Meet Your 2023 PLNA Board Chair!

Happy 2023!

The new year is in full swing, and we just had a great breakfast membership Meet Up at MANTS in Baltimore. It was fantastic seeing our members in full force at the breakfast. Once significant note was the number of younger members in attendance. The MANTS show was incredible. The amount of people in attendance was surreal. Overall, there was a huge positive vibe at the show and we should expect another strong year for our industry.

This year marks the 30th year I have been in this wonderful industry. I will be serving PLNA and its members as the Board Chair for 2023. For some background, I am the National Sales Manager at Michell’s in King of Prussia, which is a wholesale distribution company that has supplied green industry products since 1890.

PLNA has a lot planned for the coming year! Here’s an idea of what you, as PLNA members, can expect:

• A seat at the table! PLNA is represented on the state Controlled Plant and Noxious Weed Committee, the PA Invasive Species Council, the state’s Pesticide Advisory Board, the PA Department of Environmental Protection Agriculture Advisory Board, the Penn State Ag Council, the Pennsylvania State Council of Farm Organizations, and the Ag Labor Coalition. Additionally, our Government Relations Consultant keeps PLNA apprised of and involved in key legislative and regulatory issues that affect the green industry and your business. 
  
  
• Regional Meet Ups! Watch e-News and social media for details about the next one near you and plan to join us! These Meet Ups are a great way to catch up with old and new friends and colleagues and get firsthand insight on initiatives and issues you need to know.
  
  
• PLNA’s webinar series! These webinars are educational opportunities for all PLNA members, and most are approved for PA Certified Horticulturist (PCH) and Sustainable Landscape Certification (SLC) credits. Recordings are available for PLNA members, and topic suggestions are always welcome. (Email PLNA@PLNA.com if you have a webinar idea).
  
  
• Committees! Did you know that PLNA has active Government Relations, Workforce Development, and PCH committees? Are you interested in getting involved? Let us know and we’ll loop you in to the next committee meeting.
  

Together with the board, I’d like to thank you for your continued membership and commitment to PLNA and the industry. You have helped make Pennsylvania a leader in horticulture. The PLNA board continues to strategize ways to grow the association and help you succeed. I would love to hear from you and can be reached at rmchale@michells.com or 610-487-5841.

Looking forward to meeting more members in 2023 and continuing to strengthen our association!

Rob McHale
2023 PLNA Board Chair