Mar 20, 2013
GCA Announces Ohio Summer Tour Lineup, Opens RegistrationSource: Clint Albin, Garden Centers of America

This year's GCA Summer Tour heads to not one but four major metropolitan areas in Ohio, giving IGC retailers the unprecedented opportunity to see first-hand what puts the host garden centers at the top of their markets. The guided bus tour will visit a full roster of garden centers in Cleveland, Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus for a behind-the-scenes look at the best practices that drive their profits.

This year’s GCA Summer Tour heads to not one but four major metropolitan areas in Ohio, giving IGC retailers the unprecedented opportunity to see first-hand what puts the host garden centers at the top of their markets. The guided bus tour will visit a full roster of garden centers in Cleveland, Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus for a behind-the-scenes look at the best practices that drive their profits.

This year’s garden itinerary includes six locations that have never been toured by the IGC industry, and three retail locations newly opened within the last four years. Those registering before June 3 qualify for a special early-bird discount. The tour, open to GCA members and non-members alike, kicks off with an opening reception and dinner at Sheraton Cleveland Airport Hotel, where attendees will have the opportunity to network and enjoy dinner. After the tour wraps Wednesday afternoon, attendees will have the choice of departing from Columbus or taking a complimentary bus back to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

GCA Summer Tour Itinerary:

Monday, June 24 – Gale’s Westlake Garden Center, Westlake, OH www.galeswestlake.com – Willoway Nurseries, Avon, OH www.willowaynurseries.com – Petitti Garden Centers, Avon, OH www.petittigardencenter.com – Casa Verde Growers, Columbia Station, OH www.cvgrowers.com – Green Circle Growers, Oberlin, OH www.greencirclegrowers.com

Tuesday, June 25 – Berns Garden Center & Landscaping, Beavercreek, OH www.bernsgardencenter.com – Dorothy Lane Market, Springboro, OH www.dorothylane.com – Grandma’s Gardens, Waynesville, OH www.grandmasgardencenter.com – Delhi Flower & Garden Center, Liberty Township, OH www.delhigardencenters.com – Natorp’s Nursery Outlet, Mason, OH www.natorp.com

Wednesday, June 26 – Baker’s Acres Greenhouse, Alexandria, OH www.bakersacresgreenhouse.com – Wilson’s Garden Center, Newark, OH www.gardencenterohio.com – Scotts Miracle-Gro Corporate Headquarters www.thescottsmiraclegrocompany – A Proper Garden, Delaware, OH www.apropergarden.net – Oakland Nurseries, Dublin, OH www.oaklandnursery.com

For more information or to register for the GCA Summer Tour, visit GardenCentersofAmerica.com. Those registering before June 3 qualify for a special early-bird discount.