“Value”-chains: Identity, tradition, and Ohio's flori(culture) industry |
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Authors: | Jay D. Gatrell Neil Reid Thomas Steiger Bruce W. Smith Michael C. Carroll |
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Affiliation: | 1. Department of Finance, Asia University, Wufeng, Taichung 41354, Taiwan;2. Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Chiao Tung University, East District, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan;3. Department of M-Commerce and Multimedia Applications, Asia University, Wufeng, Taichung 41354, Taiwan;4. Department of Information Management, National Formosa University, Huwei, Yunlin 63201, Taiwan;5. Sino-US College, Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhuhai, Zhuhai 519085, China |
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Abstract: | This paper examines the status of the floriculture industry in northwest Ohio, barriers facing firms in this transitioning sector, and strategies to promote industry competitiveness. Specifically, the paper focuses on the business practices of firms and efforts by local policymakers, academics, and business leaders to alter the regional dynamics of the industry vis-à-vis a grassroots “cluster” initiative. Using survey and focus group data, the paper demonstrates that culture, tradition, and shared values are key barriers to change and suggests that local cluster initiatives—like the Maumee Valley Growers—are an effective strategy for overcoming these barriers. From an applied perspective, the paper demonstrates the importance of contextualizing applied geographic research and the potential for geographers to chart, inform, and shape the internal geographies, practices, and trajectories of local actors and industry. |
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Keywords: | Specialized agriculture Floriculture industry Industrial clusters Culture Tradition |
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