Industry Survivial

Would you agree the "green" industry is our nation first,"original" environmentalist? I personally believe so.... I mean how do you get more environmentally friendly than plants? No solar panels needed, no electric cars, no energy efficient appliances! Nope, just plane ol' ordinary plants. Plants which absorb Carbon Dioxide, release oxygen. Plants which filter air, dust, noise and other pollutants. Just plants!!!!!!

So, why is it that we in the "green" industry seem to get our butts kicked by regulatory programs, the news media, environmental activists and, subsequently, local, state and federal governments?

The simple answer is: We look to blame someone. To place responsibility on somebody else, to say we are right and people should just understand. Unfortunately, it takes more. We can tell our story to every person who will listen. Yet, if you talk to the general public, they believe fertilizers are polluting Florida's waters, rivers and estuaries, destroying the Everglades and, essentially, ruining the rest of our country. A more holistic look at the problem reveals, frankly, we stink at our public image. This filters down into: we stink in our relations with the media and, ultimately, at some point, we will lose every local, state and federal legislative battle because, absent of a change, we will appear insignificant!! Tough love but, I guarantee I am absolutely right. In fact, I am more certain than the two absolutes in this world "death and taxes." It's gonna happen unless we change our attitude.

We are approaching a key cross-roads within the "green" industry. Quite frankly, we have matured a lot over the past 5-10 years. But, in the public policy arena, we are still adolescences who can't afford to "rock the boat!" It's OK because prior to this matriculation we were still in the baby cradle and being spoon-fed. The unfortunate reality is our "green" industry needs to transform from adolescent to cagey veteran overnight. We must deal with two very distinct facts: (1) We are the "big" agricultural force and, at some point, grand ol' men such as citrus, vegetable, sugar and cattle will not be there to cover our "assets;" and, (2) We are in the midst of a new battle regarding urban pollution issues which are largely atypical of the traditional agricultural fights. Pick your poison, either way there is a large gaping hole.

Don't be fooled, our adversaries our experienced veterans. Many of the most vocal environmental groups have no limit to the venomous words and battles they wage. They are ill-concerned with any science that doesn't support their cause. They are ill-concerned with any costs to your business. They are ill-concerned with your property rights. However, they are well financed. They have a tremendous grassroots system. And, they have the story line. How can we compete with "a picture of dead fish, and green slime under docks." They will not stop until they get their way, to hell with the consequences, unless somebody shuts them down!

So, we come full circle back to YOU! What are you going to do about it? Are you content with sticking your head in the sand? Are you convinced that just knowing you are right will save you from this headache? Are you satisfied in waiting for someone else to ride in on a white horse and save the day? Or, have you had a belly full of this crap? Are you prepared to invest your time and money to shut these folks down? Are you ready to invest in the type of Public Relations Campaign that reminds folks we are the good guys?

The choice is yours. There is no sense in cherry coating what is required. It takes MONEY! It takes organization! It takes leadership! And, it takes being prepared to beat these fools at their own game. Why should they be the sweethearts and self- proclaimed "saviors" of Florida's environment? Why should they take credit for the things we have already done and the laundry list of things we can still do?

Many of us have heard the old adage "History is written by those who show up"? Well, it is sure time we show up to the fight. FNGLA is the recognized leader of Florida's green industry, we have the organization but, knowing we are the leader and by-god acting like the leader are two entirely different things. FNGLA members have to "buy" in and take control of our future! If now is not the time to unite, then you have to ask yourself how many time can I get kicked in the seat of my pants before I have had enough?

Friends aplenty!!!

Given the current status of the national and state economy, it would probably be prudent to gripe about how bad things are, how the government is approaching things backwards and how small businesses are being squeezed into submission. However, every time we open the paper, turn on the television or radio, or browse the Internet there are no shortage of stories depicting how horrible our economy is currently. There is no denying things are tough which, makes the focus of this post even more important-- What happens when individuals who support your industry run for the same office? You may chuckle but, the scary reality is Florida's 2010 election could turn out to be an expensive endeavor.

First, let's discuss the most obvious race of importance to all nursery and landscape businesses; the position of Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Unless you have chosen to join "Rip Van Winkle" and slept through the past two years--you obviously are aware that several industry advocates have already entered the race to serve as Florida's Commissioner of Agriculture. Just to re-cap for those who are wiping the sleep from their eyes, former State Representative Marty Bowen (R- Winter Haven), State Senator Carey Baker (R- Eustis) and Congressman Adam Putnam (R- Bartow) all have active campaign accounts and are seeking your support. Each of these individuals have gotten down in the trenches to fight for the industry and, I am sure each of us has a very good reason why one of these candidates sticks out above the others. The one undeniable fact is: Each candidate will be making the rounds to collect your physical and financial support for their candidacy.

Oh if it was only as simple as supporting one of our friends!!!!! A word to the wise, do not be fooled into thinking the race for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services will be full of candidates who "love" us. Rest assured, our good friends in the Environmental Community are actively looking for a legitimate candidate to win the race as well. Most recently, a name which has been tosses around and even got some print space in the St. Petersburg Times is Mr. Eric Draper. Mr. Draper has served for several years as the public policy director and vice-president of the Audubon of Florida. Hmmmmmmmm?????

From a historical perspective, the 2010 election has the potential to be the first statewide race since the 1800's in which all cabinet offices do not have an incumbent seeking re-election. Although not official, many believe Florida's Governor Charlie Crist will seek election to the United States Senate Seat being vacated by Sen. Mel Martinez. Assuming the Governor makes the decision to run for the United States Senate, we could have a scenario where all four cabinet post are open. Why, you may ask? Basically, if the Governor doesn't seek re-election then both Attorney General Bill McCollum (by the way he could run for re-election to the Attorney General post) and Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles Bronson (he is term limited and can't run for the Ag Commissioner post) are likely to both run for the Republican nomination. Seems as though I am missing someone?....
Yes! Shame on me for not mentioning Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink. Since her election in 2006, Sink has time and again proven her savvy in Florida political process. Even as she is outnumber three to one on the Florida Cabinet, Sink has been able to work with Republican and Democratic leaders on a plethora of critical issues.

Understand, it is still very early, hell the election is still 18 months away. However, these candidates are actively raising money, they are building their grassroots support as we speak. Although, we all will have to wait until at least May before thinks really start to shake out; there is no doubt it will be exciting to watch unfold.

Regardless, the business and agricultural communities will have several allies running for statewide office. This means friendships may get strained, feeling may get hurt and ultimately the 2010 election will most likely be the most expensive state election we have ever experienced.

Just some food for thought. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or thoughts.

Until next time.

Jim