(Results not available)

This was a hot topic with a wide range of responses. Here are some of the questions people had about e-commerce:

• For a small wholesale grower what is the best way to begin to develop e-commerce?

• How do you ensure security during transactions?

• What sort of sales can I expect from an e-commerce presence?

• Will the nursery industry see e-commerce sales as a viable way to move products?

• How can I best respond to computer generated leads?

• Will the means justify the end?

All respondents said that "customer service" is the best way to add value to a product or service.

Most respondents feel that "personal income growth" will be the primary driver, however, "new construction/renovation" was a close second. Several people chose both.

The slightly "bullish" consensus is that the Dow will be between 10,500 and 11,000 by year's end.

Out of 19 total responses, 12 selected Al Gore as the democratic candidate and 6 selected Bill Bradley. For the republican candidacy, 13 chose George W. Bush and 4 chose John McCain. Three respondents also selected Pat Buchanan as the reform party candidate.

Out of 28 total responses, 16 people strongly agree with the statement, 11 agree and one was undecided.

Said one respondent: “E-commerce will change vendor-retailer relationships, ordering processes, information availability, etc. The primary lesson is that "the customer is in control" in ways they never have been before. The customer will get what they want, whether it is with a retailer or wholesaler. The customer will have many more choices available to them.”

Another said: “E-Commerce is the building block of reaching more customers with the products your business is selling. If more people know your products exist through the Internet, more people will be buying and selling through this type of medium.”

A perspective from another respondent was: “Having the world able to find us way back here in the hills of TN is making a difference and I'm sure there is no going back.”

Yet another aspect to consider from one respondent: “Although I agree that E-commerce will have an impact to the industry it will be more on the gardener who is also Internet savvy. There is still a large part of the industry that will be slow to conform, such as many older established businesses.”

Along the same lines another said: “As a grower it will impact our company less than a retailer.”

Out of 16 total responses, 13 do computer work both at home and work, two at work only, and one at home only.

Said one respondant: "The computer has become such an integral part of my family's life that I can't imagine being without one. From Internet research on my son's projects and games, to spreadsheets for financial analysis, to composition and creativity with word processing and graphics programs, the computer has changed the way we live, work, and play."

Said another respondant: "We order merchandise online, and e-mail customers with events and coupons."

Said another: "Computer work is the only work I will bring home."

66% use e-mail 10 or more times per week

20% use e-mail 5-10 times per week

11% use e-mail 1-5 times per week

3% Don't use e-mail

Total responses: 62