The Fall Event Program
Monday, September 26
1:00pm - 1:15pm
Nuclear Fusion, Danny Summers, The Garden Center Group
Danny will open the doors of our learning laboratory to reveal how to maximize the
fusion and synergies of this year’s Fall Event. There’s so many elements, compounds
and solutions. So much creativity, innovation and synergies. And there’s so little time
to examine and extract the essence of The Art and Science of Garden Retailing.
This could be the catalyst to catapult your business forward toward continued
growth and success. Don’t miss this informative session that will help you
set your tactics to tap into the power of The Group!
1:15pm - 2:30pm
Steve Bailey
Danny Summers
P&L Study Review – Open to All
Steve Bailey, Steve Bailey Consulting
The results are in for the 2015 P&L Study! And the winners are all of the Group centers who participated in this industry-exclusive benchmarking program. But everyone
is really a winner since all centers are invited as we discuss the numbers, ratios and
trends that can help you move your center to a higher level of success.
With 40 years in the garden center industry, Steve became the Financial Tracking
Officer for The Group after selling his own garden center which he and his wife
Bonnie started in 1984. His main area of interest has always been focused on the
financial side of the business which he has developed into a number of systems and
programs aimed at helping garden centers in The Group get a better grasp on how
money moves through their business.
One of Steve’s main roles is the management of the Weekly Department Review
Report (WDR Report) which tracks the weekly sales of participating Group centers in 25 categories. This
industry exclusive allows garden centers to compare their weekly sales, average sale and customer count
with similar centers reporting as Sales & Regional Groups as well as with all reporting centers. Nowhere else
in the garden center industry is this service available. Steve’s weekly sales analysis is a wrap-up of sales,
promotions and weather impact that is used by Group centers to keep their employees in touch with more
than just their immediate surroundings. His remaining free time is spent growing and trimming his Bonsai
collection, a hobby he began with his first garden center job 43 years ago.
2:30pm - 3:00pm
Break & Face Time with Sponsors, Westin Oaks, Level 3, Foyer
Enjoy a refreshing break and visit with our Partners for Success and Sponsors to learn about their products
and see new introductions for the coming year. This is your chance to take advantage of the syngeries
created through your relationships in The Group!
3:00pm - 4:00pm
P & L Panel Discussion, Steve Bailey, Westin Oaks, Level 3, Consort Ballroom 3
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Welcome Reception & Awards Presentation
The Welcome Reception & Awards Presentation is the perfect time to catch up with friends – and make
new ones, and see what centers will be recognized for their outstanding achievements in 2015. This casual
gathering will feature light hors d’oeuvres and beverage.
The Welcome Reception & Awards Presentation is the perfect time to catch up with friends – and make new ones, and
see what centers will be recognized for their outstanding achievements in 2015. This casual gathering will feature light
hors d’oeuvres and beverage.
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