2026: September
An AmericanHort Member Benefit
A KNOWLEDGE RESOURCE FOR OUR INDUSTRY
IN THIS ISSUE
Building on What You Have Green industry businesses know how to make the most of what they have. From finding new efficiencies in the tools and equipment already on hand to preparing the next generation of leaders and advocating for your best interests, there are plenty of ways to build on what’s already working. In this issue, we explore practical ideas for strengthening your business, your team, and the industry.
FEATURES
ADVOCACY & HRI UPDATES
EVENTS & EDUCATION
Unlocking More Value from the Resources You Already Have
Spanish-Language Education this Fall
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Three New Members Join the AmericanHort Advocacy Committee
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Access the State of the Industry Address from Cultivate’26
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Getting Started in Advocacy: How to Make Your Voice Heard
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Watch Cultivate’26 Sessions with On-Demand Package
Back
Optimizing Rack Cubing for Greater Freight Efficiency Carrying a Legacy Forward with Growing Green
HRI Leadership Academy Selects Class of 2027 10 12
FEATURE
Unlocking More Value from the Resources You Already Have In business, growth is often associated with adding more, whether it’s space, staff, equipment, or even infrastructure. While those investments may be necessary at times, they are not always the first step toward better performance. Sometimes the greatest opportunity lies in making better use of the resources already in place. Every operation has valuable resources that influence profitability, including space, labor, inventory, equipment, time, and information. How those assets are managed can have a direct impact on productivity, profitability, and the ability to grow.
Looking More Closely at Everyday Operations Improvement often begins with a closer look at daily operations. A grower may identify ways to reduce downtime or make better use of production space. A retailer may benefit from stronger inventory practices or more efficient staff scheduling. A business involved in distribution may uncover gains through improved organization, communication, or product flow. While the specifics vary, the principle is the same: small inefficiencies can add up over time. Extra steps in a process, underused space, delayed decisions, or inaccurate information can all drain time and money without immediately drawing attention. Left unaddressed, these issues can limit performance and reduce the return on the resources a business already has. 2 | AmericanHort.org
Small Changes Can Deliver Meaningful Results The good news is that improvement does not always require a major investment. Often, meaningful gains come from small adjustments made consistently over time. Refining workflows, improving communication between teams, adjusting schedules, or using information more effectively can all support better results. In one operation, which may mean reducing waste. In another, it may improve service, increase output, or support stronger sales decisions. Small changes may seem minor on their own, but when applied across an operation, they can lead to measurable improvements in efficiency and profitability.
Better Decisions Start with Better Information Using resources well requires visibility. Businesses need a clear understanding of how work is happening day to day and where opportunities for improvement may exist.
Tracking operational information, whether tied to labor, scheduling, inventory, workflow, or customer demand, can help identify patterns, uncover inefficiencies, and support better decisions. It can also help teams respond sooner, before small issues become larger problems. Technology can support these efforts, but improvement starts with awareness. Asking the right questions and regularly evaluating how work gets done can reveal practical opportunities that might otherwise be missed.
Making Efficiency Part of Everyday Operations The strongest businesses are often those that make continuous improvement part of their everyday mindset. It does not always require sweeping change. Often, the most meaningful gains come from taking a closer look at everyday operations, identifying where resources may be underused, and making thoughtful adjustments over time. With a clear understanding of current practices and a willingness to refine them, businesses can position themselves for greater efficiency, stronger decision-making, and long-term success.
How to Get Started One of the most effective ways to identify inefficiencies is to ask the people closest to the daily work. Their perspective can reveal practical challenges, recurring obstacles, and opportunities for improvement that might otherwise go unnoticed. Consider asking: •
What slows you down most during the day?
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Where do mistakes or miscommunication happen most often?
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What process feels more complicated than it should be?
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What tool, report, or information would help you work more efficiently?
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What is one small change that would make your job easier?
Three New Members Join the AmericanHort Advocacy Committee Tom Demaline of Willoway Nurseries (Ohio) and Chris Robinson of Robinson Nursery (Oregon) were selected from a competitive pool of nearly 20 applicants to fill two open industry seats on the committee. New this year, the committee also includes a representative from the Lighthouse Program. Developed through a partnership between AmericanHort and state industry associations, the Lighthouse program serves as a gateway to information and action that strengthens advocacy efforts across the horticulture industry. Jeff Stone, Executive Director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, was selected to serve in this new role, bringing valuable state association and local advocacy perspectives to the committee. AmericanHort thanks all applicants for their interest and commitment to advancing advocacy for the horticulture industry. Advocacy Committee members serve three-year terms, with applications opening each spring.
Tom Demaline Willoway Nurseries (Ohio)
Chris Robinson Robinson Nursery (Oregon)
Jeff Stone Executive Director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries
2026: September 3
OPTIMIZATION
The Hidden Cost of Shipping Air: Optimizing Rack Cubing for Greater Freight Efficiency By Gary Cortés – Found Partner of FlowVision
As freight costs continue to climb due to rising fuel prices, and higher transportation expenses, there has never been a better time to focus on optimizing rack utilization and maximizing truck payloads. The goal of rack optimization is simple: fill every rack as much as possible to maximize top-line sales. As you watched your racks being loaded this spring, did you notice how much empty space—or “air”—was left on each rack? A trailer loaded with racks may appear full, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re making the most of every shipment. Every empty shelf, every unused cubic foot, and every partially filled rack represent a missed opportunity to increase revenue without adding another truck. Whether you’re shipping to big-box retailers or independent garden centers (IGCs), every open space on a rack is an opportunity to add saleable product,
improve freight efficiency, and increase the value of each load. Optimizing your payload isn’t just about fitting more plants on a truck—it’s about lowering freight costs per unit, improving margins, and getting the maximum return from every mile traveled.
Freight Cost per Plant Whether you charge freight as a percentage of the invoice, per shipping rack, or by trailer footage, the objective should always be the same: maximize every rack and every truckload. If you’re supplying big-box retailers on a Pay-by-Scan program, every empty space on a rack represents unrealized revenue. As the saying goes, “Plants only make money once they’re shipped.” Plants sitting in the greenhouse or nursery tie up space, labor, and capital—they don’t generate income. The more saleable plants you can load onto each truck, the lower your freight cost per plant and the greater the return on every shipment. The same principle applies when selling to IGCs, but the sales strategy may be different. If freight is charged as a
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The question isn’t whether to fill the remaining space—it’s when. percentage of the invoice, the customer has little incentive to add product because adding more product to the order increases the freight charge. Instead, consider encouraging the customer to fully utilize the available rack space by keeping the freight charge at the original quoted amount and allowing them to fill the remaining space with additional plants at no additional freight cost. This creates a win-win outcome. The grower sells more product without increasing transportation costs because the truck was already scheduled and the available space was going unused. At the same time, the IGC receives more product while reducing its effective freight cost per plant. Rather than shipping air, both parties maximize the value of every rack and every mile traveled.
When Should Rack Optimization Happen? The goal is to ensure every shipping rack is fully cubed and optimized before it ever reaches the loading dock. The question isn’t whether to fill the remaining space— it’s when. The best opportunity is immediately after the order has been entered and the required number of racks has been calculated. In many operations, this step can be supported by specialized racking software that analyzes the plant on the order determines how many racks are required. Each plant has a height and shelf quantity that is key in calculating racks required That gives the salesperson or customer service representative a chance to review whether additional capacity exists and, if so, contact the customer to offer more product without increasing freight cost.
What you don’t want to do is wait until the shipping crew is loading the racks and discover there’s unused space. By then, it’s too late. The customer has already placed the order, the paperwork has been processed, and there isn’t enough time to make additional sales. Rack optimization should be part of the sales process—not a last-minute decision made on the loading dock. For growers that incorporate rack optimization into the order-entry and fulfillment process, the payoff can include lower shipping labor, more accurate shipments, and significantly higher payload utilization. In some cases, some have improved their payloads from 90% to more than 97%.
2026: Sep tem
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2026: September 5
SAGE
Work Smarter and More Efficiently with Sage AI is showing up everywhere, including your to-do list. Knowing when and how to use it can feel like a challenge of its own.
Hi, I’m
Sage is the AmericanHort AI assistant that is a good place to start exploring how and when to use AI. It is trained exclusively on AmericanHort content. Every answer is grounded in real programs, research, and resources from the green industry, and your questions stay on the AmericanHort website, not out in public.
Workforce Training and Career Development One of the most valuable ways to use AI is for workforce training and career development. Whether you’re onboarding new employees, planning professional growth, or building career pathways, Sage can help. For instance, HortCred, a micro credentialing program, is designed to serve individual or organizational needs. Learn which HortCred badge is right for your needs and Sage will provide details you need to build a path that works for you, quickly and efficiently.
Scan the QR code to get started.
Content Creation Beyond workforce development, Sage can help streamline everyday business tasks. Need to analyze meeting notes, or data, or to create a first draft a job posting or a social media announcement? Sage can help you do all of this and can provide valuable assistance on tasks that take time out of running your business. From garden centers to greenhouses, nurseries, landscape and interior plantscape operations, Sage offers support tailored to your segment of the industry.
Scan the QR code to explore writing prompts.
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Operational Tasks Looking for even more ways to save time? The Sage Toolkit helps with marketing and business development, human resources, and operational tasks; from social media content creation to proposal generation. Log in to your membership portal for complete access. Get expert-level HR, marketing, and operations support in minutes—not hours. Simply choose a task, share a few details, and Sage will draft it for you.
Scan the QR code to see how Sage can support your business.
Real Members— Real Experiences Since the start of the year, thousands of members have used Sage to save time and solve everyday challenges. Some members asked Sage assistance in planning their Cultivate schedule, while others have asked the best way to prepare for participation in the Financial and Salary and Benefits Benchmark studies, or how to host a member of Congress at their business. Other individuals asked for help crafting product descriptions and writing social media posts. No matter what’s on your to-do list, Sage is ready to help. Start with one task, one question, or one idea, and see how quickly Sage can point you in the right direction.
To get started, visit AmericanHort.org, log in to the member portal in the top right corner, then click the Sage icon.
Tech Tips Here are a few ways to get more out of your conversation with Sage: •
Provide background and “converse” instead of just search
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Ask one question at a time
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Be as specific as possible
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Ask follow up questions
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Provide feedback to the AI tool (thumbs up or down)
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Remember, AI continues to learn and your experience matters
We’re continuing to grow Sage based on member feedback. You can email Sage@AmericanHort.org with any questions, ideas, or challenges.
2026: September 7
ADVOC AC Y
Getting Started in Advocacy: How to Make Your Voice Heard Advocacy may seem intimidating, but getting involved does not require political experience, a policy background, or a major time commitment. Every member can make an impact, and even small actions can assist lawmakers in better understanding the issues affecting your business and the broader green industry. Practical ways to start:
1. Register to Vote Registering to vote is a fundamental first step in advocacy. Voting helps you choose representatives who reflect your priorities, hold leaders accountable, and show elected officials that you care about decisions at the local, state, and national levels.
2. Stay informed Stay up to date on the latest developments, laws, and regulatory matters impacting your business. The AmericanHort advocacy team is based in Washington, D.C., and their job is to keep an ear to the ground on issues affecting the horticulture industry. They report back with Impact Washington, our members-only, bi-weekly newsletter. Premium members receive CapWire every Friday, an insider’s look at Washington, D.C.
3. Respond to Advocacy Alerts When a new policy issue arises, AmericanHort sends alerts with simple, actionable steps through the Voter Voice platform. The platform matches you with your regional representatives and provides you with a pre-crafted message highlighting the specific legislation. All you need to do is enter your contact information and hit send. Submitting a comment or email ensures your perspective is included.
4. Host a Site Visit Policymakers gain perspective by seeing your business firsthand. Even a brief tour can illustrate the real-world implications of policy decisions. Invite your representative to tour your business or organization during congressional recess or district work periods. If you need help, the AmericanHort advocacy team can provide guidance.
5. Attend Fly-Ins or Meetings Washington, D.C. Fly-Ins allow members a guided opportunity to meet directly with decision-makers on Capitol Hill. AmericanHort hosts a fly-in every other year, with briefings on key industry issues and scheduled meetings with representatives and agency officials so members can share how policy decisions affect their businesses. If you miss the biannual Impact Washington Fly-In, AmericanHort often participates in coalition meetings throughout the year, offering another way to make your voice heard. The AmericanHort Advocacy and Government Affairs team also arranges issue specific Hill visits and can keep you informed of upcoming opportunities.
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Why These Steps Matter
How AmericanHort Can Help
Even small actions add up. When policymakers hear directly from the businesses affected by their decisions, they are better equipped to understand the realworld impact of policy. Your participation strengthens the industry’s collective voice, builds credibility with elected officials, and helps ensure future policies are practical, informed, and responsive to the needs of the green industry.
The AmericanHort staff can coordinate engagement, provide resources, and guide members at every step. Our goal is to make advocacy approachable, effective, and rewarding. Starting small does not mean your voice won’t be heard, it means you’re joining a collective effort that creates real results.
Each conversation, message, site visit, or meeting helps build long-term relationships with lawmakers and their staff. Over time, those relationships make it easier for elected officials to understand what is at stake for your business, your employees, and the industry as a whole.
Contact the AmericanHort Advocacy & Government Relations Staff
Need help with hosting an elected official at your operation? Sage, the AmericanHort AI-powered assistant, can help. Scan the QR code for a step-by-step guide.
Matt Mika Senior Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer MattM@AmericanHort.org 202-789-8113 Rachel Pick Senior Manager, Advocacy & Government Affairs RachelP@AmericanHort.org 202-789-8112 Kamron Newberry Regulatory and Trade Policy Coordinator KamronN@AmericanHort.org 202-789-8114
PlantPAC When our industry unites, Congress listens. The AmericanHort Political Action Committee supports pro-horticulture candidates who champion policies that help your business prepare for the future. Your support strengthens our voice and powers the success of the industry. Learn More at AmericanHort.org/PlantPAC 2026: September 9
HRI UPDATE
HRI Leadership Academy Selects Class of 2027 The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) recently announced the HRI Leadership Academy Class of 2027. This intensive, year-long program further develops leaders across the green industry so they can lead their organizations more effectively and expand their influence within the broader industry. Through a rigorous curriculum focused on leadership, strategy, finance, operations, and change management, the HRI Leadership Academy helps participants view business holistically, lead teams effectively, and transform vision into action. The program combines in-person learning sessions, peer collaboration, and a hands-on LEAD Project, while connecting participants to a national network of industry leaders. “Programs like the HRI Leadership Academy are essential to further develop thoughtful, capable leaders who can guide our industry forward,” said Jennifer Gray, HRI Administrator. “We look for professionals who are already demonstrating strong leadership in their organizations and communities, and who have the curiosity and commitment to grow their influence at a broader level. This year’s class reflects that standard.” The new class was introduced during Cultivate’26 in July.
Bob Berbee Leo Berbee Bulb
Esmeralda Carrasco Ponderosa Cactus & Hay Sales Inc
Jennifer Dyer MASTERTAG/Avery Products
Andy Fields Goodmark Nurseries
Carrie Hancock JMR Landscaping
Tanner Jones Family Tree Nursery
Javier Lopez Aguilar Altman Plants
Kelly Nicholas Dummen Orange
Jake Scott Piedmont Feed & Garden Center
Lindsay Squires Tagawa Gardens
Abby Thompson Acorn Farms
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AmericanHort Offers Two Benchmarking Opportunities in 2026 The AmericanHort Salary & Benefits Benchmark Survey is now open through the end of September. By participating, you’ll contribute to one of the industry’s most valuable resources for compensation, staffing, and benefits data while gaining insights to strengthen your own business. Survey participants receive the full industry report, featuring expert analysis of salary, staffing, and benefits trends to help guide hiring, retention, budgeting, and business planning. Eligible AmericanHort Premium members who complete the survey also receive a personalized Company Compensation Comparison Report at no cost, showing how their wages and benefits compare with industry benchmarks. Other eligible AmericanHort members may purchase the report after completing the survey. Complete the survey by the end of September and help build the data that drives better business decisions across the horticulture industry. Industry Insights, a leading independent research firm specializing in operating surveys, administers the survey. All data is collected confidentially and reported in the aggregate.
Learn more about benchmarking at AmericanHort.org/Benchmarking or scan the QR code.
tHRIve Webinars this Fall Learn about key research findings and more from the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) web-based series, tHRIve. These webinars are provided at no cost.
Bee Banquet in the Sky: Trees and Shrubs for Urban Pollinator Conservation Oct 7, 1:00 PM ET Urban landscapes can be important refuges for native bees and other pollinators. Daniel Potter, Professor Emeritus, Department of Entomology, University of Kentucky, shares why bees are critical for biodiversity and food security, why populations are declining, and how gardeners can help by incorporating woody landscape plants to provide nectar, pollen, and nesting sites for bees. Attendees will receive handouts to help teach others about the best trees and shrubs for bee conservation.
From Chaos to Contentment: The Making of a Garden Dec 1, 1:00 PM ET Dr. Allan Armitage, Emeritus Professor of Horticulture, University of Georgia, shares his inspiring journey of transforming his home’s yard into a welcoming garden. He will walk through the plant choices that helped bring his small yard to life, including the trees, shrubs, climbers, perennials, annuals, and grasses that now thrive there.
Visit HRIResearch.org/Thrive to register or scan the QR code.
2026: September 11
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Carrying a Legacy Forward The continuation of a customer-first philosophy at Growing Green.
While the company has grown in staff and revenue, one thing remains constant. “The business philosophy of taking care of the customer first has not changed!” Stumpf emphasized. When Joel and Teri Pesapane founded Growing Green in St. Louis in 1973, they built more than an interiorscaping business. They created a company rooted in exceptional customer service, horticultural creativity, and a belief that plants improve communal spaces. More than 50 years later, that philosophy continues under a new generation of leadership. “Joel and Teri started a remarkable company in a time when the term ‘plantscaping’ was not well known,” Director of Operations Jodi Stumpf said. “We have been honored to carry on the company that they built from the ground up.” Following the founders’ retirement, the leadership team stepped into familiar-feeling roles. “They designated our roles into our areas of specialty—Susan Esker as the Director of Sales, Suzanne Alberter as the Director of Administration, and me as the Director of Operations,” Stumpf explained. “We were already somewhat carrying out these roles, so they were a natural fit for each of us.” Although the founders have retired, “they are still a resource for us and only a phone call away.”
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Bringing Biophilic Design to Life That customer-first philosophy extends to Growing Green’s embrace of biophilic design. “Biophilic design is a somewhat new term for incorporating nature into the built environment,” Stumpf says. “While the term may be somewhat new, this is what Growing Green has been offering since it was formed in 1973.” She notes that bringing nature into workplaces “improves the health, well-being, and performance of the people who use these spaces,” while research shows these environments provide measurable benefits for both occupants and the organizations themselves. Growing Green has also expanded that commitment through Folia—An Immersive Experience, a multisensory environment combining live plants with the sounds of nature, natural scents, and comfortable seating. The concept lets visitors experience firsthand how a biophilic space can influence well-being. According to Stumpf, the Folia room traveled to businesses throughout St. Louis so the community could see its benefits. Permanent Folia spaces now exist in a St.
Pictured Left to Right: Suzanne Alberter, Jodi Stumpf, and Susan Esker
“Biophilic design is a somewhat new term for incorporating nature into the built environment…this is what Growing Green has been offering since it was formed in 1973.” Louis building lobby, and in the company’s own showroom, where employees can enjoy “a few moments of solace during the workday.”
Growing Through Giving Back Giving back has become another defining part of the company’s identity. Rather than participating only in occasional charitable events, Growing Green established a yearlong nonprofit partnership model. “We decided that we should adopt our own partnership with a local nonprofit and make a year-long commitment to help them in whatever way they need us,” Stumpf explained. Growing Green makes a lasting impact by collecting needed items, helping with community gardens, and supporting Veterans Community Project with helping construct tiny homes for veterans experiencing homelessness. “Our employees enjoy being involved in the community and giving back—it feels good,” she adds. That same spirit of giving extends to the horticulture industry. Growing Green has been involved with AmericanHort for more than 30 years. The founders believed in
learning from others when the interiorscape industry was still emerging and made it a priority to share that knowledge in return. As Joel stepped away from his leadership role, Teri and then Stumpf continued that tradition by volunteering with the AmericanHort Community Connectors. Stumpf eventually served as a Connector Lead before Molly Turpin, an Interior Plantscape Manager for Growing Green, stepped into the role. Today, someone from Growing Green has served in a leadership role within the AmericanHort interiorscape community for more than three decades— a reflection of the company’s longstanding commitment to its community and the green industry.
2026: September 13
PINION
The Cyber Risk Horticulture Can’t Afford: Downtime By Ken Keller, Lead IT Advisor, Pinion Technology Core
For horticulture businesses, cyber risk is no longer limited to stolen passwords or exposed customer data. The bigger threat may be downtime— losing access to the systems that keep orders moving, crews scheduled, payments processed, deliveries routed, and living inventory protected. In an industry built around seasonality, perishability, and tight delivery windows, even a short outage can ripple into lost product, missed revenue, and damaged customer trust.
make the request feel more believable. The danger is not just that one employee clicks the wrong link; it is that one believable request can lock teams out of the tools they rely on to operate.
Cybercriminals understand that timing matters. Ransomware attacks and payment scams create the most pressure when businesses are busiest and least able to pause operations—peak shipping season, Mother’s Day, spring planting, payroll week, or a major installation deadline. The cost is not only the ransom demand. It is lost sales, spoiled product, frustrated customers, missed deliveries, and staff time spent rebuilding systems.
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Fake vendor payment changes that redirect money before anyone notices.
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Compromised email accounts that send convincing requests from a real inbox.
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Connected devices that remain exposed through default settings, weak remote access, or outdated user permissions.
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Old or seasonal accounts that stay active long after access is needed.
What’s Changed: Attacks Look More Legitimate Attacks are also becoming harder to spot. Artificial intelligence can help scammers write polished emails, imitate familiar communication styles, and send fake requests that appear to come from a real vendor, customer, or manager. Some scams now move across email, text, and phone to
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How to Reduce Downtime Risk 1.
Map what has to keep running. Identify the systems that would cause the most damage if they were unavailable for a day or longer.
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Protect access to critical tools. Require multifactor authentication for email, payroll, banking, accounting, remote access, point-of-sale, and cloud platforms.
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Verify requests outside the inbox. Confirm payment changes, rush orders, shipment instructions, and credential requests through a known phone number or established process.
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Separate and update connected equipment. Keep sensors, irrigation, climate controls, cameras, and other devices segmented and current when possible.
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Back up data and test recovery. A backup is only useful if it is current, protected, and can be restored quickly.
Plan for Recovery Before You Need It Cyber insurance can help cover certain costs after an incident, but coverage is not a recovery plan. Many policies now expect stronger controls, documented backups, employee training, and response procedures.
Cyber threats will keep changing, but the goal is straightforward: protect the systems your business cannot afford to lose, train your team to slow down suspicious requests, and practice how you would keep operating if technology suddenly stopped cooperating. A cybersecurity assessment can help identify weak points and build a practical response plan around the way your business actually works.
Let’s Get Started Premium members have access to expert guidance from Pinion. Contact AmericanHort at (614) 487-1117 or email MemberServices@AmericanHort.org to connect with an advisor or scan the QR code for more information.
The better question is not “Are we insured?” but “How fast could we operate again?” Decide in advance who makes decisions, who contacts vendors or insurers, how employees will communicate, and what must be restored first.
Have You Accessed the New Member Portal? Earlier this year, AmericanHort transitioned to a new member portal designed to make it easier to manage your membership information. If you haven’t already, please scan the QR code to access your member profile and complete the following steps: •
Log in to the new member portal using your email address
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Create a new password by clicking on “Forgot Password”
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Review your profile for accuracy, and make any necessary updates
If you need help, contact us at (614) 487-1117.
Scan here
2026: September 15
HORTSCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT
Meet Lindsay Daschner Five questions with a 2016 HortScholar
Lindsay Daschner is the owner of Forget Me Not Farms, a specialty cut flower farm in Ottawa Lake, Michigan. A Michigan State University horticulture graduate who originally planned to become a landscape contractor, Daschner discovered cut flowers near the end of college. She has since built a farm focused on bringing high-quality, Michigan-grown flowers to more people year-round. Why did you choose a career in horticulture, and what keeps you inspired in this industry? “I found the green industry by accident because originally my plan was to be a veterinarian. For a long time, I was working on my own landscape maintenance business through school, and I fell in love with landscaping and plants.” Daschner’s plan was to become a landscape contractor, but a part-time job at a cut flower grower during her last winter break at MSU changed her mind. “Working there for three weeks drastically changed the trajectory of what I planned to do in the green industry. With the flowers specifically, they are such a tremendous quality of life enhancement for people.”
How did being a HortScholar influence your professional growth? Daschner was inspired by meeting industry giants such as Anna Ball, the owners of Four Star Greenhouses and others in the green industry. “It was inspirational that these very busy people would take the time to talk to us about their own experiences ‘laying bricks.’ 16 | AmericanHort.org
As someone who started my own business, sometimes I wonder if I’m the only person struggling. And then I remember talking to these very successful, established green industry business owners, and I realize this is just a part of laying my own bricks.” She also values the lasting relationships formed through the program. “I think the relationship aspect of being a HortScholar— between the professionals that you meet and the new and upcoming green industry professionals that you’re in the group with—that’s probably been the most impactful for me.” She can call any number of her HortScholar cohorts whenever she needs to bounce around some ideas.
What keeps you inspired in this industry? “Even though people can’t buy directly from Forget-Me-Not, when they get an arrangement with our flowers in them, it’s going to last leaps and bounds longer than something that came on a plane. Cut flowers have an emotional sentiment to them, and the fact that they last longer coming from us, I think this is what enhances our involvement in the community.”
What’s one accomplishment or project you’re especially proud of, and why? “This is the love of my life. I think sometimes you’re given this mountain to prove that it can be moved, and that’s exactly how I feel about Forget Me Not Farm. Just starting a flower business from scratch is the pride of my life and especially being a city girl with little to no farming experience. It can be done.”
What’s a surprising hobby, skill or interest you have? “I actually have two. In college, I rode Western stock seat for the Michigan State Equestrian team. But probably the most surprising is I have my black belt in Krav Maga (a type of self-defense). That’s something I hang my hat on. And I also teach women’s aerobic kickboxing.”
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Micro Learning. Macro Results. Flexible training that fits your schedule Custom learning by subject + experience level Recognition to motivate + retain staff
Building a more skilled, confident workforce. One badge at a time.
Start Today Take the new HortCred quiz to find the badge that fits your goals.
Visit AmericanHort.org/HortCred
2026: September 17
EDUCATION
Spanish-Language Education this Fall AmericanHort offers Spanish-language webinars to make industry education more accessible to the horticulture workforce. This fall’s sessions give Spanish-speaking professionals opportunities to build skills and stay current on best practices that support their work in today’s industry. Developed with guidance from the AmericanHort Spanish Advisory Committee, a team of bilingual industry experts, these webinars are designed to deliver relevant, practical education aligned with current workforce needs. Please share these upcoming webinars with your Spanish-speaking team members and encourage them to take advantage of these professional development opportunities. The webinars will be presented in Spanish with live English interpretation. Recordings will be available to view after the live sessions.
September 1
October 14
November 4
Smart LED Lighting for Higher Horticultural Quality and Profitability
Pathogen Management in Hydroponic and Recirculating Systems
From Technician to Team Leader: Horticulture Leadership Development
Presented by:
Presented by:
Presented by:
Ricardo Campos, Ball Seed
Prof. Rosa Raudales, University of Connecticut
Idel Da Bianzo, VanBelle Nursery
Learn more or register at AmericanHort.org/Education
Access the State of the Industry Address from Cultivate’26
State of the Industry Address
Hear the straight talk on the economy, the labor market, and what’s shaping policy for the green industry. •
Watch the first address from the new AmericanHort President and CEO, Lionel van der Walt
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Hear the Capitol Hill outlook from Matt Mika, AmericanHort SVP & Chief Advocacy Officer
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Dr. Charlie Hall, AmericanHort Chief Economist, discusses the economy
Lionel van der Walt
BONUS: Scan the QR code for access.
Matt Mika
Dr. Charlie Hall
Download slides from the Morning Jolt presentation, Influence in Action: Creating a Culture of Engagement, presented by Garrison Wynn.
EVENTS
Welcome
New AmericanHort Members! We extend a warm welcome to the new members who joined in June and July. PREMIUM MEMBERS
FlowVision LLC Delray Beach, FL Seso Labor San Francisco, CA See who else joined at AmericanHort.org/NewMembers or scan the QR code.
September 14–16, 2026 Philadelphia, PA AmericanHort.org/Plug
WITH US Follow us on social media for the latest news, events, and more. @AmericanHort
@youramericanhort
@American_Hort About AmericanHort AmericanHort is the national association of horticulture businesses and professionals across the spectrum of the industry. Perform better, grow stronger and prepare for the future as a member of AmericanHort, the green industry’s leading association. AmericanHort.org
@AmericanHort
@AmericanHort AmericanHort Connect 2026: September Publisher: Mary Beth Cowardin, Senior Vice President, Membership, Engagement, & Education Editor: Cindy Whitt, Marketing Communications Manager Hello@AmericanHort.org 2130 Stella Court Columbus, OH 43215-1033 USA (614) 487-1117
©2026 AmericanHort. All rights reserved. This material may contain confidential information, and it is for the sole use of AmericanHort members. The information contained herein is for general guidance and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. It cannot be distributed, reprinted, retransmitted, or otherwise made public without prior written permission by AmericanHort. Please contact the editor at (614) 884-1147 for permission with acknowledgment. 2026: September 19
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