Green Report

TNLA Green Report Season 3, Episode 3: Green Industry Insights: Navigating West Texas Landscaping

Join us on "Green Industry Insights," where host Paul Winski from Texas AgriLife engages in a captivating conversation with James and Allison Berry, founders of Environmental Landscape Solutions. Discover the challenges and triumphs in West Texas' dynamic landscape industry.

In this podcast, the Berrys unveil their commitment to sustainability and strategies for tackling the labor challenge. They also share invaluable tips on staying current and knowledgeable in an ever-evolving industry and how the Nursery/Landscape EXPO and its education programs have helped their team gain the expertise they need to excel.

Don't miss "Green Industry Insights" for an exclusive peek into West Texas' landscape sector. Subscribe now to gain insights from industry leaders and keep up with the latest trends.

TNLA Green Report Season 3, Episode 2: Exploring Texans’ Right-to-Farm and the Critical Decision Ahead of Voters

In this episode, Representative Dwayne Burns details starting his career with the Grain and Feed Association before being hired as a legislative analyst for State Representatives Arlene Wohlgemuth and Gary Walker during the 74th legislative session. Representative Burns speaks of his time at the Texas Department of Agriculture under then-Commissioner Rick Perry, serving as a coordinator for TDA’s Intergovernmental Affairs Division and as an inspector for the Texas Department of Agriculture, where he was responsible for weights and measures compliance, crop and seed certification, and enforcement of Texas’ plant and pest quarantine laws, among other tasks over a 10-county region which included Bosque and Johnson counties. Representative Burns enthusiastically exclaims about his family ranch that’s still in operation today and why he has taken up the fight to advance Texas Proposition 1, more colloquially known as Right-to-Farm.

TNLA Green Report Season 3, Episode 1: Unveiling Success: Putting the Green $ in the Green Industry

Explore the inspiring journey of John Leifester, TCLP, as he delves into his unwavering commitment to the Green Industry on TNLA's Green Report podcast. With a compelling narrative, John shares his transformative experience from entering the industry to becoming the owner of Dedicated Landscape Solutions, a prestigious family-owned construction and high-end residential landscape firm in San Antonio, Texas, since 2014.

In this engaging episode, John unveils the invaluable lessons he's gleaned on increasing his company's profitability. Moreover, he highlights his profound dedication to serving on the TNLA State Board of Directors, championing the association's Youth Initiative. John passionately discusses TNLA's cutting-edge curriculum packages tailored for high schools, designed to empower the next generation. He aspires to connect with aspiring students, demonstrating that the Green Industry offers lucrative and viable career opportunities. John's vision extends to inspiring students to embark on their journey toward becoming certified professionals even before graduation, taking meaningful strides toward a prosperous future. Take advantage of this captivating episode filled with insights and inspiration.

TNLA Board Member Spotlight: Chairwoman Rachelle Kemp

Featured in our latest episode of the Green Report Board Member Spotlight series, Rachelle Kemp owner of R&R Landscaping in Waco and incoming board chairwoman of TNLA.  Rachelle discusses how she got into the green industry, issues that TNLA will help tackle, and important priorities for her time on the board.  

TNLA Green Report S2:Ep7 - Board Member Spotlight - TNLA Chairman Kevin Grossberndt

Enjoy the launch of this new mini-series spotlighting key TNLA Board Members, this episode focusing on TNLA State Board Chairman Kevin Grossberndt.  We discuss his background, getting involved in TNLA Leadership, challenges facing the industry, ERP program, Growers Summit, and more.  

Thank you to our sponsor Texas Mutual! 

TNLA Green Report Season 2 Episode 6 - July Update On TNLA Initiatives

Listen to this episode to get an update from D.C. on the H-2B amendment that passed the U.S. House Appropriations Committee and where that leaves us for FY 23.  We also discuss the status of the City of Dallas considering a potential ban on gas-powered landscape equipment.  Lastly a brief update on Austin's Landscape & Irrigation ordinance as who's coming to TNLA EXPO.  

TNLA Green Report Season 2, Episode 5: Federal Disaster Relief & Ag Issues

Listen in to this episode where we speak with Kody Bessent, CEO of the Plains Cotton Growers, Inc. as we dive into the details of the Phase One announcement of the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) - the first installment of federal disaster money following Winter Storm Uri in 2021. In addition we review the Texas Ag Council, an organization that TNLA and PCG are deeply involved in regarding state-level policy.  Lastly we review a plant pest and disease bill both our organizations came together to pass in 2021 and what the future might hold on that issue.  Be sure to subscribe and give the podcast five stars.  Thanks for listening! 

TNLA Green Report Season 2, Episode 4: Reform Initiatives in the H2 programs

This episode we talk with Lori Whitten with Action Visa and Gray Delaney with  SEA regarding reform initiatives in the H2 programs. Topics include a program overview, strategies on H-2B cap relief, and the legislative landscape we are working in. Listen in for a conversation on how we improve the H2 programs for the green industry.

TNLA Green Report Season 2, Episode 3: Laura Fowler - Compliance and the Future of COVID Mandates

This episode of the Green Report focuses on the current legal environment surrounding the COVID vaccine mandate.  Listen in as Laura Fowler with the Fowler Law Firm discusses compliance and the future of these mandates.  The Texas Workforce Commission letter described in the episode can be found here: https://www.twc.texas.gov/files/businesses/commissioner-letter-covid19-vac-mandate-120821-twc.pdf

TNLA Green Report Season 2 Episode 2: Mike Meroney - Advocating to Develop Employer Workforce Solutions to Build a Better Future for the Industry

TNLA takes a deep dive with Mike Meroney, an independent lobbyist fighting for better workforce solutions and developing curriculum for high school students. Mike is a strong advocate when it comes to developing a strong workforce for the future. During this episode, he provides insight on some of the bills he has worked on when industries have hit the panic button on their employment struggle. Mike also walks us through his current work on driving policymakers to pass legislation to help add highly valued high school curriculum to TEA's "magic list" of IBC's, plus much more.