“Somebody Ought To…”

Our very valuable time is divided among many needs – family and friends, in addition to your business. It’s easy to look at your day planner and feel overwhelmed, and the situation gets worse every year. There are issues, however, that we shouldn’t rely on someone else to handle. Seems a bit late to call these New Year’s Resolutions, but here are four things to take action on in 2008. 

Sustainable Ag Standard

The Leonardo Academy (www.leonardoacademy.org) is working on an ANSI standard for sustainable agriculture. Greenhouse production is quite different from other types of operations and this standard needs to take our unique processes into account. Leonardo Academy needs not only feedback, but involvement all throughout the process from you. Applications for committee members are being accepted through April 7. 

The Presidential Election

The only thing I like less than presidential politics is the Hollywood writers’ strike. But you can’t deny that this is an important time for horticulture in relation to the person sitting in the Oval Office. Today is a new day in politics. Middle-of-the-road candidates and mudslinging make it difficult to distinguish what the contenders really stand for. Investigate. Make an informed decision. And write a letter to your Congressperson about issues that are important to you, while you’re at it. 

Lead The Future

Floriculture and flowers need a spokesperson. We need to reach people who don’t garden. Somebody needs to help consumers make the connection between flowers and health and happiness. Why not you?

The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association and the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) are taking on one of those "ought to" statements with a horticulture job Web site that will promote the industry to high school students. Twenty-six other industry associations are lending a hand. Focus groups and surveys are rolling out now to make the Web site the best it can be. Do you know any young people who ought to have a mentor? 

Self-Promotion

You’re awesome. Tell somebody. Tell us what you do best. Tell everyone. I’ve found that growers aren’t opposed to sharing new ideas with each other, but growers never think they have a story to tell. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard, "You want to interview me?" Everyone’s got a story. Tell it.