Think Industry Advocacy Doesn’t Matter? These Growers Say Otherwise
May 21, 2021 
Registration is now open for AmericanHort’s Impact Washington 2021 Summit. The two-day event gives green industry business owners and leaders the chance to personally and collectively advocate for decisions that help industry members – from growers to retailers, and more — continue the growth of a $348 billion industry.
Over the course of two days, participants will hear from elected leaders, their staff, and other policy experts on issues of great impact on green industry business success. Attendees will share their experiences directly with policy makers, providing real-world context and influence to the decisions being made.
This year’s growing season has been more frantic than ever, and while it’s easy to get caught up in the details of boosting your bottom line, true industry leaders go beyond the rows in their greenhouses and strive to make the industry better for all. A lot of this involves knowing the importance of lobbying at all levels, from Congressional lawmakers right on down to local officials.
Understandably, industry advocacy may not be an area you’re comfortable with. But it’s necessary if you want changes in areas such as labor reform and regulations, and your voice can make a bigger difference than you realize.
Earlier this year, AmericanHort addressed some of these concerns during its digital Congressional Kickoff. Among the items on the agenda was a panel of industry insiders who have experience in advocacy and offered their own insights.
- “Our employees are our family, and when they are in need, we want to help them,” said Michael Frantz of Frantz Wholesale Nursery in Hickman, CA. “It’s easy to think we can’t control regulations or legislation, but we have more input than we think. The voice of constituents is huge, and getting to know your leaders, including local judges and supervisors, can pay dividends.”
- “This has become an important part of what we’re about as a company,” said Mike Gooder of Plantpeddler in Cresco, IA. “We started locally by getting to know our mayor and City Council members. It’s been an eye-opener for me and has changed my view on grassroots advocacy.”
- “Our industry has friendly competition, but how comfortable are you with leaving the sale of your crops to your competitors?” said Ben Bolusky of the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscapers Association. “Advocacy and lobbying are just like sales, and grassroots advocacy is all about developing relationships. Those emails and phone calls matter more when there’s already a relationship.”
Learn more about this year’s Impact Washington event here.
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