The size of the crowd and number of buyers attending the Gulf State Horticultural Expo (GSHE) once again impressed exhibitors during the Jan. 29-31 event held in Mobile. For the third year in a row, GSHE exhibition space was sold out, and with strong numbers in attendees as well, the show lived up to its billing as the “Premier Winter Trade show of the South”. 

 More than 435 companies filled two floors of the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center to show off thousands of product lines in 700 booths at the 11th annual show. Exhibitors came from as far away as Canada, Michigan and across the Southeast to reach buyers and industry professionals. The event is put on each year by the Alabama Nursery & Landscape Association (ALNLA), the Louisiana Nursery & Landscape Association (LNLA), and the Mississippi Nursery & Nursery Association (MNLA).

 "It's hard to get this many people together in one building," said Barry Gainous of Gainous Shade Trees of Cairo, GA. "The show is a great opportunity to show off our products."
 
 Robert Woodie, of Woodie Tree Farms in Sparta, NC, found it well worth the trip to participate in what he calls a superb industry event.  “This trade show is the best one we go to all over the US," he said of GSHE. "There is more diversity here in what is for sale. This show is more enjoyable, convenient, and less costly." 

 Ray Bailey, president of the MNLA, said the successful event was an opportunity to put a dent into the negative news surrounding the economy. "We are turning the gloom and doom into grow and bloom for 2009,"said Bailey, who leads Green Care Horticultural Services in Brandon, MS. Jan Winter, executive director of the MNLA, said the show sets the stage for the whole year. "New people are here every year with new products for retailers," she said. "We sold more booths this year and had a waiting list. If you are interested in 2010, go ahead and get on the list."

 The Thursday night welcome reception was held at the Mobile City-County Government Building where more than 860 people dined on fine seafood provided by Roussos of Mobile. The menu included crab claws, blackened shrimp, roast beef, catfish, cole slaw and other tasty items. Several nurseries, including Kinney, Tom Dodd, GreenForest, Martin's, Flowerwood, and Bracy's, as well as Nursery Supplies have sponsored this popular reception for many years.

 Tammy Love, of Love Farms and Nursery in McMinnville, TN, said "It's our third year and this is our favorite show among the Southern shows."

 Next year's show is planned for Jan. 29-31 in Mobile at the Outlaw Convention Center. Information about GSHE can be found at www.GSHE.org. or by calling  334-502-7777.