An inspiring class of leaders in horticulture

Running a successful business in the horticulture industry takes much more than growing high-quality plants. Exceptional leaders understand that companies are built by teams, and they strive to nurture and engage people, providing resources they need to reach their highest potential.

The Horticultural Industries Leadership Awards Class of 2024 includes honorees who are reflecting on nearly 50-year careers in the industry, while others just found this path about five years ago. Previous pursuits include banking, business and biblical counseling. But this group of humble, hardworking and visionary leaders all have one critical thing in common – they are present for the people on their teams and in their lives. They are intentional and focused, “passionate about problem solving,” and persevere even after taking a risk that didn’t quite turn out the way they’d hoped. They “speak straight and listen generously,” and though they are confident, they are also curious, lifelong learners.

Now in its eighth year, please join Greenhouse Management, Nursery Management and Syngenta as we recognize seven exceptional honorees who continuously work toward the betterment of the green industry:

• Mark Sellew, Prides Corner Farms
• Jim and Kathy Deal, Pender Nursery
• Elias Mejia, Costa Farms
• Christa Orum-Keller, Midwest Groundcovers
• Ieda Del Bianco, Van Belle Nursery
• David van Wingerden, Express Seed

Michelle Simakis

Publisher

msimakis@gie.net

Kelli Rodda

Editoral Director

krodda@gie.net