NCNLA recognizes industry awards during Green & Growin’ 26

The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association recognized industry leaders during Green & Growin’ 26, the association’s annual education conference and trade show.

The 2025 industry awards honor professionals and organizations whose leadership, service and innovation are advancing North Carolina’s green industry.

“These recipients represent the strength and future of North Carolina’s green industry,” says Katie Bennett, executive vice president of NCNLA. “Their leadership, service and commitment to excellence continue to move our industry forward.”

• The Bill Wilder Outstanding Young Nursery Professional Award recognizes a young professional demonstrating strong leadership and service in environmental horticulture. Chason Johnson of Johnson Nursery in Willard received the Bill Wilder Outstanding Young Nursery Professional Award.
• The Grower of the Year award recognizes a nursery demonstrating exceptional professionalism in ownership or management and strong industry leadership. Greenthumb Nursery in Seagrove, co-owned by Kevin and Robby Cagle, was named Grower of the Year.
• The Jerry Ragland Young Landscape Professional Award honors an outstanding young professional making a meaningful impact in the landscape business. Kate Watts of Myatt Landscaping and Construction in Fuquay-Varina was presented with the Jerry Ragland Young Landscape Professional Award.
• The Libby Wilder Award recognizes a female professional who has made significant contributions to the nursery industry. Joanna D’Ancona of Sampson Nursery in Godwin earned the Libby Wilder Award.
  
• The Kim Powell Outstanding Contributions to the Horticulture Industry Award recognizes an individual whose contributions have strengthened both the association and the industry through program development and execution. Timothy Warren of the University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive received the Kim Powell Outstanding Contributions to the Horticulture Industry Award.
  
• The Oakland Award recognizes outstanding service to the nursery and landscape industry. Sandra McCrimmon of McCrimmon Landscaping & Grading, Inc. in Southern Pines received the Oakland Award.
  
• The D.S. Copeland Award recognizes outstanding contribution to the nursery industry by an individual working directly within the nursery sector. Landis Hall of Carroll’s Plant Center Wholesale in Benson was presented with the D.S. Copeland Award.
  
• New in 2025, the Landscaper of the Year Award recognizes excellence in landscape installation, maintenance or design and honors professionalism and innovation within the field. This award was presented to Daniel John of Landvision Designs in Raleigh.