Nov 18, 2020
What’s Your Outlook for 2021? By Tim Hodson

I’m sure we can all agree that this year has been like no other. It has provided challenges and “opportunities” for growers, but as 2020 slowly winds down, it’s time to really take a look at 2021 and see where the industry is headed.

To help you do that, we will be offering a free webinar on “Outlook 2021: What to Expect from the Economy, the Consumer and Our Legislators.”

During this webinar, you will hear exclusive insight from Charlie Hall, Craig Regelbrugge and Bridget Behe as they examine the up-to-the-minute issues facing our industry and help growers make sense of these complicated topics and how they could influence the industry in the coming year.

On Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. EST, Charlie, Craig and Bridget will tackle the economy, the changing faces in Washington and how consumers are reacting to our changing world. They will help bring these issues into focus as you make your plans for the coming year.

Hall is a professor and Ellison Chair in International Floriculture at Texas A&M University; Regelbrugge is senior vice president of industry advocacy and research at AmericanHort; and Behe is a professor of horticultural marketing at Michigan State University.

The 90-minute webinar will help provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions for 2021.

To learn more about this free webinar or to register to participate, click here.

— Tim

 

Home Depot Expands Veterans Program

On Veteran’s Day, the Home Depot announced it is introducing expanded resources and programs to further its commitment to veterans and support the company’s existing 35,000 veteran and military spouse associates. Among the benefits is a new program that will guarantee employment opportunities to associates who are spouses of relocating members of the military. The Home Depot Foundation also announced it will cover mortgage payments for 500 veterans in need for the month of November as part of its second annual Veterans Day Operation Surprise initiative.

Walmart to Offer Live Christmas Tree Delivery and Lighting Services

Walmart is now offering its customers two new services to help take some of the hassle out of this year’s holiday season. The retailer is now delivering live Christmas trees to customers’ homes and is even offering to hang Christmas lights on customers’ homes. “Walmart is making it even easier for our customers to bring these hallowed holiday traditions into their homes — without ever having to leave,” the company said in a blog post on its website. “If it somehow says, ‘holiday cheer’ and ‘plant’ at once, we’re making it more accessible. Greenery, poinsettias, amaryllis, the Norfolk Island pine? Delivered.” Click here to learn more about the holiday program.

Meijer Truck Carrier Fleet Receives EPA Award

For the third consecutive year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized Meijer’s carrier fleet with its SmartWay Excellence Award. The 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. Meijer operates one of the largest standalone fleets in Michigan with 250 semi-trucks and nearly 400 drivers. Overall, the retailer has a network of 750 trucks that cover more than 1.3 million miles per week.


Tim Hodson




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GPN recognizes 40 industry professionals under the age of 40 who are helping to determine the future of the horticulture industry. These individuals are today’s movers and shakers who are already setting the pace for tomorrow.
FlogelKrystal
WorkentineJaclyn
PantojaPitaAlejandro
AllenTanner
ArmstrongJacki
LaraLaura
StokesHans
RuschJared
KnauerRyan