Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma

The WESTERN Nursery & Landscape Association is a five state regional nursery association that includes the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma.

When surveyed, WESTERN members cited employee training as one of the most important components of a valuable annual meeting and trade show. The WESTERN has responded by adding a new irrigation class to the 2004 educational program that focuses on electrical troubleshooting and diagnosing field wiring problems. Brought to Kansas City by the Irrigation Association, this class trains how to properly use volt-ohm meters and diagnose wiring problems based on the readings. The correct use and application of wire locating equipment is taught, and the most effective steps in sorting out confusing electrical problems, making running new wire a last resort.

The class is presented by Cathie Lavis of Kansas State and Kevin Marks of Hydrologic.

2004 WESTERN Annual Meeting & Trade Show

The annual meeting will be in Kansas City, MO, January 4-6, 2004. There will be double the educational speakers, and two tracks of speakers simultaneously. This is information to better run your business, including retail marketing innovations, labor solutions, and management strategies. More marketing and management sessions will be offered this year in response to survey feedback. Speakers include:

• Todd Davis of NMPRO magazine. Mr. Davis has conducted interviews at more than 300 nurseries and other horticultural facilities in 38 states, Canada and Europe. He is a Texas Certified Nursery Professional with experience as a landscape contractor for three firms.
• Judy Sharpton, owner of Growing Places Marketing in Atlanta, GA, specializes in store design, merchandising and retail product development exclusively for the horticulture industry. She is also a contributing editor for Lawn and Garden Retailer and Birding Business.
• Karl Eberle, vice president and general manager of Harley-Davidson Motor Co., vehicle and power train operations, Kansas City, MO. His management philosophy is collaborating with employees to reach a common goal. Mr. Eberle?EUR??,,????'???s approach stresses communication and a flexible mindset

Head out on the Highway...

The WESTERN will give away a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle at the 2004 annual meeting. Tickets to ?EUR??,,????'??Crack the Code to Hit the Road?EUR??,,????'?? will be available at the booths of the companies that are sponsoring the give-away.