Dec 31, 2019

Happy New Year! By Tim Hodson

Happy New Year and welcome to 2020!

As the New Year kicks off, I wanted to remind you that there is less than a month to nominate someone for GPN’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2020. The actual deadline is Jan. 21, 2020.

Once again, we will be recognizing the horticulture industry’s young leaders who have the people skills, the technical know-how, the creativity and vision who will keep our industry moving forward for many years to come.

If you know someone that fits that description, we want to know more about that individual. Just go to www.gpnmag.com/40-under-40-nomination, fill out the nomination form and tell us why you think he/she belongs in the Class of 2020.

Anyone working in the horticulture industry can be nominated as long as they are under the age of 40 (as of Jan. 31, 2020). Previously nominated individuals who have not been selected in prior years can be nominated again as long as they have not yet turned 40.

The Class of 2020 will be recognized in the May issue of GPN as well as at several different functions at Cultivate’20 next summer in Columbus, Ohio.

Remember, the deadline for nominations is Jan. 21, 2020 and the nomination form can be found at www.gpnmag.com/40-under-40-nomination

— Tim

Walmart to Add New Distribution Hub in Kansas

Walmart has announced plans to open a new $200 million distribution center in Topeka, Kansas. The 1.8 million square foot distribution center is expected to create approximately 300 new jobs in the region. The new facility also is projected to create a total economic impact of $635 million in the region over the next decade and is Walmart’s fourth distribution center in Kansas.

Home Depot Kicks Off New Tagline

Last month, the Home Depot debuted a new tagline aimed at both brick-and-mortar and online shoppers.  The new slogan, “How doers get more done,” replaces the 10-year-old tagline “More Saving. More Doing.” The home improvement retailer introduced the slogan on Dec. 7, during the Southeast Conference championship football game. In 2020, the company will be promoting the new phrase on social media, in an online advertising campaign and a series of TV ads.

BJ’s Wholesale Club Names New CEO

On Dec. 19, BJ’s Wholesale Club announced that Lee Delaney would be the company’s new chief executive officer, effective Feb. 2, 2020. Delaney will replace Christopher Baldwin who was named executive chairman of the warehouse retailer. Prior to this appointment, Delaney was the company’s executive vice president and chief growth officer.