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Deer Park, WI

Pap, I hope you take this as a compliment and not a hijack. Of equal importance to recognizing the positive attributes of the local pumpkin club is to identify areas of growth, missed opportunity, and other ways clubs can better serve their members.

Without slinging mud, is it possible to illuminate ways clubs could enhance member services???

3/28/2013 1:23:52 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

I think our clubs themselves could network better between themselveZ in order to share resources (advertising stuff like tee shirt makers), articles for newsletter, (ie Ron interviewed perhaps once, instead of 12 times...., ideas for club promotion, how to get more new growers involved.... share successes and failures......I know there's more to share....

3/28/2013 2:47:40 PM

Wi

I am a member of 2 clubs. They are both good. What one lacks the other picks up. 1 is good at finding deals on products, the other is very good at news letters and sending seeds every year. 1 is great at organizing events the other has a very knowledgeable group of heavy hits. To combine they would be the most powerful force the world has ever seen. LOL

3/28/2013 6:17:01 PM

On top of Brush Mountain, Pa.

I think an even better question would be, "What do you expect from your club?" Although clubs can do many things, is not their greatest function to run a good weighoff?

3/29/2013 8:35:29 AM

Westford, MA

They never come to help me weed!!!

3/29/2013 3:21:56 PM

Johnston, R.I.

Say it ain't so Kevin....

3/29/2013 5:02:13 PM

Ontario, Canada.

Great Topic.

With so many Ontario weigh-offs, we don't and can't run weigh-offs. Instead we provide a small stipend to help support them in prize money or help with the GPC entry.

Education is something you can always do better. Either by direct club AGP promotion of events or distribution of educational materials in the local communities. There are always lots of spring functions that clubs can attend to set up information booths and raise awareness. 4H clubs, ag societies, master gardeners clubs and garden shows to name a few...

Can we enhance members services sure but it always takes a huge effort on behalf of the volunteers. The GVGO runs an annual bulk purchase program each spring. The land area of Ontario is huge. Funding, Purchasing and distribution is always a challenge. Seams lately to be our most difficult chore is providing this service.

Russ, C0-President GVGO

4/1/2013 7:40:54 PM

Cameron

1. Networking with other clubs. Because we are Canadian, not many clubs know much about us. We need to work more with other clubs to help bring the best info we can to all growers
2. Working with Canadian growers outside of Ontario. Although the GVGO is an Ontario club, most see us as Canada's club. 90% of Canadian growers belong to the GVGO. We need to help these OUT OF PROVINCE MEMBERS feel at home with the GVGO.
3.Sponsorship. Although we deal with many businesses when we buy bulk products for our members, we don't seem to be able to sign them up as sponsors.
4. Education. We can all help out more there. I have noticed in the past 2 years that more of our members are speaking at garden shows, Hort societies & other events. This is a good start & will eventually help increase membership.

One thing that all growers must realize is that a club is only as good as their members. The more members become involved in helping the club, the better the club will be. Jump at the chance if your asked to help your club. You will find it to be a very rewarding experience.

Jane & Phil

4/2/2013 12:18:39 PM