August 2012 Big Grower, Management

We’re in Good Hands By Tim Hodson

After attending OFA Short Course last month, I am extremely happy to report that the future of the horticulture industry is in good hands.

While we were in Columbus, we had the opportunity to introduce our 40 Under 40 honorees in person to the rest of the industry.

GPN readers had a chance to read about these movers and shakers in the May issue, but at Short Course they had a chance to shake their hands, exchange business cards and ask them questions at a special Mix & Mingle session. The buzz in the room was electric as attendees approached members of the Class of 2012 to learn more about what they do, how and why they do it.

We also honored GPN's 40 Under 40 during a reception where more than 30 of them were able to attend. It was amazing to see the creativity, enthusiasm and brainpower that these individuals brought to the room.

As I walked around the reception, I was so impressed with the conversations that were taking place. Our 40 Under 40 honorees have "it" and that's good for everyone because these individuals are definitely setting the pace for the future!

The Next Wave

The next wave of industry all-stars is still in school, but they will be entering the professional ranks very soon. At Short Course we had a chance to recognize several of them including Adam Moseley, the 2012 GPN/Nexus Intern of the Year (see our January issue).Adam recently graduated from the University of Florida and is now pursuing a PhD in plant breeding at the university.

Also, Syngenta announced that Irene Palmer, a graduate student at North Carolina State University, and Lauren Tuski, a senior at Michigan State University, were the winners of the Glenn Goldsmith Breeding Scholarship and Goldsmith Seeds Floriculture Business Advancement Scholarships respectively. Syngenta's Keelan Pulliam made the announcement at the Industry Town Hall Meeting.

I am sure we will see the likes of Adam, Irene and Lauren as members of a future class of GPN's 40 Under 40.