Help Us Represent TNLA: Volunteer, Sponsor & Swing-By Opportunities

8/20/2025

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.)

Fort Bend ISD Career Fair — Quick “Swing-By” Opportunity

Date/Time: 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.

Light lift—no major prep.
Great chance to answer questions and spark interest in horticulture careers.
Even a brief visit helps put our industry on students’ radar.

If you can swing by, please note it on the form above and [email protected] so we can track TNLA presence.

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

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.

Texas A&M Horticultural Sciences Career Fair — College Station

Date/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

Volunteers: Represent TNLA, greet students, share industry pathways, and collect contact leads for member companies (2–4 hr shift).
Sponsors: Support materials/outreach; receive logo placement on table signage/handouts and a brief booth intro (as permitted).

Ready to participate? Email Jeremiah Armstrong at [email protected] with subject “Texas A&M – Volunteer/Sponsor” and include your company name and preferred time window.

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Upcoming Events + Opportunities

8/19/2025

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Aug 28, 2025

Fort Bend ISD Career Fair — Quick “Swing-By” Opportunity

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.

Light lift—no major prep.
Great chance to answer questions and spark interest in horticulture careers.
Even a brief visit helps put our industry on students’ radar.

If you can swing by, please note it on the form above and [email protected] so we can track TNLA presence.

Sept 18, 2025

TNLA 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, 2025

Please 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

5:30–6:30 PM: Greenhouse Tours
Program: College Industry Training availability (HCC) & Plant Trial Updates from Paul Winski (Texas A&M Horticulture)

Details

Cost: $15.00
Dinner: Yes, at the same venue
Parking: No cost
Payment: Cash, Credit Card, Check, Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, Cash App
Raffle: Scholarship Raffle—$1 tickets; prize donations welcome

RSVP by Friday, Sept 19: [email protected]
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

Industry credibility: Stand out as a leader in landscaping.
Statewide promotion: Winners are highlighted across TNLA media and events.
Team pride: Celebrate your crew’s craftsmanship and results.

How to apply (simple 3-step process)

Gather project photos — include before, during, and after to tell the full story.
Tell the story — outline challenges, solutions, and measurable results.
Submit online by Sept 29 — applications opened March 1, 2025.

Pro tips for stronger entries

Assign someone to capture progress photos on every job.
Highlight innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship—these elements stand out.

Apply here: TEIL

Questions? Contact [email protected]

Oct 3-5, 2025

West Texas Workshop

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

Credibility with customers and partners
Recognition for your staff’s work
Visibility you can leverage all year (web, social, in-store)

“This award is incredibly special because it acknowledges the hard work, passion, and dedication of our team.” — Mckenna Jenkins, Sales & Marketing Director, Alldredge Gardens

How to enter (takes about 20–30 minutes)

Take 5–10 photos of your store/displays
Complete the short entry form
Submit online by Sunday, Oct 5

Enter here: tnlaonline.org/tgra.html
Brochure: Texas Garden Retailer Awards 2025 Brochure

Quick tips from the judges’ perspective

Shoot on a bright day; include wide shots + close-ups of your best displays
If you’ve got fall décor up, include it—seasonal touches help tell your story

Questions? Contact [email protected] and we’ll point you in the right direction.