Lots of Stuff - August/September 2026

by Danny Summers

This is one of those weeks where we have a lot to share, so I will try to keep it brief and to the point. First up...

Awards!
In the last few weeks, Group Centers have been receiving their awards that, for years, we passed out at The Fall Event. But in "reimagining" The Group and The Fall Event, one of the ideas we had for 2026 is to send award plaques ahead of time to allow more time for more sharing at The Fall Event 2026!

And, as we sent each Center their awards, we asked them to gather their team, take a photo with the awards, and send it to us. We are beginning to receive photos back, so here's just the first few. (This is also a reminder for others to get photos back to us!)

Congrats to Bedner's Farm & Greenhouse, Town & Country Gardens, and Watter's Garden Center... our first three to send photos. They are shown in that order.

As you can tell, Ken, Lisa, and McKenzie (3rd photo) had the idea of also showing off all the previous years' awards they have hanging on their walls. As you can see, every team member had their own plaque to hold for the photo. Maybe there are more employees or maybe, knowing Watters, there are even more plaques! They even sent a VIDEO of their excitement. If you follow the link below to this message on our blog, you will see it there. It's really fun to watch!

Congrats everyone! And we will be showing more as we receive them.

Next up...

The Fall Event 2026 - Tour Day Preview!
Beginning this week, we're providing a look at what our Tour Day will be like during The Fall Event 2026. It will be a full day, with 5 Garden Centers, plus ending the day at Willoway Nurseries. That's 6 stops total. Below you will see our first stop, Bremec Garden Centers. Watch for "next stop" details each week here in GROUPtalk (or if you just can't wait, you can jump ahead and see them all HERE).

And here's where I ask you... Have You Registered for The Fall Event Yet? Our Hotel Deadline is September 5th, but don't bank on that as we may sell out ahead of time. A Registration Link is below. Don't wait!

And next...

Tomorrow's GROUPtalk LIVE
This month's session will be a Group Discussion and sharing time to discuss Other Income areas, such as Plant Rental, Special Events, and More. If your Center excels in areas of what we call Other Income, please join us and be ready to share some details. This will be an interesting session and offer some great takeaways! More details are below.

And finally...

RCA at Farwest'26
If you will be at Farwest'26 in two weeks and working the show floor on Wednesday, I invite you to sign up to be on the Retailers' Choice Awards Team. Details and sign-up are HERE. Tim and I hope to see you there!

Have a great week!

Danny Summers
[email protected]
Tel: 678-909-7770
Cell: 678-761-7145

REMEMBER: Your interaction (by phone and email) with Group Service Providers such as Tim Quebedeaux, John Kennedy, Seawright & Associates, and of course Danny Summers are included in your retainer!