Presidents's Letter: August Brings Progress on Several FNGLA Fronts

August 10, 2018

As with every job, holding the position of president for one’s industry association has its perks and detriments, great days and less pleasant ones, victories and losses. In my first month of service, I was tasked with two such dichotomous roles of president.

First, along with FNGLA President-Elect Shawn Thomas, Secretary/Treasurer Martin Hackney, Past President Ed Bravo, and FNGLA Member Manager Sandra Pellerin, we continued our mission of Chapter outreach. I, for one, love the opportunity to fellowship with members, learn of their chapter successes and challenges, meet new friends and visit with old, and discover more about the diversity of each of our industry sectors and regions.

One or all of the “Amigos” visited FNGLA’s Northeast, Manasota, Pinellas, Action, Frontrunners and Miami-Dade Chapters! I am pleased to report new local leaders and boards are installed, programs are rolling out and optimism (despite labor challenges) prevails.

Second, along with staff and some of the FNGLA’s finest member leaders, we embraced the not-so-sexy task of reviewing and retooling several of FNGLA’s important committees. This is the “sausage-making” component one doesn’t always fully appreciate when accepting the honor of service. Yet, it is so terribly important to the ongoing success and progress of our association and industry.

For starters, FNGLA’s Landscape Division Leaders revamped its awards program. They simplified the categories for award consideration to reflect current market conditions and added two vital new awards: Irrigation Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship.

I am very proud of these leaders for embracing the need for FNGLA to shine a light on the great things we all do to be good stewards of our products, land, resources and economy. We perform this careful management every day without fanfare, yet it is time to celebrate our lead. If you have not participated in FNGLA’s Landscape Awards program in its previous iteration, please give serious thought to partaking in its new form – we need you to showcase your professionalism - and you might just win!

Staffed expertly by Merry Mott, FNGLA’s Certification Advisory Committee is gaining new members who will no doubt impart fresh ideas to add even more strength to FNGLA’s professional certifications. With an eye focused well beyond the horizon, we are very excited to soon be rolling out new irrigation certifications. More on its unveiling and importance to come!

And, the ever-important FNGLA Marketing & Membership Committee (aka the M & M Committee) has strategized a new direction forward. Staff members Kate Clary and Sandra Pellerin have assumed the role as staff liaisons to this committee. Deepest appreciation to long term member and vacating chair, Deb Joneck, for her leadership. Several new members will be added to this wonderful group of passionate committee members. I am very confident this new iteration of folks will continue the excellence of their predecessors and produce programs which we all will benefit greatly. If you have ideas for this committee, member benefits you wish to be offered, or are keen on service, please make your voice heard.

Again, I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve and I accept the challenges of service -- the good and the taxing. I pray, however, only blessings for you, your family and our businesses. Look forward to seeing you in our travels.

Warmest best,

Will.Womack.sig