Annual Chuck Tosovsky Memorial Tribute Event

Each year, the Illinois Green Industry Association hosts an event to honor a leader in the nursery and landscape industry.  This event gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to the leadership, service, and sacrifices made by so many of the outstanding members of our organization.  It also affords the chance for our members to come together during the winter months for fellowship, good food, and some fundraising to benefit IGIA public policy efforts.

Join us for the 15th Annual Event Honoring Matt Zerby

January 28, 2020
6:00PM - 9:30PM

2020 Honoree Matt Zerby | President, Wasco Nursery & Garden Center

Matt is a graduate of Judson University where he earned Bachelor's degrees in both Business Management and Marketing. He has been working in the landscape industry for 20+ years and is an Illinois Certified Nursery Professional with certifications in both woody plant material as well as perennial plant material (currently there are less than 50 ICN Pros with both certifications). Matt started working at Wasco Nursery in 1992 working mostly in the retail sales yard. He took on a management role in the mid 1990's and purchased a share of the business in 2005 and eventually purchased the entire business in 2012.  Matt is a plantsman through and through. He has extensive experience in plant healthcare / cultural practices, nursery growing as well as landscape design and construction.

Matt currently lives in Saint Charles with his wife Amber and two sons; Caden & Tage. Matt enjoys; spending time with his family, coaching youth sports, traveling, fishing and all things outdoors. Matt served on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Green Industry Association from 2008-2017, most recently serving as Board President.

Location

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant
798 Algonquin Rd | Arlington Heights, IL 60005
www.coopershawk.com

Live Auction Items

Escape the City in Three Oaks, Michigan
Enjoy seven days and six nights at the Pizzo home in Three Oaks, Michigan where you'll find serene native landscapes and picturesque sunsets.  You'll be minutes Warren Woods, Warren Dunes, Journeyman Distillery, and Four Winds Casino in southwest Michigan. This home, generously donated by Jack Pizzo, sleeps six people, has a bonfire area, washer/dryer, and an on-demand water heater.

Charleston Luxury Getaway
Private Historical Photo Tour of Charleston, Dinner & Wine Pairings at Charleston Grill, Belmond Charleston Place 3-Night Stay with Airfare for 2 CLICK HERE to learn more

Ireland Adventure
6-Night Getaway in Dublin, Ennis, Killarney & Historic Castle Stay with Dinner, Rental Car, Guinness VIP Tickets, Gap of Dunloe, Inis Oirr & Cliffs of Moher Excursions for 2 CLICK HERE to learn more

Prairie Tour and Dinner for Ten at Jack Pizzo's home
This is a can’t miss experience generously donated by Jack Pizzo.  Your group of ten will enjoy a prairie walk at sunset and beautiful views of the native landscape on this 37-acre protected conservation easement, which boasts over 220 species of native plants and 147 species of birds observed.  The experience includes dinner, photos at sunset, and cocktails on the patio, rain or shine.  

7 Nights in Mexico - Pick-Your-Paradise for 2
Choose from a luxury collection of lavish beach front resorts, located in five of Mexico’s most beautiful destinations--Acapulco | Cabo San Lucas | Nuevo Vallarta | Cancun-Riviera Maya | Puerto Peñasco - Boasting high-end amenities, comfort-filled accommodations, endless pools, world-class restaurants, live entertainment, tranquil spas, and activities for all ages.  CLICK HERE to learn more

Guided Weekend Bass Fishing Experience for 4
Unwind after a busy work week with a serene fishing experience in Vermont, IL, hosted by Mark & Betty Ringhouse.  If you've never fished before, all the gear, guidance from Mark, and both a fishing and pontoon boat are onsite.  If you are expert level, you can bring your own boat and gear.  You will find everything you need for your next rustic weekend getaway at Ringo Resort, complete with a fish fry hosted by Mark & Betty.

Tribute Event Silent Auction

Each year, the silent auction adds a fun element to our event with unique items collected from a variety of donors. Even if you can't be part of our event this year, you can contribute to the cause by offering an auction item that will intrigue bidders. Auction donors are such important part of the overall success of this effort.  LEARN MORE

Tribute Event Wine Pull 

Back by popular demand at this year's event is the Wine Pull.   Event guests purchase numbered corks for $25 each to win the wine with the corresponding number.  Last year we had a mystery bottle valued at $100!  Even if you can't attend the dinner, you can contribute to the effort.   

How Can You Help with the Wine Pull?

Simply donate your favorite wine ($15 min value). Contact IGIA at 217.546.4733 or [email protected] to let them know if you will be shipping the wine to the office, bringing the donated wine directly to the event, or making other arrangements to get wine to the team.  Donated wine will be beautifully wrapped and displayed at the dinner, recognizing the donor’s name and business.   Everyone goes home a winner!  MORE DETAILS

Past Public Policy Tribute Dinner Honorees

Honoring Chuck Tosovsky 

Charles J. "Chuck" Tosovsky, served as President of the the Illinois Nurserymen's Association in 1980 and was instrumental in helping to create and grow the former Mid Am Trade Show. Tosovsky remained engaged and extremely active in association and industry matters long after his tenure on the Board of Directors.  Chuck received myriad honors and accolades for his unwavering commitment to the nursery and landscape industry at both the state and national levels, and was a strong proponent and generous supporter of public policy programs, legislative initiatives, education and research.  In 2008, he was the celebrated honoree at this very dinner.  In 2012, he was inducted into the American Nursery and Landscape Association's Hall of Fame.  ANLA’s Bob Dolibois presented Chuck with this esteemed honor at yet another one of these very dinners.  In 2015, the IGIA Board of Directors voted unanimously to rename the annual event in honor of Chuck Tosovsky, to celebrate his life and honor his legacy.