Featured Member - Ann Hilton
Ann Hilton
Executive Director NHPGA
Graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 1983
with a degree in Plant Science, Ann Hilton is no stranger to NHPGA. Ann was an
active NHPGA board member from 1995 to 2001 during which she worked on the
wholesale and retail side of things at several garden centers around the state.
e-mail: executivedirector@nhpga.org
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1. Why Executive Director?
The horticultural industry in New Hampshire has been a great place for
me to spend my working years. Through those years I have had the
pleasure of getting to know many great people who share my interest in
the industry and it's future. Being Executive Director is a wonderful
opportunity to continue to be involved and to serve these people by
assisting the NHPGA Board of Directors as it looks for opportunities to
make a positive impact on the industries future.
2. What is your history in horticulture?
I graduated with my BS in Plant Science from UNH in 83 with the thought
of eventually working for cooperative extension. Needing a job quickly
after college to pay the bills, I found myself working in a greenhouse
and loving it. Eventually I spent several years growing for Pleasant
View Gardens and Gateway Gardens with a few others in between. I have
also spend five years as an NHPGA Board of Director.
3. Coming back into the organization, what is the best part of NHPGA?
They are forward thinkers. They are embracing technology by looking
for ways to make it beneficial to the industry. As the web page
continues to be developed, members will see more and more value in it
for their businesses. Another area is the cooperative buying program
which is only in it's infancy but will have an impact on members bottom
line as it continues to grow.
4. What is your favorite plant?
I have to pick just one? I love anything with big showy blooms but one
of my favorites would have to be the daffodil: the harbinger of
spring. As soon as the snow starts melting, I am out patrolling the
gardens looking for them. The shape of them, the color of them and the
smell of them in my opinion makes it one of natures most unique
offerings. Plus, they just make you feel good after the dreariness of
the winter.
5. What keeps you up at night?
Two things: 1. Trying to figure out how to make the computer do what I
want it to do as I tackle the administrative tasks that go with this
position. 2. The NHPGA web guys. I'm still trying to learn how to
speak their language but I think I am slowly starting to understand it.
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6. What is your favorite horticulture book or article?
For Greenhouse growing the Ball Red book was my go to for my many years
as a grower . For Nursery it has been the Manual of Woody Plants by
Michael Dirr. The homeowner in me loves People, Places and Plants
magazine.
7. Where would you like to see the NH Horticultural Industry in the next 10 years?
Working more closely together. Finding strength in numbers to offset
the rising costs that are eroding the bottom lines. And, I hate to say
it, getting on average older. There are not a lot of young faces
around. For the industry to sustain itself it needs to start
attracting more young people to it.
8. In your opinion, what is the number one key to succeed in the horticultural industry and why?
That education is the key to success. Take every opportunity available
to learn about your product and how to run your business.
9. What are some of your ideas that will make NHPGA more attractive to members?
As much as members would all love to get to the trade shows and other
industry events, it is not always possible for them to leave their
businesses and it is often cost prohibitive to take along the employees
especially for smaller companies. Being an advocate of education, I
would love to see NHPGA implement short on-line training courses in
areas of interest to members that would culminate in an on-line
question and answer period with a specialist. The courses would be
archived via the web page to build up a resource library for members.
Another area I would like to see pursued is informal get togethers a
few times a year of the women of the green industry in New Hampshire.
More and more women are in ownership or lead roles within their
companies and have much to share with each other.
