The National Hispanic Landscape Alliance’s (NHLA) founding member and immediate past president, Jesus ‘Chuy’ Medrano, was named the Rocky Mountain Regional Turfgrass Association (RMRTA) 2013 Distinguished Service Award recipient, which is presented annually to a leader who has served the industry for more than 10 years.

Medrano was honored for his success as the founder and owner of Co-Cal Landscaping in Denver and his commitment to the professional advancement of Hispanics in the landscape industry, regionally and across the country.

“I am very humbled to receive this award,” Medrano said. “The last 20 years have been a great journey and I have been fortunate enough to meet many amazing individuals who have contributed to the progress of this industry. I hope to continue making a difference and working toward the improvement of the landscaping industry throughout the rest of my career.”

During his time as president of the NHLA, Medrano’s advocated through the organization to successfully challenge regulations advanced by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Labor, which were threatening the land care industry.

“Chuy’s keen interest in the advancement of others and long legacy of service to the industry are what made him the right man to be the NHLA’s founding president,” said NHLA President Raul Berrios. “Thanks to his leadership in the infant years of the organization, we are able to forge forward as a force in the industry.”