Both organizations will maintain their current websites.
The National Garden Bureau (NGB) and All-America Selections (AAS) have merged into a single non-profit entity, with NGB now serving as the parent organization and AAS as its plant trialing program.
A press release announcing the merger said this unification builds on the previous collaboration between the ‘sister’ organizations, enhancing their ability to promote exceptional growing materials, support the green industry, and engage with gardeners. The integration of AAS into NGB will harness existing synergies, leading to a more dynamic and efficient representation of the industry. All committees previously associated with both organizations are now managed as programs under the leadership of vice president board members.
The National Garden Bureau (NGB) Board of Directors:
- President: Alicain Carlson, Syngenta Flowers
- Past Presidents: Jeannine Bogard, Syngenta Vegetables & Scott Rusch, Express Seed
- Treasurer: Marissa Verdi, Harris Seeds
- Secretary: Pat Racey, National Garden Bureau
- AAS Trials Program VP: Chelsey Lenczyk, Bejo Seeds
- AAS Display Gardens Program VP: Penny Merritt-Price, Youngs Plant Farm
- AAS Combined Judges Program VP: Denise Mullins, Smith Gardens
- Non-Plant Promotions Program VP: Paula Douer, Crescent Garden
- Special Projects Program VP: Josh Kirschenbaum, PanAmerican Seed
- Surveys and Membership Program VP: Lisa Heredia, Danziger
- Year of the Program VP: Alec Charais, Bailey Nurseries
- AAS Winners and New Plant Promotions Program VPs: Joe Cimino, Sakata & Alisha Burns, Johnny’s Seeds
Following the merger, the public will continue to access two separate websites (aaswinners.com and ngb.org), with NGB enhancing the promotion of AAS Winners.
The release stated the merger brings three key benefits:
- Operational efficiencies and overhead cost savings
- Reduced duplication of efforts in similar activities and easier identification of synergies
- Increased opportunities for industry professionals to take on leadership roles
The organization welcomes questions, comments, and inquiries about engagement in this new entity, which aims to advance the horticulture industry and gardening products.
In conjunction with the merger, details for the 2024 Summer Summit in Auburn and Opelika, Alabama, were announced. The event, scheduled for June 4-5, 2024, aligns 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,” AAS president Alicain Carlson of Syngenta said in the release.“ To register, visit https://c2ffn114.caspio.com/dp/e6a74000b0640c7d05c14b749bfc.
