Dear Green Industry Professional:

University of Maine Cooperative Extension is conducting a Green Industry Survey in order to identify and address the needs of Maine’s green industry businesses.

Why is this survey important? Because in today’s world, size matters! This is the only survey that counts all of Maine’s green industry – plants, green goods, and services.

The results of this survey can be used by educators and industry leaders to educate decision makers. Data from past issues of this survey has been used to obtain grants to support industry research. University departments use this survey to validate horticulture programs and teaching/research/extension positions. This survey is a very important and useful tool for attracting and retaining new green industry employees and recruiting students.

Is your response important? Yes! You can’t be counted if you don’t participate. If everyone responds, the green industry’s voice will carry more weight. If you don’t respond, your sector of the industry will be under-represented.

What Will You Be Asked to Do? If you decide to participate, you will be asked to take an anonymous survey. It should take you about 30 minutes to complete.

Risks and Benefits - Except for your time and inconvenience, there are no risks to you from participating in this study. You may skip any questions that you do not wish to answer. While there is no compensation offered for your participation in this survey, this research will help us assess the training content and the online platform on which it was presented in order to help us improve the user experience moving forward.

Confidential and Optional - This study is anonymous. There will be no records linking you to the data.

Participation is voluntary. If you choose to take part in this study, you may stop at any time. You may skip any questions you do not wish to answer.

Affiliated partners who have contributed to the development of this survey include the horticultural staff at Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ME-DACF), Maine Landscape and Nursery Association (MELNA) and University of Maine Cooperative Extension.

If you have any questions about this study or would like to request a printed copy of the survey, please contact Matthew Wallhead (matthew.wallhead@maine.edu 207.581.2949).

Thank you. We know your time is valuable.


Sincerely,

Dr. Matt Wallhead - Extension Ornamental Horticulture Specialist, University of Maine
Gary Fish - State Horticulturist, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Don Sproul - Executive Director, Maine Landscape and Nursery Association
Kate Garland - UMaine Cooperative Extension
Pamela Hargest - UMaine Cooperative Extension
Rebecca Long - UMaine Cooperative Extension
Sarah Scally - Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
Carole Neil - Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry