December 2012

Were You Impressed? By Tim Hodson

As 2012 comes to a close, I’m sure many of you are asking yourselves, “What happened to this year?” or more likely, “What happened this year?” A two-letter word can make a big difference in a sentence.

For many reasons, 2012 seems to have been a major blur. A mild winter followed by an early spring, a drought, unprecedented storms including Hurricane Sandy, an election year and a s-l-o-w-l-y recovering economy — no matter what region of the country you are in, 2012 offered everyone a greenhouse full of challenges.

Optimism was high early in the year until Mother Nature turned up the thermostat and turned off the faucet. Lawmakers were hesitant to make any major moves that could have impacted the economy all year long. And the wrath of Sandy on the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic in October was incredible.

It looks like 2012 definitely will be leaving a lasting impression on the horticulture industry.

What is your impression of 2012? How did it treat you and your business? What did you do to tackle this year’s challenges? What did you learn this year that you will implement in 2013?

Drop me a line at thodson@sgcmail.com and let me know how your 2012 was and how 2013 is looking?

Finding the Next 40

Don’t forget, GPN is looking for 40 individuals under the age of 40 for our 40 Under 40 Class of 2013.

For the second year in a row, we will be recognizing 40 men and women who are today’s industry rock stars. They are the ones who are making a lot of noise for all of the right reasons!

They will be featured in our May issue as well as during OFA Short Course next July in Columbus, Ohio.

If you know someone that you would like to nominate for our Class of 2013, then send the following information to me at thodson@sgcmail.com: Nominee’s name, title and birth date; company name and address; and a brief statement (300-600 words) detailing the individual’s accomplishments and why he or she should be considered.

The deadline for nominations is Jan. 21, 2013.

Have a safe and joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year from everyone at GPN!