Word of the President

Christmas Tree Promotion Board Testimonial

The Canadian Christmas Trees Association is pleased that the Christmas Tree Promotion campaign is established and working for the future health of our industry. As the national trade body to represent Christmas tree growers in Canada, our board of directors are fully supportive of this initiative.

Real, farm grown tree producers have such a positive story to tell. Yet few of us will ever have the resources to individually coordinate or finance a significant advertising or public information campaign. Not only does the Promotion Fund finance promotions, it also supports critical research initiatives for our industry. The Promotion Levy is designed so every significant grower pays the same amount per tree and this strategy assures we are supporting our future. The appointed Board members, who manage this campaign, are growers with differing backgrounds from all across the continent ensuring all interests are balanced.

The reason to purchase a real tree is many and varied by each individual and this is why we need to continue to repeat our message. The Promotional Board’s strategy has an excellent opportunity to get our message out to the public and cover a variety of topics all benefiting the industry. We have heard objections by sectors in our industry that our sales are strong and therefore the need to invest in promotions is not needed, however let’s remember the market share the artificial industry has garnered over the last decades. A continuous strong presence in the public eye is needed to compete with this.

Every solid business plans for expansion and promotion and the Christmas Promotion Board is such a unique opportunity to support production research and market expansion. We are the last harvest of the season and it is associated with a beautiful celebration felt all over the world. We are a significant part of creating memories for the young and old. Our story is positive and supportive of our farms, farmers, the environment, and traditions. It allows families to connect and enjoy the warmth and uniqueness of a real tree.

The Research and Promotion Fund has the full support of the Canadian Christmas Trees  Association. Many of us wholesale to retailers and U-Cut operations. The data gathered a positive consumer response to the promotions that has taken place to date. We need to continue. We all want to “grow”.

Respectfully,

President Fred Somerville, CCTA