ANLA lauds Bush's immigration stance
President Bush's take on immigration reform, laid out in last week's State of the Union address, was commended by ANLA. Bush wants a reform package that includes border security, a workable worksite enforcement system, temporary worker program, a program to uncover undocumented workers and consider them for permanent legal status and expanded assimilation efforts. "After years of advocating for comprehensive immigration reform, we are very encouraged by the amount of time and focus that President Bush gives to finding a workable solution to the problem," said John Farner, ANLA dir. of legislative relations.

Expert lists small-business trends
Small-business specialist Steven Strauss made a round of predictions for 2007. He expects consumers and business to show more interest in environmentally friendly practices. Personalization, user-created content and flexible work environments also topped his list. The No. 1 thing to look out for, Strauss said, is the effect global warming may have on your business.

Monrovia establishes new management
Monrovia Growers introduced a new management team earlier this month. Miles Rosedale, son of the nursery's founder, is now CEO and managing director. Elin Down has been appointed president and will direct company operations. Other management team members are Robert Smiland, chief marketing and sales officer; Mark Buchholtz, chief operating officer; and Tyler Page, chief financial officer. Former CEO Bruce Usrey and president Gilbert Resendez will serve as advisers.

Online research influences in-store purchases
Sales in brick-and-mortar stores are increasingly being influenced by online browsing, according to a report from JupiterResearch, reported in Ecommerce-Guide. Sales prompted by online research are expected to show a compound annual growth rate of 12% over the next 5 years. Online-influenced sales will reach 40% by 2011. "The key for retailers is to create clear, simple and convenient links to the off-line channels that persuade shoppers to stay with them as they cross channels," said David Schatsky, pres. of parent company Jupiter Kagan.

Gift cards extend holiday sales season
The holiday season may have ended several weeks ago, but consumers continue to hit stores, whittling away balances on gift cards. A survey by Nat'l. Retail Federation indicates consumers have plenty left to spend. Shoppers said they had spent less than half of the value of their gift cards (37.3% on average) by the 2nd week of January. Half of respondents who have redeemed gift cards said they spent additional money beyond the value of the card to purchase an item. Gift card spending during the holidays was $27.8 billion, higher than the $24.8 billion initially estimated by NRF.

Worth a visit
Begonia boliviensis Bonfire has bright-orange, bell-shaped flowers that cover the plant from late spring through summer. Only on GreenBeam.com.

View from a blog
It seems that the garden centers that are best at efficiency are also sterile. Is there a way to combine a garden center that warmly welcomes customers and be efficient? Open Register