Arkansas Green Industry Association (AGIA)

Name Change and Industry Partnerships Give Better Value. The Arkansas Green Industry Association (AGIA), formerly the Arkansas Nurserymen?EUR??,,????'???s Association, continues to find ways to market and provide benefits to green industry workers. Two years ago the organization changed its name, in part, to accommodate the huge growth in the landscape contractor section of the organization. The Greenhouse Growers Association also merged with the organization when the name was changed.

?EUR??,,????'??It makes sense to have one large green umbrella organization for all of the ornamental horticulture disciplines in Arkansas, as our total numbers are less than other states. We have obtained critical mass now and can be more effective as industry advocates,?EUR??,,????'?? explained Anne Borg, AGIA executive director. ?EUR??,,????'??The challenge is to provide valuable education and benefits for the different types of businesses. Our relationship with ALCA allows us access to education and programming for the landscape contractors in our organization. Associations working with other associations is how it needs to happen.?EUR??,,????'??

Getting on the Radar Screen at the Capital. AGIA presented ?EUR??,,????'??A Description of the Industry and Economic Impact?EUR??,,????'?? to the Agriculture Committee in the fall. The committee members, well versed on food and fiber matters, were pleased to hear about the green industry.

Website Improvements. AGIA is giving its website a face lift. The new site will be faster, have a members only login area for updating records; the site will also have a public side for searchable information. The new site (www.argia.org) will be up and running early this winter.