Jan 21, 2012

Time to Travel By Tim Hodson

Last week, I escaped the single digit temperatures in Chicago for a 70-degree increase in the much warmer Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., at the 2012 Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE).

It seemed like quite a few northern growers had the same idea as they made their way to the Broward County Convention Center to check out the latest trends in foliage, floral and tropicals. As you can see by the photo, the outdoor Happy Hour on opening day was a welcome respite for attendees.

As I walked the show and talked to quite few people, everyone seemed to already be in high gear getting ready for spring.

Growers and the suppliers alike seem to be pretty optimistic about business in 2012 – I hope their optimisim rings true in the coming months. Our industry deserves it!

I’ve posted a few photos from the TPIE show floor on my Facebook page. Click here to check them out.

Mother Nature warmed up to a whopping 19 degrees for my return from TPIE ““ but she also managed to drop about 8 inches of snow on Chicagoland that wreaked havoc with the airlines. But nonetheless, I eventually made it home so I could get ready for my trip this week.

Because this week, Pete Mihalek, Bob Bellew and I are headed down to Louisville for ANLA Management Clinic.

If you want to “Feed Your Mind. Grow Your Business.” then ANLA Management Clinic is the place to be.

It will take place Wednesday through Saturday at the Galt House Hotel.

There’s still time to register, just click here to find out how.

If you are headed to Louisville, look for Pete, Bob or myself, we’d love to chat with you and see how 2012 looks for you and your company.

40 Under 40 Update

For all of you procrastinators out there, we have granted you a reprieve and extended the deadline for nominating someone to our inaugural 40 Under 40 list that will debut in the May issue of GPN.

THE LAST DAY TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS IS NEXT MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 2012.

Click here for details on how you can nominate someone ““ but don’t delay, the clock is ticking!