The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) and the Horticultural Research Institute Endowment Fund (HRIEF) have merged into a new 501c(3) organization — the Horticultural Research Institute, Inc. (the “new HRI”). The merger proposal was presented to the HRI Board of Trustees meeting held in January 2008. The HRI/HRIEF merger was approved at the July 2008 Board of Trustees meeting and became effective on December 31, 2008.
Over the lifespan of the two organizations, the Horticultural Research Institute Endowment Fund developed into a robust endowment fund that eclipsed the former Horticultural Research Institute in operational and fiscal capacity. As a result, it was determined that the needs of both organizations could be better served if the two were to merge into a single entity.
The new organization has a stated mission to promote and support research that improves the production, distribution and marketing of nursery stock, as well as the tools and chemicals needed for the construction and maintenance of landscaped areas. HRI will work with educational institutions and government agencies to fund the conduct of this research. This work will be supported by continuing to raise funds for the HRI endowment. HRI will also support public education on horticultural matters, and the results of funded research, through the funding of programming and publications.
The new HRI retained the 22-member HRI Board of Trustees, including the 16 ANLA-approved Trustees and the six-member HRI Executive Committee/HRIEF Board of Directors. The HRI Executive Committee will continue to manage the affairs of the organization so the Trustees can focus on other efforts to advance and support the purposes of the organization in areas such as fundraising.