Make a difference

One of my favorite nights of the year (well other than Opening Day, of course) is the first night of Cultivate. That’s when we get to throw a big party honoring some of the finest leaders in the industry. It’s the Horticultural Industries Leadership Awards, or HILA, for short. But each year, we get a few attendees that corner me and say “Look, I had no idea this event was such a big deal.” To me, that means we need to do a better job of telling you about it.

So let me introduce you to the Horticultural Industries Leadership Awards. Each year, we accept submissions from people like you. Do you have someone in your nursery who shows leadership through his or her actions? You can nominate them for a HILA.

HILA is the only North American awards program to recognize recipients’ exemplary contributions to the horticulture industry, such as:

• contributing to its development with their innovation and expertise
• excelling in environmental stewardship
• enhancing the lives of employees, customers, communities and the industry at large with their charitable giving
• making a positive impact on the industry

We’ve been doing this since 2017 and we’ve honored 39 amazing horticulture pros over the years. The selection committee picks the top nominations from the nursery and greenhouse industry. An editor like me contacts the winner and tells their story in a special publication. Then we present them with an award at a swanky reception at Cultivate.

Now let me tell you what HILA is not. It is not a “lifetime achievement award.” Sure, many of the people we’ve honored over the years remember the Kennedy presidency. Several are certifiable legends in their field. But especially in recent years, we’ve been seeing more great nominations of younger folks or people who aren’t necessarily business owners. You don’t need to lead companies or brands to be a leader. You just need to make a difference to someone.

During her acceptance speech, Gina Falcetti, one of our 2022 honorees, said she strives to make the jobs of her production staff easier and teach them what they need to know to excel on their own. When she received her nomination — from one of those very workers she taught — it was a realization that she succeeded.

Another of our 2022 honorees, Dr. Bridget Behe, was nominated not only because of her research work at Michigan State University but because of her role as a mentor to many young women in horticulture. It was evident, as Dr. Behe had a cadre of former students there to support her. And as she delivered her acceptance speech (with authority!), she emphasized that her goal was to give these strong women the push they needed to one day be on that stage accepting their own HILA.

We will begin accepting nominations for the HILA Class of 2023 beginning Oct. 1. In the meantime, visit our website, hila.hortgroupevents.com, to read all about past winners.