 (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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 Honoring Women’s History Month In the horticulture industry, true leadership is defined by the ability to cultivate growth—not just in plants, but in people. Kylie Diaz, M.S., at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU), exemplifies this vision by spearheading the creation and growth of a dynamic new Horticulture Program. As a dedicated program leader, Ph.D. student, and mother, Kylie masterfully balances multiple responsibilities to shape the industry's future leaders. Under her leadership, the Horticulture Program at WTAMU is already making strides. From an initial group of eight students, enrollment is expected to double by next fall. Kylie’s approach combines classroom education, practical experience, and strategic partnerships, ensuring students are well-prepared to meet industry demands. Forging Industry Connections Kylie understands the importance of connecting students directly with the horticulture industry. She has actively developed partnerships with key organizations such as the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) and industry sponsors, including the TNLA Region VI Board & TNLA Members, Wolfe Nursery Direct. These partnerships have enabled students to access valuable certifications like the Texas Certified Landscape Associate (TCLA), enhancing their career opportunities and competitiveness. Kylie emphasizes the importance of these partnerships, stating, “Students aren’t just learning horticulture; they're actively shaping its future. The connections they build today will sustain their careers tomorrow.” Hands-On Learning for Real-World Impact Kylie has implemented several practical learning opportunities:
Leadership and Advocacy Kylie’s leadership goes beyond her professional roles; she is a strong advocate for women in agriculture and horticulture. As a mother and Ph.D. student, her personal journey illustrates resilience and dedication. Balancing family life, rigorous academics, teaching responsibilities, and program leadership, she remains committed to paving the way for future generations. “Balancing everything isn’t easy,” Kylie reflects, “but witnessing students succeed and grow makes all the effort worthwhile. We're building something meaningful and lasting.” Looking Ahead The WTAMU Horticulture Program, under Kylie’s guidance and with TNLA’s continued support, is set for ongoing growth and industry impact. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we proudly recognize Kylie Diaz for her remarkable contributions to horticulture education and her inspiring role in shaping the future of our industry. Want to Support the Future of Horticulture? Connect with Kylie Diaz at [email protected] to learn how your business can help support and nurture tomorrow’s horticulture leaders.  You may have seen that President Trump has announced another 30-day pause on tariffs for "USMCA-compliant goods" coming from Canada and Mexico. Under the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), products qualify for trade benefits if they are entirely made in one of the three countries or meet strict regional value standards—usually 75% or higher. Based on these criteria, peat moss should qualify for this 30 day pause on tariffs, though TNLA members should talk to their suppliers for confirmation.
This latest pause is a positive sign, but it is not permanent. We are continuing to push for long-term solutions, and momentum is building. Just this week, House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson (R-Pa.) specifically raised the importance of peat moss with the White House: “I absolutely am weighing in … things like potash, nitrogen, I’d throw peat moss in there, too, because that’s important to horticulture and mushroom growers,” Thompson said in a Politico article. “I’m not bashful about weighing in with the White House. I got a great relationship with everyone, including the president. The worst thing that can happen is they’ll say no.” What happens next? We are working with a coalition of partners who have sent letters to key leaders, including:
Our message is clear: ✅ Exclude sphagnum peat moss and peat-based products from any tariffs, or ✅ Grant peat moss "critical mineral" status, which could protect it from future trade restrictions. In the meantime, things remain extremely fluid at the federal level. The situation in Washington, D.C., is being described as chaotic, with many industries scrambling to protect their supply chains from unexpected tariffs. TNLA is working hard to protect our industry’s access to critical materials like peat moss, and we will keep you updated every step of the way. In today’s fast-paced Green Industry, having strong, adaptable leaders is essential for long-term business success. But leadership isn’t something that just happens—it’s developed, refined, and strengthened over time. That’s where TNLA Leadership Bootcamp comes in. This exclusive, industry-specific leadership development program is designed to equip professionals with the practical skills, confidence, and industry connections they need to grow into effective managers and future leaders. Why Enroll One of Your Employees? Investing in leadership training isn’t just about developing an individual—it’s about strengthening your entire business. Here’s how sending a team member to TNLA Leadership Bootcamp can benefit your company: ✅ Build Stronger Leaders – Develop confident, capable employees who can take initiative, manage teams, and solve problems effectively.  ✅ Increase Employee Retention – Employees who feel valued and invested in are more likely to stay, reducing turnover and increasing loyalty.  ✅ Gain Immediate Business Impact – Participants don’t just learn theory—they get real-world strategies they can implement immediately to improve operations and team dynamics.  ✅ Expand Your Network – Through roundtable discussions, facility tours, and one-on-one mentorship, participants build valuable connections with industry leaders.  ✅ Future-Proof Your Business – A strong leadership pipeline ensures your business is prepared for growth, succession planning, and industry changes.  What Participants Will Experience The four-part program (August 2025 – January 2026) includes: 📍 32+ Hours of Leadership Training – Hands-on education to build management and leadership skills. 📍 10+ Hours of Exclusive Facility Tours – Firsthand insights into successful operations. 📍 One-on-One Mentorship – Guidance from experienced industry professionals. 📍 Self-Assessment & Personal Development – Helping participants understand their leadership style. 📍 Complimentary Registration – To TNLA’s 2025 Nursery/Landscape EXPO (San Antonio) and 2026 Lone Star Hort Forum (Grapevine). Session Schedule
With only 20 seats available, this program fills up fast. The member rate of $1,000 is available until June 11, 2025. 📩 Apply Now: Application Link Learn More: TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Questions? Contact Sarah Riggins: [email protected] Congratulations to the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class IV of 2024-2025  Two key leaders in the Texas Legislature have filed major proposals that could dedicate $1 billion every year to support water projects across Texas. This money would be in addition to the $2.5 billion of one-time funding which is in both the House and Senate budgets.
To make this happen, they are proposing constitutional amendments. In Texas, this is the only way to automatically set aside state funding for a specific purpose, like water, and protect it from shifting priorities in future legislative sessions. For these amendments to become reality, they’ll need two-thirds approval from lawmakers and voter approval in November. Here’s a quick look at the two approaches:
Both of these proposals are significant steps toward securing long-term, reliable water funding for Texas, and TNLA is actively monitoring and engaging on your behalf as these ideas move through the legislative process. As the legislative session moves forward, several bills have been introduced that could have a direct impact on the nursery and landscape industry in Texas. From tax exemptions on agricultural inputs to water conservation policies and HOA regulations, these proposals could shape the way our industry operates for years to come.
Below is a list of key bills that TNLA is monitoring—if any of these affect your business, please reach out with your thoughts, concerns, or insights. Your feedback is invaluable as we work to advocate for policies that support the Texas Green Industry. Tax Relief for Agricultural Inputs HB 255 / HJR 31 by Rep. Guillen
HB 1964 by Spiller & SB 1035 by Sparks
Landscaping & Water Conservation HB 1424 by Rep. Goodwin
E-Verify Mandates for Government Contracts HB 323 (Spiller), HB 1019 (Shaheen), HB 1308 (Tepper), HB 1488 (Louderback), HB 2744 (Vasut), SB 324 (Kolkhorst)
Compost Use in TxDOT Projects SB 736 by Sen. Menéndez
Environmental Regulations HB 1637 by Rep. Hull
Additional Bills to Watch HJR 97 & HB 1370 (Rep. Raymond) – Proposes a constitutional amendment for property tax exemptions on xeriscaped land to promote water conservation. HB 1592 (Rep. Plesa) – A refiled TNLA-supported bill that would require AgriLife to establish a statewide alert system for dangerous plants, pests, and diseases. Get Involved – Your Voice Matters! As these bills progress, TNLA needs to hear from you! If any of these proposals impact your business, please share your questions, concerns, or insights with us. Member input helps shape our advocacy efforts and ensures we are fighting for policies that support the industry. Reach out to me at [email protected] to discuss how these legislative efforts might affect your business. Let’s work together to protect and strengthen the Texas Green Industry! In light of increased reports of immigration enforcement actions across the country, including worksite audits and compliance inspections, it’s more important than ever for businesses in the green industry to stay informed and prepared. While there is no confirmed evidence of widespread employer-based ICE raids, the situation is rapidly evolving, and misinformation is spreading.
As an employer, you have a legal obligation to comply with federal and state employment laws, but you also have rights in how you respond to workplace enforcement actions. That’s why TNLA is committed to providing credible information and resources to help businesses navigate these challenges confidently. Key Steps for Employers to Stay Prepared ✔ Review I-9 Compliance: Ensure that all employee records are properly completed and up to date. ICE audits can happen at any time, and missing or incorrect documentation could result in penalties. ✔ Know Your Rights & Responsibilities: While employers must follow federal employment laws, it is equally important to avoid discriminatory hiring or termination practices based on immigration status. ✔ Have a Plan in Place: If ICE visits your workplace, designate a point of contact, understand what documents may be requested, and consult legal counsel immediately. ✔ Seek Reliable Guidance: Given the complexity of immigration laws, working with experienced legal professionals can help ensure compliance while protecting your business and employees. Upcoming TNLA Webinar: Get the Facts from an Expert To help members separate fact from fear, TNLA is hosting a free webinar with nationally recognized immigration and employment attorney Jacob Monty of Monty & Ramirez LLP. 📅 Date: March 26, 2025 ⏰ Time: 12pm NOON 💻 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Dg313xi8THiDdJFflTmSiA What You’ll Learn: ✅ Understanding ICE Enforcement Actions – The key differences between raids, audits, and inspections and what they mean for your business. ✅ How to Prepare for ICE Audits & Workplace Visits – What steps you should take now to ensure compliance before an audit happens. ✅ Proactive I-9 Audits – How internal audits can help identify and correct issues before enforcement actions. ✅ Addressing Employee Concerns – Best practices for communicating with employees, handling workplace uncertainty, and countering misinformation. ✅ Your Rights & Responsibilities as an Employer – How to stay compliant while also protecting your business. Attendees will also receive the Monty & Ramirez “Toolkit” for Immigration Compliance for Employers and Know Your Rights materials to share with employees. Know Your Rights: What to Do If ICE Visits Your Business While each situation is unique, there are general best practices that employers should follow if ICE agents arrive at your workplace: 🔹 Public Areas: ICE agents can enter public areas of a business, but they do not have the authority to stop, question, or detain individuals without cause. Employees in public spaces have the right to remain silent and request an attorney. 🔹 Private Areas: ICE agents cannot enter private areas of your business without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative warrants (such as DHS Forms I-200 or I-205) do not grant ICE access to private areas. 🔹 During a Search: If ICE has a valid search warrant, monitor agents closely to ensure they stay within the scope of the warrant. Do not voluntarily provide access to records beyond what is legally required. 🔹 I-9 Audits: If notified of a Form I-9 audit, contact legal counsel immediately. Employers typically have three business days to provide I-9 forms. If ICE identifies unauthorized employees, businesses have 10 days to correct documentation or remove affected employees from payroll. Supporting Employees with Know Your Rights Training With enforcement actions making headlines, many workers fear workplace raids or unexpected detentions. Employers should consider providing Know Your Rights training so employees understand their protections under U.S. law, including: ✔ The right to remain silent – Employees are not required to answer questions about their immigration status. ✔ The right to refuse a search – ICE agents must have a valid warrant to conduct a workplace search. ✔ The importance of staying calm – Employees should avoid sudden movements or fleeing, as this could escalate the situation. For additional guidance, we encourage employers to review the National Immigration Law Center’s resources: 📌 What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration TNLA is Here to Help At TNLA, we understand that immigration enforcement is a complex and sensitive issue for many businesses in our industry. That’s why we are closely monitoring the situation and will continue providing timely, factual updates to our members. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact: Curtis Smith – [email protected] 512-579-3851 Stay informed. Stay prepared. We’re here to support you.  For over three decades, Joseph Johnson has been a driving force behind the Nursery/Landscape EXPO Gardens, formerly known as Parks and Patio, shaping the event’s look and feel with his expertise in landscape design. As co-chair of the Gardens Task Force, he has played a key role in bringing creative designs to life, ensuring that EXPO remains a visually stunning and inspiring event.
A Legacy of Leadership Joseph’s journey with EXPO Gardens began in 1992, back then it was known as Parks and Patio, when the late Anne Muscat introduced him to the Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) and encouraged him to take part in the initiative. Since then, he has led efforts to: ✅ Review student-submitted garden designs ✅ Curate donation lists for plants and materials ✅ Coordinate on-site installations with industry partners ✅ Enhance key areas of EXPO, including TNLA’s booth, the PAC lounge, and education spaces His eye for detail and deep understanding of horticulture have helped elevate EXPO year after year, creating a welcoming atmosphere for both exhibitors and attendees. A Passion for Public Gardens Beyond EXPO, Joseph has built an impressive career in public horticulture. A Texas A&M horticulture graduate (’88), he has held leadership roles at the Dallas Arboretum and MD Anderson Cancer Center. In 2016, he returned to Texas A&M to lead the Leach Teaching Gardens, a 7-acre outdoor classroom and community space that educates and inspires future horticulture professionals. A Lasting Impact Joseph’s dedication to the industry is unmatched, and his contributions to EXPO Gardens ensure that each year’s event is a showcase of landscape excellence. TNLA is proud to celebrate his leadership and the legacy he continues to build. Thank you, Joseph, for over 30 years of service to TNLA and EXPO Gardens! 👉 Read more about Joseph’s work here: Growing a Dream into Reality – AgriLife Today Make an Impact: Join TNLA Legislative Day at the Capitol
The 2025 TNLA Legislative Day at the Capitol is fast approaching, and your participation is more important than ever. This annual event, happening March 13, is a key opportunity for Texas’ green industry professionals to come together, meet with state lawmakers, and advocate for policies that directly impact our businesses. Why Your Voice Matters With the legislative session in full swing, lawmakers are making decisions that affect water resources, workforce development, and regulatory policies—all of which shape how we operate. When industry professionals like you engage directly with legislators, it helps ensure they understand the real-world impact of these policies. What to Expect Attendees will have the chance to: ✔ Meet face-to-face with key decision-makers ✔ Share industry experiences and challenges ✔ Ensure TNLA’s voice is heard where it matters most Cost & Registration💰 Cost to Attend: $180 – This fee covers breakfast, lunch, and event expenses to ensure a productive and impactful experience. Hotel Accommodations: Book your stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Austin University Capitol District, using our exclusive hotel block for the night before the event. Click here to reserve your room before Feb 20 deadline. If you call into the reservations line, the Group Code is TNLA Support TNLA’s Advocacy Efforts We’re also looking for sponsors to help make this event a success. If you or your company would like to support TNLA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, reach out—we’d love to have you involved. Your presence at Legislative Day makes a difference. Register today and help shape the future of Texas’ green industry! 🔗 Register Now Contact Information: For more information or questions, reach out to: Curtis Smith Email: [email protected] Phone: 512-579-3851 We look forward to seeing you at the Capitol! TNLA Chairman Bobby Eichholz discusses his term, the Board's strategic plan, advocacy efforts, water and labor issues, and the rewards of leadership |
TNLA StaffInterpersonal stories all from TNLA Archives
November 2025
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