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The inaugural IGC Show in August of 2007 was called a groundbreaking success by GCA retailer members and industry suppliers. The event hosted garden center buyers from 49 states and 10 countries representing 2,293 stores. The total registration was 4,938.
Plan now to exhibit at the 2008 IGC Show and take advantage of the special booth rate offered to our members. For more information contact Lisa Bansavage at lisa@igcshow.com or call 203-682-1664. |
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E-News for May 1st, 2008
By: Shanan Molnar
Last week I shared the Oregon portion of an 8 day trip. To complete the story I must share with you the Florida portion too.
I flew to Orlando on Monday for the Tuesday TPIE meetings. Two GCA board members attend these meetings too - Jim Feeney of Feeney's in PA and Dave Williams of Williams Nursery in NJ. The goal behind including GCA Board Members is the knowledge and insight into what educational sessions garden center owners NEED. In this case, I believe the overall idea sharing is pretty impressive. The concept for 2008's TPIE Garden Center Track is for 3 sessions:
1) What Products Make a Successful Tropical's Department - what are the 'must have' and 'best sellers' - plus a tip sheet on how to get the product shipped, 2) What do you do when the product arrives? Well - the Buglady has promised a condensed version for checking the incoming plant material for pests! 3) Merchandising a tropical display will be another. Basically, from what to order, how to ship, receiving and pest detection, to placing items for customer purchase. Another session will be "The Best of GCA Tours!" GCA will also be coordinating the Wednesday Retail Learning Tour at TPIE. It was definitely a busy day filled with ideas.
 My next appointment was with Disney. The picture shows the view from my room Wednesday morning. Can you see Cinderella's Castle? I am not sure what I expected, but I definitely got more. Since this was a site visit for potentially booking Disney's Contemporary Resort as the host hotel for the 2010 Summer Tour - they rolled out an incredible welcome mat. Dave Williams and I checked in then met Josh Gold in the lobby. Josh greeted us both and began showing us all the final changes in a multi-million dollar renovation at the Contemporary. The Contemporary is the most business related hotel facility on the Disney property. While still family friendly they are building a new bar area geared to the business traveler plus a few other amenities.
Josh took us to the California Grill for a sumptuous dinner. While the whole facility is a 5 Diamond Resort, this restaurant is simply exquisite! Of their 45 wait staff, 38 are sommeliers - so the wine selection is accordingly exceptional. From the Sushi through dessert - the whole meal was truly an experience.
Next Josh took us to Epcot. He drove us up to a back gate and we walked a short distance to a covered deck by the lake. Epcot's Illuminations began at 9 PM. Illuminations are part fireworks, part light show, music and all a true Disney presentation in every aspect. 30 pyrotechnicians are required daily! The entire experience created a tremendous impression on both of us. We left early the next morning for tour stops while feeling very wowed by Disney!
Whether we stay at Disney or not in 2010 - my long winded story shares with you what was in essence a memorable shopping experience. We do plan to visit Disney on the tour - and creating a memory is definitely something we can all take home from Disney.
An additional stop on Wednesday took us to Rockledge Gardens. Teresa and Kevin Riley have a jewel toned gem nestled into a piece of Florida. It was a busy day at their store aside from the school bus of kids touring the place. Since we'll be visiting this location on the 2010 Summer Tour, you will get more details to come. 
I could not resist sharing this one picture from Rockledge. I will save the others for later.
We had several other stops through the course of this very busy day. One in particular was Flamingo Road Nursery the Garden Center Named Number 1 by Nursery Retailer Magazine. Definitely a store with many learning opportunities. We happened to be there as Jim was moving his Koi into the central pond.
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DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL
MONDAY, MAY 5TH, 2008
Nomination Form
Who is devoted to the green industry? Who is constantly on a quest to be the best they can be in this industry? Who is a leader amongst leaders?
We have opened up the GCA Award nominations for:
1) Garden Center of the Year
2) Supplier of the Year
3) Jack Schneider Award (not an annual award)
4) Holiday Supplier of the Year
5) Circle of Excellence Award - (new this year)
If you click on the link Nomination Form & Letter you will be able to see more explanation of the goals GCA is promoting with each award. If you need your password or just prefer to have us send you the form itself you can contact Michele Young at myoung@asginfo.net or 706-298-0287.
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REGISTER NOW! BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM! |
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By: Shanan Molnar
We have Fairview on the tour. We have Dwayne's on the tour. We have Garden Supply and interesting niche center in Cary, NC. Excellent demographics for a customer base. We also have people to meet, greet and share. We have an experience that will take your diehard spirit and give it a jolt of adrenaline. You will see and hear ideas that will solve problems or create a whole new revenue stream. Yes! I said revenue stream. Innovative people are constantly looking for ways to improve and these tours provide great nourishment.
Don't miss this grand opportunity to be a part of GCA's Summer Tour! It is not an experience that you will forget. You will have a tremendous amount of intrinsic value beyond the ticket price!
Sponsorship opportunities are still available also! We will be coming out with the 2nd Summer Tour t-shirt. Sponsorship on the t-shirt still has a few spots left! Don't let your company be missed! Call Shanan at 706-298-0287 or e-mail at smolnar@asginfo.net. |
keynotes
workshops
seminars
trade show
networking and
Tuesday reception/concert.
Details on IGC Show Tour
Garden Centers of America is coordinating the IGC Show Garden Center Tour on August 18th, 2008. Chicago is a city filled with a vast assortment of garden centers!
This year we will visit:
1) Alsip's Home & Nursery
2) Sid's Home & Garden Showplace
3) Henri's Studios
4) Platt Hill Garden Center
5) City Escape Garden Center
Hotels are already accepting reservations. By clicking on the link above to registration you will also have access to the list of hotels for the event. These prices in Chicago must be booked early! From a Sheraton to a Hyatt and other locations that offer that Chicago flair. Book today! |
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Dave Williams took his only day off to go check out this store - today! He was so impressed that he sent me the pictures to share with you. This is Urban Outfitters re-vamped Styer's store. We'll have to get more feedback when Dave's not sitting in the cafe!
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Contact Info
Shanan Molnar
Garden Centers of America
PO Box 2945
LaGrange, GA 30241
888-648-6463 / 706-298-0287
fax 706-883-8215
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