Jan 15, 2020

Nominate Now!By Tim Hodson

If you didn’t already know, I wanted to remind you that the deadline to nominate someone for GPN’s 40 Under 40 Class of 20 is next Tuesday — January 21!

We are looking for those horticulture industry’s young rock stars who have the people skills, the technical know-how, the creativity and vision to keep our industry moving forward and into the future.

If you know someone that fits that description, you can nominate that person by going to www.gpnmag.com/40-under-40-awards and filling out the nomination form.

Anyone working in the horticulture industry can be nominated as long as they are under the age of 40 (as of Jan. 31, 2020).

Previously nominated individuals who have not been selected in prior years can be nominated again as long as they have not yet turned 40.

We will feature the Class of 2020 in the May issue of GPN and at a special reception at Cultivate’20 in July.

If you’d like to learn more about the members of our previous eight 40 Under 40 classes, please visit www.gpnmag.com/40-under-40-awards.

— Tim

Menard’s Makes $2.36 Million Donation to Wisconsin University to Promote Innovation

Last month, home improvement retailer Menard’s donated $2.36 million to the University of Wisconsin-Stout to expand the school’s Center for Study of Institutions and Innovation. The center’s mission “is to promote the study and discussion of civil liberties and related institutions and innovations through scholarly inquiry, educational activities and community outreach.” It is a statewide network of more than 20 universities and colleges funding speakers, panels and debates; conferences and symposiums; faculty and student research; student internships; workshops and more.

Wegmans Switches from Plastic to Paper in NY; Donates Proceeds to Local Food Banks

Following a successful two-store pilot at its Corning and Ithaca, New York stores, Wegmans will remove single-use plastic grocery bags from all its New York State stores by the end of this month. The removal of plastic bags comes ahead of a state ban that takes effect on March 1. Wegmans’ goal is to shift all customers to reusable bags. At stores where the county or municipality choose not to institute a 5-cent fee for paper bags, Wegmans will charge 5 cents per bag. The money collected from the paper-bag charge will be donated to the local food bank serving each region.

Lowe’s Names New Brand and Marketing Boss

Lowe’s has appointed Marisa F. Thalberg as executive vice president, chief brand and marketing officer, effective Feb. 10. Thalberg joins the home improvement chain from Taco Bell where she served as global chief brand officer.“Marisa brings extensive experience in building culturally resonant brands and delivering business value through marketing innovation and fresh thinking to inspire and engage customers,” said Marvin R. Ellison, Lowe’s president and CEO. Thalberg has been named one of Forbes’ Top 50 CMOs in the World for the past three years and a National Retail Federation power player.

Tim Hodson

Tim Hodson is the editorial director of GPN and Big Grower. He can be reached at [email protected]