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Labor. Water. Automation. Shipping. Finance. Marketing.

These important topics were the center of discussion at the inaugural Uncensored event organized by the GIE Media Horticulture Group in Cleveland, Ohio. From Sept. 16 to 18, 2015, 37 greenhouse and nursery growers gathered at the historic Renaissance hotel in Public Square with sponsors and presenters for in-depth, open group discussions about these topics and others. Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture at Texas A&M University, kicked off the first day of sessions with a lively presentation about meeting the future challenges of the industry. Jeff Burch, Nursery-Greenhouse Group Team Leader at Bank of the West, led the discussion on four aspects of finance — liquidity, leverage/debt, profitability and economic leading indicators — on day two of the event.

However, attendees also had the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy a casual networking environment during an opening cocktail hour and an outing to a Cleveland Indians baseball game. It was the first time a few attendees had had the opportunity to attend a professional baseball game, and all enjoyed the chance to get to know their industry colleagues better over peanuts and Cracker Jack.

As we reflected on the conference, we decided to bring you solutions to some of the most common issues that arose during that time. We heard many differing opinions on the value of growers marketing to the final consumer, so we asked horticulturist and consultant Leslie Halleck to give her take here. Finding qualified labor has been a challenge for many growers, with some adapting to include more automation and labor-saving efficiencies. Three growers share what worked for them to bring on good workers here. Greenhouse consultant John Bartok outlines some steps growers can take to increase shipping efficiency (and subsequently reduce labor needs) here. The financial aspects of growing operations, especially when looking (or not) at economic leading indicators, can be complex. Jeff Burch looks at which specific economic leading indicators are most important to greenhouse growers, and how to make the most of them. Finally, we share some memorable and insightful quotes from conference attendees here.