Dear Members,
 March is closing and April is beginning, what should my message be in this time of uncertainty?  As I ponder this question, the sun is shining outside and retail garden centers are bustling with shoppers. Meanwhile, construction remains down resulting in the reduction of business in the landscape and re-wholesale trade.  In the “news” is the disaster of the economy.  But wait, the consumer is going to stay home and decorate the American living space, inside and out.
 We are in a season of change, wanted or not, here it is.  What are all of the changes that are going to occur?  I am sure that I do not have the answer to what the future will hold, however, we have all seen signs and evidences of the change in our industry.  
 An increase in the demand for plants bearing food like vegetables and fruits are selling with new vigor.  Will this be a passing fad?
 Bankruptcy, chapter 11, chapter 7, is it voluntary or involuntary?  Do I have a preference claim or a simple unsecured claim?  Many of us are learning the ins and outs of the bankruptcy system, not something taught in Hort 101 to be sure.
 Many would say that our industry had entered a maturation process prior to the problems in the economy.  Will that process now be accelerated?  There are signs that acceleration is the case.  Single source vendors, tightening margins, sharpening the pencils, branding, new logistics concerns, fewer players on the field, changing market channels, are just some of the new realities in our industry that also bring new opportunities.
 So, we are in a season of change. 
I have to ask myself, “Am I and my company willing and prepared to change and to meet the new season with optimism and energy, resulting in success?”  I say yes.  I would have to say that my message is: How do you answer that same question?
Hope springs eternal, and this spring brings with it: ‘Hope.’

James C. Van Antwerp III
President ALNLA