What is required to maintain my professional cerification?

In the past it was required to attend one MLNA sponsored educational function. The Nuts & Bolts and Field Day were the only approved events and were equivelent to 10 CEU's each. MLNA is developing an expanded and professional approach to this important aspect of education requiring attendance of one MLNA main event plus 5 CEU/ hours from other alternate approved venues. Since the Field Day event was not held MLNA will accept alternate approved events. We encourage participation in other educational events/ clinics/ workshop provided by MLNA or other approved sources. We wish to promote all certified professionals and will deal with revision and this transistion year on a case by case basis. PLease contact the MLNA office to verify your MLNA contact information, and upodate your certification status. We can be reachced at 636-939-9079.
The new name for the Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association's certification program is Missouri Certified Green Industry Stars.

Responses & Comments from Participants at Missouri Botanical Garden’s Nursery Day

Here are just a few comments shared about annual Professional Industry Event Nursery Day August 16th 2007 at Missouri Botanical Garden: (MLNA has partnered with Powell Gardens for a similar professional industry event in 2008)
• "Missouri Botanical Garden” is a wonderful resource for our industry” Gary Hinegardner, President of the LNAGSL.
• "This was a first for the Garden" said Steve Cline. Missouri Botanical Garden's Kemper Center's Manager openned a bed area for Ball represntative for the challenge. Derek Schroff, along with Ball Horticulture Guests proved a point as they actually did a planting. Using Ball's new ellepot system, "They proved it is cost effective and environmetally a better alternative as a installation method. It is exciting to see the Garden involved. We had the best in the business on both teams, but what I saw was more than a time test- I saw our industry finding opportunities to be great environmental stewards! Good for Us!" MaryAnn Fink /MLNA Coordinator
• "I appreciate MLNA’s resources and connections and interest in supporting my business" Scott Wagner of Yellowwood Farms. (Scott was looking for a particular plant source). If you have product and plant material available, fill out our resource form. We help connect MLNA members to services and product providers.
• “I am loo0king for MOONGLOW Sweet Bay Magnolia” (First new introduction with POM recognition for 2008 and host plant for Eastern Tiger Swallowtail” ) said Tom Krauska (Tom Terrific)”I am pleased that MLNA is committed to environmental stewardship” (MLNA helped make Tom’s connection with Pea Ridge Forest/ MOONGLOW supplier and Earl Cully breeder. MLNA supports member efforts and is supporting Tom’s habitat efforts with Lindbergh School District.
• “How is the sign up for my Pruning Workshop Sept 10th going? “ Bill Spradley (Very Good Bill- MLNA thanks you for taking the time to sharpen member’s pruning skills. To sign up fill out the on line form or call 636-939-9079)
• “It is good that the industry will have a stronger relationship with the POM program” Mark Luchtefeld/ IGIA Representative (It was announced that MLNA and IGIA accepted offer of partnership with the Missouri Botanical Garden, Powell Gardens and Mizzou Botanic Gardens with the Plants of Merit program.)
• “I am excited about winning the Bailey’s Cool Trees tee shirt at MLNA’s member meeting- I never win anything!” Becky Edwards/ Webster Grove Horticulturist.