CNGA Looseleaf Dec 2018 Jan 2019

3 colorad o nga.org LooseLeaf  December 2018/January 2019 MESSAGE FROMTHE BOARD One of the most memorable experiences I had in elementary school was a special, week-long project called Mini-Society. I'm not sure if other schools organized this activity, but if so, I’m guessing it was one of the most memorable (and fun) activities you had in school. We got to learn (by doing!) about economics, business, government, and even culture. Students created products and businesses, engaged in com- merce, and formed and participated in governmental bodies. When I was describing the experience of ProGreen EXPO to someone from outside the green industry, the memory of Mini-Society popped back into my head. Just like that elementary school experience, ProGreen offers a chance to learn about the workings of government. The allied associations that present ProGreen come together through- out the year to form a political advocacy group known as GreenCO— and they always get things started with the annual VIP Kickoff Breakfast at ProGreen. If you have never attended this event, make it a priority this year. You will get to hear from our GreenCO legislator of the year, a member of the Colorado Legislature that has been selected to receive this honor for their outstanding advocacy of our industry on issues that affect all our businesses. One of the main features of Mini-Society was commerce, and that’s the focus of ProGreen as well. The exhibit hall is filled with vendors and buyers making connections. The diverse exhibitors that the EXPO brings together are a helpful and often entertaining group of industry in- siders. Where else can you check out the latest hydroponics technology, a state-of-the-art skid loader, and giant specimen trees all in one room? Like any good (mini) society, of course, opportunities to socialize abound! For the 40(ish) and under crowd, the Young Hort Profession- als Happy Hour is not to be missed. Everyone should be sure to attend the CNGA Industry Celebration—a great time to honor our annual award winners and newly certified professionals, visit with friends, and raise money for CHREF to fund scholarships and research. Mini-Society taught me about culture as well, and the green indus- try definitely has a unique culture of its own. You can experience ele- ments of our culture at ProGreen. Listen to and learn from experts on a wide range of subjects in the education halls (our own green industry celebrities). Check out our own superstar “athletes” in the potting competition, or new this year, the ISA's tree climbing demonstration and competition. And, if you're fortunate to be in the right place at the right time, you can hear firsthand stories (horticultural folklore) from the wise “sages” of the industry. We have a unique opportunity as CNGA members to take advan- tage of all ProGreen has to offer. The coming together of so many seg- ments of the green industry is truly special—from the big groups such as CNGA, the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado, and Garden Centers of Colorado to the more specialized ones including the Rocky Mountain Sod Growers, ASLA Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Chapter of ISA, the Colorado Arborists and Lawn Care Professionals, and of course CSU Extension. Be sure to attend ProGreen this year (actually, every year!), and get ready to step into a unique world—the green industry’s own Mini-Society. By Dan Wise, CCNP CNGA Board President Step into a World of Opportunity at ProGreen “The diverse exhibitors that the EXPO brings together are a helpful and often entertaining group of industry insiders. Where else can you check out the latest hydroponics technology, a state- of-the-art skid loader, and giant specimen trees all in one room?”