According to it's website GIE Media, Inc. has "announced that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of Ft. Worth based Branch-Smith Publishing. This development adds four titles to GIE: Greenhouse Management & Production, Nursery Management & Production, Garden Center and Garden Center Product Source. In making the acquisition GIE significantly extends its position serving the commercial horticultural and specialty markets." Interesting news. Other than that I don't know how this will shake out. The Branch-Smith story is quite interesting. Founded in 1900 by Aaron Smith, who was born without arms. He learned to type using his toes. The company is now in it's fourth generation. They plan to, "focus on its award-winning Branch-Smith Printing company, which specializes in books, catalogs, directories and other print solutions for publishers."

I felt Branch-Smith was smart in taking a proactive approach to new media by starting their "Open Register" blog. Perhaps it's that proactive approach that made the acquisition by GIE possible. I am sure we will hear more about this as the nursery industry continues to change before our eye's.