After many years of phenomenal growth, the greenhouse industry is settling into maturity. In a mature market, competition intensifies as businesses strive to gain a foothold over their many competitors. With every decision, greenhouse managers must consider the impact on the bottom line.
A new book, Enhancing Profitability in Greenhouse Firms, will help managers gain the edge they need to stay competitive. The 56-page book was written for potential and current greenhouse operators and managers, their business advisors, and educators.
Enhancing Profitability in Greenhouse Firms begins with a discussion of five driving forces that will affect the future of the greenhouse industry: environmental issues, regulations, communications technology, customer sophistication, and partnership marketing. Subsequent chapters focus on different aspects of a greenhouse business and how each affects profitability. Readers will learn how to improve marketing using a five-step process; hire, manage, and retain quality employees; define the right product mix; maximize efficiency by streamlining and upgrading materials handling and distribution systems; make smart equipment purchases; and use cost accounting, pricing, and financial analysis tools to achieve business objectives. Other features of the book include worksheets, helpful equations, and sample analyses.
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