The BC Landscape & Nursery Association (BCLNA) hosted its annual Awards Gala at the Surrey Civic Hotel on December 2, 2021. The strength of the horticulture industry lies in the hundreds of hours given by so many dedicated members. BCLNA was very privileged to honour those who have helped the association thrive over the past year.
Award winners were nominated by their peers and reviewed by the BCLNA Board and staff members. “The awards are an important way to honour members and inspire the up-and-coming generations.” says Heike Stippler, BCLNA Board Chair, “We want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that members have put into their industry.”
Seven awards were received:
Lifetime of Outstanding Service sponsored by Cedar Rim Nursery Ltd.
This award is the highest honour at BCLNA, for outstanding service or contribution to the Association and the industry by an individual who is, or has been, an active member or an employee of an active member. Service includes activities such as volunteering, extraordinary effort, financial or other contributions to the Association or individual members. This award is nominated and chosen by BCLNA Past Presidents. This year, the Lifetime of Outstanding Service award was presented to David Woodske. David mentored growers, was a constant presence at BCLNA events, and was an undeniable force of growth of the industry. David’s professionalism, vast knowledge, and collaborative and supportive attitude has had a large and positive impact on the horticulture industry. David is honoured to have worked with the nursery sector due to the dedication and support of the members, and the strong leadership shown by the Association.
Member of The Year sponsored by Pine Meadows Tree Farms Ltd.
The BCLNA Member of the Year is presented to a person whose services or contributions to the industry and to the Association have been exemplary. This award was presented to Ross Anderson. Ross has lived, worked, and delivered exceptional outcomes for clients and businesses across multiple sectors in Australia, the UK, and Canada. Ross is a true advocate for the landscape industry, and his commitment is demonstrated in his continuous work on the BCLNA Board of Directors. As 1st Vice Chair, Ross oversees BCLNA human resources, advises on industry issues and BCLNA strategic direction, and supports industry education and networking events. His work with the BCLNA keeps his passion for landscaping alive and well.
Young Member of the Year sponsored by Van Belle Nursery Inc.
The Young Member of the Year award is presented annually to one person aged 35 or younger whose service or contribution to the industry and the Association has been exemplary. This award recognizes volunteer time, extraordinary efforts, and financial or other contributions to the BCLNA or its members. The importance of bringing young industry members into our Association can’t be overstated. They have the ability to look at issues from a new perspective. This award was presented to Hayley Chan. Working closely with the Japanese Beetle Partnership, Hayley has been instrumental in the coordination of treatment of private lands in the Japanese beetle treatment zone in Vancouver. She was selected to be an industry ambassador for the Grow Your Future project where she spoke about her career experience in horticulture. At work, Hayley assists her team members with education and training, and advocates for industry volunteerism. She has achieved various industry certifications, demonstrating her enthusiasm for learning. Hayley believes we can achieve great things through collaboration, and strives to leave a positive impact on those she encounters.
Educator of the Year sponsored by McTavish Resource & Management Consultants Ltd.
This award is presented to a person who works primarily within horticulture, educating the industry and/or public about the industry or its products or services. This category includes horticulture educators and others who educate the public in specific green industry topics. This award was presented to Laura Biggs. Laura has a diverse educational background. She has a Master of Science, Biology and a Master of Education. Laura is the College Director at the Pacific Horticulture College and continues to instruct at the Vancouver Community College. Over the past ten years, she has been an integral part of the Landscape Horticulture RED SEAL program. Laura participated in designing the ITA Harmonized Curriculum and Level 1, 2 and 3 exam bank for ITA standard level exams. Laura has also worked tirelessly to bring all four levels of the Landscape Horticulture Technician apprenticeship to Vancouver Island. Laura is an enthusiastic instructor and colleague. Students thrive in her classroom and she is a role model of health, balance, and kindness to everyone around her.
Volunteer of the Year sponsored by Paridon Horticultural Ltd.
This Award honours a member who has provided significant time away from their business, whether it’s assisting with training sessions, meeting the public at an event, or serving on a committee. Meanwhile, they keep their own business running, their clients satisfied and their staff productive. This award was presented to Miles Hunter. Actively involved in the Association since 2004, Miles currently serves on the Retail Advisory Committee and the Industry Development Council at BCLNA. He has dedicated countless hours to BCLNA events such as Grow West Coast (previously known as CanWest) and BCLNA Christmas parties. Outside of BCLNA, Miles also participates in the Garden Centre Group. He believes it is important to volunteer and give back to the industry that supports our way of life.
Garden Communicator of the Year sponsored by Clearview Horticultural Products
This award is presented to an individual providing outstanding communication to the public on garden and landscape topics, in addition to letting the public in on the next hot garden trend. The nominee does not have to be a BCLNA member. This award was presented to Laurelle Oldford-Down. If you follow Art’s Nursery on social media you will know exactly why Laurelle received this year’s award. Using humour and quick wit (and many props), Laurelle is educating plant enthusiasts on everything gardening and plant care. Laurelle is also a regular speaker at garden clubs from UBC and Delta to Chilliwack and Galliano Island and everywhere in between. She absolutely loves meeting passionate gardeners and is always on the learning curve.
Supplier of the Year Sponsored by Schmunk Gatt Smith & Associates
The Supplier of the Year award is presented for outstanding service by an individual or company that supplies non-green goods or services to the industry. BCLNA members are fortunate to have a wide range of suppliers that support the membership in many ways, from discounts, to sponsorships to assistance at Association events. This year’s award was presented to West Creek Farms Ltd. Long-time members of the BCLNA, West Creek Farms continues to support the Association and industry through sponsorships for various events and programs, and volunteering at annual events such as the Plant Auction, Golf Tournament, Grow West Coast, and Awards Galas. West Creek Farms volunteers staff time to sit on various BCLNA committees, contributing ideas, feedback and resources to our many events and programs. For West Creek Farms, volunteering with the BCLNA has provided them with the opportunity to support industry, develop relationships, and build new skills.
