Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Promoting Horticulture Excellence in Maine
Since 1970, our organization has served as a unified voice for Maine's green industry, advocating for the vital role of horticulture in enhancing quality of life. We provide comprehensive educational programs, including workshops, field trips, and certification opportunities that support professional growth and industry standards. Our annual Grow Maine Green Expo connects professionals with cutting-edge resources while fostering collaboration through networking events and nationally recognized speakers. We actively engage in legislative advocacy to protect industry interests and promote environmentally sustainable practices that align with evolving agricultural technologies. Through scholarship programs and community service projects, we invest in future professionals and demonstrate the tangible benefits of horticulture to Maine residents.Our member directory and marketing initiatives help businesses increase visibility, with participating members reporting over 40% sales growth in recent years. By maintaining historical records and organizing collaborative projects, we preserve industry heritage while driving innovation. Our strategic partnerships with educational institutions and agricultural organizations amplify our impact across the state. With over 50 years of experience, we combine deep industry knowledge with practical solutions to address modern challenges facing horticulture professionals. Our commitment to transparency and member-driven governance ensures we remain a trusted representative of Maine's green industry stakeholders.
Services
Horticulture Education
Landscape Certification
Trade Show Organization
Legislative Advocacy
Community Projects
Member Networking
Marketing Campaigns
Scholarship Funding
Industry Research
Professional Directory
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We offer over 50 years of specialized expertise in Maine's horticulture industry
- Our certification program sets regional standards for professional development
- We provide direct legislative advocacy protecting green industry interests
- Annual Grow Maine Green Expo connects professionals with 75+ suppliers
- Community projects demonstrate practical applications of horticultural expertise
Services
Horticulture Education
Our educational programs deliver workshops, field trips, and certification courses designed by industry experts. Participants gain practical knowledge in sustainable practices, plant care, and business operations. Programs qualify for pesticide credits and professional recertification while connecting professionals with peers across New England.
Landscape Certification
Our certification program establishes regional standards for landscaping professionals through rigorous assessment and continuing education. Certified members gain public recognition as industry leaders while accessing exclusive resources to improve business operations and technical expertise.
Trade Show Organization
Annual Grow Maine Green Expo connects professionals with 75+ suppliers, educational sessions, and networking opportunities. The event features keynote speakers, product demonstrations, and collaborative discussions about emerging trends shaping Maine's horticulture industry.
Community Projects
We coordinate annual landscaping projects donating plants, materials, and professional labor to community spaces. These initiatives showcase horticulture's transformative power while providing volunteers hands-on experience with collaborative design and implementation.
Legislative Advocacy
Our advocacy efforts monitor and influence state regulations affecting horticulture businesses. We represent members' interests in legislative discussions about environmental policies, business practices, and agricultural technology developments impacting Maine's green industry.
People
Kelly Connors
President
President of Pierson Nurseries with extensive nursery management experience. Leads strategic direction for MELNA's initiatives while representing member interests in industry discussions.
Katey Campbell
Vice-President
Owner of Campbell's Landscape & Design. Brings practical landscaping expertise to MELNA leadership, focusing on member engagement and educational programming development.
Jake Audet
Treasurer
Financial steward for Willie C and Sons Landscaping. Oversees MELNA's fiscal health and budgetary decisions while maintaining industry financial best practices.
Donald F. Sproul
Executive Director
Manages day-to-day operations with 20+ years of association leadership. Coordinates committee activities, member services, and strategic implementation across all MELNA programs.
Betty Anne Listowich
Committee Chair
Education Committee leader organizing workshops and field trips. Ensures programming relevance through industry trend analysis and member feedback integration.
Questions
What benefits do MELNA memberships provide?
Members receive educational opportunities, certification programs, legislative advocacy, networking events, and access to group insurance discounts.
How does MELNA support industry education?
We offer workshops, field trips, recertification programs, and annual scholarships for horticulture students at Maine institutions.
What is the Grow Maine Green Expo?
Our annual trade show features 75+ suppliers, educational seminars, networking opportunities, and nationally recognized industry speakers.
How does MELNA engage with communities?
We organize annual landscaping projects donating plants and labor to worthy causes across Maine.
What legislative issues does MELNA address?
We monitor and advocate on state and local regulations affecting horticulture, including environmental practices and business policies.
How can I find MELNA members?
Our online directory allows searching for certified professionals by location, specialty, and credentials.
