AmericanHort celebrates first birthday

Formally launched one year ago on Jan. 1, 2014 through the consolidation of the American Nursery & Landscape Association and OFA—The Association of Horticulture Professionals, AmericanHort recently celebrated its first birthday.

“On our first birthday, we continue to recognize the legacy of the founding organizations, and we are celebrating the commitment, loyalty and dedication of our volunteers, members and staff,” said Michael Geary, CAE, president and CEO of AmericanHort.

Here some highlights from the association’s first year:

• Launched the first-ever comprehensive research project to support the future of garden retailing and related horticulture services;
• Organized the industry’s Bee and Pollinator Stewardship Initiative;
• Influenced efforts to provide a reliable immigrant workforce for the horticulture industry;
• Collaborated with the Horticultural Research Institute to leverage more than $10 million in 
research to support all industry sectors;
• Published nearly 400 articles, videos and webinars on the AmericanHort Knowledge Center 
website;
• Persuaded the U.S. House of Representatives to retain industry-friendly accounting rules;
• Produced an expanded Cultivate’14;
• Expanded its Interior Plantscape Community through a partnership with Plantscape Institute of 
America;
• Supported consumer-focused organizations, including AmericanHort’s community 
service affiliate, America in Bloom; and
• Published a revised ANSI American Standard for Nursery Stock.

“AmericanHort was founded on the vision that we can be better together,” said Mark Foertmeyer, the association’s inaugural chairman of the board of directors, and owner of Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse Co. 
 “I think we are growing a remarkable association for an important and global industry. I am proud of our accomplishments and there’s more to come!”