GGIA Partnership in Sustainability Campaign Last year, we began the Partnership Campaign with a vision for the future. In this vision we were determined that GGIA would continue to grow our presence across the state, increase awareness of the economic and environmental value of horticulture and help influence and shape public policy that might impact the industry. 2010 proved successful in these ventures with victories in the legislature, a successful Wintergreen Tradeshow and growing chapters in all corners of the state. The leadership of the association also realized that in order to reach these goals and realize the vision, additional sources of funding would be needed in addition to membership dues and traditional sources of revenues. As we set out across the state, meeting with members to tell the story of GGIA and our hopes for the future, we were both humbled and inspired by the responses. Just as important as the contributions given were the simple directives that we received. You asked us to be responsible stewards and continue the vital functions of the association. Per your wishes, we’ve avoided presenting contributors with trinkets or fancy receptions. The money donated to the campaign went directly to supporting the programs and the efforts of the association.
Benefits of Membership • GGIA is divided into nine chapters (by region) so that every member has a chance to participate in meetings held by individual chapters that cover current events, up-to-date horticulture and agriculture information, DOT regulations, etc. All meetings are open to the public, and some meetings even offer CEUs. • GGIA has a dedicated legislative relations staff focusing on issues that impact YOUR business. • With all the events GGIA holds, networking with other industry leaders, potential customers, and supply sources is made easy. • GGIA gives timely and weekly updates on industry news and compliance issues with E-Newsletters and Legislative Updates. • The association offers an endorsed insurance program with BB&T Insurance Services to give your small business the clout and access to services usually reserved for larger corporations. • GGIA offers certification programs that set your business apart from the crowd by letting your customers know that you are an educated professional. • From legislation to economic problems, GGIA and its members stand with a united voice on the issues that impact ALL segments of the industry. • Georgia premier horticulture conference, the WINTERgreen show, gets even better for GGIA members! Not only is it the biggest profiting opportunity in Georgia, but GGIA members get special discounts on booth pricing, up to $200! • Every year, GGIA gives away a scholarship to a future leader of the industry. Going to school? It could be you! • GGIA has an industry awards program that recognizes projects and individuals that set the standards for excellence in the industry.
Call GGIA at 706-632-0100 or visit www.ggia.org to f or an application TODAY!
Georgia Green Industry Association 2011-2012
Membership Brochure
Our mission is to promote and advance the economic, lifestyle and environmental benefits of Georgia horticulture for our members, our families, and our communities.
About GGIA
The Georgia Green Industry Association is a statewide trade organization for the horticulture industry in Georgia. With members from the landscape trade, irrigation contractors, wholesale nursery growers, greenhouse operators, retail gardencetners and allied sales companies, GGIA serves as a true umbrella association for the entire horticulture industry. Check out everything we do!
Legislative and Environmental Issues The green industry continues to face many critical issues. We work on your behalf on water rules, immigration reform and other legislative problems that may arise. We continue to have a dedicated presence at the State Capitol and remain committed to working with state and local officials to remove the bureaucratic hurdles that interfere with your profitability. You will also find GGIA representatives serving on the regional water councils across the state. GGIA’s legislative team is there on the forefront fighting for YOUR rights and the betterment and sustainability of the industry.
Outreach
WINTERgreen
Our roots in the industry run deep. Our mission to promote and protect the industry guides our every action. The GGIA Board of Directors is made up entirely of industry volunteers who give freely of their time, efforts and talents, all for the greater good. If you’re in the industry, you need to be a member of GGIA.
Georgia’s premier horticulture conference, WINTERgreen is arguably the Association’s biggest asset. As all the years before, the 2011 WINTERgreen show was incredibly successful at the Gwinnett Center in Duluth, GA, and next year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever. GGIA is CONSTANTLY working to improve every facet of the association, including WINTERgreen with broader classes, more skilled and knowledgeable speakers, and a gigantic trade show floor. Don’t miss the 2012 WINTERgreen Horticulture Conference and Trade Show!
Giving Back to Local Communities
GGIA and our members participate in service projects around the state. In 2011 members donated plants to Habitat for Humanity and The GA Department of Agriculture, and completed a landscape renovation at the Georgia National Cemetery.
Local Chapters Make Participating Easy
With even more new GGIA chapters developing within the state of Georgia, its easier than ever to realize all of the benefits of being a GGIA member. Keep abreast of industry news and developments in your area while networking with industry professionals at your local chapter.
Capitol Day
Industry members from across the state gather annually in Atlanta to promote the industry and work on critical issues with members of the General Assembly. Each year we deliver over 600 plants to offices throughout the capitol. All members are invited to participate in this exciting event .
GGIA PAC
Established in 2011 the GGIA PAC allows our membership to support state level candidates that are committed to the industry. Please contact Chris Butts at chris@ggia.org for more information on contributing to this important cause.
GGIA members at the Georgia National Cemetary after completing its landscape renovation.
Saving Our Members Money!
Through our endorsed program with BB&T Insurance Services, members have access to a full line product mix of property, casualty, and health benefits. Go to GGIA’s website, www.ggia.org, to find out more about BB&T Insurance Services.
GGIA Leadership
GGIA is prepared to lead you and your company with a professional staff and dedicated industry volunteers. Sherry Loudermilk will enter her 26th year as the executive director of GGIA. She is joined by the Director of Legislative Affairs Chris Butts, the Director of Administration Jennifer Baliles, Membership Coordinator Danielle Roberts, and Account Coordinator Sarah Mickens. Stuart Cofer from Cofer’s Home and Gardens is serving as the 2011-2012 chairperson for GGIA. He is supported by a team of board members representing each division of the industry to make the right decisions to make this industry thrive.