Committees

Ensure your voice is heard as we develop new programs and benefits. Fresh eyes and new ideas are a must!

Consider how serving on an IGIA committee could fit into your professional development plan.

• The committees have new leadership, have been empowered to move forward in support of the association, and are looking for new members with fresh ideas and enthusiasm.
• It’s a great time to get involved and be an integral part of shaping the future of IGIA.
• The committees are a great networking opportunity and training ground for future leaders of the association and the industry.
• Please complete our committee application and tell us what committees you are interested in joining and we will connect you with the proper Committee Chairs or Board Liaisons.

Committee Application

IGIA Committees

Growers Committee

Chair - Dennis Rohr, Hinsdale Nurseries
Board Liaison - Roger Purcell, Roger Purcell Hort Sales, LLC

Members
Laurie Damgaard, Kaneville Tree Farms, Inc.
Keith Dintelmann, Home Nursery
Joe Gawle, Cedar Path Nurseries
Allyson Hoffmeyer, Hoffie Nursery, Inc.
Mike Krueger, Midwest Groundcovers
Joe Smolecki, Hoffie Nursery, Inc.
Jonathan Stickels, Mariani Plants
Danny Strohl, Platt Hill Nursery
John Terhesh, Goodmark Nurseries
Becky Thomas, Spring Grove Nursery
Jamie Thomas, Spring Grove Nursery
Andy Ward, Doty Nurseries
Steve Worth, Kankakee Nursery Co

Public Policy Committee

Chair - Greg Oltman, GRO Horticultural Enterprises
Board Liaison - Mike Curry, GreenSite Inc

Members
Brian Borkowicz, The Davey Tree Expert Co
Ken Doty, Doty Nurseries
Scott McAdam, McAdam Landscaping
Dennis Molitor, Home Nursery
Mike O'Gorman, Kankakee Nursery Co
Jack Pizzo, The Pizzo Group

InVigorateU Committee

Chair - To be named
Board Liaison - Brian Aaron, National Nursery Products

Members
Kevin Collins, Chalet
Kim Hartmann, Countryside Nursery Garden Center & Flower Shop
Devin Kane, Midwest Trading
Mike Mennenoh, Mariani Plants
Meagan Provencher, Wasco Nursery & Garden Center
Eric Simmons, Hunter Industries
Pete Worth, Kankakee Nursery Co

Although we can't gather for InVigorateU in January 2021, the committee is already planning for the 2022 event, and they are seeking new members to join the committee.  Expertise is specifically needed from the garden center and landscape segments of our industry, and we're in need of representation from Central and Southern Illinois.  Volunteers meet by phone or Zoom a few times a year and help in-person at InVigorateU in Bloomington-Normal. 

Landscape Committee

Chair - To be named
Board Liaison - Carol Rakers, Creative Garden Services

Committee Structure

Committees are an extension of the board of directors. The Committee structure is established by Board Authority. Each committee has a chairperson, selected by the committee members and a board member assigned to the committee by the president. In addition, a staff member has been assigned to staff each committee. These committees have established their own criteria of length of service including chairperson terms, size and composition of the committee. A volunteer must be a member or employed by a member firm to serve on a Committee. Experience and knowledge in the subject matter area help determine the filling of a committee member.

Committee Meetings

The IGIA is a statewide association with professionals covering a large geographical area in the state of Illinois. Regular meetings in person are not practical in today’s busy environment. However, the IGIA has established a method of communication to maintain frequent and adequate meetings to operate each committee without requiring physical attendance. Generally, each committee will have a minimum of four (4) meetings per year via conference call. Each Chairperson is responsible for scheduling meetings with the assigned staff member sending the meeting notices.

The Chairperson

The Chairperson is responsible for:

• Scheduling committee meetings and establishing agendas
• Facilitate the meeting in an orderly fashion 
• The chair must cooperate with the committee and remains objective and impartial to settle differences of opinion expressed
• Selection and recruitment of committee members
• Delegates responsibilities to other committee members; encouraging their full participation
• Sends a summary of each committee call for record-keeping purposes, and so that the Board of Directors can be informed of committee activity

The Committee Volunteer

Volunteer responsibilities include:

• Attend all committee meetings
• Come prepared to discuss committee business
• Take part in all the discussions
• Cooperate with other committee members to make meetings work
• Provide expertise and guidance in specialized areas in the green industry
• Complete assignments and projects as assigned by the chairperson
• Volunteers are asked to be creative and innovative when assisting on the development of programs and services.

Compensation

The IGIA does not compensate volunteers for their time or expenses incurred while serving on committees.