Jim Zampini, a lifelong nurseryman who dedicated his life to bringing new plants to market, has died. He was 85.

Zampini was the longtime CEO of Lake County Nursery, Inc. in Perry, Ohio. As CEO, he oversaw a staff of more than 250 people and led the nursery’s related businesses—South Ridge Trucking, New Plants Inc., Champion Garden Towne and a residential and commercial landscaping firm. He left the nursery in 2009 to partner with his daughter, Maria, in the creation of UpShoot, a boutique horticultural marketing firm based in Madison, Ohio.

Beyond the nursery, Zampini's legacy lies in new plants. He has bred, selected and introduced more than 200 patented and trademark plants to the industry. UpShoot continues to license, market and sell these varieties.

Zampini served in a number of horticultural and community organizations. He was a member of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association, AmericanHort, National Association of Plant Patent Owners and a member and past president of the Nursery Growers of Lake County, Ohio. In the past, he had served on the Lake Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners, the board of the American Heart Association and as the Director Emeriti for Lake Erie College.

In his long, distinguished career, Jim was recognized with a number of awards. Notable honors include an Honorarium from the Nursery Growers of Lake County, Ohio, the Distinguished Contribution Award from the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association and Honorary Life Membership from the Ohio and International Chapters of the International Society of Arboriculture in “Recognition of Dedicated Efforts and Excellence in the Development of Tree Cultivars for the Urban Environment.”

Zampini is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret, two children, four grandchildren and sister, Patricia “Patty” Zampini of Perry Township. Arrangements will be handled by Painesville, Ohio's Spear-Mulqueeny Funeral Homes. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to St. Anthony’s Church in Fairport Harbor, the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Visitation hours will take place from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 19 at St. Anthony of Padua, Fairport Harbor, Ohio. The funeral will be at the same location at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 20. For more information, visit Spear-Mulqueeny's website.

Alexandria, Va. – April 13, 2017 – The American Floral Endowment (AFE) has announced the recipient of the 2017 Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship.

Kaylee South, a Ph.D. student at The Ohio State University – OARDC, was awarded a $10,000 scholarship ($5,000 for two consecutive years).

"There were a record number of applications this year, which shows the growing interest and need for AFE scholarships. The high quality of students is a testament to their exceptional determination and passion, and I am confident these future leaders will help the industry progress," says Dwight Larimer, AFE Chairman and Education Committee Chair.

Kaylee South, 2017 Paul Ecke, Jr. Scholarship Recipient

Paul Ecke, Jr.

Luke Murphy will be well known to many Glee exhibitors, thanks to his involvement in the 2016 show under his previous role as Senior Partnership Executive, which also saw Luke work across Spring and Autumn Fair, Pure and Jewellery and Watch.

In his new position, Luke will be leading the development of Glee’s brand and marketing plans, and helping to build the long-term strategy for the show. The Senior Marketing Executive role will also see Luke responsible for the management of Glee’s full marketing campaigns across email, online and social media channels, as well as working with both Glee’s creative teams, and media and trade association partners.

Glee’s event director Matthew Mein says: “We’re incredibly pleased to confirm Luke’s new role within the Glee team. His knowledge of the show is invaluable, and no doubt he will be able to hit the ground running, helping to drive the vision and strategy for Glee both in 2017 and beyond. He is perfect for this role, and will be a real asset for both us and those exhibitors that get actively involved in Glee’s ongoing marketing activity.” 

“Glee is a fantastic exhibition, and I am really looking forward to helping to build its long-term strategic future,” Murphy says. “Getting to know Glee’s 600+ exhibitors, and working with our supporting trade associations and media from across the globe will make this a role full of variety. I can’t wait to get stuck in!”

The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. (NCNLA) has announced the addition of Hannah Singleton as the organization’s new manager of professional development.

A native of Goldsboro, North Carolina, Singleton is a 2014 graduate of the University of Mount Olive with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural education and a minor in psychology. While at UMO, she served as a communications intern at NCNLA in the summer of 2013.

Singleton joins NCNLA after serving as a sales representative at Jericho Farms/Landscape Design in Goldsboro, North Carolina. In this position, she supported daily operations and future growth of the business through a variety of roles including: inbound sales; account management; social media marketing; hands-on plant identification, tagging and quality control; and job costing. She had previously taught horticulture and agriscience at West Cateret High School in Morehead City, North Carolina.

Singleton is a North Carolina Certified Plant Professional and maintains a North Carolina Commercial Pesticide License in Research and Demonstration/Ornamental and Turf.

"I am excited to join such a great team at NCNLA and to have the opportunity to serve the members of our industry by developing valuable opportunities for education and professional development,” Singleton said.

As manager of professional development, Singleton will be responsible for developing NCNLA’s annual educational plan, ensuring that programming aligns with the annual plan, explore new continuing education and certification offerings and ensure all reporting and certification thresholds are met. Singleton will also be responsible for developing and delivering highly-valued events, sessions and experiences that enhance the professional and technical skills of individuals throughout the vertically-integrated green industry.

“Hannah’s unique combination of talent, experience and industry knowledge are vital to allowing NCNLA to deliver the professional development opportunities that our industry desires,” said Corey Connors, NCNLA executive vice president.

Singleton can be reached at hsingleton@ncnla.com, or by phone at (919) 816-9119, ext 100.