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Protecting Our Industry Starts Before Decisions Are Made
It happens through relationships, education, and ongoing conversations with the leaders making decisions that impact our businesses, employees, and communities. That's why TNLA PAC exists. Why Advocacy Matters Every day, decisions are being made at the state and local levels that affect the future of our industry. Some involve water infrastructure and conservation policies. Others impact workforce development, business regulations, transportation, land use, or the tools and resources our members rely on to operate successfully. The reality is simple: If our industry isn't part of those conversations, someone else will be. TNLA PAC helps ensure the green industry has a voice in those discussions and the opportunity to build relationships with decision-makers before important decisions are made. Our Industry Has a Story Worth Telling Texas' nursery and landscape industry contributes far more than beautiful landscapes. Our members create jobs, support local economies, improve communities, conserve natural resources, and help make Texas a better place to live and work. But many policymakers have never operated a nursery, managed a landscape company, installed irrigation systems, or experienced the challenges of running a green industry business. They don't automatically understand:
That understanding happens through education and relationships. And those relationships don't happen overnight. Building Relationships Before They're Needed One of the biggest misconceptions about advocacy is that it only happens when there's a problem. In reality, the most effective advocacy often happens before members ever hear about an issue.
These conversations happen because our industry invests in building relationships before they're needed. Advocacy Creates Real Results Strong advocacy doesn't happen by accident. It happens because industry professionals choose to invest their time, energy, and resources in ensuring the green industry has a seat at the table. Those efforts have helped TNLA:
That's the value of being proactive. Investing in the Future As we look toward the 2027 legislative session, the need for strong advocacy remains as important as ever. Water availability, workforce development, regulatory pressures, and industry education will continue to shape the future of Texas' green industry. The relationships we build today help shape the conversations we'll have tomorrow. That's why TNLA PAC matters. It's not simply about supporting a political action committee. It's about helping ensure our industry has a voice, a seat at the table, and an opportunity to help shape decisions that affect our future. Help Strengthen Our Voice If your business has benefited from a stronger voice for the green industry, consider supporting TNLA PAC. Your investment helps build relationships, strengthen advocacy efforts, and ensure our industry remains engaged in the conversations that matter most. Together, we can continue building a stronger future for Texas' green industry. TNLA PAC supports state candidates who understand and advocate for Texas' green industry. Political contributions to TNLA PAC must be made from personal funds
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 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 |
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
June 2026
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