Executive Vice President’s Message

Green & Growin’ 22

Is Just Around the Corner

With fingers crossed, we are deep into

planning an in-person Green & Growin’ 22. In a normal year, a successful G&G’ is crucial to the financial stability of NCNLA, as show revenue not only covers expenses associated with the Education Program and Marketplace, but also funds our nonrevenue programs, including advocacy, industry promotion and marketing. G&G’ 22 is especially important, since our inability to hold an in-person event in 2020 created a budget deficit for FY21. Fortunately, we were able to maintain positive cash flow throughout the fiscal year, thanks to our virtual education program, the GIC Technology Symposium and voluntary contributions from members. The revenue generated from these programs allowed us to meet our obligaRichard “Rick” Lawhun NCNLA Executive tions without dipping into our long-term reserves. However, to keep this “paper loss” from Vice President becoming a real loss, we need G&G’ 22 to mimic the success of G&G’ 20—so I encourage you to join us in Greensboro, Jan. 10-14, 2022! Early-bird registration for G&G’ 22 opened on Nov. 10 (visit greenandgrowin.com). For the best value, register early and take advantage of the many programs and activities included with registration:

General Education

This year’s program includes an attractive lineup of keynote speakers who are extremely well known within the industry. On Tuesday, Jan. 11, Dr. Charlie Hall of Texas A&M University will provide the lunchtime keynote, “Envisioning the Post-COVID Green Industry.” On Wednesday, Jan. 12, Bryce Lane returns to G&G’ to provide the lunchtime keynote, “Leadership in Times of Uncertainty: Communication and Control.” These presentations promise to be entertaining, educational—and filling!—as lunch is included with your registration.

The educational tracks on Tuesday and Wednesday have been revamped to offer sessions in management principles; business operations; landscape operations; pests, weeds and diseases; garden center; turf management; irrigation and urban forestry. You can choose from 60 different educational sessions that offer Continuing Education Units in a variety of license areas, including landscape contractor, irrigation contractor, pesticide applicator, landscape architect, arborist and more.

Specialty Classes and Certifications

This year’s Monday and Tuesday offerings include several new programs, along with a few favorites from past shows: • NC Pesticide License: This 1½-day class prepares you to sit for the pesticide applicator’s licensing exam offered by the North Carolina

Department of Agriculture.

• OSHA/NALP Construction Safety: Designed by the National Association of Landscape

Professionals and approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, this 1½-day class provides managers and field personnel with in-depth information on the prevention of workplace hazards, workers’ rights, procedures for filing complaints and more.

• Fundamentals of Design Graphics: This eight-hour class provides concentrated, hands-on training in the fundamental skills of landscape design. Perfect for newcomers and experienced account managers who want to impress their customers with jump-off-thepage design proposals.

• Essential Pruning Techniques: This three-hour hands-on workshop will explore the art and science of removing branches from trees

and shrubs to create the desired effect on growth and appearance.

• National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Level 1 Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Certification Course: This four-hour hands-on workshop will teach installers fundamental SRW installation guidelines, as well as information on material and system component properties, soils and compaction, the effect of water, and site practices. Upon completion, attendees will have completed the first step toward becoming NCMA Certified as a Retaining

Wall Contractor.

• Creating the Ultimate Landscape Design: This eight-hour class moves from the fundamentals of design to a master plan that can help you attract and sell to savvy clients.

• Adult First Aid/AED/CPR Certification: This four-hour class is designed to help office and field personnel recognize and properly address emergencies in the workplace.

• Certified Plant Professional (CPP) Exam:

Display your experience and expertise in the green industry by becoming a CPP. The two-part process includes a 100-question written exam and plant identification, as required by the North Carolina Landscape

Contractors’ Licensing Board.

Marketplace

Several new or revamped events are planned for the trade show floor to enhance the G&G’ experience for attendees and exhibitors: Wednesday, Jan. 12: A Kick-Off Reception will be held at the Coliseum from 4:30-6:30 p.m. General Education attendees, speakers, exhibitors and all others are invited to preview the trade show and network with their colleagues. The event also includes a cornhole competition, so get your beanbags ready! Due to safety concerns, exhibiter move-in will close promptly at noon on Wednesday. Your booth does not need to be completed, nor does it need to be staffed during the Kick-Off Reception; however, you may have an opportunity to meet new customers, so set up beforehand if you can! Thursday, Jan. 13: A mixer will be held at the Coliseum from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Attendees and exhibitors are invited to sample desserts, socialize with friends and make plans for the evening before the show closes.

Thursday, Jan. 13 & Friday, Jan. 14: The trade show floor will include a 2200-SF Demonstration Area. Hands-on demonstrations will be offered twice on Thursday and again on Friday. Attendees are invited to take a short break from walking the show floor to participate in the demonstrations. CEUs may be offered.

Thursday, Jan. 13 & Friday, Jan. 14: Complimentary lunch will be provided in the Demonstration Area. No need to scatter in search of food trucks or off-site restaurants. Stay engaged with your colleagues and customers on the trade show floor and enjoy lunch on us.

Everyone at NCNLA is excited about the return of an in-person Green & Growin’ 22. Make your plans to join us Jan. 10-14 in Greensboro! I look forward to seeing you there.