National Garden Bureau (NGB) and All-America Selections (AAS) completed an organizational merger of the two non-profit organizations into one. National Garden Bureau is now the parent organization with AAS being the plant trialing program under National Garden Bureau.
Previously the organizations worked closely to vet and promote growing material, support the green industry and connect with the gardening public.
All Committees that were part of the two organizations are now programs run by vice president board members.
The new board of directors for the National Garden Bureau:
- President: Alicain Carlson, Syngenta Flowers
- Past Presidents: Jeannine Bogard, Syngenta Vegetables and Scott Rusch, Express Seed
- Treasurer: Marissa Verdi, Harris Seeds
- Secretary: Pat Racey, National Garden Bureau
- AAS Trials Program Vice Presidents: Chelsey Lenczyk, Bejo Seeds
- AAS Display Gardens Program Vice Presidents: Penny Merritt-Price, Youngs Plant Farm
- AAS Combined Judges Program Vice Presidents: Denise Mullins, Smith Gardens
- Non-Plant Promotions Program Vice Presidents: Paula Douer, Crescent Garden
- Special Projects Program Vice Presidents: Josh Kirschenbaum, PanAmerican Seed
- Surveys and Membership Program Vice Presidents: Lisa Heredia, Danziger
- Year of the Program Vice Presidents: Alec Charais, Bailey Nurseries
- AAS Winners and New Plant Promotions Program Vice Presidents: Joe Cimino, Sakata and Alisha Burns, Johnny’s Seeds
Other merger benefits include:
- Operational efficiencies and overhead cost savings.
- Minimize duplicate efforts in similar activities and more easily identify synergies.
- Create more opportunities for leadership by professionals in our industry.
As part of the merger, the organization recently released details for the 2024 Summer Summit in Auburn and Opelika, Ala. The dates are June 4-5, which coincides with the Southern Garden Tour dates for 2024.
“Having this year’s AAS Summer Summit at the expertly executed variety trials at Young’s is a brilliant pairing of two organizations that know the crucial role trialing plays in the success of our industry. Please join us for this opportunity not only to visit Young’s trials but to connect with AAS and NGB to see how they support you and your business,” said Carlson.
