People Who Strengthen CNGA and the Industry

Bill Kluth, Tagawa Greenhouse Enterprises (Retired) | Hall of Fame Award

Bill Kluth retired last year following 18 years with Tagawa Greenhouse Enterprises. Bill served on the CNGA board from 2009 to 2016, serving as President in 2014 and 2015. Bill frequently represented the industry at the Colorado legislature and at the US Congress. Bill was an exceptional leader during his time on the CNGA board.  His thought provoking ideas always sparked conversation which led to meaningful and thoughtful discussion.  He was very dedicated and he led the board with pride and high morals. Bill was a passionate advocate for favorable labor and workforce, environmental, research, and business policies. Over many years, Bill was a regular fixture and often the Colorado delegation leader at American Nursery & Landscape Association, AmericanHort, and Society of American Florists legislative conferences and fly-ins. 

Sheila Prentice, CCNP, Extension Specialist- Sustainable Landscapes, CSU Extension, Boulder County | Exemplary Service Award

Sheila is always willing to help, and steps up to assist CNGA frequently throughout the year.  She volunteers her time for Young Horticulture Professionals and Plant Ahead, and assists with CCNP seminars and exams-including, traveling to Ft. Collins, Grand Junction, and Colorado Springs.  She is now on the board of CHREF. She is responsible, reliable, intelligent, outgoing and friendly.  She is a current and future leader in the industry. Sheila worked at Arbor Valley and is now newly employed as Sustainable Landscapes Specialist with CSU Extension, Boulder County.

Kelly Kellow, CGG, Horticulturalist, Gardens on Spring Creek | Exemplary Service Award

Kelly is probably the most important and impactful person at the Gardens on Spring Creek, but her quiet, humble manner and her constant immersion in projects and responsibilities make her one of our least visible staff members. She’s been at the Gardens on Spring Creek for more than 10 years, and is an absolute force in the industry. She single handedly produces hundreds of thousands of plants for the Gardens on Spring Creek plant sale, not only securing our largest revenue stream but selecting novel climate-appropriate and water wise selections that aren't found elsewhere in our region.

Curtis Manning, Blooma Farms & Meadow Pro Landscape | Exemplary Service Award 

He has taught horticulture coursework at FRCC, and participated in many informational sessions and educational seminars with DBG and CNGA. He has positioned himself as one of the leaders in the field for designing, building and maintaining low water and native gardens throughout the metro region. Curtis has owned and operated his own Design Build Landscape company, instructed classes at FRCC, and worked at Blooma Farms in developing Perennial programs and managing facilities. He still maintains these roles and is now also running his new company Meadow Pro that's focused on Sustainable Colorado Landscaping at all levels.

Emily McAuley, CGG, Horticulturalist, Denver Botanic Gardens | Horizon Award

Emily works at Denver Botanic Gardens and has taken on the complicated production schedules and helped streamline production. Emily has a positive attitude and passion for solving propagation questions. She is a fast learner and always eager to help out the team. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with others through classes and tours. Emily has been crucial in working with the Grown at the Gardens and the Plant Select program helping to produce plants for sales and distribution beyond the normal plant propagation requests.

Ben Gregory, Grower, Blooma Farms | Horizon Award

Ben has provided leadership at Blooma Farms in managing production of all Perennial Programs from propagation through finish. Ben has been progressing quickly in building his expertise and experience in all facets of crop management. He executes a very complex production program that includes 100s of perennial varieties. He's currently working on re-building Blooma's stock plant program and new propagation methods to expand the offering and make it more cost-effective. Ben is now working closely with Plant Select to help them in developing new variety introductions and also working on other new production projects to expand Blooma's native and low-water plant offerings.