Aug 28, 2025 Location: Fort Bend ISD RSVP/Info: https://www.fortbendisd.com/cms/module/selectsurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=761 Short and simple: show up, say hello, and be seen.
Sept 18, 2025TNLA Region VIII Meeting – Waco, TX Time: 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Location: Border Magic – 2324 Robinson Dr, Waco, TX 76706 Cost: Free | Parking: Free Join us for our first TNLA Region VIII Meeting in Waco since COVID! This free event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow green industry professionals, share ideas, and gain valuable insights on building and strengthening your team. Our featured speaker, Michael Bosco, Executive Coach with McFarlin Stanford, Committee Chairperson, and Vice President of the Texas Pest Control Association, will present on Hiring, Recruiting & Onboarding New Team Members. Light refreshments will be provided, and we’ll have door prizes to make the evening even more fun. RSVP by September 18 to Maren Davis at [email protected]. Sept 23, 2025Please join us for the TNLA Region II Meeting on Tuesday, September 23, 5:30–8:00 PM at Houston Community College – Katy Campus. Agenda at a glance
Questions? Contact Jenni Saucier at [email protected]. We look forward to seeing you there. TEIL Awards — Applications Now Open (Deadline Sept 29)Showcase your best work and earn statewide recognition. The Texas Excellence in Landscaping (TEIL) Awards are open now, with a deadline of September 29, 2025. Winners will be honored in January 2026 at the TNLA Awards Festival. Why apply
Questions? Contact [email protected] Oct 3-5, 2025 TNLA and Region VI are partnering up to conduct the West Texas Workshop on October 2-3, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. Schedule of events and pricing information coming soon. Sponsorships are available. For Questions Contact Remmington Holt at [email protected] or call (806) 477-2605.
Texas Garden Retailer Awards — Applications Now Open (Deadline Oct 5)Recognize your team, elevate your brand, and put your best work in front of the statewide industry. The Texas Garden Retailer Awards (TGRA) are officially open—and the entry is quick and straightforward. Why enter
How to enter (takes about 20–30 minutes)
Brochure: Texas Garden Retailer Awards 2025 Brochure Quick tips from the judges’ perspective
Help Us Represent TNLA: Volunteer, Sponsor & Swing-By OpportunitiesTNLA 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.) Oct 8-10 2025 Texas Tech Industry, Research & Innovation Summit (IRIS) — Lubbock 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
How you can help
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. Oct 29, 2025Texas A&M Horticultural Sciences Career Fair — College StationDate/Time: Wed, Oct 29, 2025 • 10:00 AM–2:00 PM Location: Horticulture & Forest Science Building, Texas A&M University (Optional networking the evening before: Tue, Oct 28, 6:00–8:00 PM.) Why attend: Meet motivated students across nursery, landscape, wine, produce, floriculture, and related sectors; promote your company and open roles. How you can help
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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. 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. Big news for Texas—and for every community that depends on reliable water.
This November, voters will decide whether to approve the largest water investment in our state’s history: a proposed $22.5 billion over the next 22 years to fix aging infrastructure, develop new water sources, and protect the long-term water supply for rural towns, cities, and the green industry alike. This effort comes through two key pieces of legislation: ✅ Senate Bill 7 (SB 7) ✅ House Joint Resolution 7 (HJR 7) If passed, these measures would constitutionally dedicate up to $1 billion per year—from state surplus funds—to support water projects beginning in 2027 and continuing through 2047. Why It Matters Water isn’t just a resource—it’s a legacy. And Texas is facing real challenges:
This investment would support: ✔️ Desalination, water reuse, and aquifer storage projects ✔️ Upgrades to aging pipes and treatment facilities ✔️ Access to federal matching dollars ✔️ Support for small-town water systems Governor Greg Abbott called this the “largest investment in water in Texas history”—and for good reason. 🌱 TNLA Is Involved The Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) strongly supported this legislation and worked with lawmakers to ensure our industry’s voice was heard. Water is vital to the success of landscape businesses, growers, and garden centers across the state—and it’s critical for the health of Texas communities. What’s Next 📅 November 4, 2025 – Voters will decide the fate of HJR 7 at the ballot box. This is a rare chance to secure long-term water funding for generations to come. TNLA will be doing its part to help educate members, clients, and voters about why this matters—and we hope you will too. Let’s invest in the future of Texas—together. 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 See how TNLA helped defeat a risky bill, passed a key alert system, and took your voice to D.C. for real impact!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:
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:
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:
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:
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 Upcoming Industry Events You Won't Want to MissFREE 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:
Horticulture Exploration Day – Texas A&MJune 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  Women in Horticulture Events – Two Unique Opportunities to ConnectWe’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]  OLE! Texas – Virtual Designer Training SeminarJuly 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!
 👏 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 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:
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:
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:
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:
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 As the 2025 Texas Legislative Session enters its final stretch, several key bills are moving forward that could impact your business, your land, and your workforce. TNLA is closely monitoring these proposals and working to ensure your voice is heard in Austin. Here are the highlights:
🚨 Mandatory E-Verify for All Employers Senate Bill 324 (by Senator Kolkhorst) has passed the Senate and is headed to the House. If it becomes law, every Texas business—public and private—would be required to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm the legal work status of all new hires. ✅ What this means for you:
🌎 Foreign Ownership of Land Restrictions Senate Bill 17 (by Kolkhorst and Hefner) aims to ban certain foreign entities from buying land in Texas, including agricultural, commercial, industrial, and residential property. The goal is national security, targeting countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. ⚠️ While U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents are exempt, the bill has raised concerns about:
TNLA is watching this bill closely and urging lawmakers to consider how it might impact agriculture and green industry sectors. 🪴 Plant Pest Alert System Moving Forward There’s good news for growers and landscape pros: House Bill 1592 (by Rep. Plesa and supported by TNLA) has passed the Texas House! 📢 This bill creates an opt-in email alert system to notify you of pest and plant disease outbreaks across Texas—helping businesses respond quickly and protect their crops and landscapes. The system will be managed by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. ♻️ Protecting Composting and Sustainability TNLA is also working on several bills related to food waste composting facilities (SB 2078/HB 4086 and HB 4271/SB 2240). These efforts come in response to proposed changes in Lee County. We’re working to make sure any new policies:
TNLA Is Working for You We’re actively engaged in advocacy every step of the way—reviewing language, testifying at hearings, and keeping members informed. Your business, your land, and your workforce matter to us. Stay tuned for more updates as the session continues—and thank you for being a part of TNLA.  A Pioneer in Horticulture, Conservation, and Community
It is with deep respect and heavy hearts that we honor the life of John T. Nickel, Chairman of the Board of Greenleaf Nursery Company, who passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. John was not only a visionary nurseryman and conservationist, but also a longstanding and dedicated member of the TNLA family. Since 1972, Greenleaf Nursery Co. has been a TNLA member—marking over five decades of unwavering support and leadership in our industry. The company has exhibited at Nursery/Landscape EXPO for 52 consecutive years, a commitment that speaks volumes to John’s belief in advancing horticulture through shared knowledge and community. John’s contributions to our association extended beyond the business he built. Greenleaf is part of TNLA’s Circle of Legends, an honor reserved for those whose influence and service have left an indelible mark on our industry. His entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to excellence, and passion for preserving the beauty of the natural world reflected the very heart of TNLA’s mission. Born in Muskogee, Oklahoma in 1935, John’s love of horticulture took root early. At just 22 years old, he founded Greenleaf Nursery Co. on the shores of Lake Tenkiller, growing it into one of the largest wholesale producers of shrubs, trees, and container-grown plants in the U.S. His legacy lives on not only through Greenleaf’s continued success but through the lives he touched, the natural spaces he preserved, and the generations he inspired. John’s achievements were many—Entrepreneur of the Year, founder of the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve, inductee into both the Tulsa and Oklahoma Halls of Fame—but to those in our community, he was also a generous leader, a loyal friend, and a fierce advocate for the green industry. Our thoughts are with his wife Julie, his five children, grandson, extended family, and the over 1,000 employees at Greenleaf who John proudly considered part of his extended family. We are grateful for the impact John had on our association, our industry, and our world. May his legacy continue to bloom.  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. |
TNLA StaffInterpersonal stories all from TNLA Archives
October 2025
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