|
|
|
| Attracting Landscape Customers |
|
Do you have many landscape customers? Many growers/retailers do not actively court this business because they are not sure what varieties landscapers prefer. Well the January/February issue of the OFA Bulletin offers some insight.
In the article "20 Varieties That Attract Landscapers," Bruce Hellerick outlines some of the most popular crop types for the trade and makes recommendation on specific varieties that are proven to work in the landscape. In addition to standards you would expect, such as pansies and petunias, Hellerick recommends some surprising selections (Helenium) and some crops you might have thought too old fashioned (marigolds).
If you are an OFA member, you can read the complete list of Hellerick's recommendations in the myOFA section of the OFA website. |
| OFA to Manage Nursery & Landscape Association Executives of North America |
 The Nursery & Landscape Association Executives of North America (NLAE) has announced that OFA - an Association of Horticulture Professionals will manage the organization effectively immediately.
|
| OFA Short Course Grower Program Taking Shape |
 The OFA staff and volunteer grower committee members have been working since early last fall to develop the educational tracks for the 2009 OFA Short Course.
In the grower track for instance, pest/disease management, mixed containers, and crops specifics that are always attendee favorites will be held, but this year's program will cover some of the industry's most pressing issues such as managing production in drought conditions, aspects of sustainability, energy management, and working with Latino workers.
In an effort to provide more in-depth coverage of each issue, the 2009 Short Course will offer blocks of sessions on most topics. These session blocks will feature a variety of speakers from academia and industry to address different aspects of each topic. For example: 11 speakers will test your Business IQ in three hour-long sessions that include Pricing Economics & Profitability, Should I Grow or Buy? The Small Retail Grower Quandary, and Ten Things Every Wholesale Grower Should Be Doing to Help Their Retailers "Market."
|
| Don't Miss the OFA Scholars Deadline |
 The date to apply for the OFA Scholars Program is quickly approaching, so if you want to take advantage of this great opportunity (either for yourself or a well-deserving student you know), then get moving!
Open to students nationwide who are currently attending graduate or undergraduate school in floriculture, horticulture, or a related field, the OFA Scholars Program is the perfect introduction to the industry.
The application process includes a completed application form and a faculty letter of recommendation. Applications will be accepted until January 15, and winners will be announced March 1. |
| OFA Expands Team |
 OFA is pleased to welcome Michelle Mazza full-time to its team as the Coordinator-Special Projects. Welcome, Michelle!
|
| OFA Board Member's Business Recognized |
 Longfellow's Greenhouse, owned and operated by OFA Board Member Scott Longfellow, was named the 2009 Business of the Year by. Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce. The store earned the award for its attention to customer service during its transformation into Maine's largest ornamental greenhouse operation. Congrats! Read the full article |
| Management Clinic Scholarsihps Available |
 Bayer Advanced, in cooperation with ANLA, will be awarding 40 full scholarships to independent garden centers to attend the ANLA Management Clinic. Applicants do not have to be Bayer customers or ANLA members.
ANLA's Management Clinic, to be held February 6-8 in Louisville, Kentucky, is an industry event dedicated exclusively to business skills education.
|
| ANSI Revokes "National Standard" Designation |
 In a general motion late last year the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) announced that it was no longer allowing usage of the term "Draft American National Standards for trial use" in describing the development project.
All existing documents, including the proposed sustainability standard, will be changed to reflect the new status and can no longer use the phrase in promotion efforts.
So what does this mean for the sustainability standard? The Standards Committee voted in September 2008 to set aside the original draft standard, and new documents are currently under development. The Leonardo Academy has revised all documents and filed the necessary motions to continue the development process, as permitted for standards previously filed as Draft American National Standards for Trial Use. As such, the development process will continue to move forward as a candidate for an American National Standard, only without the formal affirmation it formerly held.
|
| E-Source Spotlight - Green Energy |
The goal of this project is to foster a regional network of renewable energy producers and users, with a focus on grain corn but also including other types of renewable energy. The web site features great articles about the different types of source material and how to put each to use as well as a storehouse of information to get you started using green energy.
| |
