SummerWinds head eying congressional run
Walt Minnick, chairman of SummerWinds Garden Centers -- a chain with locations in Arizona, California and Missouri -- is considering running for U.S. Congress. New West Boise reported Minnick has made inquiries with the state's Democratic Party about running for Idaho's 1st Congressional District. In 1996, Minnick made an unsuccessful bid for U.S. Senate.

Green industry weighs in on plastic debate
Two green-industry leaders offered their take on a critical Chicago Tribune article about plastic waste from gardening. Ed McConkey, president of greenhouse supplier McConkey Co., discussed recycled plastics used in plant packaging and experiments with degradable pots. Jessie Atchison, industry communications manager for Ball Horticultural Co., talked about the company's sustainability efforts, like its Circle of Life Program for independent retailers.

New dates for California pack trials
Next year, California pack trials will be held a week earlier: March 29-April 6, 2008. The timeframe was changed to accommodate retailers requesting earlier dates. A complete schedule will be available on the Nat'l. Garden Bureau Web site.

FNGLA TV campaign wins award
The Palm Beach Chapter of Fla. Nursery, Growers & Landscape Assoc. won a Telly Award for its televised public awareness campaign. The GrowSmart! campaign consisted of 5, 30-second spots promoting water-wise landscaping, sensible irrigation and money-saving tips. The ads aired on South Florida television and cable stations. The spots are part of a multimedia campaign designed to link the green industry and consumers.

PLANET donates services to cemeteries
Professional Landcare Network members will meet at Arlington Nat'l. Cemetery and the Congressional Cemetery on July 16 to prune, plant and install an irrigation system. The group is donating services, which are valued at more than $250,000. "This is the most significant project that PLANET will do this year," said Tom Shotzbarger, PLANET member and event chairman.

Early deadline nears for Chicago show
The deadline for Independent Garden Center Show's $295 early-bird rate is July 31. Attendees who register this month receive the IGC Passport that includes access to all workshops, seminars, keynotes and break-out sessions. The package also includes access to Rick Derringer's Aug. 22 concert and a discounted hotel rate.

Window closing for England tour
Industry consultant Ian Baldwin announced that only 5 spaces remain for the "Shop & Ship at Glee and Tour with Ian Baldwin" English garden center tour.

View from a blog
Eisley's Nursery faced eminent domain threat. Open Register

Worth a visit
Sarah Martinez, Garden Center assistant editor, points out the highlights of the GCA Retail Tour in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Only on GreenBeam.com.