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54th Annual Meeting Presentations

Program Speakers


54th MSC Annual Meeting
Hilton Lake Buena Vista
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2025

Our 54th Annual Meeting was another RECORD BREAKING attendance with a final count of 258 participants comparded to the previous record of 226 participants set in 2024.

Presentation Recordings
Below is a copy of the program schedule for the 54th Annual Meeting meeting with links to PDF copies of available presentation decks and audio recordings of each session. Click on the links to download a copy of the files.

54th MSC Annual Meeting
Program Schedule

Tuesday, September 30

1:00p-2:30p* MSC Certification Committee Meeting— Members in good standing are welcomed to participate in the committee meeting as observers.

2:45p-3:45p* MSC Bulk Measure Committee Meeting — Members in good standing are welcomed to participate in the committee meeting as observers.

4:00p-5:00p* MSC Transportation Committee Meeting — Members in good standing are welcomed to participate in the committee meeting as observers.
* Actual Committees and meeting times may vary on site. Unless otherwise announced, all meetings of the Mulch & Soil Council are open to any member in good standing; however, a committee may call an executive session on advice of counsel to discuss sensitive issues when necessary. Participation of observers in discussions is determined by the committee chair.

5:00p-6:30p MEET THE MSC BOARD of DIRECTORS — Join the MSC Board of Directors for informal talks over cocktails as they share information on the programs and activities of the Council and the industry.
Sponsored By Premier Tech
6:30p Dinner On Your Own

Wednesday, October 1



8:00a-12:30p MSC Board of Directors Meeting— Members in good standing are welcomed to participate in the meeting as observers; however, the Board may call an executive session on advice of counsel to discuss sensitive issues when necessary. Participation of observers in discussions is determined by the committee chair.

12:30p-1:00p BREAK — Sponsored by SPR Packaging
1:00p-2:30p Opening Welcome & Crow Political Report — Join us for our opening session highlighting MSC Legislative Representative DAVID CROW presenting our annual update on the state of U.S. politics and how what's happening in Washington may impact you, your business and the industry. Speaker: David Crow, D.C. Legislative & Regulatory Services
PDF Download Audio of the Opening Session and THE CROW REPORT
PDF Download PDF of Opening Session
2:30p-3:00p BREAK – Sponsored By ProAmpac
3:00p-4:30p 54th MSC Annual Membership Meeting — Hear reports from MSC leadership and committees, elect Council directors and discuss MSC programs and activities as they may impact your business and the industry. Moderator: Robert LaGasse, MSC Executive Director.
PDF Download Audio of 2025 MSC Membership Meeting
PDF Download PDF of Membership Meeting Presentation
4:30p-7:00p Opening Reception & Affiliate Member Displays — Join us to meet with old friends and new members over cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while visiting with the industry's leading suppliers and vendors.
Sponsored By Vermeer Corp.

Thursday, October 2

8:30a-9:00a Morning Grab-and-Go Breakfast — Sponsored By T.H. Glennon
9:00a-10:00a

The Future of Raw Material: Join us as our speakers delve into their firsthand experiences sourcing raw materials across two distinctly different regions of the country — Northeast and Texas. They will explore the unique challenges and opportunities presented by each location and provide valuable insights into how they navigate the complexities of the ever-changing market. Speakers: Sean Martini, Britton Industries & Grant Williamson, Austin Wood Recycling

PDF Download Audio of Future of Raw Material Session
PDF Download PDF of Grant Williamson Presentation
PDF Download PDF of Sean Martini Presentation
10:00a-10:30a Break
10:30a-11:30a

Leveraging Screening Methods for Cost Savings and Quality Control : Hear from MSC member companies that have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the mulch & soil industry as they explain grinding vs screening, benefits and cost savings of screening more and grinding less and understanding the importance of controlling your mulch fines. Speakers: Kevin Yunker, Viably & Matt Smith, Smith Creek

PDF Download Audio of Leveraging Screening Methods Session
PDF Download PDF of Kevin Yunker & Matt Smith Presentation
11:30p-2:00p
KEYNOTE Luncheon Presentation:

RUDY! RUDY! RUDY!

It took years of fierce determination to overcome obstacles and criticisms, yet Rudy Ruettiger achieved his first dream - to attend Notre Dame and play football for the Fighting Irish. As fans cheered his name... RU-DY, RU-DY, he sacked the quarterback in the last 27 seconds of the only play, in the only game, of his college football career. He is the only player in the school's history to be carried off the field on his teammates' shoulders. Rudy entertains audiences with a unique, passionate, and heartfelt style of communicating. His captivating personality and powerful message of "Dream Big & Never Quit" will stay with you forever.

Sponsored By AgriCoatings

PDF Download Audio of Keynote Presentation by Rudy Ruettiger
2:00p-3:00p The Facts About Mold and Fungi In Mulches: : Are your customers alarmed or grossed out by unusual growths like dog vomit slime mold or artillery (shotgun) fungus in their landscapes? You're not alone. These common but often misunderstood fungal issues can cause concern for homeowners and frustration for landscape professionals. Join us as a plant pathologist shares practical, real-world insights on identifying, managing, and effectively communicating about these fungi. Learn helpful cleanup techniques and gain tips you can confidently pass along to your customers. Speaker: Kim Leonberger, University of Kentucky
PDF Download Audio of Facts About Mold and Fungi In Mulches
PDF Download PDF of Kim Leonbergere Presentation
3:00p-3:30p Break — Sponsored By Chromascape
3:30p-4:30p Mulch Color Trend Panel: Join our expert panel of seasoned industry professionals as they explore the evolving world of mulch color trends. From the early days of natural tones to today’s bold, vibrant options, our panelists will discuss how consumer preferences, regional influences, and market innovations have shaped the landscape. Discover where mulch color trends have been, where they currently stand, and what exciting directions they're heading in next. Panelists: Stephen Harney, Agricoatings, Nick Lincoln, Colorbitics, & Bryan Young, Chromascape
PDF Download Audio of Color Trends Panel Presentation
PDF Download PDF of Color Trends Panel Presentation
4:30p-6:00p President's Happy Hour – Join us for our closing event filled with some magic only Disney can offer!! Come ready to sip and celebrate with friends old and new before returning home recharged with new ideas to impact your business!
Sponsored By Viably

6:00p Meeting Ends
AND THANK YOU To Our Additional Sponsors

-- DIAMOND --
Colorbiotics (Badges & Lanyards)
Florida Coastal Colors (Pens & Pads)

-- GOLD --
Ecoverse
Kellogg Garden Products
Morbark
Reliance Packaging (Registration Bags)

-- SILVER --
Profile Products