News

Promoting healthy gardening and landscaping practices to the consumers in Maine, while introducing the fall planting concept (especially for these difficult times following the Covid-19 pandemic). The Maine Landscape and Nursery Association (MELNA) will expand the market of horticulture specialty crops in Maine by increasing summer and fall sales by continuing to work with the…

In the midst of a global pandemic, the unsung heroes are grocery stores, suppliers, and foodbank workers too… They are on the front lines during the COVID-19 outbreak, making sure people have access to food and other products, sanitizing stores and warehouses around the clock. It’s hard work that should never go unnoticed! Employees at…

Kudos to Oakland Parks and Recreation Director, Eric Seekins, and to Steve Phair, owner of Buddies Meats & Groceries and a founding IRSSC board member.  Check out what they’re doing to help their community!   Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels  

Garden and Orchard Planted at Indian Township School The planting season was full of highlights; to get a glimpse of some of the magic, take a look at the video from the Indian Township planting below. Planting fruit trees with students, creating an enduring legacy with them and providing fodder for inspired environmental stewardship is…

Congratulations to Rick and Bobbie Gowell on acquiring the Greene IGA in Greene Maine, now known as Gowell’s SNS. Your passion and dedication to your community, staff, the independent grocer industry, and business partners are the elements that resulted in a great business conversion. In just 10 days the store moved over 30,000 items, lowered…

IRSSC is excited to be working with Bad-Adz, a trustworthy and reliable resource for your customers. Bad-Adz Digital emails drive customers to your website, where they can view your weekly sales and more. The goal is to increase basket size and create a more diverse customer base. Bad-Adz describes itself as being trusted, reliable, simple,…

Shaping the Long-Term Market Demand for Maine’s Nursery and Landscape Industry Marketing to Maine Consumers The Independent Garden Centers of Maine (IGCME), a marketing group within the Maine Landscape & Nursery Association (MELNA), started with a handful of independent garden centers cooperating with one another to promote the benefits of buying plants and gardening products…

Congratulations to Rick and Bobbie Gowell on your one-year anniversary. Your passion and dedication to your community, staff, the independent grocer industry, and business partners are the elements that resulted in undeniable success. Gowell’s Shop’n Save is a key driver for long-term economic development of independent grocers while also offering residents a chance to shop…