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TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
Stay updated on member events and news that impact the TNLA community. In addition, check out our Green Matters Weekly Newsletter for industry news |
 (Brandan pictured in the center)
We’re proud to shine this month’s Member Spotlight on someone making waves in the green industry--Brandon Kirby of Rainbow Gardens in San Antonio, Texas, who was recently named the 2025 Young Retailer Award Winner at AmericanHort’s Cultivate show. This prestigious national award recognizes rising stars in horticultural retail who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to growing the industry. Among a competitive group of finalists, Brandon stood out for his forward-thinking approach, strong work ethic, and dedication to cultivating both plants and people. As the leader of Rainbow Gardens, a beloved San Antonio staple, Brandon has brought fresh ideas and energy to the business—helping it thrive while continuing to serve the local community with excellence. His win is not only a personal achievement but also a proud moment for the Texas horticulture community. TNLA congratulates Brandon on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to watching his continued impact on the future of horticulture. Way to go, Brandon!
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In this exclusive sit-down with TNLA President & CEO Amy Graham, newly elected Chairman Devin Guinn shares his vision for the year ahead. From fostering growth and supporting diversity to navigating leadership transitions, Devin reflects on how TNLA has shaped his journey—starting with a pivotal introduction to EXPO by past TNLA Chairman Tim Little. Watch the full interview to hear how TNLA’s connections became the backbone of his success and what’s next for our association.
The Texas Legislature is back in session, and while 17 items are on the agenda, one stands out for the green industry: impact fees tied to water and development.
Here’s what you need to know: 📌 What’s Happening Lawmakers are revisiting SB 1253, a bill that would require cities to offer credits on impact fees when developers go above and beyond to conserve water or reduce wastewater. 🧾 Why This Matters Cities use impact fees to fund water and sewer infrastructure for new developments. But these fees have gotten expensive—really expensive:
🏗️ What It Means for Our Industry
We'll continue to keep you informed as this develops. New Tax Breaks, Workforce Wins, and Industry SupportOn July 4, 2025, H.R. 1—known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill”—was signed into law. At 870 pages, it’s one of the most sweeping federal laws in recent history. But here’s the bottom line for TNLA members: it includes some powerful wins for your business.
Here’s what matters most: 🌿 529 Plans Can Now Fund Certifications You can now use 529 education savings to cover industry licenses—like irrigator training, pesticide applicator certification, or landscape credentials. This makes workforce development more accessible for young professionals in our industry. 🔧 Full Write-Offs for Equipment & R&D Businesses can now fully expense:
That means lower tax bills and more room to innovate and invest. 🏦 Loan Interest Deductions Restored Businesses that borrow to buy land, expand greenhouses, or manage inventory can now deduct more interest expenses, thanks to the return of EBITDA-based limits. 💼 199A Pass-Through Deduction Made Permanent The Qualified Business Income deduction for S-corps, LLCs, and sole proprietors now increases from 20% to 23% starting in 2026. That’s more relief for small and mid-sized businesses. 🌱 Expanded Grower Support & Plant Protection
These provisions mean long-term investment in plant health, crop resilience, and industry sustainability. The Takeaway: While the bill didn’t fix everything (especially on the labor side), it delivers significant financial and operational benefits for Texas green industry businesses. TNLA will continue monitoring how funding rolls out—and will keep pushing for additional reforms where they’re needed most. Steady Workers Mean Steady Business—Here’s Where We StandIf your business depends on seasonal help through the H-2B visa program, there’s some promising news coming out of the U.S. House—but still roadblocks in the Senate.
In late June, lawmakers in the House advanced an important amendment to the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. This amendment would allow long-time users of the H-2B program—employers who’ve participated in any of the last five years—to bring in the same number of workers again, without counting against the annual federal cap. This would give law-abiding employers more predictability, reduce lottery risk, and help protect your business from labor disruptions. Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate didn’t include any H-2B reform in H.R. 1, the sweeping legislation recently signed into law. A proposal to create a “Certified Seasonal Employer” designation was removed late in the process after stalling over disagreements with the White House. What’s Next:
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AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
July 2026
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