March 2020 - 14

SPONSORED CONTENT
HEADLINES/CALENDAR
100% INDEPENDENT
GARDEN CENTERS SINCE 1955
UPFRONT
DIRECT FROM JEFF MOREY, IGC SHOW
FOUNDER & CEO
Cherish Industry Friendships
In a close-knit industry such as ours, many tend to forget we're still essentially
an 'island' industry. Aside from other fellow garden center retailers in your
hometown (and some of those you may view competitively), many garden
centers exist metaphorically speaking, as islands out in a big ocean, a good
distance apart. Granted, some of you may participate in 'private' Facebook
groups with fellow IGCs where you compare practices, ideas and - free of the
ears of vendors, recommendations on them pro or con. This modern-day
digital creation certainly adds value to those involved, but you gain little if you
don't invest the time to share and frankly, many of you have told us there's still
nothing like seeing old industry friends in person and striking up new ones.
Perhaps, even providing a bit of mentoring to the many sharp young up-andcoming
members of our garden retail industry. Of course, after 14 years, it's
hardly a secret you get all this by attending the only event in America produced
exclusively for you: the independent garden center retailer. I speak of the
Independent Garden Center Show - IGC Show - August 11-13, Chicago.
Don't take your valued industry friendships and acquaintances for granted.
It's really something very special and precious. I've known individuals who for
various reasons have left the industry - store/company was sold, retirement,
spouse's job moved, etc. - and some of these folks I've caught up with
sometime down the road. One thing almost all mention is how dearly they miss
the industry and the folks they had the pleasure of knowing - if only through a
friendship started at the IGC Show - years earlier while sitting next to each other
at one of the morning keynotes, or side-by-side at the charging stations in the
IGC Networking Lounge.
Sadly, there are some garden retailers who never leave their islands, whether it's
out of budgetary concerns, a bit of smugness that they have all the answers, or
they just don't dig traveling (who does these days?). Yet, there's so much they
are missing. If you have never attended the IGC Show, make 2020 the year you
start. You will find it to be a wise investment that pays off richly.
Early Bird Rates - Registration Is Now Open
There some great values being offered now at www.IGCShow.com. Tons of
things are flat out free . . . the IGC Show itself, all three morning keynotes, and
the well-known IGC Classic Rock Concert/Party. All that is free - if you simply take
5 minutes to register now. Additionally, you will be able to lock down the IGC
Educational Conference for just $99 - for all days/all tracks. Also the Monday Store
Tour for $99! Hope to see you at YOUR show, the IGC Show, this August!
Circle 108
What's your take? Tell me what you think: Jeff@IGCShow.com
14 | LAWN & GARDEN RETAILER | MARCH 2020
of 'Beacon White' impatiens growing
around the sphere. The red carpet
installation included a 4-inch. plastic pipe
covered in fresh-cut lemon leaves and
flanged to a sturdy display base. 'Beacon
Bright Red' impatiens in 6-inch. pots filled
each pedestal and replicated the same red
color as the iconic carpet.
" Watching the pre-show entertainment
shows was such a thrill, " says Claire
Josephson, marketing manager for
PanAmerican Seed. " We want to thank
Tu Bloom for his vision for our plants
and truly creating something special. We
also appreciate what a team effort it was
to bring everything together for Music's
Biggest Night. "
To learn more about Beacon impatiens,
visit www.BeaconImpatiens.com.
GCA Summer Tour
Boston Itinerary
Announced
The itinerary for the 2020 GCA Summer
Tour, taking place June 22-25 in Boston,
has been announced.
Attendees will see four IGC Top 100
Retailers on this tour: Mahoney's Garden
Center, ranked ninth at $38.5 million;
Weston Nurseries, ranked 43rd at $14.25
million; Russell's Garden Center, ranked
68th at $9.35 million; and Briggs Garden
& Home, ranked 98 at $6.7 million.
The complete list of IGC host
destinations includes:
* Briggs Garden & Home, North
Attleborough
* Cataldo's Gift & Garden, Littleton
* Kane's Flower World, Danvers
* Mahoney's Garden Center, Winchester,
Brighton and Concord
* McCue Garden Center, Woburn
* Nunan Florist & Greenhouses,
Georgetown
* Russell's Garden Center, Wayland
* Weston Nurseries, Hopkinton
* Wolf Hill Garden Center, Ipswich
Attendees are encouraged to make
reservations at the host hotel, Embassy
Suites by Hilton Boston Waltham, now.
Boston is a popular summer destination
and books up early.
GCA Summer Tour Boston is open
to members and non-members alike.
Register today for early bird savings at
www.GardenCentersofAmerica.com.
http://www.BeaconImpatiens.com http://www.IGCShow.com http://www.GardenCentersofAmerica.com
March 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of March 2020
