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From ALNLA President James C. Van Antwerp III

Dear Members,

            December is fading as January approaches, the rain continues here in Loxley, Alabama. The Christmas Holiday is past and I am looking forward to the New Year and Trade Show season. Our own Gulf State Horticultural Expo (GSHE) is coming along nicely. There has been a focus on maintaining the health and vitality of the show. While expenses have been trimmed, marketing the show has also been kept at a high level.   I am told that while exhibitor turnover continues, the show exhibit space has a good chance of being full. That is outstanding in times when shows around the country are shrinking.  Attendee levels look to be up, as the number of first time attendees registering and making inquiries is also up.  We believe this is due to some refocused marketing, targeting plant purchase decision makers.

            Prior to the trade show are the Educational track programs on Thursday, Jan 21.  Come learn about the industry, new science, and how the economy is doing in relation to our industry. Dr. Charles Hall, whom holds the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture at the Department of Horticulture, Texas A&M University, an economist in our industry, will be giving the Keynote address Thursday morning.

            NEW LOCATION for the welcome reception on Thursday night. Be aware that this great networking event will be in the ball room of the convention center this year.

            The Alabama Nursery and Landscape Association semi-annual membership meeting is Friday morning, January 22, 2010. This meeting is one of recognition as several awards and student scholarships will be presented during the meeting. The meeting includes breakfast, so come early.

            New this year. The Southern Nursery Association, SNA Research Conference is being hosted by the GSHE. Please check the schedule for times and locations. What a great opportunity for education and learning the latest research.

            New this year. The Southern Nursery Association, SNA membership meeting will be held on Friday as the show floor closes. Please check the schedule for time and location.  All association members and interested industry professionals are encouraged to attend this meeting.

            There are a number of changes and new events in and around the GSHE this year.  I am really looking forward to this show and I hope that you are too. So, WELCOME to the show and enjoy your time learning, visiting, and conducting business here in south Alabama.

 

 

                                                                        James C. Van Antwerp III

                                                                        President ALNLA