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OFA Bulletin May/June 2009 : Page 1May/June 2009 • Number 915 Low-Cost Strategies for Revamping Greenhouse Equipment & Technology by Dan Kuzniewski non-residential construction is in a rut, domestic automotive production is in crisis, and manufacturing as a whole is in decline. As the effects of today’s slowing economy are felt by more and more people, organizations at all stages of the value chain are taking an inward look at low-cost ways to improve deliverables. T For greenhouse owners and operators, these solutions will come in the form of new designs and installations, improved technologies, and/or retrofits of existing facilities and equipment. Common questions from growers include: oday’s economic environment has many organizations in an upheaval. Credit markets are in the doldrums, residential and • What are some of the most easily implemented ways for increasing energy efficiency in greenhouses today? • What are the greatest challenges for introducing low-cost innovations? • How is innovation contributing to the next generation of greenhouse designs? Individually or collectively, these ideas can play a part in meeting the low-cost strategies for operational improvement that will help greenhouse owners and operators not only survive the current economic crisis but also thrive now and in years to come. Continued on page 6 Garden Center Improvements That Won’t Break The Bank by Bridget White Detergent Association showed that two-thirds of American households planned some form of spring cleaning for 2009. But what about for your business? Did you take a look at your garden center in the same way? A Instead of investing in a total renovation, a little polishing and do-it-yourself improvements might be just what you need to jump start sales and encourage growth … even in a down economy. Inside this Edition... Low-Cost Strategies for Revamping Greenhouse Equipment & Technology Garden Center Improvements That Won’t Break The Bank Helping Yourself Become Risilient in Uncertain Times Successful Poinsettia Propagation Using PGRs with the New Genetics Brick and Mortar Meets Click and Order 1 1 2 3 9 11 Map Your Path for the 2009 OFA Short Course OFA Member Spotlight: Joshua Roggenbuck Ask the Doctor: Ornamental Plants – The Necessity of Life Social Media for Small Business Part 1 – Social Networking Sites Fungus Gnats and Shore Flies: Not Just Nuisance Pests 13 15 16 18 20 Ideas for Growing the Landscape Industry Life is a Highway: New Twists in the Road for Resume Writing OFA Short Course Schedule at a Glance AIB Fun Events at the Short Course OFA Short Course Registration Form OFA News 21 23 24 28 29 31 n annual spring cleaning is pretty traditional for many homeowners. In fact, a recent survey from the Soap and Examine Your Assets Chris Pesche, owner of Pesche’s Flowers in Des Plaines, Illinois, had been planning a com facility for years. He wanted something that would reflect his position as the area’s “go to” garden center – structures, benches, and atmosphere supporting his customers’ loyalty and spurring them on to larger purchases. Continued on page 7 Publication List |
