Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Trip Notes from the 2016 Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference


Bonita Nicolas, Johnny's Selected Seeds Quality Assurance Manager, shares her trip notes from the 2016 Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference that she attended with Southeast Territory Sales Rep, Rod Heyerdahl.

Johnny’s booth was in a great high traffic area, and we had a constant stream of visitors.  Friday was the day several young farmer groups, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the like, attended the show.  

Entering the drawing for a $100 gift certificate


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They all signed up for the drawing for the $100 gift certificate and were happy to have the free shipping coupon available. Many of the young growers are following in their parents' footsteps for farming as a lifestyle. They are incredibly aware of variety names and know what they can sell to the fresh market farm stands, as well as restaurants.

This young grower was very proud of his Great White tomato crop, which he sold to a local chef who made absolutely beautiful stuffed tomatoes.

Rod greeted all visitors by their first name and with a handshake. Each greeting was genuine and I could tell that the growers really value Rod’s knowledge and customer service level.
This was clearly the best dressed person at the show. A good friend of Rod’s and a good grower, he went over several pages of the catalog in detail with Rod.

Rod’s wife Linda in the background, but believe me she is an integral part of the booth! She is a great supporter of Rod, and Johnny’s.