Graphic created by Katelyn Mullen
AmericanHort President & CEO Ken Fisher announces transition after a decade of leadership
AmericanHort President & CEO Ken Fisher has announced his plan to step aside at the end of May 2026, marking 10 years of leadership at the national trade association that represents the U.S. horticulture industry.
“Ken’s leadership over the past decade has been extraordinary,” said Kent Fullmer, chair of the AmericanHort Board of Directors. “He guided the organization through an era of growth, strengthened its financial foundation, expanded its national influence and positioned AmericanHort as the leading voice for the horticulture industry. We are grateful for his vision and his steady hand, and we look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth and successful transition.”
During Fisher’s tenure, AmericanHort enhanced its role as a national advocate for horticulture, expanded its member programs and education initiatives, strengthened the Horticultural Research Institute and elevated Cultivate, the association’s flagship industry event.
“It has been an honor to serve this incredible industry and lead such a talented team,” Fisher said. “AmericanHort is strong, forward-looking and well-positioned for the future. As we mark 10 years of progress together, I believe now is the right time for new leadership, new energy and new ideas to carry the organization forward. This transition will also allow me to pursue my next professional opportunity and continue contributing to the industry in new ways.”
DHS, DOL streamline H-2A filing process, allow limits to some wages
The Department of Homeland Security announced a final rule, effective Oct. 2, 2025, to streamline the H-2A filing process.
The new rule allows U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to begin processing petitions for H-2A temporary agricultural workers while the Department of Labor reviews the requested employment to ensure it would not harm American workers.
Beginning Oct. 2, petitioners seeking unnamed beneficiaries can electronically file the newly published Form I-129H2A, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker: H-2A Classification, after DOL issues a notice of acceptance of the application for temporary labor certification and before DOL approves a TLC. Petitioners must provide the ETA case number issued by DOL with the initial filing.
This allows USCIS to immediately begin processing electronically filed petitions with unnamed beneficiaries and gives petitioners the flexibility to file with USCIS sooner. USCIS will not approve any petitions until after DOL has approved the corresponding TLC.
The TLC serves as DHS’s consultation with the DOL regarding whether an able, willing and qualified U.S. worker is available to fill the petitioning H-2A employer’s job opportunity and whether the foreign worker’s employment in the job opportunity will adversely affect the wages or working conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers.
Proven Winners becomes single unified company
Proven Winners announced that it has become a single company under one ownership structure.
Historically operating as two distinct businesses that control and operate the Proven Winners brand in North America, Pleasant View Gardens, based in Loudon, New Hampshire, and Four Star Greenhouse, based in Carleton, Michigan, have decided to join forces and form one company, Proven Winners, under one ownership structure in a partnership transaction with private equity firm Staple Street Capital.
“By combining forces, Proven Winners will be able to deliver greater simplicity, scale and service for growers, retailers and consumers,” the company said in a news release. “Pooling resources enables the development of additional national programs, enhanced ordering and distribution tools, and stronger marketing to drive consumer demand.”
Day-to-day operations and customer relationships will remain unchanged in the near term. The company’s brand license partners — including Nordic Nurseries, Ed Sobkowich Greenhouses, Spring Meadow Nursery (Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs), Walters Gardens (Proven Winners Perennials), Classic Caladiums (Proven Winners Heart to Heart Caladiums), The Plant Company (leafjoy Houseplants) and Garden State Bulb — will continue their collaborations, supported by a stronger Proven Winners marketing engine.
The company said that a key focus of the new organization will be expanding Proven Winners’ reach into underserved markets. Under this partnership, the Huntington and Smith families — founders and owners of Pleasant View Gardens and Four Star Greenhouse — will remain active owners and leaders in the company.
Staple Street Capital joins as a new partner, providing additional resources, expertise and strategic support to strengthen Proven Winners’ position in the marketplace while preserving the company’s culture, values and legacy.
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