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Thank You
No matter what the situation, saying goodbye is never easy.
December 2009
The word “farewell” is flawed. For a term that appears positive on the surface, it is associated with the difficult task of having to say “goodbye” to someone or something you care for. For more than 14 years, Meister Media Worldwide has served the Florida nursery and landscape industry by publishing Ornamental Outlook. Unfortunately, a combination of market factors and a re-focusing of internal business-growth strategies is bringing an end to the relationship. The very same economy-based hot topics that we write about in the pages of this magazine and that are covered ad nauseum in many other fine B2B publications have hit home — literally.
Support System
While this news might come as a surprise to many as it did to us here, it shows how quickly — and sometimes how drastically — things move in order for businesses to successfully manage their way through the twists and turns of a recession. Many Florida nursery and landscape operations know this fact all too well. Shuffling around resources, reallocating investments, and controlling costs are business facts of life. Of course, they all become more magnified during times like these.
I know it is an extremely difficult decision for Meister to part with Ornamental Outlook after the time and effort put in over the years to build the magazine into a well-respected multimedia resource. I’ve been glad to have played a part in that transformation. Although Ornamental Outlook will no longer be part of Meister’s portfolio, our sister publications Greenhouse Grower and Today’s Garden Center, along with digital components like
FreshAirForum.com, will continue to be portals of valuable information and idea exchanges for the ornamental market.
FreshAirForum.com, will continue to be portals of valuable information and idea exchanges for the ornamental market.
The Right Direction
Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion (“For every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction”) describes his theory as it relates to motion of objects. From what I’ve seen, the harder this industry is pushed, the harder it pushes back. During my tenure as managing editor of Ornamental Outlook, I’ve seen this happen and have learned directly from you what it takes to endure during tough times and how to prosper in good. Your input and feedback have helped the magazine stay on track over the years with its mission of providing useful information to growers and landscapers and serve as a vital business connection for marketplace buyers and sellers.
To say that it is an honor and privilege to have been a part of this industry and to have a voice in it is an understatement. Meister thanks you for your support over the years. I’d like to thank you what you do every day and how you do it. May we all look forward to better days ahead and fare well in doing so.
Comments:
November 24, 2009
Thank you for so many years of relevant and useful information that has been utilized by landscapers across the great State of Florida. You WILL be missed. Ross Pivnik President, Arborbrace Staking Systems, Inc.
November 24, 2009
Paul, I'm shocked and saddened by this announcement. However, I do understand it. You have been so articulate and right on track with the articles covered in the Outlook. I have come to lean on and look forward to the content that you put in it. In fact, I was just sharing with one of your colleagues at the FNGLA show how much I have appreciated the publication. It has been a valuable resource in running our company. Thank you for your spirit of excellence, true professionalism, & honorable investment in the Outlook. You and the magazine will be missed. May you have favor and direction in your future endeavors. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.
November 24, 2009
This is not good news... Your publication has been extremely valuable to those in the industry. I hope that Meister re-consider this decision as soon as the economy picks up and the ornamental industry gets back on track. Good luck to you and all your staff! Dan Culbert, UF/IFAS Horticulture Agent
November 24, 2009
Paul- Thank you for provding such a great magazine and resource over the years! Our office consistently shares and relies on your articles to stay up to date with the forever changing practices within the horticultural industry. You and your publication will be greatly missed! Best Wishes, Rhonda
November 24, 2009
Mr Meister introduced me to the publications when I was serving him in Boca Grande. This has been my connection to him and the late Mrs. Meister. He build a great group of guides and information publications thru acquisitions and a great group of people around him. Hopefully, this is just a hiccup and you will be back. Don't close us out. THANK YOU for your years of assistance to our industry.
November 25, 2009
Paul, This is a sad day. I have the table in our office foyer covered with past issues that showcase the great people in our plant growing industry and their stories held within their dogeared pages. Thank you to all the folks that worked so hard over the years to enhance our community with uplifting and educational articles.
November 25, 2009
Paul, Your publicatios have been most benificial to both private and government agencies. A big thank you to you and your staff for all the great articles,knowledge sharing, and most of all the love and passion for the industry.
November 25, 2009
Paul, this is truly a sad day for our industry. Your publication has been a valuable source of information. Thank you to you and your staff for your hard work and undying support of our industry. I wish you the best. Linda Seals, UF/IFAS Brevard County Extension Agent.
November 28, 2009
What a disappointment this news is. Even though I live and work as a landscaper in Dallas, Texas, I have profited greatly by what I've learned by reading Ornamental Outlook. I will really miss your publication and will pray that you'll be back online and in publication soon. You've provided such a wonderful service for all of us in the industry that we all love so much...I will miss you greatly!
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