Feb 3, 2016

Now is the Time! By Tim Hodson

Have you registered to attend the 2016 Big Grower Executive Summit yet?

If you haven’t, now is the time to do so because time is running short!

All you have to do is go to www.biggrower.com/executivesummit and register today for two-and-a-half days of outstanding education, networking opportunities and a fascinating tour of Metrolina Greenhouses facilities in Huntersville, North Carolina.

The Summit will take place Feb. 21-23, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Also, the discounted hotel rate of just $145 per night has been extended until tomorrow, February 5.

What are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present.

— Tim

Campbell Named Head of Depot’s U.S. Stores

Earlier this week, Ann-Marie Campbell became the executive vice president in charge of Home Depot’s U.S. stores. She replaces Marc Powers who left the company on Feb. 1. A company spokesperson said the decision was mutual. Campbell is a 30-year veteran of the home improvement retailer who started as a cashier at one of the chain’s Florida stores.

Lowe’s to Buy Canadian Rival

In an attempt to increase its presence in Canada, Lowe’s has made a $2.3 billion bid to buy Rona, a home improvement retailer based in Quebec. The boards of both companies approved the deal yesterday. Rona has approximately 500 stores and 17,000 employees in Canada. Lowe’s tried to buy Rona back in 2012, but the deal fell through after opposition from the Canadian government as well as Rona’s board of directors.

Home Depot Stocks Up on Employees for Spring

The Home Depot plans to hire more than 80,000 associates nationwide this spring to ensure its nearly 2,000 stores are staffed and ready for the company’s busiest selling season. Opportunities include sales, operations and cashier positions across all departments. The new hire totals are approximately the same as 2015 when more than half of the company’s seasonal hires eventually transitioned into permanent positions.