GIE+EXPO has lots to offer Hispanic landscape workers

Updated Sep 28, 2016

nhla-logoIf your company uses Hispanic workers, you’ve probably already seen some of them advance through the ranks to supervisory positions while identifying others who show great potential for moving up in the organization. The National Hispanic Landscape Alliance (NHLA) has a suggestion on helping the latter group attain the next level: Take them to GIE+EXPO.

“GIE is a wonderful opportunity to educate and inspire, and we really try to do both,” said Ralph Egues Jr., executive director of NHLA, which is offering a wealth of educational sessions this year in both English and Spanish. “Sometimes I hear from (landscaping company) owners, ‘Hey, I have some really great Hispanic workers and would love to help them move up.’

“Getting them to GIE is a great way to inspire your Hispanic employees to take their own game up a level,” Egues said.

All of the NHLA offerings on Friday will be available in Spanish, he said, and “we added a lunch-and-learn session with tables where discussions will be in Spanish and English.”

Asked how NHLA went about coming up with the topics for this year’s varied offering, Egues laughed: “We asked!” he said. Noting that NHLA maintains a close partnership with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, several major OPE makers and landscaping companies across the nation, Egues said the association’s leadership simply “asked people what they would like – what would be truly helpful to them.”

He stressed the importance of getting the word out about the NHLA Dealer Breakfast, which is set for Wednesday morning, Oct. 19, which is “Dealer Day” at this year’s show.

“There hasn’t been much scheduled early on the first day in years past, so we want to make sure people come in time to participate in the Dealer Breakfast,” Egues said. “We’ll have groups (presenting) that consist of both dealers and customers. Dealers will talk about what has been effective in their markets, and we’ll also touch on how to grow your business by better engaging with Hispanics in your community.”

Again, the 2016 show begins with Dealer Day on Oct. 19 and opens to all industry participants Oct. 20-21 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. The show will once again be co-located with Hardscape North America (HNA). You can find more information and register here.

You can check out the full slate of NHLA educational sessions at this link.

Egues said the Hispanic landscaping organization is delighted to be playing an ever-larger role in America’s green industry.

“I thank God every day,” he said. “It’s amazing how the association is growing and the enthusiasm for programs we’re offering.”

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