Nov 16, 2012

Networking for the Future By Tim Hodson

Last week, I had a chance to attend a Networking Night event sponsored by the Horticulture Club at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich.

MSU horticulture students had an opportunity to talk to about 20 different professionals from across the industry and learn about the many different aspects and career paths that our out there.

Organized by Hort Club’s officers that is headed up by president Lauren Tuski, this event gave students a chance to pick the brains of growers, breeders, garden center operators and other industry types to gain insight into what they can expect out in the “Real World.”

It was very refreshing to hear what the students had to say and what their plans for the future are. These students asked great questions and their enthusiasm was very contagious. It will be very interesting to see exactly where the career paths go.

Are you working with the horticulture club at any of the educational institutions near you? If you aren’t, you should be.

Over the past couple of years, I have heard from more than one grower and retailer who have told me that they lay awake at night and wonder/worry about where the industry is headed. Eventually, it will be in the hands of today’s students

So there is no time like the present to plant a seed in their minds!

Mark Your Calendars for these Poinsettia Trials Dates

Last week, we reported on the dates for the University of Florida’s poinsettia field trials (Dec. 4). The UF Trials work in conjunction with North Carolina State University, Homewood Nursery and Garden Center and the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre as part of the North American Poinsettia Trials. All of the participants hold their own Open Houses.

At North Carolina State University, the Industry Open House will take place in Raleigh, on Nov. 27 and a Consumer Open House is scheduled for Dec. 2.

There also will an Open House at Homewood Nursery and Garden Center in Raleigh on Nov. 27.

The Open House at the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre in Ontario, Canada is scheduled for Nov. 29.

Be sure to stop in if you are any where near any of these facilities. They are definitely worth a visit!

– Tim