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AH Impact the summit

Impact washington
The Summit

Build momentum toward positive policy outcomes for your business and advance key, green industry issues.

The Impact Washington Summit is more than just a fly-in – it’s an event offering in-depth information from renowned experts on issues affecting your business. You’ll gain knowledge that prepares you for conversations with your policymakers and Administration officials to protect and promote your business’s rights.

Over two days, you’ll get an insider’s look at what is happening in our nation’s Capital, then head to the Hill to have personal conversations with your congressional offices. This is an opportunity to advocate for your business priorities and share your story.

At the Impact Washington Summit, you will:

  • Hear from elected leaders, their staff, and other policy experts to get details on issues of great impact on your business’ success.
    • Labor & Workforce Development
    • Farm Bill Programs for the Green Industry
    • Research Updates
    • Tax Issues
    • Regulation & Compliance Impacting Your Business
  • Share your experiences directly with your policymakers to influence the decisions being made in your backyard and continue the success of our $348 billion industry.
  • Increase your business’ visibility and build a strong reputation by expanding your network of policymakers and like-minded, green industry leaders.
“Like most farmers, it takes a pretty good “tug” to get me away from the nursery. Having gone before to an Impact Washington Summit, I know it’s worth my time and that one constituent truly CAN influence their legislator’s position with a single conversation.”
Michael Frantz
Michael FrantzFrantz Wholesale Nursery Company
Impact Washington was the most informative advocacy event that I have attended. Horticulture must remain diligent in our efforts to discuss the issues that affecting us with our legislators. It is important that they hear from us. They need to hear how the laws that they are passing in Washington impact our businesses. They need to hear our stories.
Jim Saunders
Jim SaundersSaunders Brothers
Impact Washington featured an outstanding line up of speakers all committed to preparing us for the Hill visits. The topics they covered made me feel like I had an insider view of exactly how key issues impacting our industry are handled. Our representatives may have a lot of their plates but they welcome the opportunity to hear us and learn how our businesses are impacted by government regulations.
Mike Klopmeyer
Mike KlopmeyerBall Horticulture Company
The program was incredibly informative and provided a forum for those of us in the industry to share best practices as well as challenges. The topic specific information sessions on the first day were incredibly helpful in allowing us to have a focused conversation with legislators
Arianna Cabrera de Ona
Arianna Cabrera de OnaCosta Farms
AmericanHort's Impact Washington The Summit was a few very tightly scheduled days covering significant industry issues that impact all of us. After leaning from each other and hearing from speakers including cabinet level policy makers, we took to the hallways of Senate and House office buildings for meetings. It was amazing how open and accessible the elected officials were. We ensure that horticulture's side of the story got heard and taking into consideration.
Rob Lando
Rob LandoAgroNomix

Impact Washington Schedule

Monday, September 18

4:00 – 6:00pm: Arrivals, registration

6:00pm – 7:30pm: Welcome Reception at Hotel

Tuesday, September 19

7:00am – 8:00am: Registration and Continental breakfast

8:00am – 12:30pm: Guest speakers, issue briefings

12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch provided at hotel

1:30pm – 2:30pm: Board bus, transfer to The Hill

2:30pm – 5:00pm: Prescheduled Senate meetings

6:00pm – 7:00pm: Reception

7:30pm – 9:00pm: PAC Dinner

Wednesday, September 20

7:00AM – 8:00AM: Continental breakfast, board bus

8:00AM – 8:30AM: Group photo in front of Capitol building

9:00AM – 10:30AM: Guest speakers – Capital building

10:30AM – 1:00PM: Prescheduled House meetings

Lunch on own (if permissible at cafeterias): Rayburn/Longworth House cafeterias

1:00PM – 2:00PM: Head back to hotel for wrap-up session

2:00PM – 3:00PM: Wrap-up Session and Departures

Monday, September 18

4:00 – 6:00pm:
Arrivals, registration

6:00pm – 7:30pm:
Welcome Reception at Hotel

Tuesday, September 19

7:00am – 8:00am: Registration and Continental breakfast

8:00am – 12:30pm: Guest speakers, issue briefings

12:30pm – 1:30pm: Lunch provided at hotel

1:30pm – 2:30pm: Board bus, transfer to The Hill

2:30pm – 5:00pm: Prescheduled Senate meetings

6:00pm – 7:00pm: Reception

7:30pm – 9:00pm: PAC Dinner

Wednesday, September 20

7:00AM – 8:00AM: Continental breakfast, board bus

8:00AM – 8:30AM: Group photo in front of Capitol building

9:00AM – 10:30AM: Guest speakers – Capital building

10:30AM – 1:00PM: Prescheduled House meetings

Lunch on own (if permissible at cafeterias): Rayburn/Longworth House cafeterias

1:00PM – 2:00PM: Head back to hotel for wrap-up session

2:00PM – 3:00PM: Wrap-up Session and Departures

Impact Washington Programming

Larry Hogan, Fmr Governor, Maryland

Larry Hogan is not a career politician. As a lifelong Marylander and small business owner who was fed up with sky-high taxes, politics as usual, and decades of one-party rule, he started Change Maryland, the largest non-partisan grassroots citizen organization in state history.
In 2014, outnumbered in party registration by more than 2-1, and outspent by more than 5-1, Larry Hogan pulled off the biggest upset in America on election night, becoming only the second Republican Governor elected in Maryland in 50 years.
Once in office, Governor Hogan quickly became an example of leadership for the nation, accomplishing what many believed was no longer possible: bipartisan, common-sense solutions.
As Governor, Larry Hogan cut taxes for eight years in a row by $4.7 billion, including the largest tax cuts in state history. Overall, after inheriting a $5.1 billion structural budget deficit, the governor left office with a record $5.5 billion in reserves—a more than $10 billion swing. Under his leadership, Maryland produced the greatest economic turnaround in America, going from 49th out of 50 states to number six. He restored peace and order to Baltimore City during the riots of 2015, reduced the cost of health care premiums by over 30%, made historic investments in education, transportation infrastructure, and protecting the environment, and was the only Republican Governor in the country to overturn a Democratic gerrymandered map. He even achieved all this while overcoming a personal battle against cancer.
After four years of economic success and bipartisan progress in one of the bluest states in America, Governor Hogan was overwhelmingly re-elected to a second term in 2018, making him only the second Republican to do so in the entire history of the state.
When COVID struck the United States in 2020, Governor Hogan led the nation’s governors through this crisis as Chairman of the National Governors Association. In Maryland, the governor’s decisive and balanced leadership helped save countless lives and livelihoods.
Regardless of party affiliation, Marylanders agree: Governor Hogan delivered results for his state. As Governor Hogan left office, polling consistently showed an overwhelming majority of all Republicans, Democrats, and Independents—nearly 80% of all Marylanders—approve of the job he did, the highest of any governor in Maryland history and one of the highest of any governor in the nation.

Jim Costa, U.S. Congressman (D-CA-21)

Congressman James Manuel Costa has represented the San Joaquin Valley in the United States House of Representatives since 2005. Costa proudly represents California’s 21st Congressional District, which includes parts of Fresno and Tulare counties.
As a member of Congress, Costa has applied his farming background to fighting for water, agriculture, healthcare, and the economy. In these capacities, he has protected California agriculture, enhanced water storage, repaired critical infrastructure, and advocated for a strong national defense to keep us safe from threats here at home and abroad.
His efforts in Congress have been recognized by organizations like the American Farm Bureau Federation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the National Organization for Victim Assistance. Costa is committed to building a stronger nation for our children and protecting the future of our democracy for generations to come.
A grandson of Portuguese immigrants, he was raised on a dairy farm in Fresno’s Kearney Park area and is a third-generation family farmer in the San Joaquin Valley. Costa is a graduate of California State University, Fresno.

John Duarte, U.S. Congressman (R-CA-13)

Congressman John Duarte is a fourth-generation farmer, businessman, and Valley native who proudly calls Modesto, California home. Currently, Congressman Duarte is serving his first term in the 118th Congress as Representative of California’s 13th District.
Congressman Duarte holds key subcommittee assignments across three committees, reflecting his diverse interests and expertise. Within the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, he serves as the Vice-Chair of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, playing a crucial role in shaping policies related to transportation infrastructure. Additionally, he serves on the Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, where he works on issues concerning transportation safety and efficiency. Congressman Duarte is a member of the Subcommittee on Water Resources, focusing on water management and related infrastructure projects. On the House Natural Resources Committee, he contributes to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, advocating for responsible stewardship of water resources and wildlife conservation. In addition, he serves on the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, addressing matters related to energy production and mineral extraction.
Through his work on the House Committee on Agriculture, Congressman Duarte brings his expertise to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit, examining policies concerning agricultural commodities and financial support. Among his other assignments, Congressman Duarte serves on the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology, emphasizing sustainable farming practices and advancements in agricultural research. Through these subcommittee assignments, Congressman John Duarte actively participates in shaping legislation and policies that impact California’s 13th Congressional District.
He and his wife, Alexandra, have run a farming operation of vineyards and orchards together in the Central Valley since 1989. John and Alexandra are also the parents of four wonderful children.

Abigail Spanberger, U.S. Congresswoman (D-VA-07)

U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger was first elected to the U.S. House in 2018. She serves on the U.S. House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and U.S. House Agriculture Committee. She is also a member of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.
On the House Intelligence Committee, she serves on the National Intelligence Enterprise Subcommittee and the Defense Intelligence & Overhead Architecture Subcommittee. On the House Agriculture Committee, she serves as Ranking Member of the Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology Subcommittee and as a member of the Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee.
The nonpartisan Lugar Center ranked Congresswoman Spanberger as the most bipartisan Member of Virginia’s congressional delegation, and she has received national awards for her commitment to getting results for Virginia, focusing on constituent services, and working across the aisle.
She first swore an oath to the U.S. Constitution as a federal agent with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. In this role, she investigated money laundering and narcotics cases — including at the southern border. Then, as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) case officer, she worked at home and abroad to collect intelligence, keep our country safe from terrorism, and inform policymakers in their national security decisions. Following her time at CIA, Abigail joined the private sector and helped American colleges and universities diversify their student bodies, expand opportunities for Americans entering the workforce, and increase graduation rates.
She earned her B.A. at the University of Virginia and her MBA through a dual degree program between Purdue University’s Krannert School and the GISMA Business School in Hanover, Germany. She speaks English, Spanish, German, and French. She and her husband Adam have three school-aged children.

David G. Valadao, U.S. Congressman (R-CA-22)

Congressman David G. Valadao was born and raised in Hanford, California in the center of the agriculturally rich Twenty-Second Congressional District. As a lifelong resident of the Central Valley, he has been active in agriculture and dairy industry groups, as well as many local charities.
In 2010, Valadao was elected to represent California’s 30th State Assembly District. Valadao served on several California Assembly Committees including the Agriculture Committee, where he held the position of Committee Vice-Chair.
In all of Rep. Valadao’s five terms in Congress, Valadao has served on the influential House Appropriations Committee, which is the committee responsible for funding the federal government and determining where American tax dollars are spent.
Since he came to Congress, Valadao has established himself as a leader in agriculture and water policy, two important issues for his constituents in CA-22. His time in Congress has been focused on combating the water issues impacting California’s Central Valley and ensuring Congress does everything in their power to provide relief for the farmers, families, and entire communities suffering from the ongoing water shortages due to drought and years of water mismanagement.
Valadao’s work on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Committee has fostered his interest in ensuring our active-duty military members have the tools and services they need to defend our nation and keep Americans safe. Valadao worked hard to ensure Naval Air Station Lemoore was named the location for the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet of the F-35C aircraft. Valadao is also dedicated to keeping our promises to our nation’s veterans by making sure those who served our country are taken care of in their retirement years and receive the best quality healthcare available.
Valadao attended the College of the Sequoias in Visalia. Valadao married his high school sweetheart, Terra, and they have three beautiful children.

PlantPAC Dinner – Special Guest

Jimmy Panetta, U.S. Congressman (D-CA-19)

U.S. Representative James Varni Panetta was first elected in 2016 and is serving his fourth term in Congress. He currently serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means, the House Committee on Armed Services, and the House Committee on the Budget. He also serves as a Chief Deputy Whip in the 118th Congress.
During his time in Congress, Representative Panetta has fought for affordable housing, immigration reform, the continued protection of our pristine coastline and environment, accessible health care, our agriculture industry and its farmers and farmworkers, the reduction of gun violence, a fairer tax code, major infrastructure investment, sustainable conservation practices, our military installations that are an integral part in our community and our country’s security, and the deserved and promised benefits to our veterans.
Through policy implementation in Congress and service to constituents, Representative Panetta remains committed to being that bridge for the people of California’s 19th Congressional District to the federal government and its resources. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he secured $1.4 billion in relief for communities and families in California’s 19th Congressional District and ensured relief was available for schools, local small businesses, as well as farmers and farmworkers. He has passed into law legislation to promote clean energy, protect California’s forests and pollinators, support frontline health care workers, tackle hunger among military families, and provide legal services to homeless veterans and veterans at risk for homelessness.
Prior to Congress, Representative Panetta served his community as a prosecutor in Monterey and Alameda Counties and served our country as an Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. In 2007, Congressman Panetta volunteered for active duty and was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service.
Representative Panetta graduated from the University of California, Davis with an undergraduate degree in International Relations and earned his law degree from Santa Clara University. His wife, Carrie Panetta, is a Superior Court judge in Monterey County. They have two daughters.

Political action committees (PACs) sponsored by corporate-based trade associations, like AmericanHort PlantPAC, are required by federal law to obtain a corporate member company’s approval before asking eligible individuals to join or informing them about PAC-related activities. Click here to complete the PlantPAC prior approval form if you have not done so already.

To learn more about attending the PlantPAC dinner during The Impact Washington Summit, contact Matt Mika, Vice President, Advocacy and Government Relations.

Stay tuned for announcements of speakers & schedule details.

Impact Washington Pricing & Hotel Info

AmericanHort Member

$595

Non-Member

$845

Interested in becoming an AmericanHort member?
Join Us Today!

DoubleTree by Hilton

Washington DC – Crystal City

300 Army Navy Drive
Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 416-4100

The hotel booking deadline has passed.

AmericanHort has secured reduced rates for your hotel stay during the Impact Washington Summit. To receive this discount, book your hotel through this link or call (703) 416-4100 and ask for the AmericanHort Impact Washington Summit Room Block.

Airport Information

Looking for the best airport to fly into DC?
Reagan (DCA)  is the most convenient, then Baltimore (BWI)

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