Top 10 ways you can thrive in 2025
The new year holds immense potential for the horticulture industry. Here are 10 ways to empower yourself and your team to perform better, grow faster and prepare for the future:
1. Invest in your workforce: Elevate employee engagement with certification
Empower your team with the AmericanHort Greenhouse Technician Certification. This comprehensive program equips new hires, upskills existing employees and prepares your top talent for leadership roles. Developed alongside industry experts and refined with feedback directly from growers, this certification is a cost-effective, turn-key training opportunity.
Looking ahead: Stay tuned for the Greenhouse Section Grower Certification coming in January.
2. Mark your calendar: Cultivate’25 is July 12-15
Start your summer planning now and get ready to join the green industry in Columbus, Ohio, at Cultivate’25. Network with colleagues, discover cuttingedge trends and gain valuable insights to propel your business forward. Real connections and real results are found at this leading industry event.
3. Leverage the power of community: Join a roundtable discussion
Connect with fellow AmericanHort members through roundtable programs. Discuss industry challenges, share successes and learn from each other’s experiences. These online gatherings are a fantastic way to stay informed and build meaningful connections.
4. Grow your career with Grow Forward programs
Enhance your work performance by signing up for Grow Forward programs designed specifically for young and emerging professionals. These interactive sessions offer practical insights, career strategies and networking opportunities to foster success within the industry.
5. Spark inspiration and learning: Host a Women in Horticulture Interview watch party
Motivate your team with the Women in Horticulture Interview Series. Gather your associates for an educational and inspiring session featuring accomplished women in the green industry. Discuss key learnings from their stories, overcome challenges together and empower your team.
6. Advocate for your industry: Engage with elected officials
Make your voice heard! Participate in Voter Voice, a tool that allows you to easily contact your U.S. representatives with pre-written messages from AmericanHort on key legislative issues. This simple yet impactful action demonstrates the importance of the green industry to your state’s leaders.
Empowerment through advocacy: Take it a step further. Invite your representative or senator for a company visit during congressional recess. Showcase your operation and explain how policy decisions directly impact your business. This personal touch can make a significant difference. Contact AmericanHort for planning assistance.
7. Shape the future: Attend the Impact Washington Fly-In Summit
For a deeper dive into advocacy, participate in the Impact Washington Fly-In Summit this fall. This biannual event organized by AmericanHort allows you to meet with policymakers face-to-face, share your experiences and influence decisions that affect your business. You’ll be equipped with key talking points and details to have meaningful conversations.
8. Elevate emerging industry leaders: HRI Leadership Academy and HortScholars
Support the development of future industry leaders by encouraging emerging talent in your organization to apply for the HRI Leadership Academy. This intensive program provides participants with the skills to excel and lead business into the future.
Or, if you know a college student passionate about horticulture, encourage them to apply for the HortScholars program at Cultivate’25. HortScholars gain valuable insights, connections with industry leaders and career advancement opportunities.
Application deadlines: Early February
9. Secure the future: Support research and scholarships with HRI
Support the future of horticulture by making a tax-deductible donation to HRI. Your contribution can fund relevant research projects that address critical industry challenges or support scholarships for promising horticulture students. Every contribution makes a difference!
10. Connect with HR peers and share best practices
Join the HR Peer Sharing Group to connect with industry peers, share best practices and discuss challenges. These monthly discussions provide a valuable platform to learn from experts, ask questions and gain insights to help you better manage your team.
Get involved with AmericanHort and unlock a world of resources to help you and your business thrive in 2025. Explore our programs, access industry news, benefit from discounts and much more at americanhort.org.
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