Electing a future

Kristy J. O'Hara

In less than two months we’ll head to the polls to cast our votes in what experts are saying could be one of the closest presidential elections. We all have our political opinions and biases, but we wanted to see what you thought of the upcoming election and have experts weigh in on each candidate’s chances.

As part of this, in July we conducted a research study to see how the greenhouse market felt politically. The results were positive with nearly 86 percent of you saying you’ll encourage your employees to vote and 98 percent saying you vote at least once every two years. It’s encouraging to see our industry so actively engaged in the political process — even if a presidential election isn’t on the line. After all, it’s those officials elected at the local level who will eventually go on to run for congressional and presidential positions.

But this year is a bigger year because a presidential election is actually on the ballot. What will it mean for our industry, for the economy and for the nation as a whole? In our cover story package this month we look at these questions by presenting you with several stories and some research so you can have a better picture of how our market leans and what each candidate’s chances are and how each could influence the market.

In addition to our election coverage this month, we’re excited to introduce a new supplement for you — our 2012 New Produce Varieties guide. You’ve come to look for our annuals and perennials guides, but with the rise of fruits, vegetables and herbs, we wanted to make sure you also had information on new produce varieties as well. Whether you grow them already or are considering adding them as a shoulder-season crop, this tool can help you learn more.

Also be sure you don’t miss our 2012 Profits supplement. In this special section, we look at how specific products can help boost your bottom line.

As always, we want to know what you think, so be sure to email me and let us know what you like or don’t like. We’re here to help, and hopefully whomever we elect on Nov. 6 will be in the White House to help us out as well.

kohara@gie.net
Twitter: @GMmagEditor