NCNLA Hands Out 2014 Awards

Jennifer Zurko

The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) recognized several individuals as recipients of individual awards at its annual Green & Growin’ show in Greensboro, North Carolina, in January. Honorees included:

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 in Shelby. 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.

Oakland Award—Established in 1978 by Oakland Plantation, the Oakland Award is given to individuals for outstanding service to the landscape industry. A former NCNLA President and Board Member, David 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 NC State University horticulture instructor Denny Werner has trained countless students over the course of his impressive teaching career.

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. Trey Warrick of Shelby Nursery & Scottree in Shelby was recognized as a great leader and scholar, having achieved many accolades and accomplishments while a student at NCSU.

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.

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 aren’t eligible. David Edwards of Turtle Creek Nursery in Davidson 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, David has exemplified all the skills and passion needed for this industry.

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. Nelson Nursery in Mooresville 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 and selected by the NCNLA Board of Directors in recognition for lifetime contribution or achievement to/in the industry. Larry and Jane Edwards founded and operated Turtle Creek Nursery for more than 40 years. GT