April 13, 2020

Good evening MNLGA Members:

This e-mail is distributed to key contacts; please feel free to share with others in your office.

Attention new members: I send new updates every day and really do not repeat a lot of the same information. Chelsea has added to the MNLGA’s COVID-19 resources page the COVID-19 based member alerts since we began issuing them on March 16 th . Please review them if you are hunting for older information.

Last week's " Choose to Grow Forward Webinar," sponsored by my peer group NLAE (Nursery and Landscape Association Executives of North America) was viewed by over 500 of Green Industry businesses across North America.  The recording can be found here.

Based on the popularity of that webinar, the NLAEs asked Jim Paluch and Scott Wentwoth to deliver another webinar focusing on how we can find the positive and promote that during this particularly unsettling time. There is so much negativity right now; positive messages are needed now more than ever.  

The official description of the webinar: Listen in as Wentworth Landscapes President Scott Wentworth asks Jim Paluch, President of JP HORIZONS Inc. where we can find the inspiration and energy to take action on those great ideas we know we should be doing and move past the obstacles that so often appear and hinder our follow through. Jim’s unique ability to help people discover the positive opportunities in every challenge along with Scott’s experience and success in the OUTDOOR LIVING PROFESSION will combine to provide an inspirational and practical hour of exchanging ideas that will help us all establish the next steps we need to take to do the things we know we should do.

The webinar is called "I know I should but...." It is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15 th  at 10am EST.   Here is the link to register.  (no fee)  


Garden Centers : The Garden Center Group is sharing its promotion, "Rally Consumers for Plants," with anyone who would like to use it. P lease see this link for material , which purpose is to provide you resources to promote that "plants and the products they provide can be a big part of encouraging every American during this time. Everyone needs a little JOY that can be found in plants, flowers, veggies, and their garden! The garden can be our “happy place.”" You are welcome to use any portion of the promo, tailor it to your specific need, and promote!


Member Feedback :
I've not received a lot of feedback in the past several days. Most garden centers report that consumer demand is high and in some cases is taxing the resources and delivery logistics of the center. Wholesalers remain pretty busy for the most part and landscapers are working, too. Some nurseries and landscapers report postponement of jobs, encouraged that they are postponements and not firm cancellations.

Some garden centers and greenhouse growers are reporting the donation of surplus inventory to food banks, hospitals, fire houses, etc. to spread some cheer, good will, and appreciation.

Remember to utilize the COVID-19 resources page on the MNLGA website . It includes resources to help connect with consumers, explanations and access to state and federal recovery, employment, and relief efforts, and more.


Please keep me in the loop and let me know how the MNLGA can help you.

Vanessa A. Finney
Executive Director, MNLGA
410-823-8684