Kent, Ohio – March 2018 – Smithers-Oasis Company, a provider of solutions throughout the plant and flower supply chain from propagation to consumer, announces the promotion of William (Bill) Riffey to general manager, grower operations – Americas, Europe and Africa. The organizational change is part of a strategic plan to significantly increase Smithers-Oasis’ brand Oasis Grower Solutions’ sales through a channel-focused effort.

Bringing more than 30 years of experience to the position, Riffey has held the position of general manager, North America, Oasis Growers Solutions since 2015. In 2016 he was given additional responsibility for South America. Prior to joining Smithers-Oasis, Riffey held the positions of national sales and marketing manager at Pleasant View Gardens, Loudon, N.H., and vice president of sales and marketing, territory sales manager and customer service manager at Aris Horticulture Inc. (formerly Yoder Brothers), Barberton, Ohio. 

In his new position, Riffey plans to leverage the existing locations of Smithers-Oasis to build local markets for Oasis Grower Solutions products. He also intends on developing the “Follow the Plants” strategy using technologies from Oasis Grower Solutions, Oasis Floral Products and Floralife post-harvest products to provide insurance through the horticulture supply chain globally. 

“The promotion of Bill Riffey is part of our strategic plan that we are confident will significantly increase Oasis Grower Solutions and Floralife global sales,” said Jim Daly, vice president, global Floralife and Grower operations and corporate research.

Riffey earned his bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from the University of Illinois and executive MBA from Kent State University.

Riffey resides in Akron, Ohio, with his wife, two children, two dogs and five cats. In his spare time, Riffey enjoys landscaping, vegetable gardening and remodeling his home.

Oasis Grower Solutions horticulture products provide for the strong, healthy, clean start and post-harvest care and handling of plants and flowers throughout their lifecycle to ensure the best user experience. The entire plant journey includes the breeder, propagator, growers, retailers, distributors and finally, the end consumer.

Downers Grove, Ill. – Feb. 27, 2018 – All-America Selections, in partnership with chef and story-teller Jonathan Bardzik, announces their 2018 cooking video series. These videos help the gardening industry promote AAS Edible Winners by explaining the judging process, showcasing AAS winners and sharing five custom recipes that use more than fifteen recent AAS Winners.

After eighty-five years of conducting trials where only the best performers are declared AAS Winners, the organization now has more than 360 individual edible varieties that have been “Tested Nationally & Proven Locally.”  Videos can be viewed, shared and embedded from YouTube:

Strawberry Fennel Salad (featuring Delizz strawberries, Antares fennel, Pepitas pumpkin seeds and Dolce Fresca basil)

Minestrone Pasta (featuring Prism kale, Mad Hatter peppers, Seychelles pole beans and Chef’s Choice Yellow tomatoes)

Roasted Okra and Tomatoes (featuring Candle Fire okra and Candyland currant tomatoes)

Watermelon Gazpacho (featuring Mini Love watermelon, Midnight Snack tomatoes, Chili Pie peppers and Dolce Fresca basil)

Spicy Tomato and Cucumber Salad (featuring Patio Choice Yellow tomatoes, Persian Gherkin cucumbers, Warrior onions and Aji Rico peppers) 

Each video and corresponding recipe will be showcased as a blog post on the AAS website over the next five weeks.

Garden retailers, mail order retailers and other garden supporters can download and use these videos free of charge. Promotional opportunities for retailers include:

• Feature the videos on your website
• Host “Cooking with AAS Winners” Ladies Nights or Couples Nights at your garden center
• Conduct seminars on edible gardening and feature these videos
• Use recipe cards as free give-aways with featured AAS Winner plants or seeds
• Hold a mid-harvest recipe contest highlighting these AAS Winners 

For more information, contact Diane Blazek, All-America Selections.

Miami - Henry Gonzalez has been named chief marketing officer of Costa Farms, according to a press release.

Gonzalez will oversee Costa Farms’ marketing, research and category management teams.

With more than 25 years of experience in brand and retail marketing, Gonzalez has worked on both the client and agency sides of marketing, and will bring a fresh strategic perspective to Costa Farms’ programs.

“Henry will be of tremendous benefit to our organization,” says Jose Smith, Costa Farms CEO. “His diverse experience as a retail client, manufacturer and agency partner gives him a strong business background in brand and retail marketing, which adds value for our customers and improves our commitment to develop consumer-driven programs.”

Gonzalez, who received a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business, honed his marketing and leadership skills at well-known companies such as Burger King, Edwards Fine Foods and Schwan Food Company, the fifth largest frozen food company in the world, as well as Crispin Porter Bogusky, which was recognized as one of the leading advertising agencies during his tenure. 

“I’m excited to join the Costa Farms team and bring my passion to a category I love, and to a leading company in the green industry,” adds Gonzalez. “I look forward to working with our team to build on Costa Farms’ success as a marketing leader, program innovator and solutions provider for our customers to drive category growth.”

Before joining Costa Farms, Gonzalez was senior vice president at Zimmerman Advertising where he managed clients such as Michaels Arts & Crafts, McDonald’s and Sam’s Club.

“Henry’s a proven leader, strategic thinker and a trusted partner,” says Smith. “He’s a major addition to our executive team to purposefully serve our customers and grow the industry as a whole.”

For more information, visit costafarms.com

A nineteen-year veteran of Rough Brothers Inc. (RBI), Shane Nitschke has been appointed sales manager of the Southeastern region that encompasses Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. Beginning in the commercial design department, Nitschke has held a number of roles. Nitschke has designed many of the customized retail and production projects for RBI. For the past three years, he has been the Midwest Regional Sales Manager.

“Because of my years in the design group I have a unique insight into the solutions for the challenges that growers face every day,” Nitschke says. “I ask a lot of questions in order to be an extra set of eyes for the growers I work with.”

Nitschke can be reached at 513-560-6383 and nitschke@roughbros.com