Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Annual Meeting   Rockbridge County, VA (August 4, 2018) - The Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association will hold its annual conference August 9-11 at the Natural Bridge Hotel and Conference Center. VCTGA members gather for presentations on the Christmas tree industry, sales and predictions for 2018, common issues for Christmas tree growers, wreath making workshop and related vendors for various equipment, plants, services and supplies. Dr. Rick Bates, Professor of Horticulture at Penn State University, will provide an educational program on species selection for Virginia Growers, true Firs, Spruce and Pines. David Hawkins of Raetz & Hawkins, CPA, LLC, Lexington, will present a session on tax-related issues along with employment rules and regulations. Farm tours include the McCormick Farm, near Raphine, and Hidden Fields Farm, Robert and Cecille McDowell, owners, in Covington, Virginia. The meeting hosts the annual Christmas tree and wreath contests. According to Jeff Gregson, President, “One of the highlights is selecting the best Christmas tree and wreath entered in the contest. The winners have the honor of presenting a wreath and tree to decorate the Governor’s mansion this Holiday Season.” The winners will be announced on Friday during Awards luncheon. The Honorable Bettina Ring, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry will be the guest speaker. Other board members are John Carroll, Claybrooke Farm, Jeff Miller, Executive Secretary/Treasurer, Tim Williams, Spruce Rock Farm, Paris Rasnic, Moose Apple Farm, Robert O’Keefe, Rifton Farm and Nursery, John Houston, Sweet Providence Farm, Cheryl Green, Hank’s Tree Farm, Dave Thomas, Valley Star Farm, Tommy Naylor, North Lake Christmas Tree and Nursery, and Greg Lemmer, Lexington, Past President. Information on the conference is available at virginiachristmastrees.org or visit the Facebook page.

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