CNGA LooseLeaf April/May19

5 colorad o nga.org LooseLeaf  April/May 2019 H O R I Z O N AWA R D This award acknowledges individuals who have been in the industry less than five years, exhibit the qualities and high standards exemplifying CNGA, and have made significant contributions to CNGA firms. Tracey Tonning, CCNP Year after year, Tracey has donated countless hours and time in making donations for the Colorado Horticulture Research & Education Foundation Silent Auction at the annual Industry Celebration. For more than 10 years, Tracey has been providing home-baked chocolate chip cookies that have become one of the most sought after and most competitive bid items. At this year’s event, her cookies brought in $650! Over the years, her donations have raised more than $4,600. We thank Tracey Tonning from Alameda Wholesale Nursery (Englewood, Colo.) for being CNGA’s beloved cookie lady! Daniel Corse Daniel is the Perennial Department Manager at Echter’s Nursery and Garden Center in Arvada, Colo. He is a self-starter and has earned the respect of his fellow workers by creating an efficient and customer-friendly operation. He is an enthusiastic gardener and continues to educate himself in all aspects of horticulture. Daniel has set a high standard for himself and it brings great value to Echter’s to have an employee with such spirit and dedication to horticulture. Julie Echter As a third-generation family member, Julie has been around the business (Echter’s Nursery & Garden Center, Arvada, Colo.) all her life. In charge of the hard goods department, she brings great energy and a fresh look to displays throughout the store, including a new look to signage and website development. She works hard in fostering customer relationships, and created a public relations win for Echter’s by organizing a tree giveaway on Christmas Eve and managing TV coverage with three local stations. Michael Schleining, CCNP Mike is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Arbor Valley Nursery in Brighton, Colo. With an exceptional attitude, solid leadership skills and a talent for helping, teaching, and leading those around him, he has stepped into numerous roles within the company, community, and industry. He is the youngest person in the company’s history to become a Colorado Certified Nursery Professional. Mike’s knowledge and willingness to help with any task have earned him the respect of teammates throughout the organization. Brian Steele Brian is the Potting TeamManager at Britton Nursery in Colorado Springs, and leads the potting crew and soil mixing operations, tractor operations, special projects, facilities, equipment maintenance and repair, and training new team members. He is a gifted leader and brings an atmosphere of camaraderie and fun everywhere he goes. He is a go-getter, very teachable, and willing to learn anything that is thrown at him. Brian is a mover and shaker, and brings a special level of energy to all aspects of his job. Melissa Streitmatter Melissa has excelled as a member of the production crew at Fort Collins Nursery (FCN). In 2017, she curated and edited the entire plant catalog to integrate with The Perfect Plant database, working independently, accurately, and efficiently. In 2018, she quickly learned a variety of retail skills that make her a more versatile employee, earning year-round work in a position that is traditionally seasonal. Her personality, aptitude, care for coworkers and customers, and powerful work ethic make her a valuable asset to FCN. Kevin Williams Kevin is a horticulturist with the Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG). He has taken on several high-profile projects including: installation of the Steppe Garden, renovation of the lilac collection, expansion of the dwarf and unusual conifer collection (including learning to graft conifers), and replanting of a naturalistic prairie along Josephine Street. Kevin has spearheaded multiple native plant collection trips focusing on selections of Juniperus horizontalis and Salix humilis. He also heads up DBG’s intern program. S P E C I A L R E C O G N I T I O N Note: This year, the prestigious Hall of Fame Award was not presented. Typically awarded to an individual who has demonstrated leadership and commitment throughout their career, resulting in overall improvements to the industry, this award was not included this year due to a lack of nominations in 2018.