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Membership |
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Why Join GGIA? ~ Here's why from members'
points of view:
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Landscape Contractors |
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- Beneficial Insurance programs helping to
improve the bottom line.
- A collective voice and representation
regarding Governmental issues affecting the profession active at the state
capital.
- Certification program for Landscape
Contractors (GCLP).
- The Journal for industry information.
- The Trade Show where contacts and
product reviews can be made in one auditorium.
- Training seminars to develop businesses
and employees.
- Networking among the industry including
some of the top businesses in our region.
- The Membership Directory.
- Consumer confidence in professional
associations.
- Awards program that recognizes
outstanding work in the industry.
- Discounted reference materials.
- Nursery and allied product resources to
aid in business.
Brendan Smith, Owner, Eco-logistics
of Georgia, Inc. |
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Retailers |
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Over the years that I have been a member of
GGIA I have received many benefits. Some have definitely been
financial; others have been more intangible but definitely benefits.
My membership goes back to GGIA's beginning
days when the Georgia Nurseryman's Association and Georgia Landscape
Association came together to form an umbrella association that would serve
the entire green industry. Over the years I have been involved in
different aspects of these areas. As a grower I have found the
educational opportunities to be invaluable as well as the relations that I
have built with extension personnel. These have helped me to produce
and market quality plants. As my business changed we began to get into
more retail sales. I found that there were opportunities to enhance
this area of my business as well.
Some of the intangible benefits would be
relationships built with other industry members, growers, venders, and
retailers. These relationships alwasy seem to circle around and come
back to help me in my career. Sharing of information and advice
between people in the industry has always been open and freely given.
I would encourage other members to get
involved at a deeper level, whether it is getting involved in different
committees, setting up trade shows, or serving on the board. You soon
begin to realize even more benefits that this organization can bring to you.
The old saying that the more that you put into it, the more that you get out
of it certainly holds true.
Beyond what we see as benefiting us
personally, there are also benefits to the industry as a whole that this
organization provides. Our legislative work is an ongoing service that
this industry cannot afford to be without. Our certification program
pulls our industry up to a higher level of professionalism. Our
efforts to unify the industry will give us a much-needed voice to face
issues in the future.
Mike Cunningham, Owner, Cunningham's
Country Gardens of Newnan |
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sales & marketing |
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Knowledge and information are vital tools in
all facets of business. In sales, what you know or don't know about
your market largely determines your competitive edge. Membership in
GGIA gives me an edge and helps me keep it sharp.
I need accurate, up to date information about
a wide range of market factors. Through my involvement in GGIA I'ms
able to stay on top of everything from consumer trends and production
issues, to changes in technology and the impact of government regulations.
GGIA also gives me an opportunity to build
relationships with other professionals who are committed to improving
industry conditions for all of us. I believe in that, and I choose to
be a part of it.
The truth is, the rewards and benefits that
I receive from my GGIA membership far outweigh whatever I am able to
contribute. You can't ask for a better investment than that.
Kevin Karel, President/Owner,
Growers Direct Nurseries |
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Wholesale growers |
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My membership investment in GGIA is both
personal and financial. My GGIA membership has enabled me to meet Don
and Skeeter McCorkle, Andy Hull, the late (great) Buck Jones, Joe Kinney
from Alabama, Aaron Swafford from Tennessee, James Gilbert from South
Carolina, George Hackney from Florida, and my best nursery friend, Jeff
Beasley. Each of these people has taught me much, and their counsel
has aided my decision making in business. The personal relationships
between people in business is one of the most important characteristics of
the nursery industry. Have you ever
considered what your membership fee in GGIA yields? Let me count the
ways! Several years ago, GGIA was largely responsible for lobbying to
remove the ad valorem tax on equipment for farms and nurseries. During
the last year the tax was in effect, I paid $562.00. At the
Wintergreen Tradeshow, my membership saves me $75.00 for each booth. I
have one and a half booths, saving me $112.50. Last year I switched my
business liability, worker's comp, and truck insurance to Hortica, the GGIA
endorsed insurance plan. I saved $800.00 and enhanced my coverage.
My $150.00 investment saved me $1474.50 last year. Don't you wish all
your investments paid off this well?
Joseph Napoli, Owner, Athens
Wholesale Nursery |
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