WGIF mourns loss of industry leader

The Wisconsin Green Industry Federation has reported the passing of WGIF Hall of Fame inaugural member Matthew Stano, owner of Stano Landscaping, Milwaukee. He passed away this past Saturday, Oct. 8. Stano was a leader in the industry, beginning his career in 1963. He was a member of numerous associations including WLF (now WGIF), WNLA and WLCA. 

For 10 years, Stano served on the board of directors of the Metro Milwaukee Chapter of the Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association (WLCA) and served as its president from 1978-79. He also served as president of the WLCA Professional Landscape Scholarship Fund, a separate corporation he helped to establish. 

Most recently, he was honored with the WLCA's 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognizes industry leaders who have contributed exceptional ideas, time, insight and leadership to the WLCA over a period of years. 

Stano also served on the board of directors of the Wisconsin Landscape Federation (now WGIF) for twenty years, and as its president from 1987-89. In 2003, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Landscape Federation Hall of Fame which honors individuals who have been cited by their peers for lifetime achievements in the Green Industry. He has also served on the board of Boerner Botanical Gardens. 

Please see the Milwaukee Journal’s obituaries in the coming days for the funeral announcement.