NEWS GRO
on
the
W
Compiled by Paige Worthy
Ecke Highlights
Poinsettia ‘Fashions’
Ecke Ranch recently hosted its annual Poinsettia
Trial and Open House, but it wasn’t the cultivars
From OFA to You
that generated the attention. This time around, a
record number of attendees wanted to know more
about design trends.
The Many Benefi ts
Everyone was looking for ideas, trends and
of America in Bloom
concepts that add value and defi ne products at
retail. “It’s like someone fl ipped a switch: Our
guests really got these concepts and the notion that
During tough economic times, you might hear customers
working together, we can help the channel be more
or even community leaders questioning the importance of
successful” said Snow Maestas, Ecke’s marketing
spending money on landscaping. And while our product does
manager.
have an immediate feel-good impact, we need to make sure
Simple, fresh and elegant were some common
that customers understand the benefi ts.
themes seen during the event that lasted for two
We know of research and case studies showing that land-
weeks. Ecke’s Design Center, which has been in
scaping increases occupancy rates, rentals, and property values;
operation for a year, created more than 10 vignettes featuring design and dec-
that fl owers make people happy; that well-tended communities
orating trends for poinsettias, including a Couture Collection Plant Fashion
have less crime; and that certain plants improve air quality. We
Runway Show that showcased poinsettias in several different fashion catego-
know that, but do your customers? How are you communicating
ries: “Black Tie,” “Cool Season — Hot Colors,” “Offi ce Attire,” “Sportswear” and
the value of plants and landscaping in your community?
“Ready to Wear.”
America in Bloom can help. More than eight years ago,
Ecke’s Design Center provides providing pro-
the industry came together to
gram, product and design solutions to growers and
launch this national campaign
retailers alike. For more information, visit Ecke’s
to encourage cities to use more
poinsettia site at www.ecke.com/new1/
horticulture products and raise
poinsettias.asp.
awareness about the value of
For more information on poin-
landscaping in public life.
settia varieties for 2010, turn to
our feature on the 2009 National
By the Numbers
Poinsettia Trials on page 16.
To date, AIB has engaged
nearly 180 communities with
a wide range of populations
to connect people to plants
through education and partici-
pation. Combined, these com- OFA Names New CEO
munities represent more than
22 million residents in 38 states. Michael V. Geary, CAE, has been named new chief execu-
AIB’s eight judging criteria cul- tive offi cer of OFA — an Association of Horticulture Profes-
tivate residents who are interested in plants and landscaping, sionals. He will start at OFA’s Columbus, Ohio, headquarters
heritage preservation, environmental awareness, economic on March 1.
development and community spirit. His selection is the culmination of an extensive search
process that began after the death of John R. Holmes in Feb-
Get Involved ruary 2009.
And visible results are contagious. Throughout the United “We are pleased to have Michael’s record of success in
States, AIB has pockets of participation, and neighboring cities association management applied on OFA’s behalf as the
share their experiences. As an industry, we are getting maximum industry and association plan for the future,” said OFA Pres-
bang for our buck. But imagine what AIB could accomplish if its ident Danny Takao. Michael V. Geary, CAE
funding base were multiplied tenfold. What if it had hundreds Geary has 18 years’ experience in association manage-
of cities in the program each year? Think of all the local markets ment and organizational development, which includes serving as executive director of
that would be positively impacted — including yours. the American Institute of Architecture Students, senior director for the National Asso-
Take an active role locally by getting cities involved and sup- ciation of Home Builders and senior staff positions with The Delta Chi Fraternity and the
porting cities in the regions you serve. Are you already involved North American Interfraternity Conference.
with public plantings in your city? Would you like to start a pro- “With the support of a visionary board and active membership and staff, OFA has
gram in your town? Getting your community involved in AIB is become a leader in the horticulture industry,” Geary said. “I look forward to continuing
a great way to not only recognize the work your town and its that tradition of success.”
residents already are doing, it’s a great way to plant new pro- Geary is a graduate of the University of Florida and has earned the designation of
grams that bring real benefi ts. Learn more about AIB at www. Certifi ed Association Executive from the American Society of Association Executives.
americainbloom.org.
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8 GPN February 2010 www.gpnmag.com
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