Perennial Plant Association names 2018 special awards recipients

The Perennial Plant Association has announced the recipients of the 2018 Special Awards. Seven distinguished leaders of the perennial industry were nominated by their peers for the outstanding impact they continue to make. The recipients were recognized during the 36th Annual Perennial Plant Symposium in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Academic Award: Dr. David L. Sanford, Berks Campus, Penn State University
The Academic Award is recognizes a Perennial Plant Association member who provides exceptional leadership in education to the industry, including professors, researchers, teachers, master gardeners, cooperative extension agents, librarians, public garden employees, horticultural lecturers, etc.

Award of Merit: John Hoffman, Hoffman Nursery
The Award of Merit recognizes an individual(s) who has significantly contributed to the herbaceous perennial plant industry in growing, marketing, contracting, writing, teaching, extension, research, landscaping, hybridizing, promotion, or innovation.

Garden Media Award: Susan Martin, Gardener Sue’s News

This award distinguishes an individual representing the media such as radio, television, photography, newspaper, books, and magazine publishing, etc. whose educational and promotional efforts result in a heightened public awareness of the importance of the perennial plant industry. The recipient of this award need not be a PPA member.

Grower Award: John & Jill Hoffman, Hoffman Nursery, Inc.
This award recognizes a Perennial Plant Association member who holds high standards of production, maintains high quality plants, and provides motivation while respecting the requirements of the perennial industry.

International Contributor Award: Georg Uebelhart, Jelitto Staudensamen
The International Contributor Award is awarded to an individual who conducts business and resides in a country other than the United States and Canada. The award recognizes a person who has made outstanding contributions to the herbaceous perennial industry in the international arena in growing, marketing, contracting, writing, teaching, extension, research, landscaping, hybridizing, promotion, and innovation.

Retail Sales Award: Brent and Becky Heath, Brent & Becky’s Bulbs

This award is given to a Perennial Plant Association member in recognition of being a commercial representative instrumental in making their business the most progressive and successful in providing outstanding marketing and customer service in sales of perennials, including garden centers, mail order firms, etc.

Service Award: Steven & Carolyn Still
This award acknowledges a person who has contributed considerable time and talent by attending meetings, serving on committees, motivating members to act on concerns within the industry, and demonstrating leadership and organizational skills. This award distinguishes a qualified PPA member for outstanding service to the Perennial Plant Association.

Young Professional Award: David Hoffman, Hoffman Nursery, Inc.
This award is given to a Perennial Plant Association member to recognize, honor, and encourage participation, achievement, and growth of an individual in the industry or student who is talented and diligent newcomer. Individuals will be selected based on their involvement in the PPA, has contributed to the success of their company, and has portrayed a positive image of the perennial plant industry to the public.