The Central Environmental Nursery Trade Show (CENTS) attracted a large group of growers, retailers, landscape contractors, arborists, turf and pest specialists, according to show organizers. The final numbers are in--8,000+ attendees and more than 400 vendors were part of the show, which ran from Jan. 23-25 in Columbus, Ohio.

CENTS has an 80-year history, with a rich partnership with The Ohio State University Nursery Short Course, long-admired for its educational programs. This year, CENTS added a new dimension to the show by rolling out in-depth business management sessions to help owners drive efficiency, sales, and profitability.

“Industry members want more than continuing education in horticulture. They need practical, hands-on advice to help get control over the bottom line, hiring staff, paying taxes, and succession planning. CENTS 2012 sessions tackled these issues head-on, and marks where CENTS will continue to grow,” explained Kevin Thompson, executive director of The Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association, sponsors of CENTS.

Next year’s CENTS is scheduled for Jan. 21-23, 2013 in Columbus, Ohio.