NCNLA announces 2020 award winners

The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association recognized eight industry professionals for their contributions to the North Carolina green industry in 2020.

Matt Bland of Bland Landscaping, Apex, N.C., was presented the Jerry Ragland Award. Established in 1999, the award recognizes an outstanding young person in the landscape business. 

Shelley Cook of Carolina Garden Company, Durham, N.C., was given the Oakland Award. Established in 1978 by Oakland Plantation, the award is given to individuals for outstanding service to the nursery and/or landscape industry.

Mike Munster of North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C. was presented the Kim Powell Award. Established in 2004, this award recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution to the association and industry, and more specifically, their involvement in program development and execution.

Dana Massey of Plantworks Nursery, Rougemont, N.C., was given the Bill Wilder Outstanding Young Nursery Professional Award. Established in 1994 and named for the long-time Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, the award recognizes qualified young men and women for outstanding service in the field of environmental horticulture and for their inspiration to others starting out in the field.

Shannon Currey of Hoffman Nursery, Rougemont, N.C., was presented the Libby Wilder Award. Established in 1999 and named for long-time organizer extraordinaire for the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, this award recognizes outstanding contribution to the nursery industry by a female.

Mark Gantt of Hefner’s Nursery, Conover, N.C., was given the D.S. Copeland Award. Established in 1972 and named for the founder of Apex Nurseries, the award recognizes outstanding contribution to the nursery industry by a candidate working directly in the nursery industry.

William Westbrook of Fair View Nursery, Wilson, N.C., was awarded Grower of the Year. Established in 1994, the award recognizes a high level of professionalism in the management or ownership of a field or container nursery and exhibits leadership in the nursery industry through participation in local, regional, state and national organizations.

Jo Ann Dewar of Fairview Garden Center, Raleigh, N.C., was named a Lifetime Honorary Member. The award recognizes lifetime contribution or achievement in the nursery and landscape industry.