Beneficial Relationships in the Regulatory Process
Hosts: Greenhouse Grower Editor, Brian Sparks and Senior Editor, Julie Hullett
Tuesday Nov. 14 • 2 p.m. EST
Navigating the complex regulatory process involved in running a horticulture business requires expert guidance on issues from labor and workforce development to tax issues and more. In the second installment of our Executive Series, we discuss building mutually beneficial relationships with lawmakers and policy decision-makers and how the industry can continue to engage directly with Members of Congress. We also get insight on navigating plant certification through the Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC) program and U.S./Canada Greenhouse-Grown Plant Certification program.
Speakers
Craig Regelbrugge
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Craig Regelbrugge serves as Executive Vice President at AmericanHort, where he leads the staff team responsible for public policy, industry advocacy, and research programs. He serves in national leadership positions representing the horticulture industry on matters relating to the labor force, immigration reform, plant health and production, and trade. With over 30 years of service as an association professional representing horticulture, Craig is well-known in Washington and across the country, within the horticulture industry itself, and among policymakers and regulators. He is a frequent presenter, author, and spokesperson on topics relating to the workforce and immigration, production, trade, and environmental issues impacting farmers and small businesses in and serving the horticulture industry.
Matt Mika
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Matt Mika is the Vice President of Advocacy & Government Affairs at AmericanHort. Matt leads the Advocacy team in public policy and industry advocacy and has over 25 years of experience working in policy and politics at the federal, state, and local levels. Prior to joining AmericanHort, Matt served as the Director of Government Relations for Tyson Foods, Inc. in Washington, D.C. During his 12-year tenure with Tyson Foods he worked on issues before the House and Senate Agriculture and Appropriations Committees, along with focusing on House specific issues regarding agriculture, transportation, environment, energy, and ethanol matters.
Tom Demaline
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As the CEO of Willoway Nurseries, Tom Demaline has been involved in the nursery industry his entire life, working for 45 years in a fulltime capacity in his family’s 68-year-old business. Starting as a field laborer gave him a good understanding of the mechanics of the industry. From that point he had the opportunity to work in several areas of the business to enhance his career, including crew leader, field supervisor, and general manager. In addition to business operations, he is responsible for research and development of new product and implementing new techniques and mechanization into the nursery.
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The Greenhouse Grower Executive Series is a thought-provoking, action-oriented conversation that brings forth the voices of the industry's most successful and innovative growers at the executive level to discuss the top business needs for tomorrow's greenhouse success.