Dear MNLGA Members:
As I write this the great polar vortex of January 2019 has descended and the wind and snow are swirling and a-whirling outside my window. I hope you all are staying safe and warm.
Please join me in welcoming back to Quercus Management, Chelsea Bailey. Chelsea worked with us for several years, took a hiatus, and rejoined us last month. Kelly and I are so happy to have her back!
Survey Update – the 2018 Maryland Horticulture Industry Statistical Profile/Economic Survey should be launched within a week or so. All licensed plant dealers and nurseries in the state will receive a survey. If your business’ e-mail was on file with your license, then you will be e-mailed a link to the survey. If not, you will be mailed a survey. If you prefer a hard copy, please let me know. The survey committee, chaired by George Mayo, purposefully kept the survey format and questions nearly identical to those of prior surveys for ease of completion.
We have contracted with BEACON – the Business Economic and Community Outreach Network of the Frank Purdue School of Business at Salisbury University, to conduct the survey and tally the results. No individual survey data comes to or is shared with the MNLGA or any other business or agency. Only congregated data will be reported.
The survey period is expected to be open for four to six weeks, with the hope that most businesses will complete it in early February before the busy season begins. Data will be compiled, and reports produced through the spring and summer. Expected release of survey reports is late fall of this year.
Please do complete your survey; it’s the best tool we have to quantify the economic power and viability of our industry. Such data is useful to you as business owners as your forecast your own business plans and potentially seek financing. The data may also prove to give us power and influence with legislative and regulatory agencies. Please be counted and complete the survey.
General Assembly – it’s the most fun time of the year! The General Assembly is back in Session. Please be on the lookout for separate e-blasts that cover legislative topics only. Included in these newsletters will be synopses of bills followed by our council of Maryland green industry associations, known as MaGIC. I will often ask for member input into pending bills, so please do respond and let me know how particular pieces of legislation will affect your business. Please note that MaGIC follows green industry-specific legislation only i.e. nutrient management, pesticide, water issues, etc. MNLGA, on its own, may choose to follow non-green industry-specific legislation but only if there is consensus amongst the membership to do so.
Chessie Green – Chessie is back for its 16th year on February 20th and 21st! Thank you, education committee for planning another stellar event. Early bird registration ends this Friday. Please refer to Chessie content block below for more information.
Sincerely,
Vanessa A. Finney
MNLGA, Executive Director
410-823-8684
