TNLA is partnering with Texas programs to strengthen our talent pipeline and connect members with tomorrow’s workforce. We’re calling for volunteers to represent TNLA on-site and sponsors who’d like visibility with students, faculty, and industry partners. (Sponsors may plug their companies—logo on materials, brief intro, and swag—per host guidelines.)

​Dates: Oct 8–10, 2025 • Venue: Texas Tech International Cultural Center

Why attend: Three focused days where industry meets academia—recruit talent, judge research, mentor student teams, and build partnerships.

What’s happening

• Oct 8 – Davis College Career Fair (10:00 AM–2:00 PM)
  Find internship and full-time candidates. Breakfast & lunch provided.
• Oct 9 – Research Showcase
  • 8:00 AM–1:00 PM: View faculty/grad presentations + keynote luncheon with researchers
  • 1:00–5:00 PM: Graduate student poster session (industry judges welcome)
  • ~5:00 PM: Poster awards & reception
• Oct 10 – Industry & Innovation Day
  Bring a real business challenge, mentor student teams, and hear pitches. Winning teams receive scholarships and potential commercialization support. Breakfast & lunch provided.

How you can help

• Volunteers: Staff the TNLA presence (2–4 hr shift), judge posters (Oct 9), or mentor teams (Oct 10).
• Sponsors/Donors: Help underwrite facilities, meals, and student scholarships; receive recognition and the chance to showcase your company.​

Bonus: Stay for the excitement--Homecoming vs. Kansas on Oct 11.

Questions? Email Jeremiah Armstrong at [email protected] with subject “IRIS – Volunteer/Sponsor” and note your availability and company name.

We’ve heard your feedback--webinars are in high demand. More and more TNLA members have asked for access to past sessions, and we’re happy to say: they’re now available on-demand.

Whether you missed a session or want to revisit one with your team, you can now log in at your convenience and gain valuable insights from top experts in the green industry.
​
Simply visit: https://www.pathlms.com/tnla/courses/40432
Use your TNLA Member ID to log in. Need help? Contact: [email protected]

✅ Available Webinars:

💼 Financial Literacy – What You Need to Know!
Speaker: Lyndi Sanders
Learn how to build a strong business plan, manage essential financial documents, and work with lenders to grow your ag business.
👉 Watch Now

🌎 Know the Facts: H-2A and H-2B Guest Worker Programs
Speaker: Arnulfo Hinojosa, Federation of Employers & Workers of America
Understand compliance requirements, worker recruitment, and what’s happening with reform efforts in D.C.
👉 Watch Now

🔐 Steps Employers Can Take to Avoid I-9 Audits
Speaker: Jacob Monty, Monty & Ramirez LLP
Covers identity theft, SSA no-match letters, and compliance steps to avoid costly penalties.
👉 Watch Now

🌪️ Federal Crop Insurance – Hurricane & Tropical Storm Coverage
Speaker: Jeff Vanlandingham, Tarpon Blue Insurance Advisors
Get the facts on how indemnities are paid, policy timing, and how NOAA data affects payout eligibility.
👉 Watch Now


We know how important it is to stay informed, especially when time is limited. These webinars are designed to deliver value--no matter your role in the green industry.
​
📅 More webinars are on the way—so stay tuned, and thank you for continuing to grow with TNLA.

This year, TNLA turns 25—and we’re feeling all the pride, gratitude, and excitement that comes with a milestone like this. For 25 years, we’ve grown together, advocated together, and built something bigger than any one of us.
And none of it would be possible without you—our members.

So as we wrap up our fiscal year and head into the end of membership renewal season, we wanted to say thank you… and remind you of everything that comes with being part of TNLA

Did You Know Your Membership Includes All This?

💼 Advocacy That Protects Your Business
From water restrictions to workforce rules, TNLA is your voice at the Capitol. This year alone, dozens of members cited legislative updates as one of their top-valued benefits.

🤝 Connections That Stick
Members consistently name Expo and networking events as their favorite part of TNLA. Whether you're new or a longtime member, you’ve probably made at least one lifelong friend at Expo.

📣 Communication You Can Count On
We know things move fast. That’s why we keep you in the loop with timely updates, member alerts, and resources. Coming Soon! A news app--so you never have to wonder what’s going on in your industry & stay connected- anywhere, anytime!

🎓 Education That Pays for Itself
Need CEUs? Want to develop your next leader? From Leadership Bootcamp to certification programs, your membership opens doors to growth—for you and your team.

📬 Tools to Hire Smarter
You asked for better recruiting help—and we’re delivering. Coming Soon!! A new mobile-friendly job board! Making it easier than ever to find the right fit.

📢 A Community That Cares
Did you know members rated TNLA’s overall value at 4 out of 5? We’re proud of that—and always striving to make it a 5.
Our fiscal year ends June 30, so now’s the time to lock in your benefits for another year of growth, connection, and progress.
​
Because after all—we’re not just celebrating 25 years of TNLA…
We’re celebrating 25 years of serving YOU.
 
Renew Your Membership Now by visiting: https://www.tnlaonline.org/renew-now.html

The Texas Legislature is nearing the end of its 140-day regular session, with the end of session set for June 2, 2025. While that marks the formal close of business, the Governor retains the authority to call lawmakers back into special session at any time, for any reason. Below is an update on key developments at the State Capitol—and a look at our efforts on the federal front.


Protecting Professional Standards: TNLA Helps Stop Risky Licensing Loophole
Senate Bill 2702 failed to pass this session—thanks in large part to TNLA and our licensed irrigator members. The bill would have allowed out-of-state education credentials to substitute for Texas-specific licensing requirements, such as the 40-hour course required before taking the Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) exam.
While well-intentioned, it posed serious risks:

• Could undermine public health and water quality
• Weaken credibility of Texas licensing systems used by irrigators, landscape architects, and more

TNLA acted early, working with lawmakers and partners to highlight long-term consequences. By defeating this bill, we helped preserve the integrity of Texas licensure standards and the trust communities place in our professionals.


Big News for the Texas Green Industry: Plant Disease and Pest Alert System Headed to Governor’s Desk
A major win—TNLA’s plant disease and pest email alert bill has passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor.
The bill establishes a voluntary, opt-in email alert system, administered by Texas A&M AgriLife, to notify professionals, agencies, and the public when pests or plant diseases are detected and move across our state.
Benefits include:

• Faster response times
• Reduced damage
• Stronger protection for Texas horticulture, landscapes, and ecosystems

This system will boost industry resilience and protect the health of our green infrastructure.
Special thanks to Rep. Mihaela Plesa for authoring the bill and to Bill Carson (Native Texas Nursery) for testifying in committee.


TNLA Went to Washington #SaveH2B
On May 20, TNLA sent five members to Washington, D.C. for the annual H-2B Fly-In, hosted by NALP and FEWA. Alongside 80+ leaders from 25 states, our group met with 125 Congressional offices, including key Texans.
They shared how the H-2B visa program supports:

• Seasonal business needs
• Local economies
• A reliable, returning workforce

We also raised concerns about the H-2A program and broader labor challenges. These conversations highlighted the need for permanent H-2B cap relief to protect workforce stability across the green industry.


Trump White House Releases Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment
On May 22, the Trump Administration released the Make Our Children Healthy Again Assessment, initiated by executive order. The report addresses the alarming rise in childhood chronic illness and identifies four main drivers:

• Poor diet (especially ultra-processed foods)
• Chemical and environmental exposure
• Sedentary, screen-heavy lifestyles
• Overuse of pharmaceuticals

It calls for major reforms in food systems, public health research, and environmental regulations.

Why it matters for TNLA:
The report highlights risks related to pesticide exposure and degraded outdoor environments—areas TNLA works to improve. It also criticizes weak federal oversight influenced by corporate lobbying, especially in agriculture and chemical safety. Importantly, it advocates for restoring access to clean, green spaces—an area where landscape professionals and growers play a key role. TNLA members are part of the solution through sustainable practices, healthy landscapes, and promoting environmental stewardship. 
🔗 Read the full report here: whitehouse.gov/maha

FREE Webinar: Stay Compliant & Avoid I-9 Audits
Thursday, June 12, 2025
🕐 12:30 PM
I-9 audits are increasing across the country—and for many businesses, one misstep could mean costly consequences. TNLA is teaming up with legal expert Jacob Monty of Monty & Ramirez LLP to bring you a can’t-miss compliance webinar:
“Steps Employers Can Take to Avoid I-9 Audits and Stay Compliant.”
🔍 Topics include:

• Identity theft & the Innocent Bystander Act
• How to handle identity confessions
• SSA no-match notices
• Practical tips to reduce audit risks

👉 Register Now to protect your business and get ahead of the curve.

June 2, 2025 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Location:  In the Horticulture/Forest Science Building: 495 Horticulture Rd, College Station, TX 77843  
Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in horticulture-related careers

Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply curious about horticulture, this event at Texas A&M offers a closer look into degree programs and careers in plant science. Attendees will explore everything from floral design and plant genetics to controlled environment horticulture—and meet with current students and faculty along the way

We’re excited to share not one, but two upcoming Women in Horticulture gatherings—each with its own focus and purpose. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss out:

🌼 TNLA Women in Hort Virtual Meeting Hosted by TNLA (Statewide)
📅 Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 🕙 10:00 AM | 💻 Virtual

​Join women across Texas in this virtual statewide event featuring guest speaker Jennifer Hatalski, TCNP of Calloway’s Nursery. This is a great chance to gain professional insight, ask questions, and feel inspired by other women in the industry—no matter where you're located.

​🪴 Pro Tip: You’re welcome to attend both! One connects you statewide, the other strengthens your local network. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional, there’s something for everyone.

​🌿 Region VIII – In-Person Women in Hort Gathering
​Hosted by TNLA Region VIII (Central Texas Only)
📅 Saturday, June 7, 2025 | 🕓 4:00–8:00 PM
📍 Bear Creek Retreat, 13813 Carpenter Ln, Manchaca, TX 78652

This in-person gathering is exclusively for women in TNLA’s Region VIII, including Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. It’s all about building local connections, swapping knowledge, and supporting one another in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
​
RSVP to:[email protected] 

July 24–25, 2025
Hosted Online
Calling all landscape architects and designers! The Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE!) Texas program is offering a two-day virtual seminar to train professionals on how to support nature-based outdoor spaces for early childhood education programs.
💸 Scholarships available to cover the $1,000 course fee—apply today!

• July 24: 1 PM – 5 PM
• July 25: 9 AM – 5 PM

​👏 What TNLA is Doing
From leading I-9 compliance efforts to promoting professional development opportunities like Women in Hort, TNLA is committed to connecting you with the resources that matter most. We advocate, we educate, and we cultivate a stronger green industry—together.
Stay tuned for more upcoming events, and make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for updates!

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

leader​March 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]