May | June 2010 LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Meeting


“Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin at once, whether you’re ready or not, to put it into ac- tion.” — Napoleon Hill, an American author and motiva- tional expert.


Sherry Loudermilk


Each year, GGIA meets in June for the annual planning


retreat. We have found a suitable home for this event at Rock Eagle in Eatonton. I am always amazed that 20 to 25 people will spend one to two days of their time with GGIA in planning for the future. It is because of this solid and strong volunteer base that GGIA is able to accomplish almost as much as some of the larger associations who have far more resourc- es and staff at their disposal. Each of those people clearly understands that as GGIA is strengthened, so is the industry itself.


We met a lot of the goals planned in 2009. We rein- vented a show in less than 8 months as date changes were imposed upon us. In doing so, the show in-


10 g o a l s


“Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin at once, whether you’re ready or not, to put it into action.”


-Napoleon Hill


creased in both exhibitor and attendee participation as well as adding more dollars to GGIA’s bottom line. These dollars will be used in other projects for the industry.


We increased our scope at the State Capitol and with the other regulatory agencies. When the Water Stew- ardship Act was being discussed at the Capitol, Chris Butts had the unique opportunity of sitting down with Representative Terry England to discuss the ex- emptions needed for the green industry. And, while working with Terry, Georgia Agribusiness Council and Georgia Urban Ag Council, the exemptions were included in the legislation.


These non-drought ex-


emptions keep our industry working. If you haven’t brushed up on the new outdoor watering rules, check out this page on the GGIA website: http://www.ggia. org/docs/outdoor%20water%20rules%202010.pdf.


While in many members’ business planning, January starts the new year. With GGIA, our financial year ends on June 30. A new budget is in place on July 1, reflecting the activities that were decided upon dur- ing the June retreat. A new trade show cycle begins,


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