For the past couple years at the annual Ball Customer Day event in West Chicago, panels have been assembled to share thoughts on a topic during lunch in the big tent. This year, the topic was how to plan for 2024—a big question and one that has everyone in the industry talking. Following three unique seasons, it can be challenging (if not impossible) for you and your team to set sights on a plan for your operation next year.

Because Ball Customer Day is now actually two days, the final Thursday and Friday in July, this episode only covers one panel. Be sure to check out the other panel discussion (also posted as a podcast) because the participants are different, and the ideas are unique.

On Thursday, moderator Bill Calkins spoke to Johannes Pieterse (JP) and Brent Troost, co-owners of Countryside Greenhouse and Flower Shop, a grower-retailer with locations in Elburn and Crystal Lake, Illinois. The third panelist was Jim Kennedy, national sales manager at Ball, who shared how Ball Seed is planning as a supplier and ways Ball Seed can assist your team when strategizing for upcoming years.

Panelists shared thoughts on these questions:

• How did your team create a plan for 2023? What went into this planning and how did the season go?

• The big question heard around the industry is, “How do I plan for 2024?” How is your business thinking about your 2024 plan at the moment?

• With change and turnover constant in any organization, developing teams and team members is more critical than ever. Please share how your company goes about training and education of staff members. Why invest in this? Does it pay off?

• Because Customer Day is focused on innovative new plants, as well as tried and true varieties, please share some of the plants and concepts you feel will make an impact in 2024.

• Finally, please offer one key to success for 2024.