Turning America from Eco-Weak to Eco-Chic

Get ready to enter a contest with benefits for the entire green industry. Access http://www.projectevergreen.com/mediaroom/hines.html to learn more about "Turning America from Eco-Weak to Eco-Chic," a new competition sponsored jointly by Project EverGreen (and its Yard Enthusiasts of America club), Hines Horticulture, Horticultural Printers, Inc. and Today's Garden Center magazine.

The basics: Garden centers are invited to create campaigns designed to educate and remind customers about the ecological benefits of green spaces.

Entries received by June 22, 2007, will be eligible to receive national recognition including an article in Today's Garden Center plus valuable local and regional publicity. In addition Hines Horticulture will make a significant donation corporately and on the winner's behalf to Project EverGreen.

The benefits: The contest will help lead the way in focusing customers on "eco-chic" as the "smart" way to enjoy plants while helping the planet at the same time. In addition, "Eco-Weak to Eco-Chic" will provide opportunities for customers to become members of Yard Enthusiasts of America (YEA), Project EverGreen's new consumer affinity club, and receive tips on gardening, landscape and lawn care free of charge. There is no cost or obligation for entering the contest or becoming a member of YEA!

"Everybody wins in this contest because it spotlights an often-overlooked benefit which garden centers can provide," says Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen, "Being chic, or stylish, has always been one of the unspoken appeals of gardening, but 'eco-chic' gives us an attention-getting way to help customers connect with other important values which plants, shrubs, trees and turf can bring to their life and their lifestyles. We believe that the more people understand these values, the more they will seek out professional opinions and products--ultimately growing the green industry."

Gardner said that "eco-chic" contest entries can incorporate a range of promotional/educational tools including such things as in-store signage, giveaways, newsletters and how-to classes. Entries should be submitted to Hines Horticulture, Attn: Katie Bromm, 333 Cypress Run, Suite 300, Houston, TX, 77094.

In addition to http://www.projectevergreen.com/mediaroom/hines.html, complete contest information can be obtained by accessing www.todaysgardencenter.com and www.hineshorticulture.com.