The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) held its annual winter donor recognition reception in conjunction with the 2023 Mid Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) in Baltimore, MD in January. Over 150 supporters joined the event to honor HRI’s impact and accomplishments and raise funds to support future growth.

The reception recognized more than $350,000 in donations received prior to the end of the year and during the reception. These critical funds will support research fostering business-building knowledge for the horticultural industry and scholarships for students pursuing careers in the green industry.

Of note, several new named funds were added to the endowment. Jim Eason, Eason Horticultural Resources, Ft. Wright, KY announced the establishment of a named fund in honor of his family. Alan Jones, Manor View Farms, Monkton, MD, announced the creation of a new scholarship fund in honor of his family and business. Mark and Jolly Krautmann of Heritage Seedlings and Liners, Salem, OR, were also present to announce their gift of $25,000 to honor the many people and relationships they have fostered in what Mark calls the craft of horticulture. They challenged the room to match their gift and within minutes another $15,000 was raised for the Craig Regelbrugge – Advocates for Horticulture Fund.

Monies raised from the donations made during events like this, and throughout the year, fund the activities of the Horticultural Research Institute’s research and scholarship programs, along with educational outreach activities for the organization.

HRI was established by industry leaders on the premise that no one could better direct needed research to advance horticulture than the very people who work in it, day in and day out. Over 60 years, HRI has been shepherded by volunteer board members who have lived that mission—building and growing HRI’s reach, influence, and impact.

At its January board meeting also held at MANTS, HRI welcomed five new mission-minded trustees to its board: Shane Brockshus, Bailey Nurseries, MN; Jim Eason, Eason Horticultural Resources (EHR), Ft. Wright, KY; Mike Hiller, KCK Farms, Dayton, OR; Matt Sawyer, Bennett’s Creek Nursery, Smithfield, VA; and Lloyd Traven, Peace Tree Farm, PA.

These five new trustees join Ed Bemis, Bemis Farms Nursery, Spencer, MA; Peter Mezitt, Weston Nurseries, Hopkinton, MA; Ryan Overdevest, Overdevest Nurseries, LP, Bridgeton, NJ; John Rausch, Star Roses & Plants, West Grove, PA; Mark Reiner, Oakland Nursery & Acorn Farms, Columbus, OH; Ben Rough, J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co., Boring, OR; Bennett Saunders, Saunders Brothers, Piney River, VA; and Maria Zampini, UpShoot LLC, Fairport Harbor, OH.

New board leadership for 2023 was announced including Board President Brian Decker, Decker’s Nursery, Groveport, OH; Immediate Past President Alan Jones, Manor View Farm, Monkton, MD; and President-Elect Leigh Geschwill, F and B Farms and Nursery, Woodburn, OR. Ed Tankard, Tankard Nurseries, Exmore, VA, was elected to serve on the executive committee alongside Jonathan Berry, J Berry Nursery, Grand Saline, TX and Mark Yelanich, PhD, Metrolina Greenhouses, Huntersville, NC. Dan Batson, GreenForest Nursery, Inc., Perkinston, MS will continue to serve as treasurer, Harvey Cotten, Horticultural Consultant & Author, Huntsville, AL will continue to serve as development committee chair, and Bob Couch, Dayton Bag & Burlap, Dayton, OH will continue to serve as investment committee chair.

Ken McVicker, Woodburn Nursery, Woodburn, OR, concluded his time of service with HRI’s trustees as immediate past president in 2022. HRI is deeply grateful for his long-time commitment and dedication to its mission and the green industry.