NCNLA Industry Awards

The NCNLA Board of Directors recognizes top individuals and businesses throughout North Carolina's green industry with annual industry awards. Each year we honor and celebrate their contributions to the industry during our education conference and trade show, Green & Growin'.

Do you know people whose contributions to the industry deserve recognition?
If so, please nominate someone for an NCNLA award using the form below.

NCNLA Industry Awards Nomination Form 

Read more about current (and past) award winners below.

Jerry Ragland Young Landscape Professional Award

Established in 1999, the Jerry Ragland Young Landscape Professional Award recognizes an outstanding young person in the landscape business.

2019 Winner: Tara Hughes of Tara Hughes, LLC

Oakland Award

Established in 1978 by Oakland Plantation, the Oakland Award is given to individuals for outstanding service to the landscape industry.

2019 Winner: Scott Myatt of Myatt Landscaping

Kim Powell Outstanding Contribution to the Horticulture Industry

Established in 2004, the Kim Powell Award recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution to the Association and industry; specifically involvement in program development and execution.

2019 Winner: Mark Weathington of JC Raulston Arborteum

Past Kim Powell Award Winners:

2018 - Amanda Taylor

2017 - Dr. Sandra Madoxx

2016 - Justin Synder

2015 - Barb Fair

2014 - Denny Werner

2013 - Tom Ranney

2012 - Joe Neal

2011 - Danny Lauderdale

2010 - Ted Bilderback

2009 - Craig Adkins

2008 - Bryce Lane

2007 - David Barkley

2006 - Ronald Dollyhite

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 Bill Wilder Award recognizes qualified young men and women for outstanding service in the field of environmental horticulture and offers inspiration for others starting out in the field. Candidates must have a very strong industry leadership record.

2019 Winner: David Hoffman of Hoffman Nursery

Libby Wilder Award

Established in 1999, and named for long-time organizer extraordinaire for the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, the Libby Wilder Award recognizes outstanding contribution to the nursery industry by a female.

2019 Winner: Tara Mullis of Arbor Fields

D.S. Copeland Award

Established in 1972, and named for the founder of Apex Nurseries, the D.S. Copeland Award recognizes outstanding contribution to the nursery industry by a candidate working directly in the nursery industry – educators and allied industry members are not eligible.

2019 Winner: Tom Gilmore of Gilmore Plant & Bulb (pictured: Dell Gilmore, son)

Grower of the Year

Established in 1994, NCNLA’s Grower of the Year is an individual exhibiting a high level of professionalism in the management or ownership of a field or container nursery in North Carolina — or other states where that operation may be located. In addition, he or she exhibits leadership in the nursery industry through participation in local, regional, state and national organizations.

2019 Winner: North 40 Nursery (pictured: Jeff Gragg)

Lifetime Honorary Member

The award recognizes lifetime contribution or achievement in the nursery and landscape industry.

2019 Winner: Skip Warrick of Scottree

Past Lifetime Honorary Members:

2018 - Mark Peters

2017 - Doug Chapman

2016 - Morris Newlin

2015 - Doug Clark

2014 - Larry & Jane Edwards

2013 - Bryce Lane & Ted Bilderback

2012 - Richard Currin, Randy Heffner & Linda Bailey

2011 - Jim Patterson, Tom Gilmore & Hayden Beatty