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Stay updated on member events and news that impact the TNLA community. In addition, check out our Green Matters Weekly Newsletter for industry news |
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Each year, the Lone Star Hort Forum brings together leaders from across the Texas green industry to step away from day-to-day demands and focus on what matters most: people, leadership, and the future of our businesses. This year’s Forum did exactly that — through honest conversations, practical learning, and moments that reminded us why this community matters. Day One: Grounded Perspectives and Practical TakeawaysDay One focused on real-world challenges and tools leaders can take back to their teams right away  We kicked off Day One with a familiar and trusted voice. Charlie Hall, a long-time Lone Star Hort Forum contributor, returned with his annual economic forecast — helping attendees better understand where the industry stands and how to plan for the year ahead with clarity and realism. From there, the day moved into sessions that resonated deeply with attendees because they addressed real challenges leaders are navigating right now:
A Special Highlight: Women in Horticulture One of the most impactful conversations of Day One took place during the Women in Horticulture session, which focused on how internal triggers affect leadership, communication, and workplace dynamics. The session explored a simple but powerful concept: our thoughts influence our feelings, which influence our actions — and ultimately our results. Attendees walked away with practical strategies to:
It was a thoughtful conversation that extended well beyond the room and reinforced the importance of self-awareness in leadership at every level. Live Podcast Recordings — Now Available Throughout the day, several live podcast conversations were recorded on-site and are now available to listen to at no cost:
Day Two: Celebrating Excellence and Learning From Each OtherDay Two began with the TNLA Awards Festival, where the community came together to recognize peers, celebrate excellence, and honor those who have helped move the industry forward. Honorary Lifetime Membership Award Winners: This year’s Festival carried special meaning as we honored Jim Reaves, a former TNLA staff member who passed away in August. Jim was posthumously awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership, recognizing his lasting contributions and the impact he made on the Association and the people within it. Young Leader Award Winner- Dylan Cantu, TMCNP of Calloway's Nursery What Was New This Year Several award programs introduced meaningful updates in 2026: Texas Garden Retailers Awards (TGRA)This year marked the introduction of a secret shopper component, adding a new layer of insight and accountability to the judging process and reinforcing the importance of customer experience at every touchpoint. View all TGRA award winners HERE Texas Excellence in Landscaping Awards (TEIL) The TEIL program continued to evolve, with judges noting a strong field of submissions that showcased:
View all TEIL award winners HERE Summit Award Winner- Austin Wood Recycling / Texas Native ARP Award Winner- C. Scott Evans TMCNP, TCLP of Rancho Encino, FEWA & Native Jump Start Industry & Emerge Tours In the afternoon, attendees headed out on the Industry Tour and the Emerge Tours. These tours offered behind-the-scenes looks at real operations and real conversations, the kind that don’t happen in a classroom. Discussions on the bus, on-site, and face-to-face allowed participants to learn directly from peers about how they’re solving challenges and running successful businesses. A sincere thank you to our tour stop hosts for opening your doors and sharing your time and insight with our members. Day Three: Investing in Leadership and the Future The Forum concluded with the graduation of TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V, a milestone that represents months of learning, reflection, and personal growth.  Leadership Bootcamp is about more than professional development, it’s about building self-aware, confident leaders who are prepared to guide teams, navigate change, and contribute meaningfully to the industry. We are proud of this class and grateful for the perspective and energy they bring to the Texas green industry. The Forum closed with a forward-looking keynote, “Smarter, Faster, Stronger: How AI Can Future-Proof Your Nursery & Landscape Business,” reinforcing the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and thoughtful adoption of new tools. Why Lone Star Hort Forum Still Matters Lone Star Hort Forum isn’t about checking a box or attending another event. It’s about creating space — space to listen, reflect, learn from peers, and reconnect with why we do this work. Seeing the community show up for one another — in conversations, in recognition, and in shared experiences — is always why we do what we do. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make Lone Star Hort Forum 2026 meaningful. Special thanks to all our wonderful sponsors 
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Couldn’t make it to the Innovation Summit this year? Good news — the recordings are now available, and you can still earn CEUs while learning how technology is reshaping the green industry. These sessions were designed to give you real takeaways you can bring back to your business today. Here’s a look at what you’ll find: Innovation in Sales & Promotions – What the Green Industry Needs NextThe message from participants was clear: businesses want better visibility into the technology market.
Customer Service Gets Smarter with Technology Speaker Eldar Causevic of Denali Green/Aspire Software shared how tech is changing customer service.
Services of the Future – Robotics, Lighting & Automation This session highlighted some of the most exciting advancements:
Bottom line: Companies that embrace automation and smart services now will set the standard for tomorrow. Driving Efficiencies – Smarter Tools for a Smarter Future Efficiency is the key to profitability, and participants explored new tools making a difference:
Key takeaway: The businesses that lean into multi-functional tech will see stronger ROI and be better prepared for workforce challenges. Watch On-Demand & Earn CEUs These recordings aren’t just inspiring — they’re practical. Each one offers actionable strategies and counts toward CEUs.
The green industry is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead of key challenges is essential for success. TNLA is offering a series of expert-led webinars covering critical topics—from federal crop insurance to AI-driven hiring and immigration compliance. These free webinars provide actionable insights to help you navigate industry changes and protect your business in 2025.  February 27, 2025 | 12:00 PM 🎤 Speaker: Jeffrey VanLandingham, Tarpon Blue Insurance Advisors 🔗 Click here to join A new federal crop insurance program is expanding coverage options for nursery growers. This session will provide clarity on eligibility, benefits, and how to leverage federal resources. Key Takeaways: ✔ Expanded coverage options & higher-value protection for nursery growers ✔ How an FSA relationship can qualify growers for federal program dollars ✔ The difference between standard nursery plant insurance and federally subsidized crop insurance  leaderMarch 6, 2025 | 12:30 PM 🎤 Speaker: Jack Jostes, Ramblin Jackson 🔗 Register Here Finding & keeping quality employees is one of the biggest hiring challenges in the green industry. Learn how AI-driven strategies can help streamline hiring, improve job descriptions, and attract the right talent. What You’ll Learn: ✔ How AI can write job descriptions that attract top candidates ✔ AI tools to pre-screen applicants and improve hiring efficiency ✔ Strategies to boost employee retention & engagement ✔ Step-by-step ways to integrate AI into your recruiting process  March 26, 2025 | 12:00 PM
🎤 Speaker: Jacob Monty, Monty & Ramirez, LLP Attorneys at Law 🔗 Register Here With immigration enforcement policies rapidly evolving, Texas businesses—especially those in landscaping & agriculture—are facing new compliance challenges. Learn how to protect your business and avoid costly legal missteps. Discussion Points: ✔ Understanding ICE Enforcement Actions – The difference between I-9 audits, targeted arrests, and worksite enforcement ✔ Preparing for ICE Audits – Steps to ensure your business is compliant before an inspection ✔ Conducting Internal I-9 Audits – How to identify and correct compliance issues before ICE does ✔ Addressing Employee Concerns – Best practices for clear communication & managing misinformation Don’t Miss Out – Secure Your Spot Today!These FREE webinars are designed to help TNLA members, and space is limited. Reserve your seat now and gain insights that will help your business thrive in 2025 Questions? Contact Sarah Riggins at [email protected] |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
July 2026
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