MINUTES OF THE LNLA 2012 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

AND AWARDS PROGRAM

 

GULF STATES HORTICULTURAL EXPO

ARTHUR OUTLAW CONVENTION CENTER

MOBILE, AL

JANUARY 19, 2012

 

The 2012 Annual Membership Meeting of the Louisiana Nursery & Landscape Association (LNLA) was held on Thursday, January 19, 2012, at the Gulf States Horticultural Expo (GSHE) in Mobile, Alabama.  President Todd Ellefson welcomed all in attendance and called the meeting to order at 7:05 am, followed by everyone standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.  There were 95 people who signed the sign-in sheets and were in attendance.

 

Minutes of Last Annual Meeting

The minutes of the last annual membership meeting on January 20, 2011, were available at each table and time given to be reviewed.  Motion was made by Dan Devenport to accept minutes as presented; second by Rick Webb; motion carried.

 

Reflections of 2011 by President

Todd Ellefson gave a brief review of the accomplishments of LNLA during the past year.  His remarks included: improving visibility of LNLA with 2 membership drives held during the past year; he encouraged all to promote LNLA; continuing to improve the website; LNLA was a gold sponsor by donating $5,000 to the 2011 gala; built the relationship with Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain.  Todd gave special thanks and welcome to retired Craig Roussel, and welcomed his replacement Tad Hardy.

 

Moment of Silence for Deceased members & Industry Friends

Todd Ellefson asked for silence as he called the names of the following:

J. C. Patrick, ProScape

Luther F. Gill, father of Dan Gill, LSU AgCenter

Nell Bateman, wife of Ed “Buck” Bateman, SE LA University

Larry Brock, LSU AgCenter

Charles G. Garrison, Garrison’s Greenwood Gardens

Ken Harris, Great Western Bag Company

Tommy Henegar, Southern Nursery Association

Sigal Kavanaugh Ory, mother of John Kavanaugh, Kavanaugh’s Landscape

Kay Owings, mother of Allen Owings, LSU AgCenter

Barbara Nelson, wife of Ira Nelson, University of Louisiana-Lafayette

Mother of Rusty Ruckstuhl, Grass Roots, Inc.

 

Key Note Address – Dr. Mike Strain, Commissioner of Agriculture

Dr. Mike Strain, Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture, Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry (LDAF), gave the keynote address with an update on LDAF.  He stated we were moving into the golden age of agriculture.  American agriculture is moving forward; the dollar value is growing.  More goods are exported through Louisiana than any other state.  The amount of land in agricultural production is down, but the dollar value is up.  The world population is growing, so we must accelerate our rate of science; we must re-invent ourselves.  We need to contact legislators to keep research and Extension for agriculture, so we have knowledge useful five years from now.  He is proud of his inspectors keeping watch on pests.  We must look for new markets.

When asked to make a few comments on eVerify, he stated it is coming.  H2A wages are increasing; H2B are on hold.  They will set up a passport good for five years with photo ID.  Ninety percent of guest workers come back year after year; we have more in Louisiana than any other state.  We must continue to talk in Washington, DC.

After his address, a break was taken for everyone to eat the breakfast served.

 

Scholarship Awards for 2011

The following awards were presented by Allen Owings and Rick Cicero:

Ira Nelson Scholarship Award to John Hoogland, University of Louisiana-Lafayette

Foret-Meadows-Owings Scholarship Award to Jacob Reichley, Louisiana Tech University

Katharine Guitreau, LSU

Maureen Thiessen, LSU

Sarah Caldwell, Louisiana Tech University

Jason Stagg, LSU

Amanda Beerens, LSU (not here, but presented the following week)

 

Horticulture Research Institute Update

Dan Batson reported the Horticulture Research Institute is the research branch of ANLA; they are trying to raise $1/2 million for research.  This year research funded includes: recycling water and re-using fertilizer in recycled water; prove and quantify carbon sequestration/usage; making plastic pots out of chicken feathers.  He asked for $330 memberships in HRI, the equivalent of 1 cent per mile that he has travelled in 3 states.  Dan will match donations up to $50,000 this year from 3 states.

 

Southern Nursery Association Update

Randy Bracy reported they have gone through troubled times in the last 3 years.  They have served the industry for 100 years.  The new SNA will address issues across state lines, but not compete with state associations.  They now have 400 members; an active website; still owe money, but are financially sound.  All were asked to join.

 

Financial Update

Treasurer Pat Newman presented printed copies of the year end report for all to review.  The total assets are $135,187 as of December 31, 2011.  After brief discussion, motion was made by Regina Bracy to accept the report; second by Al Durio; motion passed.

 

Louisiana Nursery & Landscape Foundation for Scholarship & Research (LNLFSR) Update

President Pete Newton reported there will be a fund-raising silent auction at the Hospitality this evening.  A research grant was awarded to the Hammond Research Station this past year in the amount of $10,000.  THANKS to the Hooglands, who donated $5,000 at the second annual gala held this past year.

 

Nominations & Election of Officers

Todd Ellefson explained that some of the same officers already serving were being nominated to serve a second one-year term for 2012.  The nominees presented are:

President – Todd Ellefson

Past President – Pete Newton

1st Vice President – Gerritt Monk

Treasurer – Pat Newman

Interim Executive Secretary – Annie Coco (Appointed by Board)

Board Member (2013) – Rick Cicero

Board Member (2013) – John Kavanaugh

Board Member (2013) – Buddy Perino

Board Member (2013) – Renee Vanlangendonck

Board Member (2014) – Robert “Buddy” Lee

Board Member (2014) – Mark Murrell

Board Member (2014) – Margie Ann Jenkins

Board Member (2014) – Tom Fennell

Associate Board Member (2014) – Brian Bridges

Director of Research & Education – Allen Owings

Director of Training – Dan Gill  

 

When called for, there were no further nominations from the floor.  Motion to accept the nominations and elect all by acclamation by Rick Webb; second by Nick Simoneaux; with 1 nay vote, motion carried.

President Todd Ellefson then announced the job description for Executive Secretary will be posted after the search committee meets.

 

Presentation of Awards

The following awards were presented:

Honorary Memberships - Craig Roussel & Severn Doughty, Sr. – presented by Todd Ellefson

Young Professional of the Year Award 2012 – Carruth Higgins – presented by Dr. Allen Owings

Professional of the Year Award 2012 – Roger Mayes – presented by Walter Imahara

Professional Achievement Award 2012 – Jimmy Culpepper – presented by Dr. Allen Owings

Distinguished Service Award 2012 – Craig Roussel – presented by Pat Newman

James A. Foret Award 2012 – Richard Odom – presented by Renee Vanlangendonck

Appreciation Awards – Nick Simoneaux, Walter Imahara, & Severn Doughty, Sr. – presented by Annie Coco

 

Board Member Recognition

Todd Ellefson recognized 2011 Board members and thanked them for their service.

 

Closing Comments/Adjourn

Todd Ellefson reminded everyone to sign the sheets on their tables; there being no further business, Rick Webb motioned to adjourn; second by Gerald Foret; meeting was adjourned at 9:00 am.

MINUTES OF LNLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

GULF STATES HORTICULTURAL EXPO, MOBILE, AL

JANUARY 20, 2012

 

The meeting of the LNLA Board of Directors was held on Friday, January 20, 2012, at the Gulf States Horticultural Expo, Arthur Outlaw Convention Center, Mobile, AL.  Total attendance was 20 people.

Board Members attending were: Brian Bridges, Rick Cicero, Annie Coco, Todd Ellefson, Tom Fennell, Margie Ann Jenkins, John R. Kavanaugh, Buddy Lee, Gerritt Monk, Mark Murrell, Pat Newman, Pete Newton, Allen Owings, Buddy Perino, Renee C. Vanlangendonck.  Quorum is 7 voting board members; 13 present; quorum established. 

Guests/others: Chris Bass, Tad Hardy, Brett Laird, Ansel Rankins, Craig Roussel. 

President Todd Ellefson called the meeting to order at 7:35 am.  All stood and participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.   Todd welcomed new Board members Tom Fennell and Tad Hardy(La. Department of Agriculture & Forestry).

 

Minutes of Last Meeting

The minutes of the last board meeting on Jan. 5, 2012, were handed out by Annie Coco and reviewed by those present. They had also been emailed prior to this meeting.  One correction was needed.

Buddy Lee motioned to accept minutes of Jan. 5 meeting, as amended; second by Buddy Perino; motion carried.

 

Financial Report & 2012 Budget

Pat Newman provided copies of the financial report and budget proposed at the annual membership meeting held yesterday.  There was brief discussion about the budget; a donation to LNLFSR was not included yet. 

Gerritt Monk motioned to donate $5,000 to LNLFSR; second by Pete Newton; motion carried.  Gerritt Monk motioned to accept the 2012 Budget, as amended; second by Mark Murrell; motion carried.

There was a suggestion to put membership applications  by the bar at the LNLA Hospitality in the future.

 

GSHE Report

Pat Newman reported there were about the same number of attendees on the first day as last year, but fewer attended the Welcome Reception (600 attended, but they expected 850).  There is discussion that GSHE may move to Biloxi in 2014. Alabama Assoc. in their meeting already voted to stay in Mobile.  The 10 year contract with the Convention Center in Mobile will end next year.  In Biloxi, hotels are 5 miles away, but no train.  The Biloxi facility is offering much less expensive for first year, and it is larger.  GSHE income makes up 1/3 of LNLA budget, and has increased since being in Mobile.  Biloxi can be secured for third week in January year to year, without concern of other events (such as Senior Bowl) in Mobile.

Louisiana will be responsible for move in/move out help next year.

Allen Owings recommends GSHE get Vince Dooley to be a speaker next year.

 

Membership Report

Annie Coco reported dues have been coming in ; no exact number known at this time; she has been giving membership forms to several interested persons at the booth; and has gotten one paid new member so far at GSHE. 

 

LSU AgCenter Update

Allen Owings reported there will be a CNLP Training at the Hammond Research Station on March 1-2, and Azalea Symposium on April 4.  The Mid-South conference will be in Pearl, Mississippi, on June 19-20. There have been discussions with other related associations for an event such as an Open House coming up soon.

 

Meadowbrook Insurance Update

Chris Bass reported Meadowbrook has had changes in their territories.  With the drop in the number of employees in nurseries, there has been less workers comp income (to share with LNLA).

 

Blumberg & Associates Update

No representative of theirs was in attendance, but Pat Newman reported she got a check from them recently for $875 to help sponsor the Annual Membership Meeting breakfast.

 

CENLA CNLP Training for Vo Ag Teachers

Gerritt Monk asked for help in teaching the class; Allen Owings said LSU AgCenter personnel will plan and teach the class.  Discussion that the manuals will be purchased, but could the LNLA fee be waived.  Pete Newton motioned LNLA to provide the training at no cost to the teachers; second by John Kavanaugh; motion carried.

 

2012 Committee Assignments

Todd Ellefson assigned the following:

By-Laws – John Kavanaugh, chair, and Brian Bridges, Tom Fennel.  Consider consecutive term limits and clarification of Past President and First & Second Vice-Presidents.

Executive Secretary Search – Mark Murrell, chair, and Margie Ann Jenkins, Pete Newton, Allen Owings, Buddy Perino. Goal is to fill position by mid-year; interview best 2-3 applicants at April Board meeting; suggest apply by March 15.

Funding – Buddy Lee, chair, and Rick Cicero, Buddy Perino.

Membership – Gerritt Monk, chair, and John Kavanaugh, Buddy Lee, Renee Vanlangendonck.  Will have a membership drive at a Baton Rouge Landscape Association meeting.  Recommend redo membership application to include voting or non-voting rights for each category.

Nominating – Pete Newton, chair, and Gerritt Monk, Buddy Perino.

Website – There is no longer a need for this committee, since LNLA has a webmaster, Sophie Tolliver.

 

Dates/Locations for 2012 Board Meetings

All begin at 10:00 am:

April 25 – Baton Rouge, maybe Ralph & Kacoo’s

July 25 – Pat’s, Henderson

October 10 – Hammond Research Station

December 5 – Baton Rouge, location TBA

 

Other Business

Discussion about getting permanent PO Box for LNLA address, but forwarding would run out; maybe a permanent cell phone number; only put web address on pads in future.

Think about HRI fund raising, as requested at annual membership meeting.

There being no further business, Margie Ann Jenkins motioned to adjourn; second by Rick Cicero; meeting was adjourned at 9:00 am.