We congratulate Calloway's Nursery on receiving the coveted Texas Treasure Business Award from the Texas Historical Commission. This prestigious award recognizes Texas businesses that have been operating for over 50 years and have made exceptional historical contributions to the state's economic growth and prosperity.

Founded
Frank Cornelius Sr. in 1938, Cornelius Nursery has a storied legacy. As one of the pioneers in selling container plants, the family-owned and -operated nursery began as a supplier to landscapers and retail nurseries. In 1986, Sterling Cornelius played a pivotal role in assisting the founders of Calloway's Nursery with their business plan and store model. Upon his retirement, Calloway's Nursery acquired Cornelius Nursery in 1999.

Words from CEO
"This award pays tribute to the incredible legacy built by the Cornelius family that carries on to this day, and we are honored to be recognized by the State of Texas," said Marce Ward, CEO of Calloway's Nursery. "From annual Christmas tree selections to assisting former First Lady Barbara Bush in her garden, our team cherishes the countless memories made here in Houston and beyond. We're committed to preserving and creating more treasured moments for years to come."

Did You Know? Calloway's Nursery has also been honored with several prestigious awards from the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA):

• Summit Award: The highest honor bestowed by TNLA, recognizing a member company that has made significant, exceptional contributions to TNLA and member businesses.
• ARP Awards: Three of their outstanding employees—Sam Weger, John Peters, and Jim Estill—have received the ARP Award. Named after the Arp Rose Nursery Company, this award honors individual professionals for their outstanding contributions to the industry. Notably, Sam Weger and John Peters have also served as TNLA Chairmen.

​Cornelius Nursery’s rich history of innovation and excellence continues to set a high standard in our industry. We proudly celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued success and contributions. Congratulations, Cornelius Nursery, on this well-deserved recognition!

Education/Background
TNLA is excited to welcome Curtis Smith, who will take on the role of the Legislative and Regulatory Director for the association. Curtis is originally from Beaumont, Texas, and attended Lamar University. He has worked in the Texas House of Representatives since 2009 for legislators from across South Texas. While working in Austin, he has helped pass over 100 bills, with a special focus on transportation, technology, water, and land and resource management.
Work/Experience
Over his time in the legislature, he has served as the lead staffer for the Texas Department of Agriculture Sunset Bill, where he worked with TNLA to help save the Citrus Budwood Advisory Council. Curtis also brings a wealth of experience on water issues, with considerable experience working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Water Development Board.
How Will Curtis Work For You?
Curtis is excited to join TNLA as the Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs. In his new role, he looks forward to getting to know our members this week in his travels and is working to ensure TNLA’s voice is heard at the local, state, and federal levels. You can reach Curtis by emailing him at [email protected] or calling him at (512) 579-3851. 

Who:
TNLA staff: Amy Graham, CEO/President, Curtis Smith, TNLA’s new Director of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, Kim Cabrera, TNLA’s Membership and Marketing Manager, alongside Steve Taber, owner of Southwest Wholesale Nursery, and Todd Kinney, General Manager of KBW Supply, recently convened to strategize for the Political Action Committee’s (PAC) Raffle and Donation Items at the 2024 TNLA Nursery Landscape Expo in San Antonio, scheduled for August.


What is PAC?
For those unfamiliar with the Political Action Committee (PAC), it is the sole PAC supporting the green industry. Its mission? TNLA helps push for allies and support champions who advocate for the industry's interests in public office to be elected. Your participation matters. By contributing auction items for the 2024 TNLA PAC Auction held at EXPO, you bolster the PAC's ability to advocate for the Texas green industry. Interested in donating? You can give directly by donating to TNLA PAC By Clicking HERE. Contact Curtis Smith at [email protected] or (512) 579-3851 for details. Lastly, TNLA PAC is collecting items for the PAC Auction at EXPO. Email Curtis Smith at [email protected] or call him at (512) 579-3851 to complete a donation form.
Call To Action
Visit nurserylandscapeexpo.org for more information about the TNLA 2024 Nursery/Landscape Expo. Want to learn more about the PAC and its initiatives? Head over to https://www.tnlaonline.org/tnla-political-action-committee.html. Your involvement shapes the future of the green industry more than you know. Hope to see you at show!