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E-news for August 7th, 2008
Time for Trees!
by: Shanan Molnar
It's HOT in Georgia at this time of the year! With temperatures in the upper 90's with plenty of humidity it is not pleasant to even walk outside. So trees providing the natural shade are really the most promising venue to those of us that crave outside time after spending hours at the desk. I just have to ask - do you tell your customers how much cooling their home receives from the trees they have around their house? Statistics are strongly in your favor so make sure and add that tidbit to your signage or next e-mail about tree sales.
Trees are also part of a program that Garden Centers of America ™ is participating in with the National Christmas Tree Association and FedEx. Can you envision your parking lot sporting a nice large semi-trailer with really cool graphics telling all your customers that your garden centers is providing trees to troops? Consumers like to feel good about their purchases. Trees for Troops provides a feel good factors and do don't want to miss out. E-mail me for information on participation the link below is for consumers.
Trees are also relevant to my day as I sent my kids back to school today. Yes - they started back on the 7th of August! So I spent last night making sure we had all the paper products that my kids needed. I have shopped for the last week or so gathering all the things kids need for school. I have also wondered what interesting outlet or avenue a garden center could provide to the harried Mom's and teachers. A 'Mom's Retreat' or 'Teacher's Tea' were quick thoughts I had to name such an event. I would love to hear what some of you are doing in this avenue.
By the way, trees are also saved by electronic methods for idea sharing. So I need to pass along idea sharing requests from some of our GCA members.
1) Stephen Barlow at Barlow's Flower Farm in Sea Girt, New Jersey sent me an e-mail asking about salary for marketing personnel in the garden center industry. His particular scenario included a current employee he felt might be under-utilized in their position.
2) Lyda Guz from The Natural Gardener in Austin, Texas asked if anyone has a Tardy and Absenteeism Policy that is effective. (The Natural Gardener is also the winner of the Garden Center Magazine's Innovator Award for 2008.)
If you have information to share regarding either of these questions just send me an e-mail at smolnar@asginfo.net and I will be happy to forward. I may even be able to use it in the next e-news.
Speaking of the next e-news - next week is a week for GCA's Retailer. The Retailer newsletter is a benefit of membership. We would be delighted to have you join our ranks of membership. One of next week's articles will include info on how Sid's Greenhouse handles their nursery pot recycling program. (An e-mail to my address above will get the ball moving for your membership!) The article came about because a member noted a need for more information on the topic. Providing members the tools they need is important to GCA.
Finally, I will also be in full preparation mode next week for the IGC Show. Jeff Morey has been busy and his team has too - making sure all the final details are nailed to perfection. I will be getting the tour books for the 2nd IGC Store Tour shipped up to Chicago. I am very proud to say that the tour is completely sold out with 4 buses! (Tour attendees are meeting at the Sheraton on Water Street at 7:00 AM on Monday, August 18th. Buses will depart promptly at 7:20 AM.) I am very excited. This is the only green industry show that I have heard promote increased attendance at 15%!
I have just one more question series this week. What are you doing for fall this year? Is there any particular product or plant that is more exciting for you? What fall programs have made you proud? As always, I enjoy the feedback and smolnar@asginfo.net is just a click away!
Sold out! IGC Bus Tour is Sold Out!
We have completely filled the tour! Make sure you register now for the trade show and any educational opportunities that you might want to experience. IGC Show Registration
Look for your fellow GCA members at the show. We have ribbons for your badge so you know fellow GCA Members! Stop by the booth and get yours. Also visit with GCA staff and various board members to answer any questions you may have regarding membership.
Garden Centers of America ™ Awards
Circle of Life, Holiday Supplier of the Year and the Jack Schneider Award are now ready for your nomination. We have the nomination form and an explaination of each award available. If you would like to receive these pieces of information via e-mail send the request to smolnar@asginfo.net. You can also sign into the website and look under the "members only" section.
I can't wait to see who's nominated! So get those nomination forms sent to me!
Contact Info
Shanan Molnar
Garden Centers of America
PO Box 2945
LaGrange, GA 30241
888-648-6463 / 706-298-0287
fax 706-883-8215
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