On behalf of the Gulf States Horticultural Expo Board, I want to personally thank all who participated and supported the GSHE this past January. I have talked with many of the exhibitors and attendees, and they all were pleased with the large and enthusiastic crowds who came to the show. Also, the board would like to give a special thanks to the Thursday night reception sponsors which are, Flowerwood Nursery, Martin’s Nursery, Nursery Supplies, Tom Dodd Nurseries, GreenForest Nursery, Kinney’s Nursery, and Bracy’s Nursery.

The 2008 Green Industry Economic Impact Study (EIS) is scheduled to be completed by May. The EIS will measure the economic value of all of Alabama’s Green Industry. Ron Sparks the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, funded much of this project through the USDA Specialty Crop Grant Funding. Dr. Deacue Fields, Extension Specialist and Assistant Professor at Auburn University is compiling the data. We expect the 2008 data will show significant growth for the Alabama Green Industry over the last survey year of 2003. 

The Alabama Agribusiness Council held its annual Legislative Reception, Tuesday February 10th in Montgomery. The ALNLA was a sponsor again this year of this reception which gives an opportunity for our state’s agribusiness leaders to meet many of our elected officials. Representing the ALNLA at the reception were Jim Van Antwerp, Phillip Hunter, Stephen Presley and myself.

Congratulations to the three recent certified graduates of the Alabama Certified Landscape Program, Cody L. Jackson, Christopher Sean, and Andrew J. Overstreet.

Something new is coming this fall on the Auburn Campus at the ALNLA Office. For each of the Auburn University home football game days, our office will be open to all those who are connected to Alabama’s Green Industry.  ALNLA members will have an excellent opportunity to meet Horticulture students and others in the Green Industry. If you are interested in sponsoring one of the days this fall contact the office for more information. Each day will be sponsored by a different ALNLA firm. 

I thank you for your membership and support of the ALNLA. If you have any suggestions as to how we can better promote the Alabama Green Industry, please do not hesitate to contact me or one of our board members.

James Harwell