Nothing like a catchy headline to get your attention and hopefully peek your interest to read this post. Ever have the feeling, you know, what General George A. Custer felt like at the Little Big Horn? You know, where the hell did all of these "Indians" come from--
Well, in today's world, many business owners face a similar battle every day, although with a different outcome than Custer's, I hope. In the nursery and landscape industry, we have to constantly wrestle with consumer purchase patterns and interest, construction or lack thereof, environmental pressures, a growing list of regulatory programs and burdens, increased input costs for everything, decreases in plant and service prices, and now the labor issue has taken center stage at both the state and federal levels. For business owners, it has officially become a full- time job to protect your business -- which is a full-time job itself!
At this point I'm really feeling like the appropriate analogy for the current situation most closely mirrors a verse from a current country music song by Martina McBride: "I ain't complaining, but I am tired so I just saying what I think; and if I were being honest then honestly, I think I need a drink."
Logically, there must be a rational solution to these various issues, right? Yes, I personally believe there is. Yet, it requires each of us to get out of our comfort zones, maybe even just jump out of the box we've been in for years. Each of us has the opportunity to stop quietly surviving day-to-day and make a little noise. We need to become more of the squeaky wheel and less of the ostrich with our heads in the sand.
As an industry, I must say we've really backed ourselves into a corner. We allow groups like the Sierra Club to control city hall and the county commission chambers. Why? Because most of us can't even identify any of our city council members or our county commissioners. We've essentially stopped trying to develop any relationship with the government staff in these local settings. We seem to be content to not care what is done locally. If it gets to the point where it's overly bad, then we simply call on FNGLA to fix the problem for us in Tallahassee.
In the past that has worked. Yet, it's time the old dog learns a few new tricks. Each year, coming to Tallahassee to smack around a local government gets more and more difficult. Recent moves in Tallahassee to get rid of "regulatory functions" or de-regulate certain areas only pushes the duties to the local level. Surely, you know the old adage "Government closest to the people is best for the people." Not sure I totally agree with the statement, yet this is the transition through which we're going.
The same actions are required to address the impending labor/immigration battle which this state is going to face -- again. The Tea Party, the 9/12'ers, FLIMEN (Floridians for Immigration Enforcement)continue to stir the pot painting the ills of illegal immigrants to our state and economy. Their arguments are simple and resonate with folks who don't understand or don't care to think about the consequences. Ladies and gentlemen, each of us must start changing the discussion.
A recent poll indicated 82% of likely voters in Florida support strong state immigration laws. Well, it seems to me the question they should have asked is: "Do you support being dependent on foreign countries for your food supply?" Me thinks, that question would have a similarly strong response against foreign foods.
The groups mentioned above also love to tout the so-called "fact" that illegals don't pay taxes, they're slave labor and their employers pay them less than the minimum wage. Many Americans have bought into this thinking because, yet, again, most people don't understand the absolute absurdity with which these statements are predicated.
So, have you, taken the opportunity to dispel any of these falsities? Have you invited a newspaper reporter, or folks from your Rotary Club, Kiwanis, church, your kid's little league,...anybody? Since the most likely answer is no, then why not? Do you really believe a light is going to shine down from the heavens and policymakers are going to have a moment of clarity and reconsider what they will do?
No! We have to force their hand. We have to make them understand. We have to raise the pressure on them if they don't listen or try to demagogue the issue. We have to develop elected leaders locally and then support them regionally and statewide as they move up the ladders of leadership. Support doesn't just mean saying, "Hey, you're a really great leader." No, support means rolling up your sleeves and going to work. It means calling your neighbors and friends. It means sweat equity. It means money.
The stakes could not be higher or more important. This is your best chance to emerge from the fire as a leader, as an innovator and a champion for your business, your industry, your Association and your State.
Let's not be like Gen. Custer. Let's learn from his mistakes. Let's refuse to keep surviving and start living, start leading. Let's send the message that we're here to stay!
Until next time
Jim
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