KEVIN FEHR ANNOUNCED AS THE IOWA CERTIFIED NURSERY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Des Moines, IA – For his contribution to the INLA by instilling enthusiasm and interest in the young people of our industry, our 2015 ICNP of the Year is Kevin Fehr of Iowa Lakes Community College. Kevin is a long time member and contributor of the INLA. We are pleased that Kevin has dedicated so much time to the INLA over the years. Kevin is a member of numerous professional associations including: Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Assn, Iowa Professional Lawn Care Assn, Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Assn, Golf Superintendents of America, Iowa Sports Turf Managers Assn.
Kevin has contributed much to the future of our industry by sharing their passion and interest with many young people and fueled their interest in our industry. In fact, over the years, this person has brought numerous individuals to the INLA convention and STSC for continuous learning. The classroom learning has been further enhanced when this person has brought numerous young people to get their hands dirty by participating in the INLA Annual Day of Service. Just 2 years ago this person became a newly minted ICNP and demonstrated to their students the importance that continuous education plays in a green industry career. We were also pleased with they accepted a seat on the INLA Board a few years ago.
STEVE RITTER INDUCTED INTO THE IOWA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION’S HALL OF FAME
Des Moines, IA – Steve Ritter of Ritter’s Garden’s Center, West Burlington, Iowa, was inducted into the Iowa Nursery and Landscape Association’s (INLA) Hall of Fame during the INLA annual trade show and conference, held February 25-27, 2014.
Steve has been working in the family business since he was 14. His parents Ralph and Pauline Ritter purchased a feed store in Fort Madison IA in 1969. Steve attended ISU to study Horticulture graduating in 1978. In 1981 they added another florist, landscape, and garden center in West Burlington, IA. In 2004 Steve and his wife, Lynn, purchased the business from his parents. Steve and Lynn have 3 children, Chris, Ryan, and Amanda, whom all work in the business. They have 7 grandchildren and one on the way.
Over the years Steve has been very active in the industry as well as his community. He has served on the INLA board and was president in 1999, he also served on the western board and was president in 2007. Steve has been past president of Morning Kiwanis, served on the Board of Supervisors, and the Burlington Golf Club Board. He also thoroughly enjoyed his time teaching and being head of the Horticulture Department at Southeastern Community College.
BRENT GUSTASON RECEIVES THE IOWA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION’S MERIT AWARD
Des Moines, IA—INLA is proud to honor Brent Gustason of Johnson’s Nursery, Inc., Menomonee Falls, WI with the INLA Award of Merit. Brent received a degree in Botany and Plant Biology in 1993 from UNI. His resume boasts an impressive list of companies with whom he has worked and sold plants for including; Leid’s Nursery, Hawks Nursery, Midwest Groundcovers and currently with Johnson’s Nursery in Menomonee Falls, WI. Brent has been organizing the auctions for the INLA Scholarship dinners.
Brent is a man dedicated to his profession with high ethical standards, an admirable work ethic, ready smile and handshake and a belief in the future of our industry. And it is because of those traits and many others that we are proud to honor Brent Gustason with the INLA Award of Merit. But, maybe most importantly, Brent is a dedicated husband (to Lina) and father (to Quinn).
The INLA Merit Award is given to an individual who has done an outstanding job in one or more of the following: participating actively in the affairs of the organization, actively promoting the Association and its goals, given freely of their time in helping fellow nursery professionals with their problems, and/or done an outstanding job in developing new plant material or other items to further the nursery industry.
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