This Episode
With the globalization of our economy we are seeing new pest and disease threats emerging more frequently than ever in our industry's history. Is our industry ready to face attacks from regulators, other threatened ag sectors and conservationists with a united research and regulatory agenda? Learn why we need a strong, national approach to emerging pest and disease threats.
The Big Picture: Are We Fighting the Pests or Each Other?
Thank God it's not your region or your crops this time! However, without a united industry, who will come to your aid when the next threat lands in your backyard?
How are ANLA and HRI Going to Solve Boxwood Blight?
Joe Bischoff, ANLA's Director of Government Relations, and the first identifier of Boxwood Blight in the US, lays out ANLA's plan to tackle this threat head on.
Damage Control: Reducing the Impact of Pest and Disease Outbreaks
We take for granted that plants can quickly and easily cross state lines (you're not buying or selling all of your product in your own state, right?). Bob Dolibois explains the vigilant, behind-the-scenes work it takes to keep your business and your plants shipping smoothly.
The Fight to Save IR-4 (and why you should care. A lot.)
Crop protection chemicals are critical to our industry. However, we represent less than 5% of the market. The IR-4 program has provided government funding to large chemical companies to ensure they invest in the expensive process of testing products for our use and not just focusing on the corn, soy and wheat "big boys." President Obama's 2013 budget threatens to eliminate this program.
All Together Now! Leveraging Limited Research Dollars
Faced with limited funding, we have to treat research like a business: The industry presents researchers with practical priorities and manage funding to ensure that efforts aren't being duplicated. Sounds a lot like your business, huh?
Meet The Team
Craig Regelbrugge
Craig Regelbrugge serves as the American Nursery & Landscape Association's Vice President for Government Relations and Research. He serves in several leadership positions regarding the green industry and labor and immigration reform. He is national co-chair of the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform (ACIR), working to secure an affordable and legal workforce for nursery and greenhouse growers. In 2008 he was elected vice chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Immigration Forum, and represents agriculture and the green industry on the management team of the Reform Immigration FOR America campaign.
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Bob Dolibois
Robert J. Dolibois, CAE, is executive vice president of the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA). Bob's association management career has spanned 36 years with organizations including Association Management Group (AMG)and the National Association of Life Underwriters (NALU). He is immediate Past Chairman of the Board of the Small Business Legislative Council and is a member of the Committee of 100 of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Dolibois received the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation in 1979. Following college, he served as a naval officer for five years. He and his wife, Susan, reside in Arlington, VA.
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Marc Teffeau
Marc Teffeau is ANLA's Director of Research and Regulatory Affairs. He directs the activities of the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) related to the scientific community for research and statistics, as well as managing the details and relationships associated with the USDA - ARS Floricultural and Nursery Research Initiative. In the regulatory area he represents the industry's interests with key federal agencies such as EPA, OSHA and USDA. Prior to joining ANLA's staff in October, 2004 Marc completed a 30 year faculty career as an Extension educator with the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension and Maryland's Eastern Shore. And he is just waiting for you to ask him about the "chicken feather pot" project. Seriously.
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Washington Impact Sponsor
 From its beginnings as a wholesale cut flower operation started by George J. Ball in 1905, Ball Horticultural Company has grown into a leader in all facets of floriculture, with distribution capabilities in all of the major world markets. Since its founding, Ball has introduced many innovative, award-winning varieties to the world of horticulture, including the Wave® Petunia series, and Super Elfin® Impatiens. The company has also expanded to include nursery product offerings, perennials, and dedicated support for retail and landscape businesses. Ball is also on a continuous, many-faceted journey to find the healthiest, most sustainable solutions for the horticulture industry, and is committed to helping its customers grow a better world. Ball’s global family of breeders, seed and vegetative producers, distribution companies, and research and development teams, have a strong presence in over 20 countries on six continents. Phone: 630-231-3500
Directory
Episode 1: Washington's Attack on Our Labor
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Dumbing it Down: the Deep Impact of Losing Experienced, Immigrant Workers
What would it mean to lose the experienced, immigrant workers and managers at our greenhouses and nurseries? Poor quality plants, dropping items that require more skill to grow and the loss of just-in-time service. Ed Overdevest talks with Bob Dolibois about the vital contributions these long-term employees make to his business.
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Backed into a Corner: the fight on Capitol Hill
With Immigration and Customs Enforcement pursuing your current workers and the Department of Labor dismantling the few legal channels for temporary seasonal workers, our industry is being backed into a corner. Who will we hire when all our options are gone?
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Sleepless Nights: a Reliable Labor Source
Your peers share their daily experiences trying to run a profitable business and secure a reliable, legal workforce.
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Episode 2: Washington's Great Budget Debate
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Washington Must Change. Change Requires Investment.
Bell Nursery CEO lives near Washington, he counts politicians and regulators among his close friends. Gary shares with Bob Dolibois his belief that Washington needs to change, both with budget compromise and investment in critical updates for services our industry relies on.
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America's Budget: What's Government's Role in Our Lives?
The Federal budget debate ultimately boils down to the question of what role should government play in our lives? What are Congress' options for balancing our nation's budget and how do they put our industry at risk?
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Raise Revenue/Cut Spending: Where Is Our Industry Exposed?
Though free from a reliance on government subsidies, our industry is at risk from spending cuts or revenue raising efforts in Washington? Small business could suffer under tax code simplification. New pest introductions could increase dramatically under government workforce cuts.
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ANLA Answers: America's Budget Debate
Chris Beytes, Editor of GrowerTalks Magazine, hits the street to find out what you think about the budget debate in Washington. He kicks it back to Bob Dolibois to answer your questions.
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Episode 3: When Beetles, Blights, Borers and Mildew Attack!
Episode 4: The Anatomy of a Success
Episode 5: Problem Solving Partners
Episode 6: What's Next After The Election?
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Publishing Team
Project and Editorial Design: Jonathan Bardzik, ANLA
Visual and Video created by Fresh Brew Studios
Steve Kendall, Producer
Josh Miller, Producer
Graphic Design created by The Design Works
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