Aug 1, 2018

A Plug for a Conference on Plugs (and Cuttings) By Tim Hodson

Are you a young plant producer looking for ways to grow your plugs and cuttings smarter and more profitably?

If you answered “yes” to that question, you just might want to head to North Carolina next month for AmericanHort’s 2018 Plug & Cutting Conference.

The Plug & Cutting Conference will take place Sept. 17-19, at the Sheraton Charlotte Hotel in Charlotte.

The Plug & Cutting Conference is the place to learn about different strategies, technologies and techniques in the world of plugs and cuttings and “start seeding smarter solutions for better performance.”

The conference will offer educational sessions, workshops and exhibits focusing specifically on the best practices of young plant production.

The educational program will focus on plant nutrition, pest management, disease control and proper production techniques for plug and cutting growers.

This year’s conference also will feature production tours of Metrolina Greenhouses and Rockwell Farms.

Some of the plant nutrition topics that will be covered include: Back to Basics: Understanding the Nutrient Management Pyramid; Nutrient and Water Management in Propagation; Solving Nutrient Management Puzzles; and Basics of Monitoring: Preventing Problems Before They Begin.

Pesticide recertification credits from several states will be available for many of the sessions.

Some courses also will be offered in Spanish.

Click here for more information or to register to attend the 2018 Plug & Cutting Conference

— Tim

Lowe’s Appoints New EVP for Stores

On July 20, Lowe’s announced that Joseph M. McFarland III was named executive vice president of stores, effective Aug. 15. In this role, McFarland will oversee the north, south and west divisions; Orchard Supply Hardware; pro and services businesses; operations engineering and asset protection for the organization. McFarland will report to Marvin R. Ellison, president and CEO. McFarland has more than 25 years of retail operations experience including more than two decades at The Home Depot. He most recently served as EVP and chief customer officer at JCPenney.

Walmart Commits $2 Million to Diverse Youth Internship Program

Last month, Walmart announced $2 million in grants to organizations working to expand internship opportunities for diverse youth populations, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. The grants build on previous Walmart funding to the two nonprofits, bringing the company’s total investment to more than $6 million over the last several years. The funding will help provide career pathways on Capitol Hill for students and young professionals through education and hands-on experience in the nation’s capital.

People Magazine Recognizes Wegman’s Food Markets

East Coast-based supermarket chain Wegman’s has been recognized by Great Place to Work and People magazine as one of People’s “50 Companies That Care.”  Wegmans took the #11 spot. Rankings represent feedback from over 4.5 million U.S. employees. People partnered with Great Place to Work, a global people analytics and consulting firm, to analyze employees’ survey feedback on how their workplaces make a difference in their lives and communities, and to consider the generosity of each organization’s benefits, philanthropic and community support.