The Minnesota Nursery Landscape Association (MNLA) this week honored Sen. Jason Rarick (R-Pine City) as one of their 2019 Legislators of the Year. MNLA President Scott Frampton of Landscape Renovations and Vice President Tim Malooly of Irrigation by Design presented Sen. Rarick with the award for being a driving force behind the successful effort to improve Minnesota’s retainage laws. The legislation, which Gov. Walz signed into law, guarantees contractors and subcontractors who have completed their work will get paid.

“It is an honor to be named one of MNLA’s legislators of the year,” said Sen. Rarick. “Getting retainage reform included in the final Jobs budget bill this year was one of the highlights of the legislative session. It was a pleasure working with MNLA to get it done, and I am excited to work with them again next year to continue making life easier for Minnesota’s small business owners.”

“MNLA is thankful for Senator Jason Rarick’s ongoing commitment to empowering small businesses and subcontractors throughout Minnesota,” said MNLA President Frampton.

The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is the state’s oldest and largest green industry trade organization. Started in 1925 as the Minnesota Nurserymen’s Association, today MNLA represents and serves nursery and greenhouse growers, garden centers, irrigation contractors, industry suppliers, and a wide range of landscape professionals. The association aims to help these members operate their businesses more successfully by providing education, networking, legislative and regulatory representation, public relations, and financial benefits through group purchasing and other member services. Today, 1,100 firms are members of MNLA. Collectively, they generate yearly sales of more than $1.9 billion and have a $3.5 billion direct effect on Minnesota’s economy.