The USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) has been awarding both grants and loans since 2007 – and greenhouses make the best candidates to “reap” these rewards. USDA energy coordinator for North Carolina, David Thigpen, explained in a Greenhouse Management article that greenhouses use a lot of power, so energy grants are great opportunities for them. Continue reading
For many horticultural businesses, the overhead can be overwhelming at times, especially during slow season. While paying employees, purchasing inventory and keeping the electricity on are just a few of the fiscal responsibilities, so is having horticultural business insurance. Why? A torrential storm could sweep your business away, an employee or customer could fall and become injured or your product could be destroyed. Most horticultural businesses owners know that having insurance goes without question. Finding room in their budget is where it becomes tricky. Continue reading
Insurance industry designations you find after an agent’s name on their business card can say a lot about how that agent can help you. For instance, CPCU – Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter – is a designation built on a foundation of broad technical knowledge and high ethical standards. It assists insurance agents in adjusting to the changes and challenges of a demanding marketplace – and doing it with confidence and professionalism. The CPCU designation – just like the other insurance designations – speaks volumes about an agent’s skills and knowledge. Continue reading
“Wowing” a customer doesn’t have to cost much. It could be a conversation about the new restaurant around the corner at the point of sale or maybe a little extra plant care information before the customer leaves your business. Pure and genuine customer service goes a long way. Operating by the “golden rule” – treating others as you wish to be treated – is a great customer service model for any horticultural business. Continue reading
Holiday time – including Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day – can increase your flower shop’s business in the blink of an eye. Hiring extra help may be in your best interest to ensure all flowers, arrangements and floral gifts are delivered safely and on time. Maria Shepherd – Hortica’s retail insurance expert – is back for a quick “Q&A” on hiring holiday drivers for your floral business. Continue reading
On March 29th, 2012, BrightFarms, Inc. – a New York firm that designs, finances, builds and operates hydroponic greenhouse farms – has announced a partnership with Salmar Properties, LLC. This partnership is in an effort to build a 100,000 square-foot farm on a Brooklyn building’s rooftop, making for the largest rooftop greenhouse in the world. It is expected to provide up to one million pounds of local produce each year – lettuce, tomatoes, herbs and more. Continue reading
Photo courtesy of Plantscape Inc.
As consumers accept plants as part of their indoor environment and place greater value on the presence of plants in their homes, interior plantscaping has grown as an industry. Below is a history of the industry from its inception to present day. Continue reading
Our insurance professionals at Hortica feel it’s an appropriate time to offer a few to-do checklist items for your horticult ural business this spring and summer.
For more seasonal tips or information on how to get started with a horticultural business insurance package through Hortica, contact us today!
This spring, we bring to you a new series: “In the Bloom with Maria.” One of our very own – Maria Shepherd (Retail Sales Specialist) – has worked as a florists’ insurance agent at Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits for 12 years and has built a strong reputation within the floral segment. Continue reading
Value – in many ways – is relative. Take, for example, the phrase “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Some value their property more than others. When it comes to providing insurance for your horticultural business, undervaluing it could harm your business and your bottom line. Continue reading