NENA Newsline Winter 2017 | Page 6

NENA proudly announces the 2017 recipients of the Young Nursery Professionals of the Year Award, all of whom were recognized by their state associations at their annual meetings this winter:

Connecticut

Ryan W. Van Wilgen, CANP

Van Wilgen’s Garden Center

North Branford, CT

Maine

Neil Hutchings

Gnome Landscape & Design

Falmouth, ME

Rhode Island

Julie Medeiros

SeaScape Lawn Care, Inc.

Coventry, RI

Vermont

David Burton

DiStefano Landscaping, Inc.

Jericho, VT

The award recognizes, honors, and encourages participation, achievement and growth by individuals in the industry who meet the following criteria:

Are under the age of 40

---

Have shown involvement in his or her state association

---

Have contributed to the success of his or her company

---

Have portrayed a positive image of the nursery industry to the public

Congratulations to the

deserving recipients!

NENA’s Young Nursery Professionals of the Year - 2017

News From Around New England & Beyond

East Haven Landscape Products (EHLP) joins forces with SiteOne Landscape Supply

NENA Past President Peter House informed the association of an exciting development for his business. EHLP has joined forces with SiteOne Landscape Supply, LLC. Started in East Haven, CT, EHLP is a leader in the distribution of nursery, hardscape and landscape supplies in the coastal Connecticut market. The acquisition of EHLP extends SiteOne’s network of existing full-service locations. EHLP owner Peter House will continue to play an active role in the business.

Perennial Plant Association Founder & Executive Director to Retire – PPA Founder & Executive Director, Dr. Steven Still announced that he will be retiring from his position on September 30, 2017. In his retirement announcement to PPA members, he stated, “During the last 35 years, I’ve enjoyed working along with the members of the PPA as the perennial industry matured. We’ve accomplished a great deal and our work continues.” Best wishes to Dr. Still!

Tower Hill Botanic Garden Announces New CEO

Tower Hill, in Boylston, MA, has announced that Grace Elton will become CEO this spring. She has been the director of horticulture at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, VA since 2011, where she established herself as a forward-thinking leader of one of the nation’s premier gardens. Prior to joining Lewis Ginter, Elton was an adjunct professor and arboretum supervisor at the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. She serves on the board of the American Public Gardens Association.

HRI releases best management practices for bee health

These best practices are intended to inform horticultural professionals about the green industry’s impact on bee health. Click here to read the information and print out a “Frequently Asked Questions” information sheet.

New Research Fund to Honor Craig RegelbruggeThe Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) has created a new endowed research fund in honor of Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort’s senior vice president of industry advocacy and research. The fund in his name is in recognition of his 25 years of service to the green industry.