Mid-States Horticultural Expo Successful in Second Year

ATLANTA, Ga. (February 7, 2007) – The second year of the agreement between the Kentucky Nursery & Landscape Association (KNLA), the Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) and the Southern Nursery Association (SNA) to host a regional marketplace proved to be even more successful than the inaugural event in 2006 based upon a sold-out show floor and solid reviews from both exhibitors and attendees. The event was held January 4 - 5 at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, KY. Spring buying truly began at Mid-States 2007 according to the more than 2,132 industry professionals that attended, which was a five-percent increase from 2006.

Although things started slowly on Thursday, traffic picked up quickly and the show hall was soon abuzz with activity which featured 361 exhibiting firms occupying 494 booths, up from 310 firms and 420 booths in 2006. Five companies were recognized for their outstanding efforts with booth awards: Best of Show – Allied Products (Blue Ocean Traders, Louisville, Ky.), Best of Show – Green Goods (Rogers Nursery Oregon, Donald, Ore.), First Place – Green Goods (Southern Growers, Montgomery, Ala.), First Place – Allied Products (Mackenzie Nursery Supply, Inc., Perry, OH), and Judges Award of Merit (Carolina Nurseries, Moncks Corner, S.C.). The show was a big success for both exhibitors and visitors, with many exhibitors enjoying good traffic and sales.

Attendees were serious about doing business, especially on Friday, and came from around the region ready to buy. Within a days drive of more than half of the nation's population, the event drew enthusiastic buyers from across the mid-states with 44% from Kentucky, 22% from Tennessee, and the remaining 34% from the surrounding states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Adding to the regionality was attendance from as far south as Florida and Louisiana, as far west as California, Oregon and Colorado, as far north as Connecticut, Maryland, New York and New Jersey and the midwestern states Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska and South Dakota. Post-show statistics indicated major decision makers were present. More than 60% of the attendance had buying authority and 21% of those with buying authority were president/owners. Although a wide variety of the industry was represented, the three strongest segments noted were wholesale growers, independent retailers and landscape contractors.

SNA Director of Sales Sandy Hylton was very pleased with the success of the show and was excited for the future of Mid-States. "We had great interest this year." Hylton said. "It was wonderful that the show sold out and that certainly means we are heading in the right direction. I received a number of compliments about the show this year, with many people, both exhibitors and attendes, indicating that they will be back next year."

KNLA President, Larry Sanders echoed Hylton's thoughts and was very pleased by the amount of traffic and the status of a sold-out show. "Even with the excitement of the trade show being sold out, there was much concern about attendance due too spring-like weather over most of the country, "Sanders said. "With traffic being somewhat slow to start day one, Friday was fantastic with a great crowd of eager buyers. Another great Mid-States Horticultural Expo with many more to come in the future. Thanks to all who contributed!" TNLA President Steve Bennett commented, "Exhibitors and people attending trade shows are looking for fewer and more efficient shows to attend. Mid-States Horticultural Expo has it all. Easy, no hassle access in and out for exhibitors and attendees, new spacious facility, plenty of parking, numerous hotels and restuarants all around the facility, and an airport five minutes away with reasonable Southwest Airlines rates. What more could you want? Word of mouth advertisitng is always the truest form and the word is getting around quickly about Mid-States. From all indications (including nearly a 100 booth increases from last year) this is turning into a major regional show our our industry!"

SNA President Skeetter McCorkle was also pleased with Mid-States 2007. "We are delighted to build on the success of last year's show as we continue to do what our industry asks. Find a way to have fewer, more relevant trade shows. We are encouraged that the show sold out its budgeted booth space and even more encouraged that overall registration for the event increased by five percent. The Louisville facility and location are proving to be excellent for this regional event. Plans are to keep the show here through at least 2010 which should help Mid-States have the right environment to establish its position and to serve this growing market."

The 2008 Mid-States Hort Expo will take place January 3 - 4 at the Kentucky Expo Center, Lousiville, KY. For more information on the Mid-States Horticultural Expo, contact the Southern Nursery Association, 1827 Powers Ferry Rd SE, Ste 4-100, Atlanta, GA 30339-8422, Voice: 770.953.3311, Fax: 770.953.4411, Email: midstates@mshe.org or visit the Mid-States Website at www.mshe.org.

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