FNGLA Celebrates 73rd Annual Convention
Service and leadership were on full display during FNGLA’s 73rd Annual Convention in June as six industry leaders and one ‘Friend of the Industry’ were honored for their invaluable contributions to Florida’s nursery and landscape industry.
FNGLA’s retiring Chief Operating Officer Linda Adams was also honored during the celebration for her more than four decades of faithful service. Adams officially retired from the association Jun 30.
The association also unveiled updated economic impact figures on Florida’s nursery and landscape industry from Farm Credit of Central Florida which highlighted a more than 48% increase in total economic impact between 2020 and 2023 at $41.9 billion. Industry employment numbers also increased 5% in that same period to 279,000 jobs generated annually.
FNGLA serves as the largest state landscape association in the nation, and while operating within a small business industry, demonstrates a big business impact.
FNGLA Annual Convention is where FNGLA members and industry friends celebrate the past year of industry success while welcoming FNGLA's new leadership taking office.
Nearly 300 FNGLA members and industry professionals gathered in Orlando for this year's event.
FNGLA's incoming slate of executive officers for the 2025 - 26 year were installed during FNGLA's Annual Membership Meeting on June 21.
Those included Marcella Lucio-Chincilla, Silver Vase, who will serve as president, Jennifer Parrish, Farm Credit of Central Florida, as president-elect, and Jeff DeMott, Redland Nursery, as secretary/treasurer.
Also recognized at the meeting was Jorge Abreu, regional director at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), who for his collaborative efforts in serving FNGLA members and Florida's nursery and landscape industry was honored with the 2025 FNGLA Friend of the Industry award.
The 2025 Industry Awards recipients included:
Wendell E. Butler Award: Ty Strode, AgriStarts
To promote the industry and its vast capacity for innovation, Ty and the AgriStarts team regularly opens their facility for teaching tours to industry, community groups as well as schools. Ty has also diligently through the years promoted the merits of FNGLA, hosting membership drives and sharing the importance of association engagement.
The Wendell E. Butler Award is presented to an individual who serves FNGLA and the industry by providing leadership, service, contributions and has shown a sincere interest in the advancement of the association and the industry. This award is recognized as FNGLA's most prestigious award.
FNGLA Hall of Fame: Robert Bowden, Harry P. Leu Gardens (Retired)
For more than five decades, Robert Bowden has inspired a love and appreciation for horticulture through his teaching efforts and in the magical botanical gardens he’s helped come alive for so many to enjoy.
Robert’s impressive contributions have elevated Florida’s nursery and landscape industry – and horticulture - to be recognized and appreciated for the vital economic role this industry plays, and its beneficial impact on society.
The FNGLA Hall of Fame Award is presented to an individual who has given unselfishly of their time and effort having contributed to the industry through pioneering, teaching, production, legislation, marketing, services or research.
Outstanding Chapter Leader: Jordan Zoellner, Everglades Equipment Group, Royal Palm Chapter
Known for his infectious enthusiasm and heart for service, Jodan Zoellner has truly set himself apart as a leader.
A sales professional who serves as a site lead with Everglades Equipment Group for the past 11 years, Jordan has a solid reputation for being a hard-worker and impactful communicator.
These qualities were put to good use this year as president of FNGLA’s Royal Palm Chapter, a role he has faithfully served in for three terms.
FNGLA's Outstanding Chapter Leader Award is presented to any individual who makes a difference in the success of his/her local chapter with his/her leadership, enthusiasm, time and talent.
Outstanding Educator: Brooke Moffis, University of Florida
A highly respected educator and researcher, Brooke Moffis has served as a vital bridge between industry, academia, and consumers through her impressive work at Extension over the past 19 years.
Brooke currently serves as a UF/IFAS Lake County extension agent who specializes in Commercial Horticulture and Florida-Friendly Landscaping, where she has developed a strong connection with industry, and consumers, and the issues both groups face with Florida landscapes.
The Outstanding Educator Award is presented to an individual who is actively involved with the teaching of horticulture.
Outstanding Volunteer: Margie Fox, Foxy Foliage
Margie Fox has dedicated many years of volunteer service to FNGLA and Florida's nursery and landscape industry.
Recognizing how vital the landscape segment is within this industry, Margie was an enthusiastic supporter of FNGLA’s move in 2004 to officially add ‘Landscape’ to its moniker.
Prior to that, the association was known as FNGA (Florida Nursery & Growers Association) Margie has also faithfully served as an enthusiastic advocate of the landscape design segment.
The Outstanding Volunteer Award is presented to an individual who has contributed faithfully to the advancement of the industry through association activities or related service.
FNGLA/Farm Credit Young Professional: Harrison Love, Rode Groundcovers
Described as ‘the ultimate people person,’ Harry took up the leadership charge in 2020, serving as the FNGLA Frontrunners Chapter vice president, and as president the following year.
During his tenure, Harry was highly regarded for his excellent planning skills and is widely-credited with inspiring greater chapter involvement.
Harry began his service with FNGLA’s Frontrunners Chapter while still in high school as part of FFA, courtesy of his agriculture teacher who took him to his first chapter meeting.
The FNGLA/Farm Credit Young Professional Award is presented to an FNGLA member who is under 39 and has made an outstanding contribution to the industry.
FNGLA's 2026 Annual Convention will take place June 25 - 27 at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida.
