TOCA names top communicator

The Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) has named Phil Fogarty, Weed Man sub-master franchisor, its 2013 Environmental Communicator of the Year.

Fogarty, who also is owner of Crowley’s Vegetation Management, Cleveland, Ohio, is active in environmental issues through such associations as Project EverGreen and Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).

Phil Fogarty accepts TOCA’s 2013 Environmental Communicator of the Year award. Photo: Landscape Management

The awards program, which is sponsored by Project EverGreen, has recognized individuals in the Green Industry for outstanding communications efforts regarding environmental issues for 15 years.

“Phil, through his long-time volunteer work in the industry, epitomizes this award,” said Den Gardner, executive director of TOCA. “His work with PLANET’s Renewal & Remembrance and leadership in starting Project EverGreen are just two of numerous examples of his outstanding record of communicating the importance of environmental issues to consumers across the country.”

Landscape Management magazine Editor Marisa Palmieri nominated Fogarty for the award. “As a member of the Green Industry press, I’ve heard a few names surface time and again as those leading the charge to promote the importance of green spaces to our environment and economy,” Palmieri said. “Yours always has been among them. Likewise, few people have championed giving back as you have, most notably with your efforts at Arlington National Cemetery.”

Norman Goldenberg, senior vice president, government affairs for TruGreen, readily endorsed Fogarty’s achievement. “There couldn’t be a better person selected to receive this honor,” Goldenberg said. “Your passion, enthusiasm and energy have led to many great accomplishments on behalf of our Green Industry.”

Project EverGreen sponsors the award because it aligns with the organization’s mission to preserving and enhancing green spaces. “Phil has an uncanny knack for getting to the heart of an issue; particularly those involving the environment and the Green Industry,” said Project EverGreen Executive Director Cindy Code. “He understands the issues and can readily communicate the nuances to the audience he’s addressing.”

Fogarty was named the award winner at the annual TOCA conference held recently in Portland. “Thank you TOCA for being the unsung heroes of the Green Industry….and for making all of us better at our jobs and for making our industry bigger and for helping us help others to be better stewards of our environment,” he said. “You are so much more than communicators…you are all influencers of the future…a really, really bright one for the green industry.”