About Trusty & Associates

About Us | Communications | Market Research | Photography | Public Relations

Trusty & Associates was formed in 1982 by the husband and wife team of Steve & Suz Trusty. What began as a consulting business to the retail and wholesale lawn and garden trade has grown into a full service public relations/communications/market research firm. Each of the principals has over 40 years experience in the Green Industry. Trusty & Associates accommodates the needs of numerous long-term clients and is poised to assist new clients in maximizing their full market potential.

Public Relations:

Develop and provide articles for trade and consumer publications.
Develop and coordinate public relations media contact.
Develop and provide press releases for trade and consumer publications.
Develop company and product specific brochures for targeted audiences.
Develop press packets for conference and trade show use and for company and product introduction to targeted media.
Develop newsletters and audio-visual productions.
Develop website content.
Photograph products and events for inclusion in PR efforts and for news articles.
Write speeches and develop PowerPoint presentations for executives.
Formulate and implement marketing plans for businesses and associations.

Market Research

Focus Group Research - Numerous clients. Targeted focus group projects have included golf course superintendents, lawn care operators, commercial nursery and floriculture growers, greenhouse operators, arborists and vegetable growers.
Target Market Research - Lawn and garden product manufacturers and distributors.
Product Development Research - Horticultural and agricultural new product introduction.
Distribution Channel Studies - Agricultural & horticultural product manufacturers.
Ad Testing Research - Obtain feedback from potential readers on advertising concepts.
Survey Research - Full service survey research for several clients.
Operations Effectiveness Assessments - Assess efficiency and effectiveness of operational aspects of facility, operations or personnel.

Meeting Planning/Event Coordination

Sports Turf Managers Association - Provided full service association management.
Foundation for Safer Athletic Field Environments - Provided full service management.
Group of Garden Product Manufacturers - Coordinate credit information exchange and arrange, organize and conduct annual meeting.
Lawn & Garden Distribution Companies - Served as trade show manager.
Garden Writers Association of America - Served as trade show manager.
Garden Group, Inc. - Coordinated marketing, merchandising, buying & advertising programs.
Nebraska Association of Nurserymen - Served as Executive Director.
Barbershop Quartet Society/Central States District - Served as Conventions Chairman.

Training:

Establish procedures and guidelines for personnel training.
Develop and assist with implementation of personnel training programs.
Assess status of staff training and assess developmental program efficiency.
Write and produce training videos.

Other

Contributing editors to the new SportsField Management Magazine.
Currently L & G Correspondents for Nursery Retailer Magazine.
Author of “Trusty Tips®” a monthly column for a Midwest newspaper.
Contributing author on numerous Gardening & Marketing books.
Author of hundreds of articles to trade and consumer publications.
Numerous national writing and photography awards.
Hosted “How Does Your Garden Grow,” a live 2-hour radio show on Nebraska Radio Stations for 8 years.
Hosted “Connections,” a live one-hour TV Show broadcast internationally on RFD TV.
Contributing Editor of “Lawn & Garden Marketing” Magazine - 3 years.
Author of Trusty Tips® for local radio and TV news shows.
Author of “Garden Tips from the Pro’s,” an Ortho Gardening Book.

Professional Affiliations

Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association - Past-President.
Project EverGreen - Board Member.
Garden Writers Association.
Iowa Nursery & Landscape Association.
Western Nursery & Landscape Association.
Iowa State University Alumni Association.

Trusty & Associates Home