President’s Message

The Value of Membership

ByPeter Mezitt, MCH

Ithink we can all agree that there seems to be an overall lack of urgency these days among many folks to be productive contributors to the economy. The percentage of ablebodied people who are out of the workforce is at an all-time high, and those who are working can often feel bitter about the increased demands placed on them. To add to this frustration, not all customers have the aptitude or the patience to deal with reduced staff while waiting in line at their local bakery or on hold with the understaffed airline call center. Nurses and pilots who show up to work every day and maintain a pleasant demeanor are today’s heroes!

I would argue that those of us who place value on showing up to work and making a difference will stand to benefit the most in the future. There are now more opportunities than ever to contribute to a cause or make a positive impact to help your business grow. College graduates have seen their starting salaries skyrocket over the past 18 months as employers compete to hire unproven talent in hopes they will become an integral part of the corporation. Our industry has had to spend an incredible amount of time developing hiring strategies to attract people with little to no experience, successfully onboard them, and provide continuous opportunities that will keep people happy and engaged — not a bad thing!

I believe things will start to balance out this year. Government subsidies will lessen, cost of living will continue to increase, we will become exasperated with COVID controlling our lives, and people will want to start doing more things like traveling and spending money on hobbies. With excuses and incentives diminishing, people will have to jump back into the workforce if they want to live their life to the fullest. Fortunately, our industry is a known careerchange industry, and we can benefit from people re-entering the workforce and wanting to do something different with their lives.

Things will not change overnight. With a shortage of people and product going into 2022, I believe we have to plan on doing more with less once again this year.

As a group of people who have to shoulder a lot of responsibility, I encourage you to utilize MNLA as a “resource for your success.” Your organization puts together many events and learning opportunities that address not only the technical side of horticultural field, but many other aspects that help us become more capable and competent with the way we live our lives or run our businesses. These are the times we can all prove something to ourselves and challenge ourselves to learn and do better.

Just a for-instance: This year, pending bills in the legislature may present a challenge to many of our members’ businesses. Have you taken the time to get to know our MNLA legislative liaison Jason Wentworth? He is a wealth of information. Just knowing about him and what he does will better prepare you for any changes in state and local government that may have an impact on your business. If you want to learn more, visit the MNLA website for his upcoming webinar.

I love plants and horticulture as much as most of you, but it is during these times that I recommend challenging yourself to take time to set some goals for yourself. I take time to do this during the winter myself.

MNLA wants to help you. Keep an eye out for upcoming live and online events where you will have the opportunity to learn and network with the awesome, talented people who all can learn from one another.

Sincerely,

Peter Mezitt, MCH Weston Nurseries, Inc. MNLA President