I'm truly thankful for the seasonality of our industry as it affords us the opportunity in the first month of each New Year to gain perspective from our experiences and to incorporate them into the course we set for 2014. This is a precious time for all the Connelly's; a time we use to take stock, both as individuals and as owners of a thriving and growing business.

However, I've come to see how we apply each January day is vitally important to the results we seek in 2014. All of us at Landscape Supply value this month yet understand how quickly it passes. So while we enjoy the change of pace we are acutely aware of the need to cherish this time, to selfishly protect it and to use every minute to full benefit.

Sailing this ship called Landscape Supply requires our quickly turning attention to setting the course for 2014, to maintain the heading we set and to make adjustments demanded by constant change. As those who set the course each of us has the responsibility to constantly assess the storms and the opportunities lying just over the horizon - avoiding the former and taking full advantage of the latter.

So what can you expect to see from Landscape Supply in 2014? Much of that answer is in the works and will be shared in the months to come. However, there are a few things that will absolutely remain unchanged. We will continue to be true to our core values. Commitment to our customers and our passion for service and hard work will remain hallmarks for all of us at LSI.

But to rest on one's laurels, to not embrace the need for constant improvement are ingredients that marginalize and eventually result in failure. Landscape Supply, Inc. will not allow either of those ends to occur.

So what should you be looking for from us in 2014? A partial list includes:
1. Financial Well-Being - This seems rather obvious but financial health is the enabler that allows LSI to deliver the products and services our customers have come to expect.\
2. New and improved internal systems and processes goaled to enhance our customer service.
3. A renewed commitment to education - programs and classes directed at:
- The Green Industry professionals we serve
- Our employees who must remain abreast of the science that underpins all we do
- The general public to whom we must demonstrate our commitment to stewardship of the environment and the positive impact we have on Mother Earth.
4. Incorporation of new and more current technology based methods of communicating with our customers. You will see:
- The addition of new authors to LSI Connections goaled to bring meaningful information to your businesses.
- A regular effort to survey and solicit input from our customers; input that we want to use to improve all we do.
- Greater use of the Internet not only to convey information outbound but also to give our customers the means to engage LSI at every level. To ask questions, to make suggestions, and to share assessments of what's working and what's not working in the field.
- Use of social media networks to communicate with existing and prospective customers all done with the goal of adding value.
- Providing the means to give input directly to the manufacturers we represent. Product reviews, current real world assessments of product efficacy are all vital to our success. We all want to hear how our products are working.

As we all plan for 2014 it's important to give thanks for our good fortune. Certainly the coming year will bring with it challenges coming from every point on the compass - from government, from new regulations, from industry trends, from the weather not to mention simply dealing with the daily challenges life throws our way. But despite all the challenges it is important to recognize the benefits we enjoy as citizens doing business in America. As you consider all it means to be an American please take time to thank and support a veteran. We owe them so much.

All of us at LSI are excited with the prospects we see in 2014. We hope you share that perspective. It is my wish for all to see a productive and joyous year. As always let me know if you see an area in which we can be of service or improve in any way.

Patrick Connelly, Vice President