Dates to Circle
On Dec. 12, a Greenhouse Production, Technology, & Labor-Saving bus tour will take place during the Michigan Greenhouse Growers Expo in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Join Michigan State University Extension Educator Heidi Lindberg for a tour featuring four greenhouse producers in western Michigan. Learn about how the crops are propagated, grown and finished for wholesale distribution.
The tour will highlight technology and labor-saving methods and strategies to reduce the cost of production while maintaining plant quality. Participants should dress warmly and wear close-toed, water-repellant shoes or boots and be prepared for a significant amount of time standing. The tour includes lunch and snacks.
The tour stops will include: Revolution Farms, Henry Mast Greenhouse, Spring Meadow Nursery and Walters Garden. The tour is limited to 55 people.
Visit www.canr.msu.edu/floriculture/expo for more information, including descriptions of each tour stop.
CEA Webinar Next Week
On Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. EDT, Neil Mattson of Cornell University will present a free one-hour webinar on “The ABCs of N-P-K: Nutrient Management of Hydroponic Crops.”
During the webinar, Mattson will discuss critical factors when developing a nutrient management program including: fertilizer selection and compatibility, nutrient solution monitoring, and how environmental factors impact nutrient availability.
Mattson will present commonly used fertilizer recipes for leafy greens, herbs and vine crops. Finally, common nutrient disorders will be discussed as well as strategies for diagnosing and solving these problems to ensure a healthier, higher-yielding crop.
Click here for more information or to register to participate.
Walmart Names New President, CEO of U.S. Operations
On Oct. 10, Walmart announced that John Furner will become president and chief executive officer of Walmart U.S., following a successful five years in the business segment under Greg Foran. Furner will report directly to Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon. The move is effective Nov. 1. Foran, who is taking a role as CEO at Air New Zealand Limited, will stay on with Walmart through Jan. 31 to ensure a smooth transition. Furner, 45, started with Walmart as an hourly associate in 1993, working part-time in the garden center of a supercenter. He has held leadership roles in operations, merchandising and sourcing in Walmart U.S., Sam’s Club and Walmart International.
Two Long-Time Wegmans Execs to Retire in December
Two senior executives at New York-based regional supermarket chain Wegmans have announced their plans to retire at the end of 2019. Jo Natale, vice president of media relations, and Jack DePeters, senior vice president of store operations, will step down from their positions at the end of the year. DePeters has been with the company for more than 50 years and Natale is a 36-year veteran of the company. Bob Farr will assume DePeters responsibilities and Deanna Percassi will be joining the company to take Natale’s position.
Meijer Receives Two EPA Awards
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named Michigan retailer Meijer as a Smartway Excellence Award winner is two different categories – as a shipping partner and as a carrier partner. The EPA’s SmartWay Excellence Award recognizes the top retail and manufacturing carriers and shippers that demonstrate how their logistical operations make a measurable difference in reducing carbon emissions, while also effectively managing fuel costs as they move goods around the country. Award winners lead their industries in improving freight efficiency and contributing to cleaner air within their supply chains. Meijer operates a fleet of 250 semi-trucks that cover more than 27 million miles each year.
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