AH Impact the summit

Impact washington
The Summit

Impact Washington – The Summit is a two-day advocacy summit where green industry business owners and leaders can take action in Washington, D.C. Providing a united front, this is an opportunity for the landscaper, plant grower, garden retailer, and entire green industry community to personally and collectively advocate for decisions that help us continue the growth of our $348 billion industry.

Over the course of two days, participants will hear from elected leaders, their staff, and other policy experts on issues of great impact on green industry business success. Our attendees will share their experiences directly with policy makers, providing real-world context and influence to the decisions being made.

Thank you to our sponsors
K-COE ISOM Logo
Bayer Logo
Farm Credit East Sponsorship Logo
Harrell's - Growing A Better World
Hortica - A Brand of the Sentry Insurance Group
masH2A-Logo

Speakers

Impact Washington Summit participants will hear from elected leaders, their staff, and other policy experts on issues of great impact on green industry business success.

Bob Worsley

Republican Former State Senator (AZ), entrepreneur, innovator, & author
Bob Worsley

Bob Worsley, retired Republican State Senator (AZ), entrepreneur, innovator, and author, will deliver keynote remarks on the challenges of the current political divide and how it affects efforts for comprehensive immigration reform. Worsley served in the Arizona Senate from 2012 until 2019, where he advocated on issues such as immigration, technology, and energy, while gaining notoriety for beating former Senate President Russell Pearce. Bob’s entrepreneurial enterprises span three decades, beginning in 1989 with the founding of SkyMall — which he later sold to Rupert Murdoch 13 years later — to his new startup, ZenniHomes, which builds state-of-the-art micro homes of the future that include net-zero energy from the use of solar, Lithium batteries, super-insulated and smart technology. He is the author of the newly released book “The Horseshoe Virus” which along with telling his story of being elected to fight for immigrants in Arizona, painstakingly connects some on the far right and far left of working together to kill any comprehensive immigration reform in Washington DC.

Bob Worsley

Bob Worsley, retired Republican State Senator (AZ), entrepreneur, innovator, and author, will deliver keynote remarks on the challenges of the current political divide and how it affects efforts for comprehensive immigration reform. Worsley served in the Arizona Senate from 2012 until 2019, where he advocated on issues such as immigration, technology, and energy, while gaining notoriety for beating former Senate President Russell Pearce. Bob’s entrepreneurial enterprises span three decades, beginning in 1989 with the founding of SkyMall — which he later sold to Rupert Murdoch 13 years later — to his new startup, ZenniHomes, which builds state-of-the-art micro homes of the future that include net-zero energy from the use of solar, Lithium batteries, super-insulated and smart technology. He is the author of the newly released book “The Horseshoe Virus” which along with telling his story of being elected to fight for immigrants in Arizona, painstakingly connects some on the far right and far left of working together to kill any comprehensive immigration reform in Washington DC. 

Bob has served on countless Boards including Boards of Mesa United Way, Mesa Urban Renewal Lab, United Families, Institute of American Values, Arizona Aerospace Association, Maricopa County Association of Governments Economic Council, American Businesses for Immigration Coalition (ABIC), Scoutmaster for a troop of 36 scouts, LDS Mission to Uruguay and Paraguay, Hispanic congregation leader for almost a decade and numerous other civic, Church, and philanthropic endeavors. Bob was named by Capital Times as “2018 Legislator of the Year” and has received numerous other distinctions for his service in the Arizona Senate. He and his wife Christ and 6 children (31 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren) lived in Arizona for almost 40 years and now spend most of their time in Salt Lake City, Utah where most of their family reside today.

U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger

represents Virginia's 7th Congressional District
US Representative Abigail Spanberger

Representative Spanberger began her career in public service, first serving as a federal agent with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigating money laundering and narcotics cases, and then serving as a case officer with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). As a CIA officer, she worked at home and abroad to collect vital intelligence, keep our country safe, and work in furtherance of our national security priorities. In the private sector, Representative Spanberger worked with colleges and universities to help them diversify their student bodies and increase graduation rates.

Representative Spanberger serves on the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture and the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. On the House Agriculture Committee, she serves as Chair of the Conservation & Forestry Subcommittee and as a member of the Commodity Exchanges, Energy, & Credit Subcommittee.

US Representative Abigail Spanberger

Representative Spanberger began her career in public service, first serving as a federal agent with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigating money laundering and narcotics cases, and then serving as a case officer with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). As a CIA officer, she worked at home and abroad to collect vital intelligence, keep our country safe, and work in furtherance of our national security priorities. In the private sector, Representative Spanberger worked with colleges and universities to help them diversify their student bodies and increase graduation rates.

Representative Spanberger serves on the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture and the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. On the House Agriculture Committee, she serves as Chair of the Conservation & Forestry Subcommittee and as a member of the Commodity Exchanges, Energy, & Credit Subcommittee.

U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson

represents Iowa's 1st congressional District

The first woman to represent Iowa’s 1st congressional district, which includes Hiawatha, Robins, Cedar Rapids and Marion. During her tenure, she was a fierce advocate for taxpayers, helping to cut taxes and reign in irresponsible spending. She also championed workforce development and rural broadband initiatives and helped make childcare more accessible for working parents across Iowa.

Ashley is deeply involved in her community. She belongs to Antioch Christian Church, and is a member of March of Dimes, Young Parents Network and the National Council on Youth Leadership.

Ashley now represents Iowa’s First District in Congress and fights each day for Iowa families, businesses, and farmers.

The first woman to represent Iowa’s 1st congressional district, which includes Hiawatha, Robins, Cedar Rapids and Marion. During her tenure, she was a fierce advocate for taxpayers, helping to cut taxes and reign in irresponsible spending. She also championed workforce development and rural broadband initiatives and helped make childcare more accessible for working parents across Iowa.

Ashley is deeply involved in her community. She belongs to Antioch Christian Church, and is a member of March of Dimes, Young Parents Network and the National Council on Youth Leadership.

Ashley now represents Iowa’s First District in Congress and fights each day for Iowa families, businesses, and farmers.

U.S. Representative Maria Elvira Salazar

represents Florida's 27th Congressional District

Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar proudly represents Florida’s 27th Congressional District, passionately serving the people of South Florida. She currently serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs as well as the House Committee on Small Business.

Congresswoman Salazar is committed to acting tirelessly in defense of individual rights and liberties, spearheading economic development & job training efforts, and promoting environmental resiliency in her community. She is well-known for her advocacy for Human Rights and democracy around the world, especially for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Nicaragua, as well as for her unabashed support of our global & regional partners such as Israel, Colombia, and Taiwan.

Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar proudly represents Florida’s 27th Congressional District, passionately serving the people of South Florida. She currently serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs as well as the House Committee on Small Business.

Congresswoman Salazar is committed to acting tirelessly in defense of individual rights and liberties, spearheading economic development & job training efforts, and promoting environmental resiliency in her community. She is well-known for her advocacy for Human Rights and democracy around the world, especially for the people of Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Nicaragua, as well as for her unabashed support of our global & regional partners such as Israel, Colombia, and Taiwan.

David T. Crow

President - D.C. Legislative & REgulatory Services

David Crow founded DCLRS in 1991 with the goal of developing a full-service government relations practice with expertise in legislative and regulatory affairs. He has built a small and talented team specializing in a number of policy areas including agriculture, climate policy, energy, international, labor and immigration, pesticides and fertilizers, small business, transportation and infrastructure, and water policy.

In a career that began in 1975, David has developed a wide range of contacts and knowledge working for Rep. Tom Coleman (R-MO), Secretary of Agriculture Jack Block, the Fertilizer Institute, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and the Jefferson Group. David also speaks to a wide range of industry audiences. He continues to be deeply engaged in the political process, raising money for candidates who represent issue areas and geographical regions that impact our clients. David also worked on several presidential and congressional campaigns in order to connect our clients to the political process.

David Crow founded DCLRS in 1991 with the goal of developing a full-service government relations practice with expertise in legislative and regulatory affairs. He has built a small and talented team specializing in a number of policy areas including agriculture, climate policy, energy, international, labor and immigration, pesticides and fertilizers, small business, transportation and infrastructure, and water policy.

In a career that began in 1975, David has developed a wide range of contacts and knowledge working for Rep. Tom Coleman (R-MO), Secretary of Agriculture Jack Block, the Fertilizer Institute, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and the Jefferson Group. David also speaks to a wide range of industry audiences. He continues to be deeply engaged in the political process, raising money for candidates who represent issue areas and geographical regions that impact our clients. David also worked on several presidential and congressional campaigns in order to connect our clients to the political process.

Lynn Jacquez

Lynn Jacquez Headshot
Managing Partner and Principal, JPH Law, CJ Lake LLC

Lynn Jacquez’ professional background spans private law practice, government relations, and service in the Federal government. In her work for its Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and International Law, she had primary responsibility for the drafting and processing of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) and refugee reauthorization legislation.

Brian Kuehl

Brian Kuehl Headshot
Principal, K·Coe Isom

A principal with K·Coe Isom, the nation’s leading agricultural consulting and accounting firm, Kuehl leads the firm’s Federal Affairs service area. With a background in environmental law and regulations, he identifies and educates business owners on how to influence and change political systems for a market advantage. 

Laurie Flanagan

Laurie Flanagan Headshot
Executive Vice President, DC Legislative and Regulatory Services, Inc.

Executive Vice President at DCLRS with over 20 years of experience in federal affairs, Flanagan is a co-chair of the H-2B Workforce Coalition on behalf of AmericanHort.