Nov 4, 2011

Around the Industry: Nov. 7, 2011Source: Various

Check out the latest news from Skagit Gardens, Aris Horticulture and Natural Industries…

Skagit Gardens Adds Sales Staff

As Skagit Gardens grows their business, they have expanded their sales department and have brought on an additional manager focused solely on the IGC and landscaper market segment (finished sales).

Mark Buchholz has been hired as Skagit Gardens’ finished sales manager. He brings a wealth of experience working with independents, having spent much of his career with Monrovia Nurseries. After a stint as president of Oregon Vineyard Supply in Oregon, he was ready to return to work with plants, his true passion.

Pamela Youngsman, former finished sales manager, will move into the role of sales manager for the Skagit Gardens Superstarts! (young plant) Division.

Aris Horticulture Hires Assistant Business Manager

Aris Horticulture, Inc. has hired Allison Suttie as an assistant business manager at its Fort Myers, Fla., facility.

Alison comes to her new position from Pennsylvania, where she was a production assistant at Gro’n Sell. She also worked at Costa as a small plant systems specialist, seeding supervisor and IPM scout.

Suttie will assist Bob Radick in his duties as business manager for pre-finished and finished potted plant products including hibiscus, mandevilla, azaleas and hydrangeas.

Natural Industries Hires New Director of Product Development

Crop protection manufacturer Natural Industries has hired George Stallings as director of product development.

Prior to joining Natural Industries, Stallings was a managing technical consultant for a variety of agribusiness firms including Sipcam Agro USA, Syngenta, Scotts and Pace International. Previously, Stallings had spent four years as product development manager at Monsanto.

Stallings will primarily be responsible for managing Natural Industries’ commercial development program for existing and experimental biopesticides that are near registration and to provide technical support to researchers, crop consultants and growers.