Hello again everyone, I hope you are doing well! With the summer coming to an end and school right around the corner, I must say my farewell. I truly can not believe these past 3 months have flown by as fast as they did. I suppose with all the traveling to different stores and cities, combined with all of the great experiences shared with the Greenhouse Education Center (GEC) team, one can really lose track of time. The team has traveled to many locations both near and far, and one of my favorite parts is meeting individuals and getting to share new information with them. I always like to see the enjoyment from everyone that comes up to the trailer. It is amazing to see so many people interested in growing, buying, and eating fresh, healthy foods every day.
One of my favorite trips happened this past week when our team headed all the way down to Rogers, Arkansas on the 21st and 22nd of July. I think my first thought was, what is out in Arkansas besides hills and farm land? However, I quickly learned that the headquarters of Walmart was founded in a small town called Rogers in 1962, growing into one of the largest companies in the world. We traveled there to show Walmart a little more about NatureFresh and how we grow the freshest produce. Once we arrived in Rogers, the GEC team went right to the Walmart Museum with Pete Q, Ray W., and Tina H. It was a great way to learn more about a company that started off small and slowly grew into something great.
The following day the GEC team set up the trailer at a Walmart store in the area, and this was probably one of the hottest days that I have ever worked! Our amazing team stuck it out and we were able to talk to many consumers about the trailer and why we travel so far. We were able to hand out bags in front of the store to encourage more people to come around and see the trailer with their own eyes. Everyone was so kind and thanked us for coming out and showing off the trailer, which made me love my job even more – to be able to make a difference with a few people every day is so rewarding. On the final day, we attended a monthly meeting of Walmart employees. As people were leaving the stadium, there was a wave of people, slowly stopping and asking questions at the trailer. Many of the team members had to talk to groups of people instead of the one-to-one interaction we were used to. This provided an excellent opportunity to reach many individuals at one time. The trip to Arkansas was surely memorable!
Watch out for us at The Ohio State Fair! We are on our way to spread awareness about greenhouse education. Anyone can walk by and check out the pepper plants that are grown 10 months out of the year and can reach up to 15 feet tall by the end of the season. I am really looking forward to this event at the fair not only because I am a Buckeye fan, but because I have been coming to the state fair ever since I could stand and show a lamb! I have been able to remember everything I have seen in the agriculture field at this Fair, and now I am proud to add one more memory, our mobile greenhouse! I believe the GEC team will make a huge impact in Columbus.
The opportunities from working with such a diversified company will serve me for the rest of my life. I have met so many people coming from all types of positions and backgrounds ranging from marketing, sales, warehouse, and of course the growers in the greenhouses. Each person has been extremely positive and supportive and I have learned so much from all of them. I cannot thank everyone enough for such a great summer at NatureFresh, I am hoping to hear and see everyone again very soon!
-Cole
