Turn on, tune in, drop in

Kelli Rodda

My apologies to Mr. Leary for changing his words a bit. We’ve got some exciting things planned in 2013, and you stand to greatly benefit from them.

Beginning in January, tune in to the Grower Radio Network where you can hear the latest production tips, sales & marketing strategies, and business management advice. Our exclusive interviews with industry experts will give you the tools necessary to boost your bottom line. Subscribe to our short-but-significant podcasts and listen in the car, on the tractor or during production and management meetings. You can listen to our podcasts online (www.nurserymanagementonline.com) or download them on-demand for free from iTunes. All podcasts will be archived on our sites and on iTunes. And each month we’ll send an e-newsletter with some of our favorite podcasts. Watch your inbox for the first e-newsletter in late January.

Next, save the date and drop in for BloomaPalooza. From Aug. 1-3, join us at Raker Gardens in Litchfield, Mich., for an innovative and entertaining event. BloomaPalooza 2013 celebrates the hard work and entrepreneurial spirit of the independent grower, supplier and retailer.

“GIE Media is proud to help bring BloomaPalooza to the marketplace,” said Chris Foster, president and CEO of GIE Media. “This exciting event marks a new and lucrative way for independent retailers and growers to form rock-solid relationships, as well as come together for some fun.”

It includes a music festival format; presentations from the most talented minds in the industry; family-oriented fun; and a trade fair with many of the industry’s top suppliers.

“BloomaPalooza celebrates the independent business — the foundation of this industry,” said Susie Raker of Raker Gardens. “Dr. Seuss once said, ‘Fun is good.’ BloomaPalooza is geared toward having fun and getting your job done. And how many industry events have activities geared toward the entire family?”

This event is revolutionary in its ability to help inspire and educate the entire industry and not just at the owner or key manager level, said Jim Monroe, founder of Hort Couture, a BloomaPalooza partner.

“There are two defining hallmarks of this new event: to reconnect the breeder with the retailer to promote a healthier supply chain; and to give independent retailers and growers the tools to be more successful.”

Visit www.bloomapalooza.com for more details and we’ll send email alerts this spring. We’re thrilled to bring this event to the industry, and we look forward to seeing you in Michigan.