May 16, 2023

Maryland governor to keynote AmericanHort’s Impact Washington

Preparing for its signature advocacy event, AmericanHort has announced two-term Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (who served from 2015 to 2023) will headline the AmericanHort Impact Washington Legislative Summit taking place Sept. 18-20 in the nation’s capital.

AmericanHort said in its announcement that former Gov. Hogan was not a career politician. As a lifelong Marylander and small business owner who was fed up with sky-high taxes, politics as usual, and decades of one-party rule, he started Change Maryland, the largest non-partisan grassroots citizen organization in state history. In 2014, outnumbered in party registration by more than 2-1, and outspent by more than 5-1, Hogan pulled a huge upset in America on election night, becoming only the second Republican governor elected in Maryland in 50 years.

Once in office, Gov. Hogan quickly became an example of leadership for the nation, according to AmericanHort, accomplishing what many believed was no longer possible: bipartisan, common-sense solutions. And as he finished his second term, polling consistently revealed an overwhelming majority of Marylanders — Republicans, Democrats, Independents — approved of his job performance.

“If you have grown weary – or even cynical – of all things political, you will find Governor Hogan’s message uplifting and inspirational,” said Cole Mangum, vice president for operations at Bell Nursery, Elkridge, Maryland, and immediate past AmericanHort board chair.  “We thrived under his vision and leadership and are thrilled that Governor Hogan will join us in September to share his observations, experience and vision with AmericanHort and green industry leaders from across our nation.”

The Impact Washington Summit includes a program of presentations and discussions on important policy issues that impact the horticulture industry and pre-arranged meetings on The Hill among participants and their Members of Congress. Details on additional program speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Registration is open and event details can be found at AmericanHort.org/IWSummit.