Without a doubt, surviving the past decade has been a challenging stretch of road for the Green Industry. In retrospect, the burst of the housing bubble, the drought, $4 per gallon gasoline, and the recession were just a few of the the factors that shut down over half of Georgia’s ornamental growers and scattered the labor force in all directions looking for work. However, with great challenges comes great opportunity and the winds appear to be changing. The demand for ornamentals and turf is rising, and the green industry is ramping up this spring. The professional organizations have regrouped and are poised and ready to launch the industry into a new era with some exceptional events in partnership with the University of Georgia.
No matter how busy you are, don’t forget to come up for air and take advantage of some excellent networking and advancement opportunities! As you regain momentum, it is imperative that you take time to work ON your business and avoid getting lost in the daily grind. Evaluate the opportunities and challenges that you are experiencing as a business, measure progress, network and build new relationships, communicate with mentors, stay on the cutting edge of industry technology, advance the skills of your workforce, and fine tune your vision and goals.
Take a glance at these upcoming events:
THE ACADEMY OF CROP PRODUCTION (June 12-15th)
This brand new program answers the call for advanced training for growers and nurseries. The Georgia Green Industry Association, and the University of Georgia have partnered to bring cutting-edge technology and production techniques to the forefront. This agenda is lined with engaging workshops featuring 18 experts from 14 Universities. Attendees are encouraged to bring the whole family! This much anticipated event kicks off with a GGIA horticulture celebration and dinner at the State Botanical Gardens in Athens featuring a presentation from the Director of Horticulture at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate and live music.
TURFGRASS FIELD DAY (August 4)
One big day, acres of information! The industry flocks to this popular event for research tours, pesticide certification credits, barbeque, and good times. Get up-to-date on the latest research at UGA-Griffin and interact with the Turfgrass Faculty and friends at this classic summer event brought to you by the UGA College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Georgia Urban Ag Council, Georgia Turfgrass Foundation Trust, Georgia Golf Course Superintendents Association, Georgia Golf Environmental Association, Georgia Sports Turf Managers Association, and the Georgia Recreation and Park Association. The Georgia Urban Ag Council sponsors an exhibitor fair at this event, to register as an exhibitor: click here.
GEORGIA CERTIFIED PLANT PROFESSIONAL EXAM (August 9)
The Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture and UGA Extension will be offering the two-part GCPP exam (Written & Plant ID) at Gwinnett Technical College. Advance your horticulture knowledge and certify in a program designed by UGA Extension Specialists in partnership with Industry Professionals. Register and gain access to a comprehensive, sixteen chapter printed study manual and online training resources designed to help you succeed. Become a Certified Plant Professional this year!
Take a look at the visionary program assembled by the Southern Nursery Association and the Georgia Urban Ag Council in cooperation with the UGA Academic, Research, and Extension Teams. This epic three-day event in Athens features a lineup of 44 Industry and University speakers, including and features a plant conference, a landscape conference, a research conference, continuing education credits, certification opportunities, and a marketplace for sourcing and networking. Attendees will include Landscape Architects, Landscape Designers, Landscape Installation Contractors, Landscape Maintenance Contractors, Landscape Irrigation Contractors, Urban and Regional Landscape Planners, Erosion and Sediment Control Contractors, Arborists… there’s literally something for everyone at this event!
GEORGIA CERTIFIED LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL REVIEW & EXAM (August 30-Sept 1)
The Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture and UGA Extension will be offering the all components of the GCLP exam (Written & Hands-On Components) at the SEGreen Conference at the Classic Center in Athens. Be the best in the business! Register and gain access to a comprehensive, twenty-two chapter printed study manual and online training resources designed to help you succeed. Advance your career as a Georgia Certified Landscape Professional!
2017 EDGE Expo (December 8)
Save the date for this Georgia Urban Ag Council educational conference at the Infinite Energy Center, with vendor-tabletop exhibition. 100’s of CEU’s available in the areas of pesticide credits, ISA, IA, NALP, GCLP, GGCSA, STMA and more! Sign up today for the exhibitor/vendor tabletop area and sponsorships of this well attended December event. Details and contract click here.
WINTERGREEN 2017 (January 25-27)
Mark you calendars for the annual Georgia Green Industry Association conference & trade show featuring exhibitors from across the country and educational tracks for industry professionals. From learning to better manage your business, to brushing up on rules and regulations, this event provides attendees with real-world knowledge for business and operations. Click here for more details.
SUMMARY
Set time aside in your demanding schedule to discover research-based information and educational programs that will help your business to grow and prosper. Recharge your batteries and take advantage of these excellent learning opportunities through UGA Extension, Industry events, and Certification Programs. By aligning your company with the green industry professional organizations working diligently to foster your success!
Don’t Miss Out On These Tremendous Opportunities!
HORTICULTURE CELEBRATION AT THE STATE BOTANICAL GARDENS (June 12)
THE ACADEMY OF CROP PRODUCTION (June 12-15th)
TURFGRASS FIELD DAY (August 4)
SEGREEN (August 30-September 1)
GEORGIA CERTIFIED PLANT PROFESSIONAL EXAM (August 9)
GEORGIA CERTIFIED LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONAL REVIEW & EXAMS (August 30-Sept. 1)
2017 EDGE Expo (December 8)
WINTERGREEN 2017 (January 25-27)
Mr. Huber is a Georgia Registered Professional Landscape Architect. Greg is active in professional, educational, and community clubs and activities. He brings enthusiasm, passion, and expertise to every one of his program areas.
- Landscape Alerts & Updates | September 2019 - September 20, 2019
- Landscape Alerts & Updates | June 2019 - June 20, 2019
- Landscape Alerts and Updates | April 2019 - April 20, 2019