Oklahoma Nursery & Landscape Association
Regional Meeting
A successful event!
Dear ONLA members,
The Regional Meeting at Total Environment Wholesale was a terrific educational event yesterday. There were over 60 ONLA members and many were new ONLA members. The ONLA is growing and with that, we will serve it's members needs in education. The Regional Meeting's topic was Immigration, a hot issue in the industry and state. The ONLA brought together a panel for questions and answers on this topic, along with a couple of other issues.
The meeting started with Dave Edwards of OSU-OKC and the update on the new building there. The dedication was Tuesday March 11th, which many of the industry had attended. The new building will be landscaped shortly and Dave discussed what they were in need of.
Then members were introduced to Jeffrey Lehmann, Larry Davis, Patrick Gaines, Randy Davis and Kurt Reiger to learn more about the Immigration Issue and how it has effected our industry and others. The 2 attorneys, Jeffrey Lehmann and Larry Davis addressed HB 1804, I-9's and H2B Visas. Their expertise and knowledge will help ONLA members decide what they can or can not do on this. The law is in place so you need to be aware of it's implications.
Patrick Gaines of Gaines Government Services talked about lobbying and how that can help associations and businesses to have their word at the Capital. Joining with other industries or associations to have a voice is important with Immigration and other issues. Support in numbers!
Randy Davis and Kurt Reiger, both ONLA members came out to discuss the concerns HB 1804 has had on their businesses.
The panel made it know that your voice, your call can make a difference.
Get to know your community leaders, your Chamber of Commerce and your state representatives.
Let them know what effects your business on immigration, the water policy, and any issue that can effect your business's operation, your lively hood.
Last but not least was Samantha Synder with OSU Extension, she spoke about the OK. Water Policy and the need to have your input on this issue. Who's water is it?? What about your well? Lots to think about! Please check out the website www.owrb.ok.gov for more details.
The afternoon meeting was terrific and many thanks goes out to our host Total Environment, Dr. Mike Schnelle who was the moderator and the terrific speakers who donated their time and support to ONLA.
I have attached the names & phone numbers of your Senators and Representatives here in Oklahoma.
Make a difference and call them! If you would like to talk to anyone on the panel please let me know and I will get you their information.
I hope you enjoyed the meeting.
Thank you,
Wendy
Date: March 13, 2008
Location: Total Environment Wholesale Nursery
16301 N. Rockwell
Edmond, OK. 73013
844-8733
Time: 4:00 P.M.
Immigration Bill 1804 and ‘Son of 1804’
...where do we go from here?
Panel Discussion of Industry Leaders – Randy Davis of Greenleaf Nursery,
Kurt Reiger of High Caliper Growing, Total Environment,
Lobbyist Patrick Gaines of Gaines Government Services LLC,
Immigration Attorney, & others, will address the issues directly
Affecting our industry and its future.
Moderated by Dr. Mike Schnelle.
- Understanding the laws and the direction lawmakers are taking.
- What are the long-term economic effects of these laws –on our state as well as our businesses?
- What are the humanitarian problems associated with such law?
- Can we change the direction of these laws?
- Learn how you can join in the grassroots effort to redirect the negatives to more positive solutions.
This is an opportunity to work together for common goals as an industry. You cannot afford to miss this meeting. The future of your business depends on it. So join ONLA and your Industry in finding out the facts and taking action.
**Also a presentation from Dave Edwards on the Oklahoma State University/OKC
New Building & Landscape Plan and how the Industry can help with this project.
Registration required: If you are not a member of ONLA you will need to fill out and pay membership dues before admission to the Regional Meeting.
Register by Tuesday March 11th.
Call: Wendy Gerdes - ONLA Office at 405-942-5276 for registration