FNGLA Celebrates the Past, Present & Future at 60th Annual Convention

A M O N T H L Y P U B L I C A T I O N F O R F N G L A M E M B E R S . D I G I T A L M O N T H L Y I S S U E L O C A T E D A T H T T P : / / G R E E N L I N E . F N G L A . O R G

July 2012 | Volume 33, Issue 7

FNGLA’s 60th Anniversary Convention was an exciting celebration of the past, present and future of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry and our association with its leading industry role for the past 60 years. Taking place in Jacksonville, more than 150 FNGLA members attended what was called the “Unconventional” Convention. A change in the traditional format made the convention more affordable and time-efficient, and was well-received by attendees.

The meeting began with an optional tour of Jacksonville Zoological Gardens, hosted by FNGLA’s Northeast Chapter. FNGLA members were treated to an exclusive tour of this unique garden by the horticulture staff, including horticulture director Bob Chabot. Everyone was impressed with the extensive plant palette and the seamless integration of the gardens with the animal habitats.

FNGLA’s “Back To Our Roots” 60th Anniversary Gathering took place at historic Glen St. Mary Nurseries, offering an idyllic setting for any event. Despite 17” of rain just prior to the event, Lin and Magi Taber had Glen St. Mary Nurseries in perfect condition to welcome their fellow FNGLA members. Entertainment was provided by The Greens band and Justin Williams, all of whom are FNGLA members.

Stations were set up around the grounds offering storytelling from the industry’s past, to a crab and corn boil, to a Baker County “wine” tasting. A delicious fish fry complete with locally grown vegetables and homemade desserts had everyone smiling. The evening ended with the unique talents of cowboy poet, Stephen Monroe, who had stories and poems to touch the heart and the funnybone. Sponsored by Stallings Crop Insurance, the event was a big hit as people relaxed amid the oaks and magnolias and enjoyed the company of their FNGLA friends.

FNGLA’s 60th Annual Meeting took place the following morning at the Hyatt Jacksonville, beginning with a video display in photographs of FNGLA’s past and a pictorial tribute to FNGLA’s past 60 presidents. An interview of Billy Barwald who attended the first organizational meeting of FNGLA more than 60 years ago provided entertaining and intriguing insights on how and why FNGLA first began.FNGLA members moved into the present with a 2011-2012 FNGLA Year in Review,

(Continued on Page 3)

Wes ParrishFNGLA 2012-2013 PresidentPRESIDENT’S LETTER

As I assume my new position as FNGLA president, I realize there are those of you who do not know me. My wife, Vickie, and I have lived in Broward County and been involved in our industry since we graduated from the University of Florida in horticulture in 1975. Within two years,

Vickie started Parrish Nursery, specializing in landscape liner production for the South Florida market. I held positions in foliage production, fertilizer sales and a brief stint with a dot com start-up before joining Vickie at our own business in 2001. We have both been involved with FNGLA continuously, always feeling both a responsibility and a benefit.

To address my upcoming year as your president, I feel the need to look back at the last few years first. FNGLA is funded primarily by three sources: our association membership dues and proceeds from our two trade shows. All three took some hits during the economic downturn. Being at the center of all this, I can tell you tough decisions were made and sacrifices aplenty.

With all this being said, I can tell you I am optimistic about the upcoming year. We have a great group in our board of directors and officers. We have a dedicated, experienced staff that has performed very well despite financial constraints. Our committees have been innovative and imaginative in dealing with budget limitations while still producing world-class shows and top quality programs. The economic study just released shows we are still the largest segment of agriculture which is second only to tourism. With all of this and an improving, albeit slowly, economic outlook, I think you can join me in my optimism. To be sure, we are not completely out of the woods yet it is getting brighter.

Wes Parrish

Registration is Now Open for The Landscape Show!

Make plans now to attend The Landscape Show, FNGLA’s premier event for the landscape and nursery industry. Taking place September 27-29, 2012 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL, The Landscape Show features 400+ industry vendors, dozens of education programs, industry CEUs, peer-to-peer exchange, industry news, valuable ideas and priceless inspiration. Online registration is open with early-bird pricing available. Visit www.thelandscapeshow.org to register for a 3-day admission badge for only $15. Or sign up for the TLS Knowledge College where you will receive 3 days of exceptional educational programs, including lunch on Thursday and breakfast on Friday and an opportunity to earn several industry CEUs for only $330. Single day pricing is also available. Prices will increase after September 10, 2012.

The Landscape Show offers an extreme close up of the nursery and landscape industry’s complete cast of plants, trees, palms, landscape equipment, hardscape products, irrigation, production equipment, business services and garden center supplies. There is no better value than The Landscape Show to find all the tools you need to create an even more successful business year.

Booths are selling every day for The Landscape Show. To learn more about exhibiting, contact Clay Archey at carchey@fngla.org or Sabrina Haines at shaines@fngla.org or call the FNGLA office at 800-375-3642.

For more details on The Landscape Show, visit www.thelandscapeshow.org or call 800-375-3642.

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Annual Convention (Continued from Page 1)

a State of the Association presentation by FNGLA CEO Ben Bolusky and recognition of the 2011-12 Industry Award winners. FNGLA members receiving awards included John Schwind as Outstanding Chapter Secretary; Shawn Thomas as Outstanding Chapter President; John King, Jr. as Outstanding Educator, Dr. Hannah Carter as FNGLA Friend of the Industry; Ed Bravo as Outstanding FNGLA Volunteer; and T. Jay Higgins as FNGLA/Farm Credit Young Nursery Professional of the Year. Dr. Terril Nell and Katy Moss Warner were the 2012 inductees into FNGLA’s Hall of Fame and Gary Hennen was recognized with FNGLA’s most prestigious award, the Wendell E. Butler Award.

During the Annual Meeting, Mike Marshall, Marshall Tree Farm, was elected to serve as FNGLA’s President Elect for 2012-13 and Sandy Stein, The Jungle Nursery, was elected as FNGLA’s new

Secretary/Treasurer. Carolan Mahr was elected to serve as an FNGLA trustee.

The convention ended with the FNGLA Membership Luncheon, sponsored by LPL Financial, Matt Antos. Craig Regelbrugge, ANLA Vice President of Government Relations and Research, provided a national perspective on the issues impacting the industry’s future with a focus on Florida. Outgoing president Halsey Beshears was recognized for his leadership as FNGLA president in 2011-12 and Wes Parrish was installed by his daughter, Jennifer Parrish, as FNGLA’s 61st president. It was a nice reminder that FNGLA members are not only friends, but an industry family.

FNGLA’s 2013 convention will take place in June in the Broward County area. Stay tuned for details as the new convention committee finalizs the plans.

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FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Expanded Promotions for Exhibitors: The Landscape Show

Things are looking up and your business is on display! Are you planning to maximize your exposure as an exhibitor at the 2012 The Landscape Show?

If you are a previous exhibitor or a new one, you have some exciting new opportunities which will help drive sales at the premier green industry event in the Southeast. With the economy poised for a rebound, can you afford to miss out on one of the largest and most affordable marketing events in our industry? Currently, nearly 80% of the booths on the floor are booked. If booth placement matters to you, then act now and reserve one of the remaining booths while they are still available.

For all exhibitors, both new and returning, we have an exciting new promotional opportunity for you! To help you stand out and encourage buyers to come to the show, we are asking exhibitors to submit a “show special” deal to be offered only at The Landscape Show. Once you submit your show special to FNGLA, we will list it under a Show Special section on The Landscape Show area of the FNGLA website for all incoming attendees and buyers to see and for you to promote yourself at the show. As an added incentive, exhibitors offering a show special will be entered into a drawing to win one free 10’x10’ space at the 2013 The Landscape Show.

If you’ve never exhibited, or you haven’t exhibited in the past few years, you are in for a special treat! We will spotlight your company on The Landscape Show’s website under a “new exhibitor” section where buyers and attendees can easily access your firm’s details and show directory listing information- making you a star!

The Landscape Show, sponsored by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), is the largest business-to-business event for the nursery and landscape industry in the Southeast.

Contact Sabrina Haines at shaines@fngla.org, or Clay Archey at carchey@fngla.org, at the FNGLA office to reserve your booth space. Both can be reached toll free at (800) 375-3642.

If you’re already signed up to exhibit, visit MYBOOTH.ORG to maximize your show experience.

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Florida’s Nursery & Landscape Industry’s Economic Impact: A Quiet Resilience, A Strong Presence

FNGLA recently released the results of the Economic Impact Study, conducted by the University of Florida, showing Florida’s Nursery & Landscape Industry’s 2010 total direct sales were $15.35 billion and total direct employment was 204,700 jobs. The study, conducted in 2011 using 2010 data is the third in a series since 2000.

The study shows Florida is a leading

state, ranked second only to California in the U.S., in terms of overall industry value. Florida’s nursery and landsacpe industry encompasses a wide range of businesses including nursery and greenhouse growers; lawn and garden suppliers; equipment manufacturers; landscape design, maintenance and installation services; lawn and garden stores; and, other retail establishments selling

plants and related lawn and garden goods.

Florida’s top 10 counties by sales are: (1) Miami-Dade; (2) Orange; (3) Palm Beach; (4) Hillsborough; (5) Broward; (6) Volusia; (7) Lake; (8) Lee; (9) Duval; and, (10) Collier.

Florida’s top 10 counties by employment are: (1) Miami-Dade; (2) Orange; (3) Palm Beach; (4) Hillsborough; (5) Broward; (6) Volusia; (7) Lee; (8) Duval; (9) Lake; and, (10) Pinellas.

In terms of the industry’s footprint, the industry’s total area was 118,458 acres: 59,487 as container nursery with an average nursery side of 15.5 acres, 50,508 as field nursery with an average nursery size of 13.2 acres, and 8,463 as greenhouse/shadehouse with an average size of 2.2 acres.

The study also asked participants about the opportunities for growth and for importance ratings of indsutry threats.

The promotional piece is available for review at: http://www.fngla.org/resources/economic-impact-study/EconomicImpacts2010Promotion.pdf and the complete report can be found at: http://www.fred.ifas.ufl.edu/economic-impact-analysis/pdf/Economic_Contributions_Florida_Environmental_Horticulture_Industry_2010.pdf.

FNGLA HAPPENINGS

Make the Numbers Work for You at the 2012 Financial Management Clinic!Back by popular demand, the Florida Agriculture Financial Management Conference will be held on September 9-11, 2012 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center, Kissimmee, FL. Come with your pencils sharpened and be ready to fine-tune your financial skills, securing the future of your business! From a look at the state of the “Agricultural Economy” to “Understanding Your Lender and What They Want from Their Borrowers,” this program will provide you with take-home tools you can use daily on the job.

This educational conference is an intense skill-building program designed with lots of networking opportunities to help specialty crop commodity producers understand and overcome economic challenges within their businesses. Whether you are looking to develop an estate plan, learn the latest on tax planning or maybe you want to discover the difference between cash accounting and accrual accounting-- this is your program!

This two-day program will feature national leaders from the financial arena at a very affordable price of just $199 per person or a special rate of $375 for two individuals from the same company. Take advantage of the great rooming rate of $94 single/double at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Conference Center, Kissimmee, FL.

When industry members are financially strong, they will become the driving force in returning Florida’s economy to brighter days. For more information about the conference, visit www.fafmc.org, email Linda Reindl at lreindl@fngla.org, or call FNGLA at 800.375.3642.

FEATURED TOPICS: • Prosperity in American Agriculture/

USDA Economic Outlook

• Understanding What Consumers

Want and How to Market to Them

• Positioning Your Business for the

Wild World of Global Economics

• Understanding Your Lender and

What They Want of Their Borrowers

• Estate and Tax Planning

Register for the Conference: https://www.fngla.org/events/financial/registration.aspx

Book Your Hotel Room: https://reservations.gaylordpalms.gaylordhotels.com/cgi-bin/LANSAWEB?procfun+rn+resnet+orl+funcparms+UP%28A2560%29:;x-jh912;?&source=GP||GRP|GRP|||X-JH912

INDUSTRY NEWS

Farm Credit of Florida Holds Election

Farm Credit of Florida held its annual

stockholders’ meeting and announced the results of the stockholder vote. The following individuals were elected to the board to serve a three year term: Lloyd “Sonny” Register, James Alderman, Sherwood “Buddy” Johnson, and Martin “Marty” McKenna.

Don Rice, CEO of the $1.2 billion dollar cooperative said that he is honored to have these Florida agri-business owners and industry leaders as directors of the 2,300 member cooperative.

“All of these individuals are well-qualified individuals and outstanding leaders in their industries. We are proud to have these member-borrowers on our board of directors. Directors provide valuable leadership and guidance to the senior management team. We rely on their substantial business and agricultural experience; they play a vital role in the oversight and planning for our cooperative.” said Rice. “Like me, this board of 15 elected and 4 appointed directors is dedicated to the success of our association.”

“We are looking forward to a very successful year and future for the association and our member-stockholders,” said Woody Larson, Chairman of the Board. Stockholders also voted for nominating committee members and the following individuals were elected to serve a one year term: Ken Griner, Bryan Olmert, Tommy Williams, Robert “Robbie” Johnson, John Larson, Fritz “Sonny” Stein, III, Edgar Davis, Jr., Horace Durrance, and J. Ned Hancock.

As the largest agricultural lender in Florida, Farm Credit of Florida’s $1.2 billion portfolio includes many of Florida’s leading agribusiness owners. Headquartered in West Palm Beach, the cooperative has 11 service centers throughout the state, employs 140 employees and offers many types of loans, crop insurance and leasing products.

2010 Floriculture Crops Summary, released by USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, reports the 2010 wholesale value of floriculture crops is up 3% from the revised 2009

valuation. The total crop value at wholesale for the 15-state program for all growers with $10,000 or more in sales is estimated at $4.1 billion for 2010, compared with $4 billion for 2009.

California continues to be the leading state with crops valued at $1 billion, up 8% from the 2009 value. Florida, the next largest producer is down 1% from the prior year to $810 million in wholesale value. These two states account for 44 percent of the 15-state total value. For 2010, the top 5 states are California, Florida, Michigan, Texas and North Carolina, which account for $2.75 billion, or 66% of the 15-state total value.

The number of producers (6,126) for 2010 is down 7% in the 15 states compared with the revised 2009 count of 6,561. The number of producers with sales of $100,000 or more dropped 7% to 2,706 for 2010 from 2,918 in 2009. In the 15-state program, total covered area for floriculture crop production was 725 million sq. ft. However, these data are not comparable with the 2009 revised area of 807 million sq. ft. because the 2009 data were collected in conjunction with the Census of Horticultural Specialties and included area used for production of nursery crops as well as floriculture crops.

The wholesale value of bedding and garden plants, which include herbaceous perennials, at $1.9 billion, is up 4% from 2009. This is the largest contributor to value of sales and represents 48% of the wholesale value of all the reported crops.

USDA releases 2010 Floriculture Crops Summary

INDUSTRY NEWS

Larry Smith, general manager of Lurvey Landscape Supply of Des Plaines, Illinois, testified on June 25 before a Congressional committee field hearing looking into the impact of high fuel prices and price uncertainty on small business job creation. The opportunity came when House Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access chairman Joe Walsh (R-IL) invited the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) to provide a green industry witness. Lurvey distributes a wide array of plants and landscape products to professional customers from three locations in the Chicago area, and retails garden plants and supplies to the general public from its headquarters location. Smith, in his testimony, described how fuel surcharges have become the norm and a significant portion of the cost of doing business.

Surcharges plus price uncertainty have forced Lurvey to carry less inventory, and to quote prices on a per-job basis, which can lead to delays and frustration. These factors have also made employers reluctant to hire, dampening a badly-needed jobs turnaround. Asked by Rep. Walsh to describe the current state of the economy in the industry, Smith replied, “we are still on the bottom and treading water.” Rep. Walsh then asked what the company is doing to adjust to the high fuel prices? “Lower margins and reduce labor,” Smith answered. While the hearing did not surface clear solutions to the challenges described, Smith called for “any and every strategy” to develop both new and traditional energy resources.

Landscape Supplier Testifies Before Congress on Fuel Prices

INDUSTRY NEWS

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July is Smart Irrigation Month: Smart Practices. Smart Technology. Smart Business.Smart Irrigation Month is an Irrigation Association initiative to increase public awareness of the value of water-use efficiency …and grow demand for water-saving products, practices and services.

Focused on July, traditionally the month of peak demand in North America, the campaign is designed to:•Educatehomeowners,businesses,growersandotherusersaboutsimplewaystosavemoneyandwater.•Encourageindustryfirmsandprofessionalstopromotesmartirrigationpracticesandtechnologiestocustomers.•Helpwaterprovidersminimizepeakwateruseandreducedemandsoninfrastructureintheircommunities.•Reinforcetheroleefficientirrigationplaysinprovidingrealsolutionstotoday’swaterchallenges.

First launched in 2005, Smart Irrigation Month is gaining traction as stakeholders recognize the potential impact of efficient irrigation, in July and year-round. Particularly in Florida, arming yourself with the latest information and industry happenings centered on water conservation and smart business practices is key.

For more details on the program including key messages to both indsutry and consumer audiences, visit: http://www.smartirrigationmonth.org/.

CERTIFICATIONS

FNGLA Hosts Two Landscape Certification Exams

FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Technician (FCLT-Installation) and Landscape Maintenance Technician (FCLMT) program will host two exam dates – in completely different locations. Applications are now being accepted for the following exams.

For more information on these exams, and to receive study materials, contact Merry Mott at FNGLA at 800-375-3642. A FREE study guide is included with your registration that provides information on each exam section and the knowledge and skills you will be asked to demonstrate.

Complete information about the exams – and a short 10-minute video that describes FNGLA’s certification programs – can be found on the certification section of FNGLA’s website at http://www.fngla.org/certifications/index.aspx.

Plant identification in a live garden is an integral

part of the FCLT-Installation exam.

FCLT – August 24thHoward Forman Health Park, Pembroke Pines

FNGLA’s Broward Chapter will host training and testing for the FCLT – Installation Exam at its official test site in Pembroke Pines. Training will be Friday, August 10th at the test site. Contact Robert Shoelson at 954-680-1819 to register. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, August 1st.

FCLMT – October 20thSeaWorld Horticulture, Orlando

FNGLA’s newest test site hosts another FCLMT exam at its horticulture offices in fall 2012. With outstanding support from SeaWorld staff, this site is centrally located and a perfect venue for the maintenance exam. The deadline to apply is Monday, October 1st.

The FCLMT exam requires applicants to safely operate and maintain turf equipment.

CERTIFICATIONS

FCHP Training Classes Set for Fall 2012Training classes for FNGLA’s Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) begin this fall across Florida. These courses prepare students to sit for the FCHP exam – while providing excellent general horticulture information and connections.

Ft. Lauderdale: Carl Wallack and Dr. Kim Moore will host an FCHP course at the UF Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center beginning September 12th. The class runs Wednesdays from 6 to 9 pm. Contact Kimberly Moore at 954-577-6328 to register.

Ft. Pierce/Port St. Lucie: Ann McMullian offers an FCHP prep class beginning in August. The class takes place evenings at Indian River State College. Contact Ann McMullian at 772-336-6211.

Naples: This practical training course is designed to help the working horticultural professional and also provide preparation for the FCHP exam. Join Bob Cook Thursday nights beginning August 23rd at Eagles Nest Academy at 6920 Immokalee Road, 1 mile east of I-75. Contact Bob Cook at 239-734-0212.

Ocala: Join Kathleen Patterson at the College of Central Florida for FCHP instruction beginning September 4th. E-mail College of Central Florida Institute or call 352-873-5804.

Online: If a traditional class is not offered in your area – or you prefer online learning – take advantage of an online FCHP class through Magnolia Grex and Associates. This 8-week class is accessible day or night online and prepares you for the FCHP exam. Contact Gale Allbritton at 850-933-9545 or www.magnoliagrex.com.

Orlando: Get horticulture instruction while preparing for the FCHP exam with Ken Howell beginning September 13th. The 12-week course takes place each Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9:30 at Ameriscapes Landscape Management in Orlando. Contact Ken Howell at 407-365-8339.

Palm Beach Gardens: FCHP has returned to Palm Beach State College! In addition to certification exam preparation, horticulture training is offered in many areas, including soils, weeds, pest management, natives and landscape management. Contact George Rogers at 561-207-5052 or rogersg@palmbeachstate.edu.

Spring Hill: These FCHP classes at the Pay It Forward Farm provide training for industry professionals and those planning to enter the industry. In addition, extra instruction is provided by the University of Florida Extension in BMPs and pesticide licensure. Contact Christine Collins at the Pay It Forward Farm for more information at 813-966-7448.

St. Petersburg: Join Pinellas Technical Education Center for an FCHP prep class. This class is one of several offerings of pTEC, so be sure to contact them to learn about their day class and other industry courses. Contact Bonnie Desmond at 727-893-2500, ext. 1101.

For more information on the FCHP program, contact Merry Mott at FNGLA at 800-375-3642. For information on this fall’s FCHP training classes, contact the individuals listed below. For a complete listing of all courses offered throughout the year, see the certification section of FNGLA’s website: www.fngla.org.

CERTIFICATIONS

Final Complimentary Class Scheduled for Florida Water StarSM

Industry professionals have one more opportunity to gain valuable irrigation and landscape education through Florida Water StarSM (FWS) training and testing September 11th & 12th in Tavares – free of charge.

The Lake County Board of County Commissioners and the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) have partnered to fund a series of FWS training and exam sessions for irrigation contractors and landscape professionals.

In addition to earning the FWS Accredited Professional designation, industry professionals can also earn continuing education units (CEUs): Four CEUs for FNGLA certified professionals, four CEUs for Registered Landscape Architects through DBPR, four Irrigation Association CEUs for IA certified professionals and eight CEUs for licensed irrigation contractors in both Lake and Volusia counties.

To register, or for additional information, contact Steve Gladwell at 352-742-3968 or waterstarregistration@lakecountyfl.gov.

Professionals receive Florida Water Star Landscape Design training from Joy Dorst.

FCHP Pass Rate for High School Horticulture Students Tops 50%FNGLA’s Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) program has become fully integrated into high school horticulture programs. More than half of the 200+ high school horticulture students who took the FCHP exam this year have earned this professional designation.

In its third full year of offering FCHP to high school programs, FNGLA saw student success rate nearly double from previous years. School year 2009-2010 was the first year that high school horticulture programs officially utilized FNGLA’s FCHP program in compliance with the Career and Professional Education Act (CAPE) which requires technical education connect to a recognized industry certification.

In order to assist teachers in preparing their students for the FCHP exam, FNGLA created TeachHort.com, a free online resource for lesson plans, powerpoints, sample tests and other education tools. This unique program helps make the connection between industry standards and educational requirements. FNGLA also offers individualized training to school districts interested in utilizing FCHP in their horticulture programs.

For more information on students, industry certification and career development, contact Merry Mott at FNGLA at 800-375-3642.

FNGLA conducted teacher training for Manatee County Schools in preparation for

the FCHP exam.

MEMBER NEWS

Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses Founder Passes AwayHermann Engelmann passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, June 22. Hermann is the legendary founder of Hermann Engelmann Greenhouses Inc., located in Apopka, Florida. The company is one of the largest producers of indoor houseplants in the world. Hermann founded the company in 1971 after emigrating from Germany in 1960. He created a number of innovations that revolutionized the indoor houseplants industry in the USA. The most known one was his strong focus on consumer branding with the Exotic Angel Brand. The company’s signature, Exotic Angel Plants, is currently sold at over 11,000 retail stores in North America. The brand was built on the principles of product quality, innovation, and consistency, and was a first of its kind in the industry.

Hermann’s love and passion for plants blossomed early in his youth: his family comes from six generations in horticulture. His vision, however, was quite unique. He started his business

by personally delivering Exotic Angel Plants to a handful of stores in New York and New Jersey. His philosophy was simple: “Never overload the stores, never compromise on quality, never forget to impress the consumer and always love your product”

Hermann’s dedication and vision gave birth to a strong foundation, on which the company grew to its current size and success. He will be dearly missed by his family, employees, and friends.

Hermann Engelmann has been enjoying a peaceful retirement during the last 15 years. However, his influence and guidance were always present. The company continues forward with Hermann’s son, Wolfgang Engelmann, at the helm.

To express condolenses, visit the company’s official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/EAPlants.

XS Smith, a fourth generation family-owned and operated greenhouse

manufacturer, is closing its doors after 66 years of serving the nursery industry citing a difficult economy and the federal government’s more restrictive lending policies as primary reasons for the closure.

“It’s not an easy situation or an easy decision,” says Skip Smith, president of XS Smith. “But we’ve had the slowest spring in the last 40 years. We’re forecasting out, and the industry’s not looking good.”

Smith says they’ve seen many of their customers go bankrupt, including Carolina Nurseries, one of their largest clients, which closed two years ago. “Most, if not all, my other large customers I talk to say I’m doing the smart thing,” he says. A huge surplus of used greenhouses has also affected the

business’ bottom-line and played a significant role in the decision to close.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act has made borrowing money much more difficult as well, Smith says, saying the law now requires a complete reevaluation of the property when applying for a loan, slowing and complicating the process. “It hasn’t been fun anymore,” Smith says.

The future of his employees weighs heavily on Smith’s mind. “It’s the biggest concern I have,” he says. “It hurts. Some of them have been with us for 35 years. I’m really worried about them.”

Smith asks that the people to whom his company owes money “just hang with us a little bit,” saying the company has substantially more assets than liabilities. They are selling off inventory and equipment. “Our intent is to pay everyone 100 percent and be done,” Smith says.

XS Smith To End Its 66 Years in Industry

NEW MEMBERS

ACTIONDesign By The Yard, LLCAnn M. BerendzenPO Box 536971Orlando, FL 32853-6971407-489-9625Referred by: Kristen Pategas, Hortus Oasis

Faithworks Total Ground Maintenance LLCChris Freeman4201 W Old Hwy 441, Bldg 1PO Box 88Tavares, FL 32778-0088352-551-5516

Fields Chrysler Jeep Dodge RamJim Todd750 Towne Center BlvdSanford, FL 32771-7493407-878-7710x2123

BIG BENDGulf Coast GrowersCaleb Van Wingerden874 Commerce BlvdCrawfordville, FL 32327-4985850-421-0111

BROWARDGeneral Mow Landscaping Services Inc.Laurie Misner2830 NE 20th AveLighthouse Point, FL 33064-7606954-708-4287

Town of DavieChris Richter, Sup906 Nautilus IsleDania, FL 33004-2356954-797-2704

CENTRAL EAST COASTCentral Management CompanyLinda Peattie860 N Kansas AveDeLand, FL 32724-2914386-785-4809

INTERNATIONALTerraGardenAlexis ParrenoAve Interoceanica Km 12 1/2Quito, Ecuador59326044146

MANASOTADiamond R Fertilizer Co, Inc.Dyke Holley, AssociatePO Box 51911Sarasota, FL 34232941-400-9970Referred by: Robert Albritton, Albritton’s Nursery

Heather Puccio, Student7943 Kavanagh CtSarasota, FL 34240941-345-7855

Treynian Coverings LLCT. Jay Higgins7091 Myakka Valley TrSarasota, FL 34241-9676941-320-3895Referred by: Robert Albritton, Albritton’s Nursery

MIAMI-DADEBCLS Landscaping Group Inc.Terry Jones4055 NW 17th AveMiami, FL 33142-4851786-203-1497

Chris King of PlantsZivadin Krstic11985 SW 304 StHomestead, FL 33030917-885-4056

GJB Consulting, LLCAl Maloof100 SE 2nd St 44th FLMiami, FL 33131-2105305-349-2300Gulfshore Insurance

Jarod Young, Associate2625 Weston RdWeston, FL 33331-3614954-579-2124

Kerry’s Nursery, Inc.Robert T. McMillan, Affiliate MemberPO Box 242Homestead, FL 33090-0242786-256-5425

Melkris Landscaping Services Corp.Carlos Diaz5950 NW 40th StVirginia Gardens, FL 33166-5725305-827-8595

Royal Marine Insurance GroupKaren Miller8181 NW 154 St #230Miami Lakes, FL 33016-5881305-477-3756

NORTHEASTCascade Outdoor DesignLeah ZimmerPO Box 10561Jacksonville, FL 32247-0561904-469-8332

OUTSIDE FLORIDAIllumitexNancy Josephson5307 Industrial Oaks Blvd Ste 100Austin, TX 78735512-279-5031

FertileezeJohn Dill, Full160 Old Chimney Rock RdHendersonville, NC 28792828-778-9845

Switch -N- GoMatthew Harakal3550 Perry HwyHadley, PA 16130724.977.5819

PALM BEACHJayne Branstrom, Student900 Azure CtWellington, FL 33414-8137561-301-3892

PINELLASDean Brazier, Student4726 31st Ave NSt. Petersburg, FL 33713727-244-0458

Michael Mockerman, Student7570 46th Ave N Lot #155St. Petersburg, FL 33709727-280-6024

Santi Villamaria, Student2345 61st Lane NSt. Petersburg, FL 33710352-587-1571

Charles Sidletsky, StudentPO Box 1143St. Petersburg, FL 33731727-557-9356

SPACE COASTElbow Creek Garden & GiftShelly McKinney1482 Pineapple AveMelbourne, FL 32935-6590321-622-5726

TAMPA BAYShell’s Feed & Garden Supply, Inc.Greg Shell9513 N Nebraska AveTampa, FL 33612-8026813-932-4333 David M. Kravetz Inc. dba Synergy LandscapesDavid M Kravetz10318 Lk Carroll WayTampa, FL 33618-4771727-643-3981

Welcome New MembersThe following are new FNGLA members from May 22, 2012 - June 21, 2012

Calendar of EventsFNGLAPhone: 407.295.7994Toll-free: 800.375.3642Fax: 407.295.1619E-mail: info@fngla.orgWeb: www.fngla.org

CEO/EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTBen Bolusky

GREENLINE EDITORJennifer Nelisjnelis@fngla.org

PresidentWes ParrishParrish Nursery5900 SW 185th WayFt. Lauderdale, FL 33332(954) 680-3544

Past President Halsey BeshearsSimpson NurseriesP.O. Box 160Monticello, FL 32345(850) 997-2516

President-Elect Mike MarshallMarshall Tree Farm17350 SE 65th StMorriston, FL 32668-4508(352) 528-3880

Secretary/Treasurer Sandy SteinThe Jungle Nursery29100 SW 162 Ave Homestead, FL 33030(305) 246-5324

Contact UsSee and submit events at http://www.fngla.org under calendar

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2012-2013 STATE OFFICERS

1533 Park Center Dr iveOr lando, FL 32835-5705

Read the latest FNGLA news inside & visit Greenline online at http://greenline.fngla.

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PAIDORLANDO, FLPERMIT #2041

This publication is produced by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) as a service to its members. The statements and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Association, its staff, Board of Directors, Greenline or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers or their identification as members does not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services.

The mission of the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association is to promote and protect the success and professionalism of our members.

July14-17: Ohio Short Course, Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus

24: Florida Turfgrass Symposium 2012; Osceola County Extension Service, Kissimmee

25-28: Florida Water Summit, Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa, Sanibel

26-28: Southeast Builders Conference, Orange COunty Convention Center, Orlando

27-29: 4th Annual Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference, Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee

31: Pest Management for Trees and Shrubs, Mead Gardens, Winter Park

August3: Pest Management for Trees and Shrubs, Payne Park, Sarasota

7: Florida-Friendly Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Quality, Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee

9: Water Wise and Other Irrigation Concepts, Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, Naples

14-16: Plantscape Industry Expo, South Point Hotel, Las Vegas