Wednesday January 15, 2025

TODAY - NM Plants Seminar

January 21 - Owners and Managers Summit

January 28 - 30 - ProGreen EXPO

January 29 - Industry Celebration

January 30 - CCNP Exam at ProGreen EXPO 2025

January 30 - CGG Exam at ProGreen EXPO 2025

January 30 - Young Horticulture Professionals Happy Hour at ProGreen

February 5 - NMCNP Exam at Think Trees NM

February 6-7 - Think Trees NM

February 25 - Young Managers Summit (RSVP coming soon)

March 12 - Legacy Leaders Lunch, Raccoon Creek Golf Club (RSVP coming soon)

September 19 - CHREF Golf Tournament

Welcome New CNGA Members

Calabrese Greenhouse Inc.

Industry, Arvada, CO

Kris Pendleton

Individual, Boulder, CO

Going to Industry Celebration? Skip the Check-in Line!

If you're registered for the Industry Celebration on January 29 during ProGreen, you can stop by the CNGA booth on the trade show floor to grab a pre-check-in sticker for your badge. With your sticker, you can skip the check-in line, grab your drink tickets and head straight into the fun at the Industry Celebration!

New CNGA Swag in the Store!

Keep your head and ears warm this winter with our new CNGA beanies, or top off your look with a classic baseball hat! Proceeds from every purchase go toward supporting the CNGA Young Horticulture Professionals program. Shop Now!

Honoring Gary Epstein: A Legacy of Dedication and Excellence

The Colorado Horticulture Research and Education Foundation (CHREF) extends its heartfelt gratitude to Gary Epstein for his many years of dedicated service to the board and the horticulture industry at large. As Gary transitions into full retirement from the CHREF board, we celebrate his enduring contributions and the profound impact he has made on our community. Read the full story HERE.

The 2025 Legislative Session Kicks Off

The First Regular Session of the 75th General Assembly is underway, with Democratic leadership in both chambers emphasizing key priorities like addressing housing challenges, workers’ rights, and environmental issues. Governor Polis echoed these themes in his State of the State address, focusing on housing reforms and a balanced approach to the Labor Peace Act. Over 120 bills have already been introduced, making it crucial for our members to stay informed. Read More here.

Last Call to Join the Owners & Managers Summit on Jan. 21

Join us next week on Jan. 21 for the Owners & Managers Leadership Summit—a streamlined and impactful gathering for senior leaders in the horticulture industry. This reimagined event combines fresh perspectives, peer collaboration and actionable outcomes to help you lead with confidence in 2025 and beyond. Learn more and register today.

A Message from CNGA Silver Sponsor, AgRisk

AgRisk Advisors supports wholesale nursery growers with risk management solutions provided to them under the Federal Crop Insurance Program. Wholesale nurseries can qualify for a subsidized premium program with maximum revenue protection. New for 2025, Nursery Value Select (NVS) is available in all states and counties! NVS allows producers to select different growing practices, field and container, and plant types to customize their coverage needs. This new program has simplified the coverage process and uses the producer’s wholesale values to determine coverage and losses. This program is only available to businesses that have at least 40 percent of their gross income from the wholesale marketing of nursery plants. For more information or to see if you qualify for the program, please reach out to AgRisk Advisors at agriskadvisors.com.

Are you Interested in the Legislative Process?

CNGA needs an additional volunteer member to be on our GreenCO Legislative Committee. This committee meets every two weeks via Zoom during the legislative session to discuss laws that have been introduced at the Colorado General Assembly. You do not have to have any prior experience, just an interest in the process, time to take part in meetings, and a willingness to learn and review bills when asked. Interested? Need more information? Please reach out to Glenda.

Funding Opportunity: Energy Grants

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is offering free technical assistance to help agricultural producers and small businesses apply for USDA REAP grants. These grants can fund projects that reduce energy costs and promote sustainability, making them especially valuable for greenhouses with high energy needs. Don’t miss CDA’s upcoming Q&A sessions on January 16 and February 21 to learn more about eligibility and the application process. Learn More and Register!

Remembering Those We Lost in 2024

As we look back on the past year, we take a moment to honor and remember the cherished members of our industry and community who are no longer with us. Each of these individuals left an indelible mark on the people and organizations they touched, contributing to the strength, resilience and heart of horticulture.

Whether through their passion for growing, their leadership, or the kindness they shared, they have shaped the legacy of our industry in countless ways. Though their absence is deeply felt, their impact continues to inspire us.

Dan Busch

Bill Clayton

Ben Northcutt

Carl Anderson

John Pinder

Cindy Blue, wife of Ron Arpin

Jim Borland

Lee R. Vieselmeyer

We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and colleagues, and we dedicate this space to celebrating their lives and the gifts they shared with us.

Who's the Member?

This family-owned business is nestled on the Western Slope, growing everything they sell across five acres of greenhouses in Grand Junction. With a welcoming and knowledgeable staff, they’re dedicated to helping gardeners—whether beginners or seasoned pros—create something beautiful. Meet a CNGA Member.