November 2017 40 Under 40

Naming Names By Tim Hodson

On Nov. 1, 2017, we will begin to accept nominations for GPN’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2018.

This is the seventh year that GPN has been recognizing the next generation of horticulture. Our previous six classes are filled with alums who are truly making a difference in our industry, and now we are looking for the names to fill up our next class.

We will recognize this class of up-and-comers in the May issue of GPN as well as at a reception at Cultivate’18 next July in Columbus, Ohio.

It goes without saying, but the plants and the people that make up our industry are fascinating. Horticulture is comprised of a complex network of disciplines … but it is the people that make up that network who are remarkable.

That is why we like to shine the spotlight on the young professionals who are preparing to take this industry into the future. We want to give you a heads up on the “who’s who” of tomorrow — but we are going to do it today!

Just take a virtual walk through the past six 40 Under 40 classes on www.gpnmag.com and check out the names of our previous honorees. Read about their accomplishments and how they are reimagining where our industry is headed and what it will look like in the years to come.

I’m sure you’ll agree, we are headed in a great direction.

Your Turn

The previous 240 people who made up our first six classes were all nominated by their peers … and so will the Class of 2018.

So now it is your turn. We need you to name some names — we want the names of the young men and women who you think should be part of the Class of 2018.

Who is eligible to be nominated for the Class of 2018? The answer is simple … anyone. That is, you can nominate anyone in the horticulture industry, as long as they are under the age of 40 (as of Jan. 31, 2018).

So now is the time to nominate your co-workers, customers, suppliers, anyone who you think is an industry superstar. He or she might be a grower, a breeder, a garden center operator, a scientist, an educator, a marketer. Whatever their titles are, they are integral to the industry’s future success — and we want their names (and a little more info).

All you have to do to nominate someone is go to www.gpnmag.com/40-under-40-awards and fill out the online form.

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

The deadline for nominations is Jan. 22, 2018.

If you have any questions about the nomination process, please feel free to contact me at thodson@greatamericanpublish.com.