 Yale Youngblood |
I’m probably not venturing to the far reaches of the tree’s longest limb when I say 2011 is critical to our industry. Specifically, it’s critical to you. Over the past two years-plus, you’ve duked with a jab-happy economy and crammed for tests in demography, sociology and technology, only to discover that the book for each seems to go out of print almost as soon as it’s published. Oh, and you also spent too, too much time searching for silver linings in all manner of clouds, both figurative and literal. Yes, it’s safe to say that the recent past won’t be included among the days you recall joyfully when you finally tally the score. STILL ... The fact that you’re still around to contemplate tallying shows that you’ve learned how to study harder and shop smarter and wax surer than ever about how you help gardening enthusiasts find what they want and need. So, now, in 2011, you get your chance to see all those seeds reach fruition, as it were. To that end, I point you to our cover story on page 10. Its path to fruition followed this course: I was visiting with several retailers at a recent trade event in the Seattle area when one said, “Do you know what would make a great story? Get a bunch of prominent garden center operators to tell us some of the things they’ve done to be successful. Do they have a secret formula? Do they work harder than everyone else? Are they just lucky? I’d really like to know some of their ‘tricks.’” Given that the preceding 55-word quote would be hard-pressed to fit as a headline, we went USA Today on the concept and arrived at something a tad more succinct: “The Best Move I Ever Made.” The story, really the collection of recollections, is a primer for people who want to be successful, from people who already are successful. Not only that—it’s a great way to turn 2011 from critical to profitable. And that’s a distinction that we’ll all remember fondly. THIS JUST IN ... We are excited to announce the creation of a new awards program for the horticultural industry. The Horticultural Industries Leadership Awards will pay tribute to individuals that have acted above and beyond their own business or personal interests to make a difference in the lives of their employees, customers, communities or industry. Attached to our Contents page you’ll find a nomination form that we’d like you to use to vote for industry “players” you’ve grown to appreciate for their leadership skills and selfless devotion. Details of the award program are listed there, along with the entry deadline (May 1). It’s a great way to honor great folks, so please let us hear from you. |
Explore the April 2011 Issue
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