“I was thinking NICH is like a big tent with open sides so people can come under the tent and join the cause yet have the freedom to be independent for their specific objectives and operate for those specific objectives outside the tent. We all can appreciate the opportunity to expand the use of plants and the appreciation for horticulture and grow the horticultural community. In my mind, this is where NICH can play a significant role in bringing those with these common goals together.”
–Dr. Marvin Miller, Market Research Manager, Ball Horticulture
“NICH welcomes all sectors to gather under this ‘big tent’ and creates one powerful, unified voice to promote the value of plants and ultimately grow all aspects of end-use horticulture.”
–Casey Sclar, NICH Inaugural Chair, Executive Director, American Public Gardens Association
“The mission is so compelling I joined NICH some time ago. We support the “big tent” building process (unification) and anything else we can to move NICH forward.”
–Cammie Donaldson, Executive Director, Native Plant Horticultural Foundation
“I was impressed with the collaborative desire and passion for the big picture. Without plants, people – and our planet – will not survive. Can we get people to see, appreciate, enjoy, grow, buy and talk about plants? Yes, we can!”
–Susan Yoder, Executive Director, Seed Your Future
“I’m energized by the opportunity to have an impact on what the consumer sees, understands and buys. In my view, this is the first time we have had the opportunity for the entire industry to be singing the same song. They (NICH) are not asking for money. They need all of us on their mailing list to have more impact when working with potential funders.”
–Danny Summers, Managing Director, Garden Center Group
“I’m involved with NICH because a world filled with the love for plants is the kind of world that nurtures people. The kind of world that I want to live in and leave as a legacy for future generations. To get there, we go there together.”
–Debbie Hamrick, NICH Economic Committee Chair, Director of Specialty Crops, NC Farm Bureau Federation
“NICH has done much to organize around its important mission to grow a healthy world through plants, gardens, and landscapes. I hope the field of horticulture will continue to grow with our collective voices driving NICH to new heights.”
–Bob Polomski, Clemson University Extension Specialist
“NICH was an eye-opener for me. Many others think, as I do, about the importance of the end consumer. I look forward to growing a larger industry following and the eventual connection with all consumer horticulturist.”
–Sylvia Gordon, Landscape By Sylvia Gordon
“NICH wants to cultivate a culture of gardening in the United States. This will require a shift in people’s minds that plants are a necessity, not a luxury. Just imagine – people of all ages valuing plants as a vital part of their health and well-being and the health and well-being of the planet – every day, 365 days of the year.”
–Suzi McCoy, NICH MarCom Chair, President, Garden Media Group
“We are fortunate to work in a field that creates a more beautiful and healthier world. We are excited to work together across university, association and corporate boundaries to encourage more people to participate in horticulture and learn how it will add to their quality of life.”
–Peter Moe, Director, University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
“NICH is where our industry unites around the goal of reaching the hearts and minds of consumers. In sharing our ideas and knowledge, we will secure a better future for our industry and the general public.”
–Mason Day, NICH Commercial Council Chair, Co-Founder, GrowIt!
