows duty-free shipments under $800. That exemption ends soon:
This change will significantly impact small package imports and e-commerce. 🔹 Auto & Auto Parts Tariffs A 25% tariff on imported cars takes effect April 3, 2025. A separate tariff on imported auto parts will follow no later than May 3, 2025. Parts that meet USMCA requirements are initially excluded. However, the Commerce Department will soon introduce a system to assess which components count as “non-U.S.” for tariff purposes. What TNLA Members Should Do Now If your business relies on imported goods—such as pots, fertilizer, hand tools, or machinery—it’s important to take proactive steps:
Why Labor Access Matters More Than Ever These new tariffs will likely increase your cost of doing business. That’s why labor policy must be part of the conversation. A reliable, legal workforce—especially through programs like H-2A and H-2B—is critical to absorbing financial pressure and staying competitive. Tariffs and workforce access go hand in hand. In a more expensive global marketplace, stability and productivity at home are non-negotiable. TNLA will continue to monitor these changes and advocate for solutions that protect and support your business. Stay tuned for updates. Celebrating 25 Years of Growth Together
Spring is in full swing, and we know that means long days, full schedules, and little time to stop and plan ahead. As you dive into your busiest season, TNLA is here to help—offering on-demand training, industry insights, and resources to keep your business growing. This year is extra special as we celebrate 25 years of supporting the green industry. Whether you’re a Grower, Landscaper, Retailer, or Supplier, our industry is stronger because of professionals like you. Let’s make this season a time for growth—not just for plants, but for businesses and teams. Growers & Rewholesalers: Stay Ahead This Spring
Landscapers: Tools to Keep Projects Running Smoothly
Irrigation & Water Management: Stay Compliant and Efficient
Retailers: Make the Most of Spring Sales
🔧 Suppliers: Expand Your Network & Opportunities
Members you will need to use your individual member ID as your user name and type in your password when logging into Path LMS. If you need help resetting your password or locating your individual member ID contact [email protected] or call 512-579-3854 or try 512-579-3853 Monday-Friday Let’s Grow Together This spring, don’t just survive the season—thrive with TNLA’s 25 years of industry support behind you. Whether you need CEUs, workforce training, leadership resources, or networking opportunities, we’ve got you covered. Ready to make the most of your membership? ✔️ Access FREE & CEU-approved webinars ✔️ Get workforce training in English & Spanish ✔️ Register for TNLA EXPO & industry events 🔗 tnlaonline.org |
TNLA StaffInterpersonal stories all from TNLA Archives
May 2025
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