Things to ponder in 2008

You know, I have heard when it rain, IT POORS! Well to be quite honest the virtual rain is really for the birds. We need real mother-nature induced rain to replenish the aquifer, our lakes and streams.

We have made it to 2008. Some of us are limping, some were carried across kicking and screaming nevertheless, we all made it. As I think back on 2007 and look to the horizon of 2008 I can't help but take measure in what we have gained and lost personally as well as professionally. As an industry we are still climbing the mountain, since the last industry plateau we have endured hurricanes, numerous invasive pests, a steady increase in government regulation, drought and associated water restrictions, fertilizer ordinances..... and did I mention plant are still under priced! These various hurdles and pitfalls have caused some people to leave our industry, some change their marketing strategy or the plant lists, yet others have somehow prospered. As an association, we have also experienced our share of growing pains, through dues increases, strategic planning, renewed focus and fresh ideas with the association's trade shows and a very new focus on filling the very large shoes associated with the mantra of "The largest segment of Florida's Agricultural Industry."

As we focus on the excitement and hopes of 2008 here are some things to consider:
1) How do we as leaders of Florida's "green Industry" carve out our place in the public policy arena? The place where customers and regulators come to us for answers to difficult questions, the place where water conservation leads the discussion and the general public grasps the tie between environmental sustainability and water conservation?

2) How do we change the public perception on immigration and labor issues? The immigration debates cuts to the heart of our industry yet, it has so sharply divided our country and state that a reasonable solution sometimes seems unreachable. What can we do individually and collectively to change the debate?

3) Expanding the horticultural market. The business world we operate in seems to change so fluidly however, many of us in the horticultural industry are still clinging to the "way it used to be." This is not referring to new plant varieties.... I am referring to new niches and trends which fit seamlessly with our industry yet, like the 400 lbs gorilla, I am not sure we are nimble enough to catch it. For example, the debate on Carbon Trading, Alternative Fuels Sources, Bio-medical research and development, Energy Efficient, Environmentally Sustainable Developments, to name a few. Each of these new frontiers have one thing in common, plants, in some form or fashion, plants are the key to the ultimate success or failure of these programs.... But where do we fit in?

Without question, 2008 will be busier than ever! There are some monumental public policy debates which will take place in Tallahassee, Washington D.C. and every local media outlet. We have truly come of age in the horticultural industry and now is the time for each of us to seize the day and lead the association, the industry and the state into the future. Now is the time for financial commitment and also, equally as important, charismatic persons to step forward and lead. Every FNGLA members has a specific skill set which can take the industry a step forward. The only thing which holds us back is ourselves!

I hope each of you stand ready to do your part in 2008. As Benjamin Franklin once said "If we don't hang together, we will surely hang separately." As we approach to 2008 Florida Legislative Session, please pay attention to your emails; FNGLA's Legislative Action Center, Ben's Babbles and Tallahassee Talk will be teaming with information. Thank you for your leadership, your involvement and your energy. And most of all Thank you for being members of FNGLA.