VCTGA_FALL18 NL

other recipient of a $1,000 VCTGA Scholarship for the 2018-19 academ- ic year. He is planning on graduating in May 2019 with a degree in Land- scape Horticulture and Design. At James Madison High School, he was a member of the marching band drumline, the concert band percus- sion and a drummer in the Jazz En- semble. At Virginia Tech, Joe has served as the Treasurer of the Horticulture Club and the Plant Sale Chair. He has also participated in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition for the last 3 years. Essay: I Am In Love With The Landscape Industry When I was four years old, I remem- ber how I loved watching my father cut the grass outside our living room window. It was fascinating! When- ever he started the mower up, I was glued to the window. Ever since then, I knew being a part of the land- scape industry was what I wanted to do as a career. In eighth grade, my mother suggested I should consider studying horticulture in college and that’s when I discovered Virginia Tech, where I am today. In high school, I threw myself in the indus- try, not only working at a large gar- den center, ut also starting my own landscape maintenance company. I started with nothing and managed to grow the business to 26 regular cli- ents and commercial equipment. I managed all the business affairs my- self and even hired my friends as employees. In August 2015, I sold my customer list and some of my equipment and began my journey at Virginia Tech. I have learned more than I ever thought I would. I have connected with may people like me, who are passionate about the horti- culture industry and are passionate about their own success. During this time, I also started my own YouTube channel about my experiences in the

landscape industry. I share advice as well as show examples of my work. I’ve filmed all my internships on a week to week basis and summarized what I worked on., what I learned and what I enjoyed. This has con- nected me with may landscape pro- fessionals, who will ask for my opin- ion and advice about their own busi- ness. The reason I am deserving of this scholarship is because I feel I am one of the most passionate and enthusias- tic young professionals stepping into this career field today. Unlike may of my friends in other majors at Virgin- ia Tech, I could not be more excited to graduate and begin my profession- al life. I am ready to dive head-first into the industry and make a name for myself. However, I have another year to complete my studies. This scholarship would be used to help pay for tuition for my last year of college. I would greatly appreciate this scholarship, as it would ease the financial burden on my father. I would like to contribute to my educa- tional expenses as much I can, so this scholarship would allow me to make a bigger impact than I have been able to. Thanks for your consideration of me for the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association scholarship. I am thankful for the opportunity to apply and I hope you can see that I am a strong candidate for the schol- arship. Joe Mills Virginia Agribusiness Member Letter Thank you for renewing your member- ship in the Virginia Agribusiness Council. Your ongoing support enables the Council to represent our industry with a unified voice. Each year, our membership and impact continues to grow as more of your fellow industry members recognize the benefits of

working together to advance the busi- ness interests of agriculture and forest- ry producers, processors, manufactur- ers, retailers, and suppliers. As we welcome a new administration and many new faces to the General Assembly this year, it is even more critical that Council members com- municate with their elected representa- tives to educate them about the im- portance of the agribusiness industry. We are excited to continue hosting a variety of social and legislative events throughout the commonwealth in 2018, which we hope will include many of these new legislators and cab- inet officials. You can stay up to date on the Council's activities, events, and efforts on your behalf through our communications with you via email, our website, and social media. We kicked off our Membership Drive in March and hope you will help us iden- tify potential members to join our col- lective efforts to advance Virginia's number one industries! We love to hear from our members and welcome your questions, concerns, suggestions or opinions about the Council or current issues. Please feel free to call either of us — Kern Houff (2018 Board Chair) at (540) 810-8030 or Kyle Shreve (Executive Director) at (804) 643-3555. Visit www.va- agribusiness.org to find issue papers and briefings, legislative information, and access the Council's Membership Directory and other member-only in- formation. Your active involvement with the Council provides you tangible benefits from your membership and supports our advocacy efforts as well. Thank you again for your continued commitment to the Council! Sincerely, Kern Houff, 2018 Chair, Board of Direc- tors; Kyle Shreve, Executive Director; 804-643-3555 • vac@va-agibusiness.org • www.va-agribusiness.org

8 | VCTGA News Journal – Fall 2018

VCTGA News Journal ‒ Fall 2018 9