OGIA Celebrates Excellence at the 52nd Annual Landscape Awards

The Ohio Green Industry Association (OGIA) celebrated excellence in the green industry at its 52nd Annual Landscape Awards Program. This prestigious event, held to honor the industry’s most distinguished projects and individuals, recognizes outstanding achievements in landscaping, design, management, and community service.

The awards were granted based on a rigorous 100-point system judged by a panel of experts. Projects were evaluated for their creativity, craftsmanship, and impact, with Gold, Silver, and Honorable Mention distinctions awarded based on merit. The ceremony culminated in the highly anticipated Project of the Year and individual honors for excellence in leadership and service.

 

Check out the awards book with photos here!

 

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Award Recipients by Category

Residential Installation $50,001 to $250,000

• Honorable Mention: The Bremec Group for “Cleveland Heights Residence”
• Silver Award: Landscapes By Terra for “Cottage Charm”
• Silver Award: M. J. Design Associates for “Carson Residence”

Residential Installation $250,001 & Over

• Honorable Mention: Grunder Landscaping for “Young Family’s Dream Yard”
• Honorable Mention: Lowenoak Landscape Development for “Elegant Estate”
• Honorable Mention: Nature’s Own, LLC for “Devatha Project”
• Silver Award: Environmental Management Services, Inc. for “Contemporary Retreat in Old Worthington”
• Silver Award: Landscapes By Terra for “Enchanting Estate”

Commercial Installation Over $150,000

• Silver Award: Grunder Landscaping Co. for “One Lincoln Park”
• Silver Award: Environmental Management Services, Inc. for “Scioto Mile Fountain”
• Gold Award: Environmental Management Services, Inc. for “Preston Centre Sunken Garden”

Residential Landscape Maintenance & Management

• Silver Award: The Bremec Group for “South Russell Residence”

Commercial Landscape Maintenance & Management

• Silver Award: Environmental Management Services, Inc. for “OCLC”

Use of Seasonal Color, Container Garden, or Perennial Gardens

• Silver Award: Environmental Management Services, Inc. for “Clifton and Palmer”
• Gold Award: M. J. Design Associates for “Squirrel Bend Residence”

Theme Gardens or Retail Displays of Horticultural Products or Services

• Silver Award: The Bremec Group for “Garden Center”

Water Feature

• Silver Award: Nature’s Own, LLC for “Devatha Project”
• Gold Award: Landscapes By Terra for “Enchanting Estate”

Interiorscape

• Silver Award: Oakland Green Interiors for “Tucci’s Atrium”

Lighting

• Honorable Mention: Landscapes By Terra for “Cottage Charm”
• Silver Award: Lowenoak Landscape Development for “Elegant Estate”
• Silver Award: Nature’s Own, LLC for “Devatha Project”

Community Service Project

• Silver Award: The Bremec Group for “Cleveland Cultural Gardens”

Best Marketing Campaign – Social Media

• Gold Award: Environmental Management Services, Inc. for “EMI Social Media”

Project of the Year

The top honor, Project of the Year, was awarded to Environmental Management Services, Inc. for their breathtaking “Preston Centre Sunken Garden.” This project exemplifies the highest standards of design, execution, and innovation in the industry.

 

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Individual Awards

Scholarships

• High School FFA Scholarship Winners: Audrey Reynolds (Jackson High School) and Steven Lamb (Jackson High School)
• OGIA Scholarship Recipients: Reagan Landon (Columbus State Community College), Shannon Maloney (Cincinnati State Technical and Community College), Hannah Derrickson (Cuyahoga Community College), Cara Robinson (University of Edinburgh)
• OGIA President’s Scholarship: Christine Kermond (Cuyahoga Community College)

Sales Professional of the Year

Charlie Snyder, EMI

The 2024 Sales Professional of the Year embodies adaptability, resilience, and exceptional performance, consistently surpassing sales targets despite challenging market conditions. This year’s winner is celebrated for fearless leadership, innovative problem-solving, and an unmatched ability to build meaningful relationships. By uncovering unique opportunities and delivering tailored solutions, they have set a new benchmark for excellence. Their unwavering commitment to preparation, continuous learning, and driving success has made them a true standout in the industry.

Distinguished Contribution Award

Jay Daley

Jay Daley has over three decades of experience in the green industry, including 21 years at Sunleaf Nursery, where he served as Sales Manager and General Manager, and 12 years as Sales Manager at Losely Nursery. He has also been a leader in industry organizations, serving on the NGLCO Board of Directors and holding key roles with OGIA, including President, Certification Committee Chair, and Education Committee Chair for CENTS. In addition to his professional achievements, Jay was ordained as a Permanent Deacon for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland in 2000, exemplifying his dedication to both service and community.

Educator & Public Service Award

Dave Richards, Assistant Professor at Cuyahoga Community College

As an Assistant Professor of Plant Science & Landscape Technology at Cuyahoga Community College, Dave brings a rich history of almost three decades of experience as a Landscape Horticulture Instructor at Auburn Career Center. Holding an Associate of Applied Science in Nursery Management from The Ohio State University and a major in Career & Technical Education from Kent State University, Dave has held key managerial positions in various horticultural organizations. Accolades include multiple prestigious awards such as the “Outstanding in the Field” Award (2021) and Distinguished Alumni Award (2020) and the “Lifetime Dedication and Outstanding Contributions to the Landscape Industry Award”, 2013. Active in professional organizations and community service, the candidate has served as President of the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association and Commander of the Greater Cleveland Boating Association. Dave aspires to lead in education by nurturing the next generation of green industry leaders.

OGIA Service Award

Jay Hazelbaker, TAH Benefits

Jay Hazelbaker serves as the President of TAH Benefits, a trusted leader in employee benefits management for over 40 years. With extensive experience in the benefits industry, Jay brings a wealth of expertise and a personal commitment to delivering tailored solutions for small and mid-sized organizations. Under his leadership, TAH Benefits continues its longstanding tradition of supporting OGIA members across Ohio with exceptional service in benefits selection, administration, and compliance. Jay’s dedication to providing personalized, resourceful, and reliable support ensures that TAH Benefits remains a trusted partner to its clients.

Young Professional Award

Ali Russell, Acorn Farms

Ali Russell’s passion for connecting people with plants began early, selling vegetables and annuals from her family’s greenhouse in North Branch, Michigan. After studying Horticulture at Michigan State University with a focus on plant genetics and nursery production, she gained hands-on experience in plant production and perennial breeding. Seventeen years ago, Ali joined Acorn Farms, Inc., starting as a production line supervisor and working her way up to Head Grower of the container division at the West Farm in Galena, Ohio. Known for her dedication and leadership, Ali focuses on developing her team through training, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, making a lasting impact on Acorn Farms and its future.