American Nursery

***This is the eighteenth article ina series of 100 article on floral design and running a flower shop.

It is very important for a florist and a business person to stay abreast of new trade and industry trends and news. There are several ways a florist can do this. One of the methods is to subscribe to trade publications and become a member of trade organizations. Below is a list of the top trade journals, magazines and organizations with which you should be involved. This compilation serves as a support for growers, wholesalers, florists, students, and manufacturers of floral products. These publications will keep you informed on a weekly, monthly, bimonthly or quarterly basis. Some of them are free to members, while you can subscribe to others. Research each one of these and select a handful. Begin to educate yourself and stay informed. You do not want your customers filling you in on new trends such as color, styles and new products related to your business. You are the professional! By subscribing to trade publications and trade associations you will not only keep yourself and employees informed, but you will spark your creativity and challenge yourself as a unique member of the floral industry. Read more…

American business is on the decline. Countries across the globe are producing products cheaper than and with higher quality than we are in the United States. Theorists have concluded it is everything from a lost work ethic to heavy government legislation. The truth lies somewhere in between these realities and reform is necessary in order to reverse the trend. The following principles should guide government legislators and business people alike in producing a business-friendly America.

1.) Reform School Education: School education has swayed from its original purpose to develop citizens that contribute to American society, are prepared for the work force and for defending their country. Instead of reading, writing and arithmetic we are now teaching racial division, individualism and a ultra concern for social issues. Legislators and school administrators fail to realize that everyone suffers if America reduces in economic, political and military stature. Where we should be developing adults we are now producing confused children of age.

2.) Limit Liability Except in Extreme Cases: Lawsuits, insurance, medical costs, manufacturing and even attitudes are affected by the lack of a cap on liability. Employees sue for millions when they don’t get a promotion, a family uses a product improperly and is given a lump sum payment, and medical expenses are driving up labor costs. The cost of doing business within the United States must be reduced in order to make success feasible. Read more…

Why would those in charge of strategic planning for natural resources be so overly concerned about lithium deposits in the US? Are they concerned about having enough lithium for psyche meds, or perhaps making weapons? No, not at all, that really doesn’t take much, and it is more about the quality of the lithium and the ease of extraction. No, the reason they are concerned has to do with a high-tech need in our nation.

With regards to Lithium, I too am very concerned with the future shortage of ‘lithium’ to make ion-lithium and lithium-hybrid advanced technology batteries. One of the biggest lithium-deposits in the World is in Bolivia, a nation that is at odds with the US right now. China and Japan have beat us to these deposits and our US Automakers, technology sector, computer hardware, etc. all need it. We need sources here in the US. Read more…