Ace plans switch to for-profit corporation
Ace Hardware Corp. intends to convert from retailer-owned cooperative to for-profit corporation by the beginning of next year as a way to compete better against industry giants, the company announced. The move, contingent upon approval by a majority of retailer-owners, would end the system of returning profits to store owners but keep Ace retailers as sole owners and stockholders of the privately held corporation. The goal is to have shareholders vote in late December on the plan, which would become effective Jan. 1 if they approve. The 83-year-old hardware chain, which has been a retailer-owned cooperative since the 1970s, had its best sales year since 1998 last year with wholesale sales up 6.5% to $3.4 billion. Its stores, about two-thirds owned by independent dealers, racked up almost $12 billion in sales.

Action on SSN mismatches delayed
In response to a lawsuit filed by the AFL-CIO and other labor interests, a temporary restraining order has been issued by a federal judge in Northern California that delays the Social Security Administration's plan to distribute letters to 140,000 employers this week informing them of mismatches between employee names and the SSNs reported in conjunction with payment of FICA and Medicare taxes. The order also delays implementation of the Department of Homeland Security's rules regarding employer actions following receipt of the SSA letter. A court hearing on permanent suspension of the SSA letter/DHS rules is scheduled for Oct. 1.

IGC Show's first year a success
According to vendors and attendees alike, the first Independent Garden Center (IGC) Show in Chicago was a hit. When the show was announced, retailers and vendors wondered if the industry could support another show. A show that has a narrow focus on garden retailers, much like the European garden retail shows, has struck a cord. Yet most vendors still feel there are too many shows in the industry. Many, especially those with heavy products like statuary, furniture and fixtures and the related high shipping costs, are planning to prune back the number of shows they attend to no more than three to five a year. Which shows they will continue supporting, vendors said, will depend on which shows came through with new customers and orders, such as the IGC Show. The show took place Aug. 21-23.

Spring event to highlight California production
Three California groups are launching a new industry event designed to promote the state's wholesale growers to retailers, landscapers and other users. Calif. Assoc. of Nurseries and Garden Centers, Nursery Growers Assoc. and San Diego County Flower and Plant Assoc. will stage the 1-day All Green Expo on June 4, 2008, at Orange County Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. "California growers will be our only exhibitors," said Elaine Thompson, CANGC president. "That includes everything from propagation material to finished greenhouse and outdoor plant material." The event will precede Southern California Plant Tour Days, June 5-6.

Deadline nears for perennials contest
Oct. 1 is the deadline for entries in the 2007 Perennials Marketing Contest, co-sponsored by Plant Publicity Holland, the Perennial Plant Association and the European Union. Open to all Garden Centers in the U.S. and Canada, the contest is all about showing your perennial displays. All that's required is a brief write-up on the philosophy behind your display accompanied by up to 8 digital photos. The prize is a trip for 2 to Holland in 2008. Contest details and entry form are downloadable online.

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