CGW members on a tour. | Commercial Growers of Wisconsin
For more than 70 years, the Commercial Growers of Wisconsin (CGW) has been a gathering place for advocates, growers, business owners, greenhouse suppliers, and commercial retailers in the horticulture industry. Originally known as the Commercial Flower Growers of Wisconsin, the organization opened its doors to vegetable growers four years ago.
“We’ve lost a lot of greenhouses over the years,” says Brian Karthauser, President of CGW. “Like a lot of organizations, we’re always looking for ways to increase our membership. We’re hoping hemp and vegetable growers will join our group because we’re not exclusive to flowers. We’re growing everything, and we’re trying to be more inclusive to have more people join the group rather than just being singled out as a greenhouse organization.”
Brian Karthauser attending the Summer Trials at the UW Agricultural Research Station | Commercial Growers of Wisconsin
A Trend in the Industry
One thing Karthauser has noticed across the industry is the lack of organizations for professionals in the horticulture space. He’s especially proud of what CGW’s members have accomplished in Wisconsin over the years, and how their dedication has kept the organization going.
“There aren’t that many organizations like ours anymore,” says Karthauser. “It’s hard to get everybody organized and keep people going. In the state of Wisconsin here, we’re very fortunate that we have a group of people here that are dedicated to keeping it going. We’re kind of an oddity in that aspect.”
By not limiting themselves to just flower growers, CGW has increased membership across the organization. Its recent name (and logo) change has made CGW a universal organization that welcomes flower, hemp, and vegetable growers alike.
“We’re always striving to get more members,” says Karthauser. “So that’s why we became the Commercial Growers of Wisconsin. So other people don’t think of us that way, they have to be willing to join because we’re not just exclusive to flowers.”
Who Can Join CGW?
Any Wisconsinite who belongs to the horticulture industry can join CGW. According to Karthauser, there aren’t any specific parameters its members need to meet aside from being a part of the industry.
“You don’t have to do this or that to qualify,” says Karthauser. “We’re pretty much open to anybody. But for the most part, it’s greenhouse people. We have people that sell soil. We have people that sell cuttings. We have people that sell pots and stuff like that to the greenhouse industry. There’s lots of different things you can get into in the horticulture industry that’s not necessarily being in a greenhouse all the time.”
Those living in Wisconsin who actively participate in the horticulture industry are encouraged to join CGW. The organization has three offerings for both current and aspiring members, including:
- Membership meetings: Meetings are held throughout the year at different member locations, giving both members and non-members the opportunity to meet industry professionals, network, and tour new facilities.
- Summer field day: Every summer, CGW partners with the University of Wisconsin, Madison – West Agricultural Research Station to trial plant varieties for members to analyze. A complimentary lunch and educational seminar are also offered.
- The CGW Annual Fall Conference: Guest speakers from across the industry and a variety of vendors attend CGW’s Annual Fall Conference. This gives members the opportunity to network with other industry professionals all over the state of Wisconsin.
For more information about CGW and to become a member, click here.
