US (MD): Bower & Branch Kick-off Events at MANTS

Bower & Branch, Trees for Life, a group of growers and 55 independent garden centers in the northeast and Midwest is starting the new year off at MANTS.

The Bower & Branch team is excited to begin the new year with several events in conjunction with MANTS 2017. They will be hosting three events: their annual member meeting, an open ‘Branching-Out’ meet & greet where other IGC’s are invited to learn more about them and they will also be holding a roundtable event titled ‘Empowered! - Taking Over Online, Before It Overtakes You!’

Tuesday - January 10

Roundtable Event: Empowered! Taking Over Online, Before It Overtakes You! - 9 AM to Noon
Annual Bower & Branch Brand Rally - 2 PM to 5 PM (Members Only)

Wednesday - January 11

Bower & Branch Member Soirée - 5 PM to 7 PM (Members Only)

Thursday - January 12

Branching-Out Meet & Greet - 5 PM to 7 PM

The ‘Empowered!’ event is about independent retailers coming together to learn how to effectively get in front of their customers’ movement online. We see other retailers playing catch up to keep their customers online if they can’t keep them coming back to their stores. Yet many IGC’s and pundits still say people will not stray away because of their service and selection. The facts do not support this as store traffic continues to decline among IGC’s. “The risks of selling online have been assessed and the water is clear and warm. We have proven hundreds of times over that consumers are ready to buy online for instore pickup of trees and topiary, as well as, home delivery and planting that most of our members offer,” said Sid Raisch, President & CEO of Bower & Branch.

“Our annual member meeting is crafted to bring members together to learn and celebrate their successes and growth of the Bower & Branch program.” said Tom Hilgeman, Director of Member Engagement. “We announce program updates and proactively share strategies on how to address common business opportunities.” he added.

“There is a learning curve for those of us who are stuck in our old ways and becoming unstuck is critical, motivational and exciting. Bower & Branch helps the IGC stay ahead of the curve, foresee future trends and be marketing visionaries, especially as customer demographics morph into unrecognizable territory. It’s also gratifying to know that without the IGC member network, Bower & Branch cannot succeed. I am proud to be a critical component of the team," said Craig S. Calef, Vice President, Corliss Brothers Garden Center in Ipswich, MA.

Members of Bower & Branch will receive individual invitations to the member only functions. For more information on the Empowered! Roundtable Event and the Bower & Branch Meet & Greet visit www.IGCSuccess.com/register