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TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
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The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is proud to recognize the retirement of longtime industry leader John Peters following an extraordinary 40-year career with Calloway's Nursery. Throughout his career, John has been more than a respected garden center professional; he has been a dedicated advocate for the Texas green industry and a passionate supporter of TNLA and its members.  Many members know John through his years of service and leadership within the association. He served as TNLA Chairman during 1992–1993 and remained actively engaged long after his term concluded. Over the years, he contributed his time and expertise to numerous committees and initiatives, including the Research Committee, Retention Task Force, and Editorial Task Force. John's commitment to professional excellence was reflected in his achievement of both Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional (TMCNP) and Texas Master Certified Nursery Professional Executive (TMCNPE) certifications. His dedication to advancing the industry and supporting fellow professionals earned him TNLA's prestigious Award of Recognition Program (ARP) Award in 2019. For four decades at Calloway's Nursery, John helped shape one of Texas' most recognized and respected garden center brands. His influence extended far beyond the walls of any single business, impacting industry professionals, customers, and communities throughout the state. Those who have worked alongside John know him not only for his knowledge and leadership, but also for his willingness to mentor others, build relationships, and strengthen the industry he cared deeply about. As he begins this next chapter, TNLA extends its sincere gratitude for John's decades of service, leadership, and commitment to the Texas nursery and landscape industry. On behalf of the TNLA Board of Directors, staff, and members, thank you, John, for the lasting impact you have made on our association and our industry. Congratulations on your retirement and best wishes in the years ahead.
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How the Right Connection Can Help You Solve Problems Faster When people think about attending a tradeshow, they often focus on the education sessions, exhibits, or products on the show floor. Those things matter. But ask long-time industry professionals why they keep coming back to Nursery/Landscape EXPO, and you’ll often hear a different answer: The people For Billy Long, Past TNLA Chair and longtime industry leader, the value of EXPO comes down to relationships.
In an industry where businesses are working through labor challenges, supplier changes, rising costs, and day-to-day problem-solving, having the right people to call can make a real difference. Sometimes the answer isn’t found online. Sometimes it’s found in a conversation. Why It Matters The right connection can help you:
As Billy puts it: That is one of the reasons EXPO continues to matter. More Than Information. It’s Access. Information is easy to find. What is harder to find is context.
"The value isn’t just attending. The value is knowing who to call when you need help" The relationships built at EXPO often continue long after the show ends. Why Industry Professionals Keep Coming Back
As more growers focus on serving large retailers and national accounts, independent businesses often have to work harder to find unique products, new suppliers, and trusted partners. That’s one reason Mark continues to invest in EXPO. 
"We have probably increased our business with new growers, liner companies, and suppliers by about 80%" And while products and trends may change over time, one thing has not. As Mark puts it: “I go there to meet my people.” Simple. But powerful. Because business is still built on relationships. Join the Conversation The education, exhibits, and events are important parts of EXPO. But some of the most valuable takeaways may come from a conversation you didn’t expect to have.
Join us August 11–13 in San Antonio and discover the value of one conversation. Last week, TNLA traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside members of Texas’ green industry for the annual H-2B Fly-In. During the trip, TNLA members met directly with Congressional offices to discuss workforce challenges impacting green industry businesses across Texas. The conversations focused heavily on the seasonal H-2B VISA program. For many green industry businesses, these workers help keep projects on schedule during peak seasons while also supporting year-round American jobs within their companies. Why This Matters to Texas’ Green Industry Texas’ green industry continues to face significant workforce shortages, particularly during high-demand periods in the spring and summer. During our meetings in Washington, TNLA members had the opportunity to speak directly with Congressional staff about how these workforce challenges affect their businesses on a day-to-day basis. Members shared personal stories about trying to keep crews staffed during peak project seasons, balancing growing customer demand, and managing the uncertainty that comes with not knowing whether seasonal workers will arrive on time. Some discussed the pressure of meeting timelines for government and commercial contracts, while others explained how workforce shortages impact long-term business planning and growth. Several members also highlighted that dependable seasonal labor helps create opportunities for year-round American employees by allowing businesses to expand operations, invest in training, and move workers into higher-skilled positions over time.  One of the most impactful aspects of the trip was ensuring policymakers heard directly from employers experiencing these challenges firsthand. What Was Discussed in Washington A major focus of this year’s advocacy effort was support for the proposed “Certified Seasonal Employer” language currently being discussed in federal appropriations negotiations. The Certified Seasonal Employer proposal is designed to reward businesses that have consistently followed the rules and responsibly used the H-2B program over multiple years. Under the proposal, employers that have received H-2B labor certifications for the past five years would be allowed to maintain access to the highest number of seasonal workers they were previously certified for without those workers counting against the annual H-2B cap. One way to think about it is this: businesses that have proven year after year they are compliant, dependable, and operating legally would no longer have to “re-enter the lottery” every season just to maintain the same workforce levels they have historically relied upon. Currently, the H-2B program has an annual visa cap of 66,000 per fiscal year that has not been updated in decades despite major economic growth and increased workforce demand. The proposed language would reward long-time, compliant employers (certified for the last five years) instead of forcing them to compete under the same uncertainty each season. These workers would not be included in the cap. Where the Language StandsThe Certified Seasonal Employer language is currently being discussed as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Appropriations process in Congress. Rather than moving as a standalone immigration bill, the proposal is being pursued through the federal appropriations process because Congress frequently uses annual funding legislation to address operational H-2B issues and cap relief measures. In this case, industry groups are advocating for the language to be included in the baseline DHS Appropriations bill because DHS oversees key parts of the H-2B program, including visa allocation and administration. The proposal has already gained significant attention in Washington. According to industry briefings shared during the fly-in, the White House previously supported inclusion of the Certified Seasonal Employer language during earlier federal funding negotiations, and advocates are continuing to push for its inclusion in the final FY27 DHS funding package. This means the current focus is on educating Congressional offices, appropriations staff, and committee leadership about why workforce certainty is critical for seasonal employers and why long-time, compliant businesses should receive more predictability within the H-2B process. For TNLA members, the issue is not simply about increasing workforce numbers; it is about creating a more stable and predictable system that allows responsible employers to better plan projects, retain year-round employees, and continue supporting Texas’ growing economy. What Success Looks Like For TNLA members, success would mean:
TNLA appreciates the members who traveled to Washington to ensure the voice of Texas’ green industry was represented on Capitol Hill. Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team The Water Conservation Advisory Council (WCAC) is a state advisory body created by the 80th Texas Legislature in 2007 and operates under the Texas Water Development Board. One of their duties is to provide legislative recommendations to the Texas Legislature and state agencies on water conservation strategies and policies. The Council recently met to review and advance draft legislative recommendations focused on water conservation strategies across Texas. These discussions are particularly important during the interim, as WCAC recommendations can inform future legislation, rulemaking, and statewide water policy initiatives. For TNLA members, these priorities signal potential changes to irrigation practices, reporting requirements, and funding opportunities that could directly impact business operations and compliance. Key Legislative Priorities: Landscape & Irrigation Best Practices (Master Valves) A recommendation was approved to require installation of master valves on all new landscape irrigation systems. These devices help prevent water loss from leaks and system failures and are considered a low-cost, high-impact conservation tool when installed upfront. Member impact: Contractors and irrigation professionals may see increased demand for master valve installation and should be aware of evolving expectations. Statewide Evapotranspiration (ET) Network WCAC is recommending that the Legislature provide additional funding to the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) to expand and support a statewide evapotranspiration (ET) network within the TexMesonet program. Evapotranspiration (ET) is a measurement of how much water is lost from soil and plants to the atmosphere through evaporation and plant use, and it is a key tool for determining how much and when to irrigate. The recommendation includes increasing appropriations (approximately $1.2 million for the biennium) to support:
This builds on the existing TexMesonet network, which was established to provide statewide weather and water data but currently lacks sufficient resources to fully incorporate ET data. Member impact: Expanded ET data access could support more precise irrigation practices and strengthen the case for smart irrigation technologies. This may create opportunities for members offering advanced irrigation solutions. Irrigation Requirements for Single-Family Rental Properties (Still Under Development) WCAC is examining a proposal to update Public Utility Commission rules to extend existing tenant water-use protections to single-family rental properties. Currently, tenants in apartments, condominiums, and manufactured housing have protections related to water billing and responsibility under submetering rules. However, these protections do not apply to single-family rentals. In some cases, landlords require tenants to irrigate landscapes to maintain the property, even during periods when local water restrictions are in place. This can result in tenants facing fines, penalties, or higher water bills for actions required under their lease. The proposal would align all rental property types by extending these protections to single-family rentals, helping ensure tenants are not penalized for irrigation requirements outside their control. Member impact: Could affect how irrigation services are directed and who is responsible for compliance on rental properties, requiring landscape professionals to follow local water restrictions regardless of lease requirements. Agricultural Water Conservation Funding WCAC is recommending that water conservation projects, such as irrigation efficiency improvements and drought-resilience measures be clearly recognized as eligible for financial assistance through the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA). While TAFA already provides low-interest loans and other financial tools for agricultural production, water conservation is not explicitly identified in statute. WCAC’s recommendation is to highlight and reinforce that these activities qualify under existing authority. This recommendation does not create new funding or prioritize water conservation over other uses but instead increases awareness of existing financing options. Member impact: Increased visibility of funding opportunities could benefit selected growers engaged in water-efficient practices, particularly those eligible for conservation-related financial assistance. Municipal Water Use Transparency WCAC is recommending stronger reporting and visibility of:
The goal is to improve accountability and encourage better performance through clearer, more accessible data. This would include a full-time employee assisting utilities, review submitting data, and posting the conservation/reuse BMP volumes. Their path is for Texas utilities and water planning regions to better understand the progress and effectiveness of implementing water conservation and reuse strategies. Member impact: Increased transparency may lead to heightened scrutiny of outdoor water use and irrigation practices, particularly in municipal or commercial settings. This could influence local regulations, customer expectations, and how water use is tracked and reported. What’s Next WCAC will now move into developing a formal legislative report, including summaries and supporting visuals.
Why It Matters These recommendations signal a continued focus on:
TNLA will continue monitoring as recommendations are finalized and assessing potential impacts on the green industry.  TNLA is now accepting applications for 1–2 Student Social Media Ambassadors to help capture the experience at Nursery/Landscape EXPO 2026. What Is EXPO? Nursery/Landscape EXPO is one of the largest events in the country for professionals in landscaping, plant production, garden centers, and outdoor spaces. It brings together businesses from across the industry to connect, learn, and grow. About the Opportunity This role is designed for students who are interested in marketing, communications, or content creation and want real-world experience in a live event setting. Selected students will help capture EXPO in real time through:
Why Apply? This is more than just a volunteer opportunity, it’s a chance to:
Who Should Apply This opportunity is a great fit for students who are:
Event Details📍 San Antonio, Texas 📅 August 11–13, 2026 nurserylandscapeexpo.org How to Apply Applications are now open. 👉 Apply here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=dfuMZY3U6Ei5zBYgTvHoXzQYAbjbsBpCqTURSaWKJoRUM1lOTlVRNzRLVDYxR0ZLV0NRSU9JSlJJNy4u Know Someone Who Would Be a Good Fit? We encourage members, employers, and educators to share this opportunity with students who may be interested. Questions?Built on Convenience, Relationships, and Growth When you walk into Southwest Wholesale Nursery in Dallas, one thing becomes clear right away, this business is built around the customer. Or better yet… the customer never has to “walk in” at all. A Simpler Way to Serve Landscape Professionals At Southwest Wholesale Nursery, landscape contractors pull up, are greeted by name, and get exactly what they need—loaded right into their truck. No lines. No confusion. No wasted time. Owner, Steven Taber TMCNP, explained it best: “You could go to the grocery store and cook… but sometimes you just want the convenience of a restaurant.” That mindset has shaped their entire operation.  🌿 What Makes Southwest Different Southwest Wholesale Nursery has grown into a trusted resource for professionals across Texas by focusing on a few key things: ✔ Variety that contractors need They source plant material from across the country—including Texas, Oklahoma, California, North Carolina, and Oregon—so customers have more options in one place. ✔ Built for real-world workflows Everything is designed around how landscape professionals actually work—fast, efficient, and relationship-driven. ✔ Strong team and culture With around 100 employees, their team builds real relationships with customers. Many regulars even have a “go-to” staff member. 📈 Evolving with the Industry Southwest Wholesale Nursery isn’t just growing plants, they’re improving how they operate. In 2023, they made a simple but powerful shift: ➡️ Moving from paper tracking to a shared digital system employees can access from their phones. This allows their team to quickly see:
🌎 Growing the Next Generation Many new graduates say they want to work for growers but not all growing operations offer broad experience. Southwest Wholesale Nursery stands out because employees get exposure to a wide variety of plant material, helping them build real, practical knowledge. 🚜 Looking Ahead Currently operating on 30 of their 60 acres, Southwest Wholesale Nursery is already thinking about the future. With potential expansion opportunities nearby, they’re planning ahead, not just for growth, but also to address challenges like on-site flooding. 🤝 A True TNLA Partner Southwest Wholesale Nursery isn’t just a member, they’re a Strategic Partner, contributing over $30,000 in 2025 alone to support TNLA programs and events. That investment helps strengthen the entire industry.  💬 Join the Conversation Have you worked with Southwest Wholesale Nursery? 👉 Share your experience in the comments or connect with other professionals inside TNLA Hive.
 After 25 years of service to the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association, Amy Graham, President/CEO, has announced her retirement, effective at the end of November 2026. Amy has served as President for the past 15 years, following 10 years as Vice President, providing steady leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to advancing the green industry in Texas. Her impact on the association and its members will be felt for years to come. The Board of Directors has appointed a member-led Search Committee and will partner with Sterling Martin Associates, based in Washington, DC, to conduct a national search for TNLA’s next President/CEO. We thank Amy for her service and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement. Sterling MartinTNLA has retained Sterling Martin in our search for the next President & CEO. Learn more about this wonderful opportunity here: https://lnkd.in/eqNymdFv
Sterling Martin is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, religion, color, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, political affiliation, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. Congress is currently working on the next Farm Bill, and decisions being made right now will directly impact Texas nursery and landscape businesses. TNLA members are encouraged to take five minutes to contact their Members of Congress and urge support for the Farm Bill and its specialty crop provisions. Just last month, TNLA provided a full breakdown of the Farm Bill and what it means for horticulture and specialty crops. Now, as the bill moves forward in Congress, it’s time to take action. Lawmakers need to hear directly from the businesses affected by these policies. Your voice helps ensure the green industry is represented as this legislation moves forward. The Background: Why the Farm Bill Matters The Farm Bill is the primary piece of legislation that shapes federal agricultural policy in the United States. While it is often associated with traditional row crops, the Farm Bill has become increasingly important for specialty crops, including nursery and greenhouse production, as well as the broader green industry. It has been nearly a decade since Congress passed a full Farm Bill. During that time, the industry has operated under short-term extensions while facing historic challenges, including freezes, drought, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and rising input costs. The current proposal, known as the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, represents the first major opportunity in years to update policies that directly affect our industry. How It Affects the Green Industry The Farm Bill includes several provisions that impact the green industry supply chain: from growers to landscapers to suppliers. Stronger Risk Management Tools Improvements to specialty crop insurance help address long-standing gaps compared to traditional agriculture, providing better protection against weather-related losses. Improved Disaster Assistance Updates to programs like the Tree Assistance Program (TAP) improve how quickly and effectively growers can recover from losses, with added flexibility for replanting. A Permanent Emergency Assistance Framework The bill establishes a standing framework for specialty crop disaster assistance, providing more predictability instead of relying on ad hoc relief. Water & Conservation Programs Expanded conservation programs support irrigation efficiency and water stewardship, helping offset costs for implementing water-saving practices. Research, Grants & Innovation Farm Bill funding supports research, extension services, and grant programs that improve pest management, develop resilient plant varieties, advance automation, and expand market opportunities. In Texas, many of these programs are delivered through university and extension partnerships that directly impact day-to-day operations for green industry businesses. Why This Matters Now The green industry plays a significant role in Texas’s economy, but it faces unique challenges that require policies tailored to specialty crops. This Farm Bill represents meaningful progress in addressing those needs: strengthening risk management, improving disaster response, supporting water efficiency, and investing in long-term innovation. As Congress continues to debate the legislation, it is important that policymakers understand the role and needs of our industry. TNLA Working for You The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association is actively engaged in monitoring the Farm Bill and advocating for policies that support specialty crops and the green industry. Through coordination with national partners and direct engagement with policymakers, TNLA is working to ensure our industry’s voice is heard. Bottom Line The Farm Bill is a critical opportunity to strengthen the long-term stability and competitiveness of the green industry. But advocacy matters. Your participation helps ensure the green industry is represented in federal policy decisions that affect our future.
 🌱 Introduction Over the past few months, we asked a simple question: What do women in the green industry need to feel supported, confident, and successful? Through our Women in Horticulture survey, members across Texas shared their experiences, challenges, and ideas for the future. While each response was unique, several clear themes emerged—giving us valuable insight into how we can better support and grow this community. 📊 Who We Heard From We received responses from professionals across the industry, representing a range of roles and experience levels. One thing was clear from the start: 👉 There is a strong interest in continuing and growing Women in Horticulture initiatives. 🤝 Connection Is a Priority When asked what topics they want to see at future gatherings, the top responses focused on:
 This tells us something important: Women in Hort isn’t just about events—it’s about creating space for real connection and shared experiences 💪 Empowerment Is There But Not Universal A majority of respondents said they do feel empowered in their current role (13 out of 17), but not everyone shared that experience. This highlights an opportunity: Even when empowerment exists, there is still room to:
 🗣️ Speaking Up at Work: What We Learned One of the most valuable insights came from questions around workplace communication. What impacts the ability to speak up?
 How comfortable are women speaking up?
 Perception matters When asked how women are perceived when being direct:
 👉 This tells us that even when women do speak up, how they are received can still be a barrier. 🧠 What Women Need to Feel More Confident The top responses were clear:
 ⚠️ Ongoing Challenges When asked about workplace challenges, responses highlighted:
📍 What This Means for TNLA This feedback directly shapes how we move forward. Here’s what we’re taking from this:
1. More opportunities for connection Members want intentional networking—not just attendance. 2. Real conversations, not surface-level topics From leadership challenges to workplace dynamics. 3. Regional accessibility matters 100% of respondents said they are interested in region-specific events 4. Continued engagement The majority of respondents are open to participating in future surveys and conversations 🌿 What’s Next This is just the beginning. We’ll be using these insights to:
🤝 Final Thought At its core, this survey reinforced something simple: People want to feel heard, supported, and connected. And when that happens, it doesn’t just benefit individuals, it strengthens the entire industry. 📣 Call to Action Want to be part of what’s next? Join our online community to stay up to date on upcoming events, webinars, and more for our EXPO Women in Horticulture Get Together event and Nightcap. Click here to get started If your inbox has been feeling a little busy lately, you’re not alone. Some TNLA members have reached out saying they’re receiving more emails than expected from TNLA Hive and other TNLA communications. We completely understand — and the good news is you’re in control of what you receive. There are two simple ways to reduce emails:
Below is how to do both Option 1: Adjust Your TNLA Hive Notification SettingsTNLA Hive allows you to customize what notifications you receive and how often you receive them. For example, you can choose whether you receive emails about:
Members can also choose to receive a summary digest instead of individual emails, which reduces the number of messages in your inbox. Hive digests combine recent activity into one email so you can stay informed without multiple alerts. How to Update Your Settings Follow these quick steps: Step 1 Go to thehive.tnlaonline.org and log in. Step 2 Click your profile picture in the top right corner. Step 3 Select My Settings. Step 4 Click the Notifications tab. From there, you can choose exactly which alerts you want to receive. 📺 Watch our quick tutorial here: https://youtube.com/shorts/84TkgJtf19M?si=nn0h-zkVWs_Wzm8O Option 2: Unsubscribe from Certain TNLA Email ListsSome emails you receive may not come directly from TNLA Hive. TNLA also sends communications about education programs, events, and industry updates. If you would like to unsubscribe from specific TNLA email lists, we can update your preferences for you. Simply email: [email protected] Let us know which emails you would like to stop receiving, such as:
We’re happy to adjust your preferences so you receive only the information that matters most to you. Why TNLA Created TNLA Hive One of the main reasons TNLA launched TNLA Hive was to make communication simpler for members. Many members told us they didn’t always know everything TNLA was doing. TNLA Hive was created as a central place where members can easily see news, resources, opportunities, and conversations happening across the industry. Instead of updates coming from multiple places, TNLA Hive brings them together in one convenient hub, including:
Need Help? We’re Here.If you need help adjusting your notification settings or updating your email preferences, we’re happy to assist. Just email: [email protected] We can walk you through it in just a few minutes. Stay Connected — Your WayTNLA Hive was designed to help you:
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AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
July 2026
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