Illinois Landscape Contractors Association Presents Excellence in Landscape Awards

Outstanding landscape honors were recently announced by the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association (ILCA) at its annual Excellence in Landscape Awards Gala.
 
The ILCA Awards Program, started in 1972, provides an opportunity for those in the landscape industry to promote public awareness of their role in environ¬mental improvements. In sponsoring this program, ILCA encourages the preservation and beautification of the landscape, while promoting industry recognition of those responsible.
  
Illinois landscape contractors, landscape designers, landscape architects and others working with homeowners and businesses were among the 415 attendees gathered at Belvidere Events & Banquets in Elk Grove Village in late February. 
 
A total of 78 award-winning with photos and project descriptions were displayed prior to the  beginning of the Excellence in Landscape power point presentation which honored 37 Gold, 29 Silver and 12 Merit Awards.  
 
The project entries were anonymously judged by industry peers from surrounding states. Categories include exterior and interior commercial, residential and multifamily landscape construction and maintenance, singular feature, ecological plantings, and Heritage.

Ronald R. Damgaard of Otto Damgaard Sons of Kaneville, Ill., was named ILCA Man of the Year. In the industry for almost 60 years and as an involved member of ILCA and national associations, Damgaard’s interest has continued in improving the quality of the industry through education. He chairs the fund-raising task force for Illinois Landscape Contractors Educational and Charitable Organization (ILCECO). 

“Those of us who've been around a while and made a few dollars - we can certainly give back," Damgaard says. "If we can get young people involved in the industry, that’s a positive thing.”
 
The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Ball Horticultural Co. in West Chicago for its more than 100 years of contributions to the landscape industry and not only with quality plants, new varieties and research.  Ball is generous to students, active with schools, and fosters the need for understanding business as well as horticulture.  Ball has promoted industry education by hosting three ILCA Summer Field Day events, giving contractors onsite access to their gardens. 
 
Illinois’ most recent 13 Certified Landscape Technicians (CLTs) were recognized, bringing the state total to 263. This national program, under the auspices of the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), is a day-long testing program that recognizes proficiency in a wide range of landscaping skills and related safety skills based on national standards. 
       
Eleven Illinois students were recognized as recipients of the $14,500 awarded through the ILCA Scholarship program. 

ILCA is a not-for-profit trade association of more than 850 firms, suppliers and individuals in the landscape industry. Founded in 1959, ILCA promotes education, profes¬sionalism, ethical business practices and quality workmanship through seminars, work¬shops, publications, trade shows, awards, legislative information, networking, financial and scholarship grants and social events.

For information contact the ILCA at 2625 Butterfield Road, Suite 204W, Oak Brook, IL 60523, call 630-472-2851 or visit www.ilca.net to see the complete list of Excellence in Award recipients.