Each year, the Lone Star Hort Forum brings together leaders from across the Texas green industry to step away from day-to-day demands and focus on what matters most: people, leadership, and the future of our businesses.
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This year’s Forum did exactly that — through honest conversations, practical learning, and moments that reminded us why this community matters.

​Day One focused on real-world challenges and tools leaders can take back to their teams right away

We kicked off Day One with a familiar and trusted voice. Charlie Hall, a long-time Lone Star Hort Forum contributor, returned with his annual economic forecast — helping attendees better understand where the industry stands and how to plan for the year ahead with clarity and realism.

​From there, the day moved into sessions that resonated deeply with attendees because they addressed real challenges leaders are navigating right now:

• Practical applications of AI that can actually be used in daily operations
• Workplace safety and preparedness in today’s environment
• Leadership mindset and decision-making under pressure

These sessions weren’t about theory — they were about tools, perspective, and making better decisions back at the office.

​One of the most impactful conversations of Day One took place during the Women in Horticulture session, which focused on how internal triggers affect leadership, communication, and workplace dynamics.

The session explored a simple but powerful concept: our thoughts influence our feelings, which influence our actions — and ultimately our results.

Attendees walked away with practical strategies to:

• Recognize triggers before situations escalate
• Pause and reflect in high-pressure moments
• Approach difficult conversations with curiosity rather than fear
• Lead with greater composure, empathy, and confidence

​It was a thoughtful conversation that extended well beyond the room and reinforced the importance of self-awareness in leadership at every level.
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Live Podcast Recordings — Now Available
Throughout the day, several live podcast conversations were recorded on-site and are now available to listen to at no cost:

• H-2B Updates with Jacob Monty
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=Mk519uW5FLG
• Economic Forecast
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=laGLyc8qTK2
• Top Tips for Talent
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=qzEpeIxwuW9
• D.E.E.D. to Success
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=RDL6kt3jC2m
• How the Green Industry Can Embrace the Unknown
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=wnElnSqgu83
• Employers’ Biggest Legal Mistakes
  https://www.podbean.com/lsw/2Ne3ECGEsEm?lsid=3npGgcMoSJx

Day Two began with the TNLA Awards Festival, where the community came together to recognize peers, celebrate excellence, and honor those who have helped move the industry forward.

​This year’s Festival carried special meaning as we honored Jim Reaves, a former TNLA staff member who passed away in August. Jim was posthumously awarded an Honorary Lifetime Membership, recognizing his lasting contributions and the impact he made on the Association and the people within it.

​Several award programs introduced meaningful updates in 2026:

This year marked the introduction of a secret shopper component, adding a new layer of insight and accountability to the judging process and reinforcing the importance of customer experience at every touchpoint.

View all TGRA award winners HERE

The TEIL program continued to evolve, with judges noting a strong field of submissions that showcased:

• Higher-quality storytelling
• Clear before-and-after transformations
• Greater insight into design intent, execution, and results

These updates strengthened the integrity of the program and highlighted the craftsmanship and professionalism across the industry.

​View all TEIL award winners HERE

In the afternoon, attendees headed out on the Industry Tour and the Emerge Tours.

These tours offered behind-the-scenes looks at real operations and real conversations, the kind that don’t happen in a classroom. Discussions on the bus, on-site, and face-to-face allowed participants to learn directly from peers about how they’re solving challenges and running successful businesses.
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A sincere thank you to our tour stop hosts for opening your doors and sharing your time and insight with our members.

​The Forum concluded with the graduation of TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V, a milestone that represents months of learning, reflection, and personal growth.

​Leadership Bootcamp is about more than professional development, it’s about building self-aware, confident leaders who are prepared to guide teams, navigate change, and contribute meaningfully to the industry.
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We are proud of this class and grateful for the perspective and energy they bring to the Texas green industry.

​The Forum closed with a forward-looking keynote, “Smarter, Faster, Stronger: How AI Can Future-Proof Your Nursery & Landscape Business,” reinforcing the importance of adaptability, curiosity, and thoughtful adoption of new tools.

Lone Star Hort Forum isn’t about checking a box or attending another event. It’s about creating space — space to listen, reflect, learn from peers, and reconnect with why we do this work.

Seeing the community show up for one another — in conversations, in recognition, and in shared experiences — is always why we do what we do.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make Lone Star Hort Forum 2026 meaningful.

On December 31, the U.S. Departments of Labor and Homeland Security announced plans to make 35,000 additional H-2B visas available for fiscal year 2026, on top of the 66,000 visas already authorized by Congress each year. The agencies have indicated these supplemental visas will be released through a temporary final rule, with details expected in the coming weeks.

This is welcome news for seasonal employers, but it’s important for TNLA members to understand both what this announcement does and does not address.

The Administration confirmed it will use its congressionally granted authority for FY 2026 to release the 35,000 supplemental visas. That number is significantly lower than in recent years, representing roughly a 50 percent reduction compared to the supplemental visas made available in fiscal years 2023 through 2025. The Administration has also indicated that these visas will be targeted toward what it considers critical infrastructure sectors, including forestry, hospitality, tourism, transportation, manufacturing, and related industries. Many green industry businesses could fall within or support these sectors, but the exact eligibility requirements, filing timelines, and worker restrictions have not yet been released. Those details will come once the temporary final rule is published.

Even with this announcement, the H-2B program remains heavily oversubscribed. The first-half cap for fiscal year 2026 was reached on September 12, and the second-half cap is expected to be reached quickly. Without a timely release of the supplemental visas and potentially further action by Congress, many seasonal employers will continue to face workforce shortages that directly affect their ability to operate.

As TNLA has outlined in its advocacy efforts, the H-2B program is already costly and highly regulated. Employers must recruit U.S. workers, pay premium wages, secure approvals from multiple federal agencies, and comply with strict program requirements. The workers themselves are temporary and seasonal, and they return home at the end of the season. They are not immigrants. For many businesses, access to H-2B labor is what allows them to meet peak demand, keep year-round American employees working, and avoid turning down work or cutting services.

For the green industry, lack of access to H-2B labor often means delayed projects, reduced services, higher costs, and lost contracts. Research shows that each additional H-2B worker supports multiple full-time U.S. jobs, including supervisors, drivers, logistics staff, and administrative employees. When labor shortages persist, businesses are forced to scale back operations, putting American jobs at risk and increasing costs for customers.

TNLA continues to press both the Administration and Congress to move quickly. This includes urging the Administration to promptly issue the temporary final rule allocating supplemental visas for FY 2026, encouraging Congress to retain seasonal employer protections in the FY 2026 DHS appropriations process, and continuing to push for longer-term cap relief that provides predictability and stability for responsible employers.

We are actively using these points on Capitol Hill and in ongoing conversations with federal agencies to advocate for the full scope of the green industry. As more details become available, TNLA will continue sharing updates and practical guidance so members are prepared to act.

Link to press release HERE

Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team 
Curtis Smith – Director – [email protected] 

Karan Mehta – Manager – [email protected] ​

​At TNLA, leadership development isn’t just a benefit—it’s an investment in the future of Texas’ green industry. Through the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp, presented by the TNLA Foundation, professionals from across the state gain the tools, confidence, and connections needed to lead effectively in today’s evolving business environment.

This week, TNLA Leadership Bootcamp Class V gathered in Dallas for their third session, combining in-depth education with real-world learning experiences.
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The session began with a full-day education program focused on Communication Mastery: Speak, Listen, Influence, led by instructor Dee Maddox. Participants explored how clear communication strengthens teams, improves workplace culture, and drives better business outcomes—skills every leader needs, regardless of role or company size

The class also participated in guided tours that connected leadership concepts to real-life operations:

• A behind-the-scenes look at Omni Dallas Hotel, hosted by the Omni’s Top Management , highlighting leadership and culture in a large-scale hospitality operation.
• A visit to SuperScapes with Craig Duttarer, offering insight into leadership, operations, and growth within the Texas Green Industry. 

​These experiences are a hallmark of the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp—bridging classroom learning with practical application.

Class V is now approaching the finish line. Their final session and graduation will take place during the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum, and all members are encouraged to register and attend to celebrate their achievements and see firsthand the impact of this program.

Why Apply for the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp?
Participants leave the program with:

• Stronger communication and leadership skills
• Greater confidence in managing teams and challenges
• A powerful peer network across the Texas green industry
• Practical tools they can immediately apply to their businesses

If you have emerging leaders—or are ready to grow as one yourself—the TNLA Leadership Bootcamp is a proven pathway to success.
Applications are now open for the next class please reach out to [email protected] for more info or questions

Register for the TNLA Lone Star Hort Forum and join us for the Class V graduation: https://www.tnlaonline.org/lone-star-hort-forum.html

A special thanks to our Key Contributing Partner

• Landmark Nurseries, Inc.

Thank you to our Sponsors for making this happen:

• Southwest Wholesale Nursery
• Aquaterra Outdoors
• Lone Star Trees
• Billy Long Enterprises, Inc.
• Hotchkiss Insurance Agency

Partner:

• GO TEXAN

👉 Learn more, apply: https://www.tnlaonline.org/leadershipbootcamp.html

​At TNLA, we’re focused on more than the challenges of today — we’re building the workforce of tomorrow. One of the ways we’re doing that is by connecting directly with Texas Education Agency (TEA) Regional Service Centers across the state.

Every year, thousands of students participate in agricultural science and Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs, yet many have never considered a career in the green industry. By working directly with TEA regions, TNLA is making sure horticulture, landscaping, and nursery careers are part of the conversation early on — while students are still deciding their futures.
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These partnerships help teachers connect classroom learning to real-world skills and introduce students to the rewarding, hands-on work our industry offers.

Over the past several months, TNLA has met with multiple TEA regions to:

• Build relationships with regional directors and CTE coordinators
• Identify shared goals that link education and workforce development
• Develop ways for students to experience the green industry firsthand — through career events, classroom visits, and site tours

​Each TEA region supports schools and teachers preparing the next generation of professionals. By collaborating with them, TNLA is ensuring our industry stays visible and accessible to tomorrow’s workforce.

This initiative isn’t just about outreach — it’s about opportunity. Our members are the face of the industry, and your participation can make a lasting impact.

Here are a few simple ways to get involved:
🌱 Join a Regional Advisory Committee: Share your business perspective and help shape local programs.
🌿 Volunteer for Classroom Visits: Talk to students about your career path and what you love about this work.
🌾 Host a Field Trip: Let students see what goes on behind the scenes at your nursery, landscape operation, or garden center.

Below, you’ll find a map and contact list for all TEA regions. Reach out to your local region and start the conversation — TNLA is here to support you every step of the way.

Together, we’re not just growing plants — we’re growing the future of our industry.

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.)

​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.

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.

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)

1. Gather project photos — include before, during, and after to tell the full story.
2. Tell the story — outline challenges, solutions, and measurable results.
3. 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
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Questions? Contact [email protected]

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.​

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)

1. Take 5–10 photos of your store/displays
2. Complete the short entry form
3. 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.

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.)
​

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.

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.

Bell County now marks the furthest south the invasive pest has been confirmed in the U.S.
The presence of the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) has been newly confirmed in Jack, Navarro, Somervell, Bell, and Rockwall counties, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. Notably, Bell County’s detection marks the southernmost known presence of EAB in the United States—a major milestone in the pest’s expansion and a growing threat to Texas ash tree populations.


🪲 What is Emerald Ash Borer?
The emerald ash borer is a destructive, exotic beetle that infests and kills ash trees by burrowing beneath the bark and cutting off the flow of water and nutrients. Once infested, ash trees typically die within 2–3 years.
EAB was first confirmed in Texas in 2016 and has now been detected in 31 counties statewide. The latest confirmations in 2024 represent a notable southward jump, increasing the risk for nurseries, landscapes, and natural ash populations across Central Texas.
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Counties Affected

The USDA Interactive Map displays confirmed detections across the U.S., including the growing number in Texas.

What’s Being Done to Tackle It
The Texas A&M Forest Service is leading surveillance and outreach efforts to slow the spread of EAB. Confirmed counties are subject to state quarantines that restrict the movement of ash wood products to prevent further dispersal. Ongoing education and early detection efforts are critical tools in protecting remaining ash populations.


Key Considerations for TNLA Members

• If you grow or handle ash trees, especially in newly affected or adjacent counties, consult the TDA’s quarantine guidelines.
• Expect increased regulatory scrutiny around movement of nursery stock, wood products, and green waste.
• Landscape companies and urban foresters should monitor ash trees for dieback symptoms and woodpecker activity.

Here are some of the symptoms that are key to notice:

• Dead branches near the top of a tree
• Leafy shoots sprouting from the trunk.
• Bark splits exposing s-shaped larval galleries.
• Extensive woodpecker activity
• D‐shaped exit holes

Stay Informed

• Visit the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Emerald Ash Borer Hub for the latest maps, detection protocols, and resources.

Next Steps from TNLA
TNLA is monitoring the EAB expansion and will continue to work with federal, state, and local officials to ensure members remain informed and compliant. If you have questions about how EAB may impact your nursery or landscape operation, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or [email protected]

The proposed overhaul of Texas’ congressional map—pushed by President Donald Trump—is designed to give the GOP five additional seats in next year’s midterm elections. While the newly drafted lines would likely deliver some Republican pickups, an analysis of the redistricting plan suggests that a full five-seat gain is far from guaranteed.
These changes, based on 2020 census data, could help solidify Republican control in up to 30 of Texas’ 38 congressional districts—a significant shift with long-term implications for the green industry’s federal priorities.


🔄 Key Districts to Watch
Two South Texas districts remain highly competitive—and one carries particular importance for TNLA:
👉 Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28, Laredo)
👉 Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34, McAllen)

Both represent districts that leaned Republican in the last presidential election, yet they successfully held onto their seats. The new map makes each district slightly more conservative—a calculated gamble banking on continued GOP gains among Hispanic voters.

For TNLA, Congressman Cuellar is a critical ally. He has been one of the most consistent and vocal champions of the H-2A and H-2B guest worker programs, which are essential to the nursery and landscape industry. His leadership has helped secure program stability, visa processing improvements, and continued momentum toward year-round labor solutions.

🗳️ As redistricting reshapes the political landscape, TNLA is watching closely—not just for shifts in party control, but for how these changes could impact federal advocacy for the green industry.


🔵 Other Competitive Districts
Several Democratic-held urban and suburban districts could also become heavily Republican—under the proposed map. These include:
• TX-9 – Rep. Al Green (Houston)
• TX-32 – Rep. Julie Johnson (Dallas suburbs)
• TX-35 – Rep. Greg Casar (San Antonio to Austin)
If adopted, these changes could turn currently blue districts into strong-performing Republican seats, further reshaping the state’s congressional delegation.


🧠 Why This Matters to TNLA Members
Programs like H-2A and H-2B are the backbone of a reliable workforce for TNLA members. Continued engagement with trusted allies like Rep. Cuellar ensures our industry’s needs are front and center in Washington.

Your voice—and your vote—matter. They help protect essential workforce programs and ensure support for pro-industry champions in the 2026 election cycle.
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Stay tuned for more updates as TNLA continues to monitor congressional developments and advocate on your behalf.

In this exclusive sit-down with TNLA President & CEO Amy Graham, newly elected Chairman Devin Guinn shares his vision for the year ahead. From fostering growth and supporting diversity to navigating leadership transitions, Devin reflects on how TNLA has shaped his journey—starting with a pivotal introduction to EXPO by past TNLA Chairman Tim Little. Watch the full interview to hear how TNLA’s connections became the backbone of his success and what’s next for our association.