January 2024 - 8

HEADLINES/CALENDAR
Drive Your Business Forward in 2024
By Cindy Whitt, marketing communications manager
The resources and support available to a business can be
the determining factor between stagnation and success. From
navigating policy to workforce development to fostering
collaboration, here are six resolutions to drive your business
forward in 2024.
1. Develop Leadership Skills
If you or a team member could benefit from learning business
leadership, people management and value chain
strategy,
management skills, apply for the HRI Leadership Academy
managed through AmericanHort and the Horticultural Research
Institute (HRI). The one-year program offers participants
training, coaching and access to a network of industry leaders.
The program launches this fall and will consist of in-person
training sessions, online classes and meetings, and a year-end
presentation at Cultivate'25. Applicants must have held a
leadership position for at least five years and worked in the
green industry for at least seven years.
Visit hrileadershipacademy.org to learn more about the
program. Applications are due Feb. 9.
2. Discover AI Tools for Business
Kick off the new year by learning how artificial intelligence
(AI) can play a multifaceted role in horticulture businesses.
AmericanHort programming provides attendees with concrete
steps to implement AI tools to stay at the forefront of technology.
The introductory session, Industry Insider, provides an
overview of using generative AI to optimize workflows and
increase productivity. This hands-on session explains the
fundamentals of this technology and why it can be a game
changer in the workplace.
In the follow-up three-part Mastery Series, speakers go
in-depth on AI-powered strategies across operations - from
marketing and content creation to sales and training to security
and safety. You will learn how AI can increase productivity,
optimize routine processes and improve customer experience.
Learn more at americanhort.org/education.
3. Grow Your Network at Cultivate'24
Attend Cultivate'24,
July
13-16,
to
foster
business
connections and grow your industry network. With education
programming, workshops, industry production tours and more,
the industry comes together to learn, see the latest plants and
products, and establish business relationships.
You can foster collaboration and find valuable partners for
your business with more than 650 exhibitors. Take connections
a step further with networking events like the Women in
Horticulture Luncheon or the GenerationNext Community's
" Unplugged " event.
Cultivate is also a place to learn and share knowledge. Your
peers, business leaders and subject-matter experts all come
8 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | JANUARY 2024
together to host more than 150 educational sessions, sharing
their real-world experiences and best practices.
4. Connect With Lawmakers
Engage with policymakers by hosting a Congressional Site Visit
in 2024. Instead of traveling to D.C., invite local representatives
to tour your facility, offering firsthand insights into how policies
affect your business. Site visits can be a great way to demonstrate
the practical implications of policies to legislators.
To extend an invitation, reach out to your local representatives'
offices, providing comprehensive details about the purpose of the
visit. Be flexible with timing because members of Congress have
tight schedules. If you want to learn more about how to plan a
site visit, the advocacy team at AmericanHort can help. Contact
Matt Mika, vice president of advocacy and government affairs, at
mattmika@americanhort.org to discuss your plans.
5. Collaborate With Peers
Connecting with people who have similar experiences can
be helpful in professional and personal development. There are
several ways to meet and collaborate with peers through online
and in-person programming at AmericanHort.
A new webinar series for young and emerging professionals,
" Grow Forward: Finding Success Beyond the Plants, " provides
insights, strategies and actionable tips for the next generation
to develop better communication, personal branding and
leadership skills in the workplace.
The Women in Horticulture program is a place for women
in the industry to find support, encouragement and mentorship.
Held online and in-person during Cultivate, the program
features interviews with female changemakers and education
geared toward professional development and empowerment.
Human resources staff are often the first people a prospective
employee meets. The HR Peer Sharing Group was created to
share ideas and best practices to give HR professionals stronger
tools for recruitment and retention.
6. Support the Future of the Industry
The AmericanHort Foundation, HRI, supports scientific
research to advance the horticultural industry. HRI develops
and supports
research on pest
and disease management
practices, mechanization/automation technology, efficiency
and resource stewardship, and production efficiency.
Stay updated on HRI's latest research with the tHRIve
Web Series, which connects the industry with researchers and
educators sharing best practices and new innovations. Learn
more at hriresearch.org.
See firsthand how AmericanHort supports green industry
businesses through education, networking, advocacy, research
and more by becoming a member. Learn more at americanhort.
org/membership.
http://www.hrileadershipacademy.org http://www.americanhort.org/education http://www.hriresearch.org
January 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January 2024
