NYSNLA Recognizes 2010 Award Winners!

On a beautiful August day, NYSNLA recognized the 2010 Award Winners in the Court of Honor in the John Deere Horticulture Building on the opening day of the New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY.  This long-time tradition is a popular NYSNLA event attended by Association members, friends and family members of Award recipients.  They were there to recognize three extraordinary individuals who have contributed through their time and talent to the green industry in New York State.

NYSNLA President Michael Grimm, Senior CNLP hosted the ceremonies thanking everyone for gathering on this special day to honor and acknowledge the award recipients for their accomplishments.

Jerry Parmenter, CNLP, Chairman of the NYSNLA CNLP Committee presented the CNLP of the Year Award to Jason Engel, Senior CNLP.  Jason was recognized for his outstanding and unselfish contributions to the nursery and landscape industry and his commitment to the CNLP program.

Dr. Marty Petrovic of Cornell University and Chairman of the Gold Medal of Horticulture Award Committee presented the George L. Good Gold Medal of Horticulture Award to Dr. George Hudler. As Chair of Cornell University's Department of Plant Pathology and Plant Microbe-Biology, Dr. Hudler was recognized for reaching out to a broad spectrum of green industry professionals with his teaching, lectures, and outreach on improving the abilities of tree care professionals to identify the causes of tree diseases and make rational decisions about management strategies.

Donna Moramarco, CNLP, NYSNLA's Immediate Past President and Hall of Fame Committee member, gave a wonderful induction presentation to Vinnie Drzewucki, Senior CNLP as the newest member of the NYSNLA Hall of Fame. Vinnie was recognized for his numerous contributions to the state Association, his ability to build relationships within the Association and address industry issues most important to the State. His inspiration to continually give back to the industry was garnered from the many individuals he has met and worked with throughout his career.

President Michael Grimm also recognized the winners of the 2010 Environmental Beautification Awards given out earlier this year.  This awards program is designed to highlight excellence and quality in landscape design and construction as well as foster goodwill through friendly competition.

The 2010 Environmental Beautification Award winners recognized were:

• Dodds and Eder for their work in the Residential, $25,000 to $50,000 and Residential, $50,000 to $100,000 categories;
• Emile Kreye and Son Inc. for their entry in the Unique Use of Water category;
• Steven Dubner Landscaping for their work in the Commercial, over $100,000 category;
• Louis Zaino Inc. and LANDGARDEN for their combined work in Residential, over $100,000 category;
• Haven on Earth Designs Limited for work in the Unique or Unusual, more than $6,000 category.