As Hurricane Floyd threatened landfall in central Florida, the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association was preparing to open FNATS, its annual fall trade show. Fearing the worst, the FNGA board called off the show. FNGA Executive Vice President Ben Bolusky discusses the weighty decision.

Q. At what point did you decide to cancel FNATS?

A. FNGA's leadership and staff began consulting and closely monitoring Hurricane Floyd and its projected path over the weekend immediately prior to the week of FNATS. The path at that time was for it to possibly make landfall along Central Florida's coast near Orlando. The prospect of the dangerous Category 4 hurricane whose winds were technically just 1 mph shy of the catastrophic Category 5 was deeply troubling.

Floyd was as strong as Hurricane Andrew, yet at least three times the size. Exhibitor move-in was slated for that Tuesday and Wednesday, the show was scheduled for Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 16-18. An emergency conference call with the FNATS Show Committee and FNGA's elected state officers was arranged for that Monday afternoon, and a subsequent one the next morning -- move-in day.

Q. What were the deciding factors in the decision?

A. Floyd's continuing westward movement toward the Florida peninsula; the projected -- but not yet realized -- northwestern turn and track up the coast, potentially raking the industry from south Florida right on up to Jacksonville; the safety of exhibitors moving in to the convention center; labor shortage at the convention center due to the storm; the convention center was at its highest level of emergency preparedness, releasing all nonessential personnel; coastal evacuees arriving in Orlando by the tens of thousands, suddenly filling hotels to their capacities, placing FNATS attendee reservations into jeopardy; cleanup by FNGA members and FNATS exhibiting nurseries; the safety of attendees in traveling to Orlando in face of potential road closures and debris; power outages; traffic bottlenecks when 1.3 million Florida evacuees were to begin returning to their coastal communities; airlines canceled hundreds of flights in and out of Orlando; and Orlando's international airport closed for the very first time as did all Disney theme parks.

Q. Did you have a disaster plan in effect?

A. While there was no disaster plan in effect, FNGA's volunteer leaders and staff shined in doing all that was necessary to achieve and did so in short order. Emergency broadcast faxes were issued to all FNATS exhibitors, pre-registered attendees and FNGA members. This represented several thousand faxes. The few exhibitors already at the convention center were advised of the cancellation and immediately departed for safety. Notice was placed on FNGA's Web site and office welcoming message. We also contacted leaders of Florida's congressional delegation, the regional office of the Federal Crop Insurance Corp., and Florida's commissioner of agriculture's office advising that the nursery industry may need to call on their services -- fortunately, we did not need to do so. The day after Floyd left, we canvassed our chapter presidents to assess whether any FNGA members suffered any substantial damage. What an amazing crisis-management team FNGA has in its staff!

Q. Was it difficult to get a consensus?

A. The discussions and decisions of the show committee and the elected officers were all unanimous. When weighing the obvious inconvenience and business disruption vs. the protection of life and limb and the safety of FNATS' 8,000-plus exhibitors, buyers and attendees, it was the right decision for all the right reasons based on all available information at that time.

Q. Floyd never arrived. Any regrets?

A. Any regrets? No regrets whatsoever that Floyd stayed off the coast by 125 miles! If it had lumbered just 50 miles closer, Orlando would have suffered hurricane-force winds in excess of 100 mph, according to all the models.

Of course, there are regrets that the show was unable to move forward. Many people spend a lot of time, talent and resources getting ready to sell, buy and see the latest plants and products that a world-class show like FNATS has to offer. Nonetheless, it was absolutely the right decision as safety was paramount. We've been heartened by the overwhelming positive and supportive response from our exhibitors and members. They've recognized that it was the only decision that could have been made. A decision to cancel a show of FNATS' stature and importance took a lot of courage on the part of FNGA's leaders.

Q. What economic effects will the cancellation have on FNGA? The grower-exhibitors? Since FNATS is a big fundraiser for FNGA, will other programs be jeopardized this year?

A. Business has been extremely strong here in Florida, so while FNATS' cancellation will have an impact, we're hopeful that our exhibitors and members will continue to enjoy solid growth. We are making all means available to help our exhibitors. As for the association, FNGA's two trade shows -- which represent about 70 percent of the association's income -- are fortunately insured. By the same token, having never before faced making a claim, we are uncertain how comprehensive such coverage will be when all is said and done and all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed. Regardless, FNGA's advocacy, marketing, education and all of the other programs that are so important to our members will continue marching forward. The industry in Florida is strong, and so is FNGA.

Q. What did you learn, and do you have suggestions or recommendations for other organizations?

A. First and foremost, the nursery industry is a people industry. We learned how critical it is for associations to communicate fully and promptly with its members, exhibitors, and buyers. The goodwill to do the right thing in the face of a potential calamity will then resonate with one's members. FNGA is blessed with a loyal and understanding membership. Second, association boards of directors should conduct a thorough and complete review of their insurance policies, because you never know what might come at you around the corner.

© 1999 Branch-Smith Publishing