D I RECTI ON S
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY
SANDY MUNLEY
Executive Director The Ohio Landscape Association
Regardless of your political ideology, you have to admit that having a chance to meet the President of the United States is pretty exciting. But, having the opportunity to speak with him concerning an issue that directly impacts our Green Industry… well, that is amazing! Joe Drake, George Hohman and Tom Demaline were afforded this very opportunity on Friday, August 24, when a total of 22 members of the Ohio Landscape Association attended the Ohio Republican Party’s State Dinner in Columbus, Ohio. More than 30 individuals pledged money to collectively become top sponsors of this event, which catered to over 1,800 individuals. This level of sponsorship provided us the ability to have three people participate in a roundtable discussion with President Trump. They were able to tell the President, face-to-face, that despite a booming economy, the Green Industry has not been afforded the ability to grow, due to the lack of a workforce. Joe, George and Tom explained to the President that we need substantial H2B cap relief and that the returning worker exemption would help seasonal businesses reach their potential. The President told them he supports the H2B Visa Program and asked them to provide a written statement to him – by the end of the roundtable – that outlined what we need. Wow! What a great result! While there is no guarantee as to what will happen with that information, having the opportunity to put a request directly in the President’s hand is HUGE!
Several of those in attendance were able to have their photo taken with the President, slipping in a quick plug for H2B visas while doing so. During the GOP State Dinner, which followed the roundtable, President Trump spoke for about 45 minutes. We had VIP seating, very close to the stage. As President Trump was leaving the stage, he exited toward our table and Joe Drake hopped up, shook his hand and told him, “Save H2B.” With all these touch points, we are hopeful that we made a dramatic impact with the President. Many thanks to Bryan Rice of Rice’s Landscapes Redefined in Canton. He made the connection with Jane Timken, the Ohio Republican Committee Chairperson. It is through this relationship that we were afforded the opportunity to receive an invitation to the Ohio GOP State Dinner. And a big shout out to those who dug into their (personal) pocket to donate money that ultimately provided direct access to President Trump. continued on page 39
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