The Buckeye - January/February 2024

the

BUCKEYE January/February 2024 Vol. 35, Issue 1

MAGAZINE

INSIDE: A Century of OGIA Take Charge: Making an Impact in Your Business THE BUCKEYE | January/February 2024

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DISCOVER YOUR IDEAL EMPLOYEE

Browse Resumes Post Jobs Sign up for Alerts

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YOUR NEXT STEPS START HERE Are you seeking your next topnotch addition to your team? Look no further! Our cutting-edge job board specializes in connecting employerswithtalentedindividuals in the green industry.

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IN THIS ISSUE J a n u a r y / Fe b r u a r y 2 0 2 4

VOLUME 35 • ISSUE 1 ogia.org THE BUCKEYE is the official publication of the Ohio Green Industry Association and is published six times a year.

EDITORIAL / ADVERTISING ISSN 1536-7940 Subscriptions: $75/year sara@ogia.org OFFICERS David Hupman President Genevieve Reiner-Mills Immediate Past President Oakland Nursery, Inc. Abby Thomas President-Elect Acorn Farms DIRECTORS Joe Lewis Yard Solutions Peter Lowe The Dawes Arboretum Ron Schultz Premier Plant Solutions Matt Turner Turner Landscaping LLC Joe Vasel Davis Tree Farm & Nursery Lori Zatroch Cuyahoga Community College Gina Zirkle Syngenta STAFF Tracy Schiefferle Executive Director Roni Petersen Membership & Certification Sara Cantees Communications Natalie Mitchell Finance THE FINE PRINT The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, directors or staff and do not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as members of the OGIA does not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services.

CONTENTS 4 President’s Perspective New Year, New Strategies 6 Executive Director’s Message Adapting Perspectives 7 A Century of OGIA Reflecting on the Past & Looking to the Future 10 Government Affairs What’s Happening with Marijuana?

12 Taking Charge of What You Can Control Tips to Make Impactful Change 16 HR Feature Becoming Business Fit in 2024 18 Communications Corner How Can You Be a Compelling Storyteller?

19 OGIA Calendar New Members Advertiser’s Index

THE BUCKEYE | January/February 2024

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PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE Growing Together New Year, New Strategies, and Industry Insights

DAVID HUPMAN

2024 OGIA President hupmanclt@aol.com

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE! I hope all of you have had a great holiday season. As we begin a new year, I want to thank you for the opportunity to lead this great organization. As I said in my opening remarks at midwestGREEN, I attended my first conference, the Ohio State Nursery Short Course, back in 1980 and have been involved since then. I never imagined back then that my career would put me in the place I am today. To say the least, I am honored. I would also like to thank all of those who have come before me and the contributions they have made to this organization and the industry.

This first issue of the Buckeye in 2024 focuses on business growth strategies. I’m sure this is on everyone’s mind now that we have dissected how we performed in 2023. As a business, we are always looking for ways to grow and get an advantage over our competitors. With new strategies or “New Year Resolutions,” we must stay committed and see them through. We can’t let the season of busyness make us lose focus on what and how we want 2024 to go.

Post your goals where you can see them as a daily reminder so you can stay on task.

Part of my background involves chairing the International Certification Council, responsible for overseeing all NALP certifications. Given this, I believe it’s crucial to highlight the potential of certifications in fostering business growth in 2024.

Consider this: why invest in certifications if you’re not leveraging them through marketing? Doing so can significantly impact your business in multiple ways.

Firstly, it distinguishes you from competitors, offering an opportunity to educate clients on their importance to your business and the industry. Secondly, it boosts the confidence of certified employees. They’ve put in the effort to attain these credentials; let’s honor that dedication by incorporating them into our marketing strategies.

Speaking of certifications, our team is actively enhancing the OCNT certification program, which has been around for over 20 years. It’s time to align it with contemporary standards, and we’re excited to unveil our progress in the upcoming year.

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In the dynamic world of Plant Health Care this year, the landscape is bustling with activity. Having navigated challenges posed by the emerald ash borer (EAB) and the Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), we now face the arrival of new insects like the spotted lanternfly and box moth. These additions to our ecosystem will undoubtedly impact us in 2024. We’re committed to collaborating with the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) and various agencies to ensure you stay informed about all plant health-related matters.

As part of our efforts, we’re excited to announce that in 2024, the Plant Health Care Newsletter will be accessible to all company members as a valuable benefit. This newsletter aims to keep you on top of the latest developments, equipping you with information you can share with your teams and clients. Keeping your customers in the loop with the newest information sets you apart from competitors and bolsters your credibility.

I wish all of you nothing but success in 2024. I hope you will continue to use all the resources that OGIA is offering to you. You have our commitment to be an advocate for the industry and keep you informed. Let us know what is on your mind and how we can make a difference. Again, thank you for the opportunity to lead. May you truly be blessed in 2024.

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E X EC U T I V E D I R EC TO R’S M E S SAG E Adapting Perspectives: OGIA's Evolution in Education & Networking for 2024

TRACY SCHIEFFERLE

OGIA Executive Director tracy@ogia.org

HELLO 2024! A new year provides us with a chance to reevaluate our plans and aspirations, both personally and professionally. At OGIA, we have undertaken this introspective process as well.

Change is an undeniable constant. The ever-evolving technological landscape opens up new possibilities, and the recent pandemic has reshaped our approach to in-person events. Time has become a precious commodity, and the prospect of watching a twohour movie has become a daunting commitment.

We now crave specific solutions delivered promptly when needed.

In 2017, after thorough consideration, we made the decision to conclude the longstanding CENTS show.

Various factors, including financial considerations, attendance, and relevance, played a role in this decision. Since then, OGIA has introduced a range of “annual” programs such as MGIX, Member Summit, and midwestGREEN, designed to provide our members with diverse educational opportunities and networking events throughout the year.

Recently, the OGIA Board of Directors and staff have evaluated the outcomes of a two-year trial of midwestGREEN, an annual educational event featuring numerous courses and a small exhibit area. This assessment also included similar events offered since the conclusion of CENTS. Change is constant, and while we have heard fond reminiscences from many members about the good old days of CENTS, there were valid reasons behind the decision to retire the show. Similar shifts have been observed in annual trade shows across many states.

In alignment with the spirit of change, our Board feels that investing in an annual meeting that lacks substantial support from the majority of our membership is no longer practical. Following discussions with attendees, non-attendees, vendors, and a comprehensive review of attendance and financials, it has been concluded that persisting with a singular event offering broad educational sessions may not be the most effective direction.

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Our proposed pivot involves providing more targeted educational offerings in multiple locations across Ohio throughout the year. The plan is to tailor education to different member types, including growers, landscape professionals, and nursery members. Additionally, we are mindful of our members’ professional career stages, whether they are just starting out or climbing the ladder.

We aim to offer education and information that aligns with your current career stage, addressing the needs of your business and facilitating the ongoing development of both you and your employees.

As we step into 2024, you will witness an increase in these targeted offerings, featuring a mix of in-person and online programming, along with options catering specifically to Hispanic audiences.

Our aspiration is to deliver more value by providing targeted education at times and locations most convenient for your role within the industry.

Simultaneously, we aim to consider the impact on your time away from work and the associated costs.

We believe this change will afford us the opportunity to achieve these goals.

As always, we invite and encourage your input and active involvement. If there is a particular topic you would like us to cover in a program, please let us know! Your feedback is invaluable to us.

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A CENTURY OF

OGIA

Reflecting on the Past, Nurturing the Present, Cultivating the Future

BY ALANA SETTLE

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MOST NEW OGIA MEMBERS join the association to gain access to resources, education, networking, and other opportunities to help their businesses succeed. But do you know that your membership supports an organization with a history dating back more than 100 years?

Trade associations have played a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in advancing America’s great industries and even have deep roots in American democracy. In his famed 1831 visit to America, French statesman Alexis de Tocqueville observed Americans’ distinctive ability to form community organizations, stating that associations were essential to a thriving democratic society.

While guilds for craftsmen and artisans have existed since colonial times, more formal business leagues and professional organizations emerged in the United States in the late 18th and early 19th centuries as a way for business owners to exchange information and establish ethical and technical standards. Associations helped legitimize many professions. For example, the American Medical Association was formed in 1847 to establish codes of conduct and protect the public from quack medicine.

As associations grew more influential, many have played an active role in policymaking, providing input on proposed legislation and working collaboratively with regulatory agencies to ensure their industries can flourish.

In fact, legislative involvement was the reason the Ohio Green Industry Association (OGIA) was founded in 1908. A small number of nursery growers first met formally at the request of the State Board of Agriculture to discuss changes to the nursery inspection law. At the first meeting on January 15, 1908, the business owners in attendance formed a permanent, volunteerrun organization to address the ongoing needs of the industry.

Then known as the Ohio Nurserymen’s Association (ONA), meeting minutes from the association’s early annual conventions

show that members shared best practices, read research papers, and addressed legislative and business concerns.

It’s interesting to note the names of those in attendance and serving on the board during those early days. Even those new to the industry today would recognize familiar surnames: Scarff, Siebenthaler, Natorp, Champion, and other founders of many of the industry’s successful businesses, many of which are still operating in some capacity.

The names Dawes, Secrest, and Chadwick referred to the people—who served as professors and guest speakers— for whom the beautiful arboretums we know today were named. For as long as the association has been operating, green industry leaders have understood the importance of being involved. The annual conventions were undoubtedly a “who’s who” of the industry, attracting the best and the brightest to attend, learn, and share.

In 1956, the association hired its first executive secretary. The Buckeye publication launched in 1958 and was written by Dr. L.C. Chadwick. In 1963, the association started running ads in the publication.

ONA grew steadily through the 60s and 70s, forming new committees to address the needs of the times. During this time, the association began including landscape contractors as active members and expanded member benefits, such as publishing a nursery stock survey.

In 1976, the ONA board of directors hired a permanent staff to manage administrative tasks for the 420-member association.

This decision was a turning point for the organization. By 1983, the staff and board had increased income for the association fourfold, and membership grew to 688.

Over the next two decades, the association focused on building one of the nation’s largest and most respected green industry conventions, the Central Environmental Nursery Trade Show (CENTS).

across the country for all industries, OGIA nimbly pivoted away from a large tradeshow in 2018. For the next several years, it hosted specialized events such as management retreats and training days across the state.

It also redirected some of its resources to other areas of concern, such as launching the successful Ohio High School Landscape Olympics in 2016 and increasing online benefits for members.

“OGIA is breaking ground by cultivating accessibility as a core value. We’re not just expanding our digital avenues, but tailoring our offerings like never before, making sure every member finds something for them,” says executive director Tracy Schiefferle.

“Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, our online hub is primed to serve, offering a diverse array of tools and insights, ensuring everyone thrives in their green industry journey.”

The association has strategically stayed in tune with the industry. It has changed its name to market itself appropriately, from the Ohio Nurserymen’s Association to the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) in 1994 to the all-encompassing Ohio Green Industry Association in 2022.

Association involvement is smart business, and your efforts can shape the industry’s future. The Ohio Green Industry Association is the largest and oldest association in the state that represents Ohio’s growers, landscapers, garden centers, and allied suppliers.

Says Schiefferle: “We flourish when our members step up, share their voices, and shape the path ahead. Your feedback isn’t just valued; it’s the lifeblood of our progress.

We’re here to serve you, and together, through active participation, we’ll continue to make an even brighter, more vibrant future for us all.”

As the digital age brought transformation and waning of large, in-person conventions THE BUCKEYE | January/February 2024

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G O V E R N M E N T A F FA I R S U P D AT E What’s Happening with Marijuana in Ohio?

Unpacking Issues, Conflicts, and Future Paths

TONY SEEGERS

1803 Consulting, LLC tony@1803consulting.com Tony is the governmental affairs liaison for OhioPLANT, of which OGIA is a member. OhioPLANT is a coalition of pesticide, landscape, agriculture, nursery and turf professionals. For more information, visit OhioPLANT.com

It has been almost two months since Ohio voters approved Issue 2, the initiated statute for the recreational use of marijuana for adults, which took effect December 7. Issue 2 was a citizen led initiated statute, and unlike a voter approved citizen initiated constitutional amendment, the General Assembly has the option to let the law take effect without changes, make changes to the new law, or even pass a bill removing it all together from the revised code.

As passed by the voters, the recreational marijuana law allows adults ages 21 and older to cultivate up to six plants and possess up to 2.5 ounces of pot. For those renting, landlords will be able to prohibit the growing of plants.

stated such revenue would eventually be over $400 million per year. However, another study estimated it would be closer to $260 million. Regardless, the General Assembly has 30 days from December 7 to take action on the new law, and that has created conflict between the House and Senate on what steps to take.

STRUGGLES BETWEEN CHAMBERS

Competing recreational marijuana bills had been introduced and are being considered in the Senate and House. House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) has stated that House Republicans and Democrats believe it is important to respect the will of the voters and does not see a need to make changes to the new law anytime soon.

The new law also establishes a 10% use tax on top Differences between House and Senate leaders of existing sales, with revenues divided as follows: on what changes to make to the new recreational marijuana law hinge on whether the primary • 36% going to local governments with operating beneficiary of the marijuana revenues would be the dispensaries. state or local governments. Another disagreement • 36% to a social equity and cannabis jobs fund. between the chambers and backers of Issue 2 is the • 25% for substance abuse programming. new law’s handling of THC concentration limits as • 3% set aside for a newly created Division of well as who gets licenses.

Cannabis Control under the Department of Commerce.

The General Assembly only has a hand full of session days scheduled before the primary in There had been disagreement over how much March. revenue the recreational marijuana law would generate. Opponents believed the estimates put forth by proponents were excessive and that the new law would harm the existing medical marijuana industry in Ohio. Proponents argued that Issue 2 would generate money for Ohio’s coffers that could be used to pay for health, safety, and other social programs. These estimates range from a study conducted by The Ohio State University that

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THE BUCKEYE | January/February 2024

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TAKING CHARGE OF WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

BY ALANA SETTLE

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Empower your business in 2024 by seizing control and focusing on actionable strategies amidst industry trends, nurturing a supportive company culture, and more.

THE NEW YEAR should bring excitement and an energizing influence on business planning. But in this age of information overload, identifying smart and innovative growth opportunities can be daunting.

Thinking about all the various factors that can affect your business, from potential recession concerns, housing market changes, and the effects of the upcoming election to the weather, what your competitors are doing, and what the many “influencers” are saying, can make your head spin.

A frequent piece of advice given to business owners is to “control what you can control”—shifting your focus to proactive changes you can make within your company and tuning out the rest. Let’s look at a few ways to inspire innovation and growth in your companies in 2024.

THE BUCKEYE | January/February 2024

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Generally, Gen Zers care more about a company’s ethics and values and seek out authentic brand experiences.

TRENDS Staying abreast of industry trends is crucial for a company to evolve strategically and keep its competitive edge. To avoid decision fatigue, curate your newsletter subscriptions and social feeds only to include the best of the best (OGIA for industry news, Marty Grunder for landscape business strategy, Charlie Hall for growers and economy updates, and Garden Media Group are a few to get you started).

Industry experts such as the Garden Media Group research global trends in fashion, home décor, and pop culture and consult various industries to predict their trends for the green industry. Their 2024 Trends Report includes new design ideas like the popularity of goth and Victorian-themed gardens, insect-themed home décor, and pollinator-friendly habitats. Their color of the year is “Cyber Lime,” an almost neon shade of green symbolizing the connection between technology and nature. They also dive deep into Gen Z’s growing influence and unique shopping habits.

Trends affect every business in the green industry. They can help drive data-driven decisions when stocking new products or adding services. They can also easily be incorporated and “tested” with shortterm tactics like social media campaigns, refreshing store signage, and designing seasonal displays.

MARKETING The oldest individuals in Generation Z are in their mid-twenties. They are entering the workforce and becoming homeowners and will soon become the largest consumer group globally. It’s time to start thinking about how to reach this audience as they become vital customers and potential employees.

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Make sure your company values shine through in every aspect of your marketing.

The beginning of a new year is an excellent time to revamp the content on your Home Page and About Us webpages. Showcase how you support social causes and your local community organizations. Promote your sustainability efforts and goals. Align your product descriptions with the lifeimproving benefits that matter to Gen Z consumers.

Garden Media Group reports that online “creators” are 3.5x more influential than social media ads. Seek partnerships with social media influencers with a strong engagement and consider including usergenerated content like photo contests in your marketing campaigns. Position your company as a digital creator as well. Shortform video, e.g., live streams, behind-thescenes footage, or live product launches, will continue to receive higher visibility on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

SUSTAINABILITY Nearly three-quarters of Millennials and Gen Z consumers prefer to spend their money with companies committed to reducing their environmental footprint.

Many consumers are willing to spend more money and wait longer for high-quality, sustainable products.

Examine how you promote your ecofriendly products and talk about your sustainability goals. Your efforts have value even if you are not selling directly to consumers; your clients can use the information to promote their work with environmentally responsible vendors.

Approach sustainability sincerely and transparently as consumers become increasingly aware of “greenwashing” tactics.

COMPANY CULTURE Gallup polls indicate that worker stress is at a record high. Companies that celebrate creativity, the sharing of new ideas, and collaboration between managers and employees build trust and worker satisfaction.

Using technology wisely and strategically can help you do more with less and cut time on unproductive tasks while valuing your employees’ unique contributions and creativity. Using technology to increase efficiencies can allow companies to spend more time on training and developing “soft skills” that remain essential to successful business operations—teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

The rise of AI and other technological advancements will transform all aspects of business. Tools for automating repetitive tasks are becoming increasingly available in all types of business management software.

Look for AI-powered technology in CRMs, email marketing platforms, and content creation software that can help you analyze data, deliver personalized messaging, and create targeted campaigns. Many companies are reviewing their policies and ethical standards regarding the use of free chatbots like ChatGPT or Bard.

The new year brings new opportunities for growth and innovation in the green industry. By focusing on what you can control and utilizing the supportive resources available to you, your business can thrive in 2024 and beyond.

ARE YOU TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ALL THAT YOUR MEMBERSHIP HAS TO OFFER?

OGIA members are entitled to services designed to reduce company expenses while addressing the specific needs of green industry businesses. These providers were chosen by OGIA, and many offer discounts to OGIA members.

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

FINANCIAL PLANNING

IMMIGRATION & VISA ASSISTANCE

PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE

HEALTH/LIFE/INCOME INSURANCE

HUMAN RESOURCES SERVICES

FUEL PROGRAM

AND MORE!

Visit ogia.org/serviceproviders for more details.

THE BUCKEYE | January/February 2024

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H R F E AT U R E

Becoming Business Fit in 2024

BY ANDY SPRENGER Training Specialist

The Employers Association is an OGIA service provider offering FREE HR assistance and more.

Check it out and learn more about this benefit of your OGIA membership at ogia.org/serviceproviders.

IT’S E A NEW YEAR and with that perhaps comes a new resolution. One of the most common resolutions is health (working out more, getting healthier mentally, i.e. The Employers Association’s Mental Health First Aid, eating better, etc.). For this article, the analogy of working out is the goal.

More specifically, to work out with weights 3 days during the week. Working out with weights will create growth in the muscles, which will help burn calories and reshape your build. But growth of the muscle first requires microtears (small tears) to occur in the muscle fiber. Then, the muscles will repair and grow stronger which will help you reach your health goal. Business growth can work out the same way. The following are some business growth fitness approaches, not in a particular order, to help your company grow and achieve your New Year resolution.

START WITH QUESTIONS. What is the goal (specifically)? How much time do you have to dedicate to the goal? Why do you want to grow?

How will you measure growth? Realistically, what is the timeline for progression? Who can help with accountability? How else can you achieve the results? What was done in the past that worked well? What was not working and why? What is fun and why? What is frustrating and why? How do you develop consistency? Hopefully, you are picking up the basic idea. Start asking yourself the who, what, where, when, why, and how questions to the point of exhaustion. Muscle growth lies in the last few reps before exhaustion and slightly past that point.

and push. Professionally, if you are walking towards a goal, but your competitors are sprinting, then you may be left behind and cross the finish line last.

However, it depends on the race. For example, if it was a marathon and your competitors are sprinting, they are going to exhaust themselves before they get to the finish line. You are eventually going to cross that finish line by jogging at a reasonable pace, but you can decide when to increase or decrease your speed. Professionally, you can also choose to increase or decrease your pace, because you have not exhausted yourself at the beginning of the project. You will certainly cross the finish line, but in a healthier way.

RECOVERY. Rest and recovery are extremely important and extremely difficult to keep in mind when all you want to do is perform. How do you think you would feel if you attempted to do 500 squats with 100 lbs. in 20 minutes? What if instead of recovering properly you decided to attempt the same workout the next day? Now, you are quickly advancing towards injury.

Professionally, what is something that exhausts you mentally or physically? Once you have that in mind, how would you feel if you tried to perform that same task every day, all day? Probably “sore” leading to injury. But who may also be suffering from your injury? How about the people in your life? Recovery is not just for you, but for others in your professional and personal life.

LASTLY, GRACE. Give yourself some grace. It is not PACE YOURSELF. Consistency and purposeful about perfect practice; it is about positive practice.

progress are needed to move towards the goal.

What would happen if you attempted to lift 400 lbs. off the ground without progressing up to that weight in a systematic way? Hernia or slipped disk? Would you get greater results with 3-hour workout sessions or 20–45-minute sessions? Sure, it may depend on your fitness goals, but on average the latter will be more manageable and easier to be consistent.

Would rushing and cramming the process produce the best results for your business?

Positive practice is practice that helps you reach a positive outcome. Balancing the positive and negative is a pendulum throughout life. If you can have more positive than negative practices, then your goal will have a positive outcome.

Asking questions, pacing but also pushing yourself, recovery, and giving yourself grace are just some elements that will help your business grow. Although sometimes you may need to demolish the old and rebuild from scratch, sometimes all you need is to PACE YOURSELF BUT PUSH YOURSELF. Yes, tweak, adjust, or cause microtears to the foundations pacing yourself is needed so you can last to the end of the past to see growth in the future. of your workout; however, to progress you need to push yourself to move towards the goal. The difficult part is to find the balance between pace

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WEBINAR SERIES

OGIA has expanded its benefits to members by developing new webinarbased learning opportunities for 2024. These webinars provide educational and informational opportunities to our valued OGIA membership. Some educational webinars offer OCNT certification credit.

Janaury 16 H-2A & H-2B: What Your Business Needs to Know Janaury 23 HR Recordkeeping and Documentation Janaury 25 Year in the Plant Health Care Newsletter

February 6 Supporting Your Employees with an Inclusive Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy February 8 AI Deployment in Agriculture

View the full schedule at

OGIA.ORG/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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C O M M U N I C AT I O N S C O R N E R Narrative Superpowers: Elevating Business Communication through Compelling Storytelling IN THE FAST-PACED LANDSCAPE of business communication, the fusion of storytelling and narratives emerges not as mere buzzwords but as SARA CANTEES a powerhouse duo, capable of reshaping the entire OGIA Communications Manager playing field. Imagine storytelling as the superhero’s sara@ogia.org ability—the vehicle through which we share ideas, emotions, and experiences. However, when these narratives come together, they transform into a formidable force, much like a superhero team that orchestrates how everyone perceives the world.

communication, creating an immersive journey that beckons everyone to join—a journey that resonates with the audience and propels the company towards greater success.

If you aren’t already, here are a few things you could easily begin doing in your marketing: MAKE IT COMPELLING

Share the journey of a landscape design project, highlighting challenges and triumphs, emphasizing the emotional impact on clients. Encourage employees to share personal stories related to their work, illustrating dedication and passion for landscaping.

When we recount stories in our personal lives, they often revolve around our individual experiences and their significance. However, in the business domain, narratives take on a greater role—they are stories carefully crafted to influence the collective mindset and behavior.

STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT Engage with local communities by narrating stories Narratives resemble a meticulously drawn map. about sustainability efforts or charitable initiatives They don’t merely string together random messages; your company supports. instead, they serve as the blueprint, organizing stories into a cohesive and impactful framework. ENGAGEMENT AND CONNECTION This superhero blueprint constructs a vivid and It’s 2024. Every business needs to utilize social compelling message that steers individuals towards media to share stories, engaging customers with actions aligned with the company’s vision and captivating visuals and anecdotes about successful resonant with customers’ values. projects. It’s easy and it’s free!

But how do we harness this power effectively? It starts with understanding the business at its core— its essence, values, goals, and the aspirations it seeks to fulfill. Through collaborative efforts, storytelling becomes more than just a skill—it becomes a strategic tool for shaping narratives that captivate attention and drive meaningful actions.

In essence, the strategic amalgamation of storytelling and narrative transcends the realms of conventional communication. It represents a narrative superpower that not only connects deeply with customers but also steers them towards actions in alignment with the company’s objectives. This transformative power breathes life into business

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By weaving compelling narratives into your communication strategy, businesses can go beyond showcasing their services—they can create emotional connections, educate, inspire action, and foster a loyal customer base.

OGIA EVENT CALENDAR Subject to change. Visit ogia.org/events for more information.

January 16

H-2A & H-2B: What Your Business Needs to Know Webinar

January 23

HR Recordkeeping and Documentation Webinar

January 25

Year in the Plant Health Care Newsletter Webinar

February 6

Supporting Your Employees with an Inclusive Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy Webinar

February 8 February 20 February 27

AI Deployment in Agriculture Webinar Problem Solving and Decision Making Webinar The Top 10 Best Practices for Managing Your Workers’ Comp Program Webinar

March 4

Spring Startup Training Natorp’s | Mason, Ohio

March 7

Spring Startup Training EMI | Plain City, Ohio

March TBD

Spring Startup Training Kurtz Bros. | Independence, Ohio

ADVERTISER INDEX

Briar Rose Nurseries, Inc.

10

Bowling Nursery

11

Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc.

23

Evergreen Seed Supply, LLC

7

Ernst Conservation Seeds, Inc.

15

Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc.

5

Employers must display Federal and State labor law notices for employees. One of OGIA's service providers, The Employers’ Association, offers kits containing durable posters featuring the necessary federal and state postings.

The Employers’ Association also provides an Update Service, ensuring businesses stay current with any mandatory changes in postings throughout the year. Subscribers receive updated posters within 30 days of government-mandated content revisions for a year, eliminating concerns about outdated information.

A D R AT E S & I N F O Contact Sara Cantees sara@ogia.org

Visit ogia.org/LaborLawPosters to order yours!

THE BUCKEYE | January/February 2024

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Ohio Green Industry Association P.O. Box 518 Dublin, Ohio 43017-9998 Address Service Requested

LANDSCAPE PLANTS FOR OHIO Updated for 2024 Landscape Plants for Ohio: A Professional’s Guide. An 80 page printed publication including, evergreens, ferns, grasses, perennials, shrubs, and trees.

These make fantastic gifts or valuable items for resale to clients, providing a wealth of knowledge on plant identification, optimal growing conditions, planting tips, and more!

To order yours, visit ogia.org/LandscapePlantsOhio 20

| ogia.org

Your Guide to the Best Plants for Ohio