In 1992, eight Colorado greenhouse owners formed the Greenhouse Services Foundation, Inc. (GSF). The objective then is the same as it is today; secure better energy prices as a large group instead of individually and one point of management contact.

A volunteer board of directors, elected by the membership, determines and oversees the direction of the GSF. Day-to-day management is handled through consulting agreements with energy professionals and accountants. What began as a small group of greenhouse owners in Colorado has grown to a much larger group in several western states who all benefit from a broad array of services to control energy costs. Today, the GSF provides its members with:

• Local Utility Rate Analysis




• Strategic Sourcing - The GSF has established partnerships with key regional suppliers that offer favorable terms that are passed on to all members.




• Operational Support - GSF manages all member's imbalance accounts, transportation contracts and if necessary their supply contracts.

• Market Analysis - GSF management and consultants provide periodic assessments to members concerning the overall natural gas market.

• Budgeting Tools - Available through the “Members Only” section, GSF members can review their monthly usage history and coupled with a projected price table, budget their natural gas expense.

• Risk Management - The GSF has a futures account established at Prudential Financial Services and Wells Fargo Bank that allows the GSF to establish financial hedges as appropriate.

 




The current GSF Board Members are: President............Mark Gerace, Welby Gardens Vice President.... Stuart Kitayama, Kitayama Brothers Secretary........... Warren Jordan, Jordan's Floral Gardens Treasurer........... John Furman, California Pajarosa

At Large: Dave Tagawa, Tagawa Greenhouses Don Mendel, Nurserymen's Exchange Brian Yantorno, Center Greenhouse