All-America Selections and National Garden Bureau complete merger
National Garden Bureau (NGB) and All-America Selections (AAS) have announced the completion of an organizational merger of the two non-profit organizations into one. National Garden Bureau is now the parent organization with AAS being the plant trialing program under National Garden Bureau.
Previously the organizations worked closely to vet and promote great growing material, support the green industry and connect with the gardening public. By bringing AAS under the NGB umbrella, the existing synergies can further root and bloom into an even more dynamic, efficient and bountiful representation of the industry.
NGB ORG CHART
All committees that were part of the two organizations are now programs run by vice president board members. The following org chart explains this in graphic form:
NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- President: Alicain Carlson, Syngenta Flowers
- Past presidents: Jeannine Bogard, Syngenta Vegetables & Scott Rusch, Express Seed
- Treasurer: Marissa Verdi, Harris Seeds
- Secretary: Pat Racey, National Garden Bureau
- AAS Trials Program VP: Chelsey Lenczyk, Bejo Seeds
- AAS Display Gardens Program VP: Penny Merritt-Price, Youngs Plant Farm
- AAS Combined Judges Program VP: Denise Mullins, Smith Gardens
- Non-Plant Promotions Program VP: Paula Douer, Crescent Garden
- Special Projects Program VP: Josh Kirschenbaum, PanAmerican Seed
- Surveys and Membership Program VP: Lisa Heredia, Danziger
- Year of the Program VP: Alec Charais, Bailey Nurseries
- AAS Winners and New Plant Promotions Program VPs: Joe Cimino, Sakata & Alisha Burns, Johnny’s Seeds
Externally, the general public will not see much of a change after the merger as the two separate websites (aaswinners.com and ngb.org) will remain, with NGB doing even more promotion of the AAS Winners.
MERGER BENEFITS
There are three key benefits of this merger:
- Operational efficiencies and overhead cost savings
- Minimize duplicate efforts in similar activities and more easily identify synergies
- Create more opportunities for leadership by professionals in our industry
The organizations welcome questions, comments and inquiries as to how you can become more engaged in this new organization that is taking huge strides forward to promote the horticulture industry and all gardening products. Email Diane Blazek for more information.
2024 SUMMER SUMMIT DETAILS
As part of this merger, the organization recently released details for the 2024 Summer Summit in Auburn and Opelika, Alabama. The dates are June 4-5, 2024, which coincides with the Southern Garden Tour dates for 2024.
“Having this year’s AAS Summer Summit at the expertly executed variety trials at Young’s is a brilliant pairing of two organizations that know the crucial role trialing plays in the success of our industry. Please join us for this opportunity not only to visit Young’s trials but to connect with AAS and NGB to see how they support you and your business.” Alicain Carlson, who is from Syngenta Flowers and is president for AAS, said.
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