IPPS Eastern Region conference outlines speakers

 

Mark Sellew, owner of Prides Corner Farms in Lebanon, Conn., is this year’s keynote speaker. Prides Corner Farms began as a small start-up nursery in the early 1980s when interest rates were high, the economy was sputtering and small businesses were struggling to stay afloat. But 30 years later it’s one of the leaders in the industry. Through innovation and diversity, aggressive marketing and service that always puts the customers first, you will find out how a small nursery has become one of the most well known and respected operations in the Northeast.

 

Equally compelling will be the words of Peter Mezitt, fourth generation owner of Weston Nurseries, whose family virtually mastered adaptation and diversification to maintain its reputable integrity, commitment to quality plants and customer service. From hybridizer to destination garden center, Mezitt will outline how to plan for the future with enthusiastic optimism.

 

Planning for production is always a tricky task, so come hear the veteran propagator, Bill Hendricks of Klyn Nurseries share his experiences, ideas and helpful strategies.

 

More than 20 presentations from successful industry members will discuss various production aspects, as well as informative presentations about new plants, native plants, invasive plants, urban plants, biological controls, plant breeding programs and much more.

 

You may also visit with IPPS International board members who will be in attendance from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Japan for a true international experience.

 

Jack Alexander, head propagator of the Arnold Arboretum always ends the show with the New Plant Forum, which undoubtedly will be worth waiting for.