The dollars you pay to HAT as dues each year are what supports HAT's efforts in educating about herbs, producing our newsletter and other membership publications, and helps pay for advertising HAT in Texas publications. While the Go Texan program, supported by the Texas Department of Agriculture, is helping HAT more and more with hard resources, we still need member support in the form of dues to continue HAT's work in the state of Texas.
Board members and other volunteers not only graciously donate their time at events with the HAT display, spend time at meetings, perhaps pay extra help to cover their business while they're gone, they also pay for their own gas, lodging and food during those events. Your dues only cover actual HAT expenses. So, while your dues are tax-deductable as a business expense, you are also helping to support a state-wide effort to promote herbs, growing herbs, enjoying herbs and herb businesses.
Benefits of Membership
HAT'S annual conference: This is an intensive series of seminars and discussion groups featuring experts in the many facets of our business. This is a great opportunity to learn, to network and to socialize with other HAT members.
Herbs Texas Style: HAT newsletter keeps our members informed about the herb business in Texas. Your input makes the newsletter great!
New Businesses: HAT is a great resource for new business people to learn from the pros!! Our members are very willing to share resources, ideas and more to help you decide in what direction to take your new business. So, if you're just thinking about a business in the herb industry of Texas or already started a business, and need more input, HAT is the place for you.
HAT membership directory: HAT members work in many different fields within the herb industry. Some of our members are growers for the fresh-cut or herb plant markets, some are field growers and some grow in greenhouses. Some members have retail nurseries or shops, and some make herbal products. Several of our members have written books on herbs. Many HAT members teach classes on herbs. There is a great deal of expertise in our membership, and members are always willing to share this knowledge with others.
Co-op Advertising: We take the HAT display to events all over Texas. People are interested in herbs, herb growing, using herbs and more. Any member is welcome to take the display to an event. That way we can spread the word about herbs and HAT statewide. Any promotional information about your business can be included in the display.
Networking: A great benefit of HAT which is often overlooked is the chance to network with other business. If you're a retailer, you may find local suppliers for your stock. If you're a wholesaler, you may find another business to do some co-op buying with. At HAT events you can meet and talk about problems common to your businesses and learn how others are coping with difficulties. There is a wealth of information among the HAT membership; take advantage of it.
Learning: A great benefit of HAT is the valued and varied knowledge of growing and using herbs for gardeners, crafters and other herb enthusiast. You don't have to be a business to belong, participate and benefit from the wealth of knowledge you'll find among the HAT membership.
For more information on HAT membership contact:
Cindy Meredith at The Herb Cottage
442 CR 233, Hallettsville, TX 77964
Phone & Fax: (979)562-2153
