Georgia UAC strategic planning
Guiding growth and impact for the future On June 10 -11, 2025, the Georgia Urban Ag Council (UAC) Board of Directors and ex-officio members gathered to engage in a strategy retreat to capture their vision for the organization, identify areas of focus, and set goals and metrics for the future. Led by Vista Cova’s Lowell…
Read MoreHiring superstar employees
The risks and the challenges by Jeffrey Scott, Landscape Industry Consultant Much of the industry is challenged when hiring new employees. Too many are inconsistent, unreliable, or worse. If only you could attract a superstar instead? Ah, careful what you wish for. A recent survey by Thomas International revealed that 60% of new…
Read MoreSeeing is believing
Education is the key to avoiding a thirsty lawn. “You gotta see this”—sound familiar? It’s the kind of phrase that sparks curiosity and invites anticipation. In education, nothing beats learning through direct, hands-on experience…anticipating the outcome creates interest. The same can be said for landscaping, where lush, green lawns and plants often captivate the senses…
Read MoreExecutive Director Message
Dear UAC Members and Supporters, 2025 is rapidly sailing by, and October brings cooler weather, fall color (and lots of leaf blower activity), and next thing you know, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year! Major milestone This year marks a milestone for UAC staff. I celebrated 20 years as Executive Director on September 9, serving since…
Read MoreEducation events serve Georgia outdoor professionals
Level Up Your Landscape Business: Announcing the 2025/2026 Landscape Pro University & Expo Dates! The landscape industry is constantly evolving, making continuous education a necessity, not an option. To stay ahead of the competition, protect your clients’ investments, and ensure your team is practicing the latest and most effective techniques, choose the LPU that works…
Read MoreSine Die 2025
The 2025 legislative session saw hundreds of bills debated, but everything, and we mean everything, hinged on Governor Kemp’s determination to see the lawsuit fairness addressed. The Georgia Urban Ag Council (UAC) was proud to be among a long, diverse list of business groups calling, even begging, for change. On April 21, flanked by lawmakers…
Read MoreSpotted lanternfly alert
Greetings from the Georgia Department of Agriculture Plant Protection Division The purpose of this letter is to provide additional information on the Spotted Lanternfly and to enlist your help in spotting, reporting, and killing this invasive pest. The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or SLF) is an invasive planthopper that poses a serious threat to a…
Read MorePollinator conservation and citizen science
Photo above: Several primary plant selections include Rudbeckia (left), Glossy Abelia, Asters (right), and Coreopsis species. Selecting the right plants. Let’s talk about pollinators and beneficial insects in the landscape. Many of our ornamental landscape plants serve as nectar and pollen sources and as habitat for beneficial insects and pollinators. Pollinators, like bees, help plants…
Read MoreUAC member survey – Summer 2025
UAC works closely with Tolar Capitol Partners, monitoring and reporting weekly during each legislative session through Capitol Connection updates. These e-newsletters also include short surveys to “take the pulse” of UAC members on current legislative and industry issues. If you work for a UAC member company and would like to be added to this email…
Read MoreWilliam S. Pharr
A friend to the industry is remembered by the Georgia UAC Board of Directors along with former MALTA and UAC board members. Will Pharr passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 27, 2025, after a short illness near his home in Madison, GA. Will was born on February 27, 1948 and raised in Decatur,…
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