Education Spotlight

Do Something About the Weather
from ANLA
"Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody seems to do anything about it."
Charles Dudley Warner

We've had a cold wet spring. Since you can't turn off the rain, do something different, do something creative and identify the somethings you can do about the weather. Some of your customers may be waiting for the warm, sunny days ahead, but you don't have to! Click here for more:  More
 

The 10 Most Innovative Companies In Retail
from Fast Company
Here is Fast Company's run down on the 10 most innovative companies around, including Groupon, Trader Joe's and Marks & Spencer.  More
 

Social Media Small Business Roundup
from Small Business Trends
Are you using social media marketing for your small business? More and more people are these days, but when it comes to figuring out what trends are important, what's next and how to begin, you'll need expert help. Enter this roundup from a variety of news and information sources that will take you into the world of social media and teach you how to use this vital tool for the benefit of your business.  More
 

Residential Landscaping: Native Plants vs. Non-Native Plants
from Mother Nature Network
The appeal of native plants has grown in recent years as increasing numbers of people have discovered their advantages as ornamentals. This interest was boosted by rebates from various forward-thinking municipalities like the East Bay Municipal Utility District in northern California, which paid residents as much as $500 for replacing water-guzzling grass with native species. If you've been thinking about going native, it's worth it to find out if there are any rebates in your area.  More
 

Troubled Home Market Creates Generation of Renters
from The Associated Press via Chicago Sun-Times
A growing number of Americans can't afford a home or don't want to own one, a trend that's spawning a generation of renters and a rise in apartment construction. Many of the new renters are former owners who lost homes to foreclosure or bankruptcy. For others who could afford one, a home now feels too costly, too risky or unlikely to appreciate enough to make it a worthwhile investment.  More
 

The Technologies That Will Change the Logistics Game
from DC Velocity
What technologies will have the biggest impact on logistics and supply chain management in the coming year? A panel of information technology experts offered their thoughts on that question at eyefortransport's 13th annual Logistics CIO and Supply Chain Technology Forum in Chicago this past April. The experts agreed that three technologies in particular bear watching: Mobile computing, analytics software, and social media.  More
 

The New Rules of Customer Loyalty
from Inc.
If you give a discount to your most loyal customers, you might be doing something wrong. At least you're not doing all you can to reward your best customers, and keep them coming back. Experts say there are some rules to follow to make your customers feel like kings from the very first moment they encounter your product or service. Do it right, and you'll not only score a lifelong customer, but also an advocate for your brand — and that's a lot more valuable.  More
 

Grower News

Worth the Wait
from American Nurseryman
You've read the stories. You've heard the rumors. You've probably uttered the groan-inducing cliché, "A chicken in every pot." But the work that's going into creating horticulture containers from chicken feathers is very real, and very serious. And to many in the industry, it seems it's taking a long time.  More
 

Tiny Federal Program Will Save Enough Water to Supply a City
from Clean Technica
The U.S. Department of the Interior has just announced $24 million in funding for new water conservation projects in western states, some of which will also save energy, too. Proving once again that a little goes a long way, the funds will be split among 54 separate projects, and when you put them all together it adds up to more than 100,000 acre-feet per year. That's enough to provide water for about 400,000 people.  More
 

ANLA's Member-to-Member Program encourages member firms to prefer other ANLA members when conducting business transactions. By doing this, you are supporting progressive green industry businesses that are investing in the future of our industry, and encouraging those who aren't to join you as a member of ANLA. Look up a green industry firm's membership status any time using ANLA's Online Membership Directory. Member Spotlight: Profile in Profit Each week a different ANLA member is spotlighted in this News Brief. Click on the company link to learn more about their products & services, company history, product tips and resources, and in many cases special ANLA Member Discounts. This week: Monrovia

Trade Press Headlines

Follow the LEEDer?
from Grower Talks
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Spring A Mixed Bag For Garden Retailers
from Today's Garden Center
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Networking to Find New Customers
from Lawn & Landscape
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Syngenta To Invest $71M In Research Expansion
from Greenhouse Grower
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Inventory and Quality Control Cartlon Plants L.L.C. US - OR - Dayton Carlton Plants is seeking an individual to manage all aspects of field inventory including counts, size projections, evaluations and quality control.