Member Spotlight: Harris Seeds

Harris Seeds, part of the Rochester community since 1879, evolved from the efforts of Joseph Harris, an English immigrant who settled in the region in the 1850's and became extremely successful in the selection of superior strains of vegetables and grains. The company became widely popular because of his basic business philosophy - "offer my customers a quality product at a fair price and they will return."

Harris Seeds was managed by Harris family members for 100 years. With no Harris family members to continue the business, the company was sold to a large corporation in 1979. It found its way back into private ownership in 1987 and continues today under the guidance of long time Harris employees. Currently led by president Richard Chamberlin, Harris Seeds employs 42 employees and brings on approximately 50 additional seasonal employees each year.

Harris Seeds markets vegetable and flower seeds, plants and growing supplies to gardeners and professional growers throughout the United States.

"We are a seed company and function primarily behind the scenes," Chamberlin said. "We have customers in every state, where most of the business is transacted via mail order, over the phone and on the web. For those customers that were loyal to the Harris Garden Centers, orders still can be placed via our web site."

What's New at Harris Seeds
Harris Seeds recently purchased Ken-Bar, a small manufacturing company in Boston that produces greenhouse tubing and slitted row covers for vegetable growers. In 2010, Harris Seeds became the exclusive distributor in the Northeast for Worm Power, a certified organic fertilizer.

Challenges
"We are a labor-intensive business with over 90 full time, part time and seasonal employees. In order to sustain acceptable profit levels that are affected yearly by rising operating costs, we must continually prospect for new customers. Our agenda for our customers remains much as it was in 1879, to provide the finest products available and at a fair price, coupled with friendly and courteous service," Chamberlin said.

Rochester Business Alliance Member
Harris Seeds has been an RBA member for two years. "Our initial reason for joining was to take advantage of some of the discounts on training. We have remained a member because we have found benefit in the HR hotline and the other community events that are offered. We participated in the Eat Well, Live Well Challenge this year and our employees had a great time with that event. Overall, we feel that RBA has united the small business community and given us a place to turn for answers," said Jennifer Hemingway, HR manager.

Contact Info
Richard Chamberlin, President
Harris Seeds
355 Paul Road
Rochester, NY 14624
(585) 295-3600
www.harrisseeds.com

By Kevin Donahue, director of membership and business development