PLANT WNY recognizes and celebrates an individual and business that have made a positive impact in the nursery and landscape industry in New York State and have given of their time and service to promote the standards of PLANT WNY and CNLPs (Certified Nursery & Landscape Professionals.) PLANT WNY, the trade association for the professional landscape and nursery trades, presented their 2024 Person of the Year and 2024 Business of the Year at their annual Harvest dinner held at the New York Beer Project (Orchard Park) November 7.
Person of the Year: Teresa Buchanan, Lifetime CNLP (Hamburg)
Teresa’s first job in the horticulture industry was with Menne Nursery and from there she moved on to Wanakah Landscaping. In 1996 she found her forever home in the green industry when became an assistant manager at Lockwood’s Greenhouses & Farm. In 2006 Teresa became the retail manager and now is semi-retired.
Her favorite part of entering into this industry with such an amazing family-owned business was being a part of their growth and success over these past 28 years Best words of advice Teresa can give to a young person in this organization is simply get involved. You never know where the road can take you.
Teresa’s steadfast dedication to our organization is unmatched and proven by her involvement on the Executive Board, Audit Committee, Plantasia and the PLANT WNY Foundation. Teresa is a consistent presence at meetings, tours, and events. Year after year she has championed the mission of Plant WNY investing her time and energy across multiple roles. As a Lifetime CNLP, Teresa encourages others to continue their education and grow as professionals by becoming a CNLP.
Business of the Year: Chevalier Outdoor Living (Springville)
Chevalier Outdoor Living, a husband and wife run business, established in 1992 got its start simply with a truck, mower, a few accounts, and a dream. It was at that time that Mike Frank started to become more of an innovator and problem solver for his client base. Sue Frank quit her job as a pharmacy tech and set her sight on growing the business with Mike.
The greatest achievement for Chevalier Outdoor Living is developing relationships with mentors, customers, vendors and most importantly their employees- who are considered family. Chevalier Outdoor Living plans to keep nurturing these relationships, creating beautiful outdoor living spaces, and plans on making sure that when it is time to put the tools away, the company will continue to thrive and be fruitful for their team.
Chevalier Outdoor Living has shown consistent dedication to our organization, playing an active role across the Executive Board, Audit Committee, Plantasia, Landscape Awards Program, the Policies & Procedures Committee as well as with the PLANT WNY Foundation and NYSNLA. Chevalier Outdoor Living is committed to the growth and development of our industry’s future leaders. By providing valuable educational opportunities for their team, they foster professional excellence and inspire a deep commitment to the green industry.
PLANT WNY, has member firms throughout Western New York. PLANT WNY is a trade association that serves the interests of nursery growers, garden center operators and landscapers and those doing business with the green industry throughout New York State. PLANT WNY is dedicated to promoting public awareness of the green industry. For more information about PLANT WNY contact (716) 741-8047 or visit our website at www.plantwny.com
Participating Vendors Include
Participating Vendors Include – Updated 07/26/24
