A new Western Nursery & Landscape Association (WNLA) Emerging Leaders group is launching in Omaha, Nebraska. In 2017, WNLA launched year-round monthly Emerging Leaders meetups in Kansas City and the model is now being replicated in Nebraska, one of five states in the WNLA region.
“Can’t wait for the next meeting. It always pumps me up to know there are other young people with the same passion for the industry as myself,” said Fernando Marrufo, a Kansas City Emerging Leader. “The future is in our hands. It is very exciting to imagine what the group can achieve.
The inaugural Omaha Emerging Leaders meetup will take place Sept. 6 at Scriptown Brewing Company in Omaha. Membership is not required, but attendees must be under 35. Ball Seed is continuing to support WNLA’s Emerging Leaders.
Additionally, as a result of the overwhelming feedback from attendees and exhibitors that students brought a lot of energy and engagement to the 2018 Western, the WNLA board plans to bring more of the top college students in the five-state region to the 2019 Western. The Student Advisory Committee is doubling in size, providing 20 top students with an all-expense paid trip to the show. The Student Advisory Committee develops ideas and recommendations on educational programming, networking opportunities and other member benefits that would better serve WNLA’s student members. Following a committee meeting, the Student Advisory Committee meets with the WNLA board of directors to share their ideas and work together with the board and WNLA staff to implement initiatives.
In addition, 15 additional top students in the five-state region will be named 2019 student volunteers and receive an all-expense paid trip to the Western and an opportunity to interact with industry leaders.
These industry leaders have already stepped up to the plate to support the 35 students:
• Rick Laughlin, APLD - 3 students• Kinghorn Gardens - 3 students
• Forrest Keeling Nursery - 2 students
• Hermes Landscaping
• Suburban Lawn & Garden
• Great Plains Nursery
• Greenleaf Nursery
To support students, email sarah@wnla.org or call 888-233-1876 ext. 701. The 2019 Western takes place Jan. 16-18 in Kansas City, Missouri.