Recently, the Perennial Plant Association held its Covid-delayed 2022 National Symposium in Lancaster, PA.

Emerald Coast Growers is pleased to announce that the Association chose to honor our Marketing Manager, John Friel, with the Garden Media Promoter Award.

PPA says, “This award distinguishes a nominee … whose educational and promotional efforts result in heightened public awareness of the work done by the perennial plant industry.” 

John’s efforts include the Emerald Coast Growers starter plant catalog; Coastal Current, our monthly e-newsletter; frequent marketing emails; and a monthly column, The Friel World, in GreenProfit Magazine from Ball Publishing, where John’s byline has appeared for over 20 years.

John described the award itself as “a nifty glass trophy that looks a little like a primitive (but stylish) edged weapon.”

He added, “This tchotchke and $5 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks, but that’s not the point. It was a very pleasant surprise. The long and distinguished list of previous recipients puts me in excellent, in fact humbling, company. Thank you, PPA.”