FROM THE PRESIDENT l Jeff Wallitsch
2020
We are ESSENTIAL.
sure has been a kick in the burlap sack! I don’t think anyone could have predicted what was going to happen, not only nationwide, but globally. With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the nation, it was difficult to stay positive. With the uncertainty of pretty much everything, we all began to stockpile on bread, milk, and even toilet paper. You know, the “essentials.” We all hunkered down and expected the worst. Glued to our portable devices, we all wondered what was going to be shut down next. Was the green industry a part of that shut down? Luckily, we are deemed as essential. While things are still uncertain and unstable, I wanted to share a few positive notes of what I have seen our industry doing during the pandemic.
Buy Local, Support Local. There has been a lot of chatter on the web the past several months with the hashtag #buylocal. Whether it be supporting local restaurants or buying gift cards to support small businesses, we can all benefit from buying local. The buy local concept brings people together and helps support our local community. Many of our members rely on the business of their local economy to survive. Buying local provides jobs, reduces the time it takes to receive product, and keeps more of your dollars closer to home. There is a great meme that says “Buy Local, because (Insert Big Box Store Name) isn’t going to sponsor your little league team.” Think Outside the Box. Many of us, including myself, had to quickly come up with new business
practices to keep up with the everchanging state guidelines during the pandemic. I noticed many retail outlets implement online ordering and curbside pick up services. And some of these services were implemented in less than 24 hours! Now, that is impressive. With the use of numerous social media platforms, companies are still able to reach their customers and bring in business. I see many of these services becoming the new normal. With the use of modern technology, we are still able to be connected with one another. We are Essential. By being Essential, we are providing a service. Each and every member of the KNLA provides some sort of service that is deemed essential whether it be greenhouse, garden center, landscaping, or agriculture. Gardening gives us the chance to be creative, connect with nature, and provides us with a mental health outlet. The KNLA is here to be essential for YOU! We have many great resources available to our members to keep you up to date on new state orders and business guidelines to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic. For a full list of the COVID-19 resources, please visit knla.org/COVID19-RESOURCES. I want to give a special thanks to all of our board members, educational advisors, and our Executive Director. We truly are a working board and we are working towards making the KNLA more essential to you. As an organization we can get through this together. The light at the end of the tunnel may be dim, but at least there is a light. Stay safe and healthy.
Jeff Wallitsch NURS ERY VIEWS • SUMMER 2020
#weareessential
Our scheduled date for the Summer Outing is Thursday, August 27, 2020. Visit knla.org for information as it becomes available. 6
