On the QT | The Official Newsletter of GWA April-May 2016 | Page 4

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE MARIA UNGARO Changes strive to meet members’ needs A s we began 2016, GWA leadership felt it was essential to hear from you, the members, about the organization—where it has been and where it should go. What was working and what wasn’t. With an amazing response rate of 27 percent and more than 50 pages in feedback, we thank you for the trove of incredible insight and ideas for us to use to move GWA forward. In just our first 100 days, we have already been able to address many of the key areas you cited as problematic: • You wanted a more-user friendly website. Meet the new gardenwriters. org, a fully redesigned, mobile-responsive website, chock full of new benefits and enhancement. Congrats to the website committee for spearheading this charge. Thanks to C.L. Fornari, Katie Elzer-Peters, and Daniel Gasteiger for their work. • You wanted more of a social presence. We have seen an excellent spike in engagement on many of our new and existing networks, but we need your help, too. Engage! Be sure to tag us or send us pictures so that we can share them across all our social platforms. Maybe your shot will end up on our new Instagram profile, @gardenwriters. • You wanted a place where our members can talk to one another in a safe environment off of Facebook. We are excited to launch GWA communities, a members-only portal where you can share advice, news and insight on all things garden communications. Join a discussion today! • Better QT? I think you would agree that Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp has made a remarkable transformation with this publication. These are just a handful of the changes the Board is working on to better serve you. There is so much more to come and we want you to help us share it with the entire green communications industry. to the writers who act as a conduit between us, as a grower, and the end consumer. GWA does an excellent job of providing opportunities to showcase our company and our products, as well as building fun and engaging networking events that support both our objectives and the writers’ needs.” — Ryan McEnaney, public relations and communications specialist, Bailey Nurseries “ Anyone who loves plants and wants to share their passion with others belongs in GWA.” “Anyone who loves plants and wants to share their passion with others belongs in GWA. My skills as a garden communicator have improved because of my involvement with this organization, and I’ve gotten several good-paying jobs from GWA connections.” — C.L. Fornari, author and speaker, host of radio shows on WXTK-AM and WRKO-AM, Cape Cod “I joined GWA in 2000. Since then, the organization has Our Membership Committee, headed by Randy Schultz, been integral in helping me make several key connections needs your help expanding the GWA membership base. with important industry professionals. The educational As you know, we have extended our reach beyond writers opportunities presented at both the regional and — C.L. Fornari to include all communicators and in particular, we want to national meetings are unparalleled in the field of garden connect with the next generation. How can you help? Tell communications.” — Jessica Walliser, columnist and author, those who share your love of horticulture and communications about Pittsburgh Tribune-Review what GWA means to you and how it has shaped your professional These stories are what GWA is all about. From book authors to development. We are starting a campaign. #WhyGWA. Tell us your story. bloggers, educators to nationally recognized speakers, from photographers to artists, radio hosts to YouTube stars, our members Here’s what some of members have to say: are as diverse as the industry they represent. Share your #WhyGWA “As a wholesale grower of plant material that maintains a strong focus and become part of the GWA story. Send it to us at on innovation and new plant introductions, being a part of GWA is an [email protected]. absolute must. I have built necessary professional relationships, which often turn into wonderful personal relationships, which are key to achieving our marketing goals. As a member of GWA, we have access 4