March 24, 2020

Dear MNLGA Members:

This e-mail is distributed to key contacts; please feel free to share with others in your office.

Earlier today I sent notice that we have firm guidance that retail garden centers may remain open for foot traffic, in addition to nurseries, greenhouses, landscape, lawncare, and arboriculture businesses. All are asked to use COVID-19 precautions and to consider use of online/phone orders with curbside pick up and delivery.

New information:

Yesterday, the national nursery and landscape assoc. execs group (NLAE) and AmericanHort co-hosted a webinar featuring Craig Regelbrugge and Dr. Charlie Hall (economist, Texas A & M). Craig spoke on federal regulatory and legal issues pertinent right now, including processing of H2 visas, and Charlie provided insight as to the economics of the pandemic and where he believes the economy is headed. If you were not able to attend that event live, you may view via this link. The password is NLAE2020.

I’ll continue to keep you abreast of news and industry impacts as such information becomes available. Below are some additional resources. More information is posted on our website, www.mnlga.org, and is accessible right from the home page.

New Resource Links:

  •  SBA Disaster Assistance Loans : Governor Hogan announced on March 19 that the entire state of Maryland has received official designation for SBA assistance. Individual businesses can now apply directly to the SBA for low-interest loans through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.



Just in from AmericanHort:
  • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a notice and accompanying waiver for drivers who might have their licenses or medical screenings lapse over the next few months due to closure of DMVs/medical facilities. Had to have current credentials as of March 1st. Waiver runs through June 30th.

Notice of Enforcement Policy – Notice of Enforcement Policy
Waiver -  Waiver

Please reference the COVID-19 resource page, linked on the homepage of the MNLGA website, www.mnlga.org, particularly the social distancing and sanitation precautions issued for COVID-19.

Stay well everyone. Keep on fighting! We will get through this.

Please keep me informed of what is going on with your business. If I know what is going on, I may be a better resource to you and to other members as we navigate together this uncharted territory. Feel free to email me at Vanessa @mnlga.org.


Vanessa A. Finney
Executive Director, MNLGA
410-823-8684
Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association, Inc.
410-823-8684
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