NCNLA recognizes contributions to the industry

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) recognized several individuals as recipients of individual awards at its annual Green & Growin’ Show in Greensboro, N.C. earlier this month. 

Jerry Ragland Young Landscape Professional Award
Established in 1999, the Jerry Ragland Young Landscape Professional Award recognizes an outstanding young person in the landscape business.

This year’s winner is Michael Hardin of Paradise Landscaping and Paradise Garden Center (Shelby, N.C.). Starting the business at a young age, it was Michael’s hard work, determination and perseverance that allowed him to make it the success it is today. In addition to operating a successful business, Hardin was honored for his dedication to his local community through such avenues as a volunteer work and fundraising for local non-profits.

Oakland Award
Established in 1978 by Oakland Plantation, the Oakland Award is given to individuals for outstanding service to the landscape industry.

This year’s winner, David McDowell of Bland Landscaping (Apex, N.C.), has been a mentor and friend to the nursery and landscape industry for over 35 years. A former NCNLA president and board member, McDowell’s impact on North Carolina’s green industry has been regionally and nationally recognized with PLANET as well as other associations.

Kim Powell Outstanding Contribution to the Horticulture Industry
Established in 2004, the Kim Powell Award recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution to the Association and industry; specifically involvement in program development and execution.

Long-time North Carolina State University (NCSU) horticulture instructor Denny Werner is the 2014 recipient of the Kim Powell Award.  Werner has trained countless students over the course of his impressive teaching career at NCSU. He is a past recipient of many teaching and research awards including the Luther Burbank Award for extraordinary achievement in plant breeding by the American Horticulture Society.

Bill Wilder Outstanding Young Nursery Professional Award
Established in 1994, and named for the long-time executive director of the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, the Bill Wilder Award recognizes qualified young men and women for outstanding service in the field of environmental horticulture and offers inspiration for others starting out in the field. Candidates must have a very strong industry leadership record.

Trey Warrick, of Shelby Nursery & Scottree (Shelby, N.C.) is the recipient of the 2014 Bill Wilder Award. Warrick was recognized as a great leader and scholar, having achieved many accolades and accomplishments while a student at NCSU. He is dedicated to both of his successful family-owned and run businesses, Shelby Nursery and Scottree, and sets a great example for other young green industry professionals to follow.

Libby Wilder Award
Established in 1999, and named for long-time organizer extraordinaire for the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, the Libby Wilder Award recognizes outstanding contribution to the nursery industry by a female.

NCNLA honored Amie Newsome, with Johnston County Cooperative Extension, as the recipient of the 2014 Libby Wilder Award. Not only was she was a guiding force behind the formation of the Johnston County Nursery Marketing Association, but she also has recently initiated a plant container recycling program to help with the environment and save money for nurserymen. Newsome is a hard working educator and innovator and sets an excellent example for all women in the green industry today.

D.S. Copeland Award
Established in 1972, and named for the founder of Apex Nurseries, the D.S. Copeland Award recognizes outstanding contribution to the nursery industry by a candidate working directly in the nursery industry – educators and allied industry members are not eligible.

David Edwards of Turtle Creek Nursery (Davidson, N.C.) was honored as recipient of the D.S. Copeland Lifetime Achievement Award.  Since the age of 16 when he became the youngest NCAN Certified Plant Professional, Edwards has exemplified all the skills and passion needed for this industry. A former NCNLA president and board member, and now nursery manager at his family-owned and operated Turtle Creek Nursery (Davidson, N.C.), his commitment and contribution to the green industry is demonstrated constantly.

Grower of the Year
Established in 1994, NCNLA’s Grower of the Year is an individual exhibiting a high level of professionalism in the management or ownership of a field or container nursery in North Carolina – or other states where that operation may be located. In addition, he or she exhibits leadership in the nursery industry through participation in local, regional, state and national organizations.

The winner this year, Nelson Nursery (Mooresville, NC), has a long history of introducing and growing new and different plant selections. Owner Brian Nelson has furnished plants all over North Carolina for projects on many different levels - large scale projects like the Carolina Panthers stadium, to smaller individual gardening and landscape projects.

NCNLA Honorary Members
NCNLA Honorary Members are generally retired from the industry; selected by the NCNLA Board of Directors in recognition for lifetime contribution or achievement to/in the industry.

Larry and Jane Edwards of Turtle Creek Nursery (Davidson, N.C.) were recognized with Honorary NCNLA Memberships in 2014.

Larry and Jane founded and operated Turtle Creek Nursery for over 40 years.  Many organizations benefited Larry’s leadership and industry stewardship, including the Southern Nursery Association (Pres. 1993), the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen (Pres. 1986) and the Holden Beach Chapel. Devoting over 40 years of passion and dedication to the green industry, Jane has provided plants to local homeowners, landscapers and garden centers. Her emphasis on good quality plant material, combined with pioneering new growth methods has made her a well-respected and successful businesswoman in the green industry.