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| OFA Interim CEO Announced |
 Jim Broderick, current OFA Treasurer, has been named by the board of directors as the Interim Chief Executive Officer. This announcement is the result of the unexpected death of John R. Holmes on February 12.
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| Managing the Intimidation Factor |
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Is your garden center intimidating? Most likely it's not to you or your employees but what about that first-time customer or new gardener? Have you looked at your displays, layout, and signage through your customers' eyes instead of your own? Pam Bennett's "Raising the Bar by Lowering the Intimidation Factor" in the January/February 2009 issue of the OFA Bulletin advises that even the smallest details can change the perception of your garden center. A full trash can, body language, dust on tools, and bad smells can all signal this is the wrong place to shop. Members can read the article in its entirety to get more suggestions and tips for increasing sales with this underserved population at the myOFA section of www.ofa.org. |
| Enhancing Your OFA Short Course Experience |
 The 2009 OFA Short Course promises to be better than ever, with a full lineup of educational courses, new speakers, networking events, and a world-class trade show. Here are just a few improvements you can look for this year.
Map Your Show: If want to get more out of your Short Course experience, invest in some advance planning with the show's "Map Your Show" feature. Currently focused on the trade show, the feature allows you to search exhibitors to map your route before you even get to Columbus. Educational sessions are currently being uploaded and will tie into the search capability with an agenda planner feature. Try it today!
Merchandising ShowCase: This year's merchandising events will be highlighted by an improved Merchandising ShowCase that will be more interactive, featuring 10 displays with ideas attendees can take home and use right away. Two educational sessions will be directly tied to the Merchandising ShowCase and will involve some hands-on activities. Additionally, look for more information in future issues of the e-Bulletin about a merchandising contest.
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| Inner Secrets of Outrageous Marketing |
While there will be a long list of great educational sessions at the 2009 OFA Short Course, certainly one of the highlights will be Sunday's three-part management and marketing series "Inner Secrets of Outrageous Marketing" by Ron Rosenberg, a speaker new to the event.
Rosenberg is a nationally recognized expert in marketing and will be sharing his proven strategies for explosive business growth. Covering topics such as "Niche Marketing," "Features vs. Benefits," and "Crafting Your Message," the session will be an in-depth experience that offers personalized information. Attendees are encouraged to bring samples of their marketing materials to compare what works and what doesn't.
Other Management & Marketing topics include: "More Profit Margin from 'Lean,'" "Building & Growing Your Team," "Your Banker is on the Phone," and "Dealing with Change."
Keep track of the OFA Short Course sessions as they are confirmed and added to the program.
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| OFA Members On Revolutionary 100 |
 Congratulations to 24 OFA members for being named to Today's Garden Center's " Revolutionary 100," which honors the most progressive and innovative garden centers across the country. See who made the list. |
| Perennial Production Secrets Revealed |
 Mark your calendars to attend the OFA Perennial Production Conference September 20-22 in Buffalo, New York.
Perennial producers of all levels are urged to attend this unique event, which offers an intimate educational and networking experience focused 100 percent on perennials. Through workshops, seminars, tour, and a trade show, attendees will learn everything they need to know about perennial production, including the latest science and trends for producing and marketing perennials.
- Trade Show - click here to learn about exhibit and sponsorship opportunities
- Full-Day Workshops on Perennial Production and Increasing Profits
- Two Production Tracks with Hard-Core Production Sessions
- Business Management and Marketing Sessions
- Retail Experience Sessions for the Perennial Retailer
- New Variety Sessions
- Tour of Production Facilities
- Full Day of Spanish Sessions
- Tons of Networking Opportunities
- Pesticide Recertification Credits Available
Visit www.ofa.org/perennial for updated conference information. |
| Update From Leonardo Academy |
 The Standards Committee for the Sustainable Agriculture Standard and Leonardo Academy are seeking your participation in their efforts to define the underlying mission and scope of the standard development process.
For more information on getting involved contact Amanda Raster, amanda@leonardoacademy.org or visit the Leonardo Academy's web site.
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| E-Source Spotlight - FloriFacts |
Looking for a good industry web site that covers a broad range of production-related topics? Then bookmark FloriFacts, the University of Minnesota Department of Horticultural Science web site.
"FloriFacts" is a complete information resource for growers and students of greenhouse crops, outdoor herbaceous ornamentals, and greenhouse vegetable crops and features nearly 10 years of data from the University's perennial and annual trials. | |
