Aren Phillips in 40 Under 40 Class of ‘17
Greenhouse Product News names Aren Phillips of Spring Meadow Nursery to 40 Under 40 class of 2017
5/8/2017 - Greenhouse Product News (GPN) named Aren Phillips, Assistant Propagation Manager at Spring Meadow Nursery, as an honoree in its 40 Under 40 Class of 2017.
Class members were nominated by horticulture industry peers, based on personal and professional accomplishments. Aren Phillips is one of 40 trailblazers under the age of 40 who exemplifies superior leadership, creativity, innovative thinking, compassion and accomplishments in and outside the horticulture field.
Working at Spring Meadow Nursery since 2012, Phillips has become an integral part of the propagation department. Initially hired as an intern, his potential was quickly recognized and he was hired full time, after only a few weeks. He has become an asset to the nursery for his enthusiasm, strong work ethic, and ability to take on new and complicated projects.
"Aren is a natural leader and a team player. I value him for his intellect, analytical ability, and his continuous drive for knowledge," says Gail Berner, SMN Propagation Manager.
This past season, the propagation team including Aren, scheduled and tracked over 14,000,000 softwood cuttings. Early in his career at SMN, Aren self-taught himself tissue culture propagation to help build numbers for the nursery. He is a graduate of Calvin College with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science.
Honorees are being recognized in GPN’s May issue, online and at a special reception during Cultivate’17, a horticulture trade show in Columbus, Ohio, in July.
“This year’s class is made up of 40 young men and women who are the rising stars who shine in their careers as well as their personal lives. These down-to-Earth superstars have established themselves as current and future industry leaders,” said Tim Hodson, GPN’s editorial director. “It is a diverse and distinguished class. These men and women represent the future of the horticulture industry,” Hodson adds.
For the complete GPN 40 Under 40 class of 2017, visit www.gpnmag.com/40-under-40.
About Proven Winners® ColorChoice®
Proven Winners® ColorChoice® is the brand name of Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc., a market leader in flowering shrubs, potted liners, and starter plants. Located in Grand Haven, Michigan, Spring Meadow Nursery has over 500 varieties in their catalog, including over 240 varieties marketed under the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® brand, including Incrediball® hydrangea, Lo & Behold® butterfly bush, Bloomerang® reblooming lilac, and ‘Sweet Sumer Love’ clematis.