VNLA Newsletter Spring 2018

James River Nurseries also started as a two-man opera- tion, founded by Mike Hildebrand and Al Jones in 1983. With Mike’s kitchen serving as an office and only a pair of trucks, Hildebrand and Jones began what is now a diverse operation with over 200 acres of growing fields and multi- ple greenhouses serving both residential and commercial needs. Their work can also be seen all over Richmond in locations such as the University of Richmond, the Gover- nor’s Mansion and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, to name a few. In addition, they also operate a full-service hardscape design and construction division, enabling cus- tomers to enhance their properties with elements such as pa- tios, pool decks and retaining walls. Strange’s Florist, which has grown to include greenhouse and garden centers, is by far the longest-running operation of the three, founded in the 1930’s by U.S. Postal employee Gideon Strange. Mr. Strange began by growing flowers and plants in his yard and eventually building 8,000 square feet of greenhouses on site. After his passing in 1947, partners William J. Gouldin, Sr. and William F. Kidd bought the business from Mrs. Gouldin and continued to expand. Mr. Gouldin, Sr. eventually bought out Mr. Kidd in 1960 and laid a strong foundation for what Strange’s has become today. Currently, Strange’s operates three retail lo- cations, including thousands of square feet in greenhouse and florist space and several acres of surrounding land. In addition to enhancing homes and businesses throughout Virginia, Brookmeade Sod Farm Inc., James River Nurseries and Strange’s Florist have more specifically played an im- portant role in the success of the Agribusiness Council’s An- nual Banquet . For many years, these organizations have provided beautiful floral, landscaping and sod donations to be used to enhance the interior and exterior of the Old Do- minion Building at the Raceway Complex where the event is held. Virginia Agribusiness Council President Katie Frazier has said that “all three of these businesses have been actively engaged with the Council and the green industry for many, many years. Through their support of the organization’s largest showcase of the agribusiness industry, our Agribusiness Ap- preciation Banquet, they transform a historic barn into a space that is full of live sod, flowers, and landscaping. All of this provides a critical highlight of the green industry’s contribu- tions to Virginia’s economy and ecology. We appreciate and applaud these businesses for their support and engagement of the Agribusiness Council and our industry.” The Virginia Agribusiness Council is a non-profit organization committed to representing the interests of the agriculture and forestry industries in the Commonwealth through effective gov- ernmental relations efforts and initiatives. It is headquartered in Richmond. For more information, please visit www.va-agribusi- ness.org, Shepherd Cronemeyer, 804.643.3555 shepherd@va- agribusiness.org

News - Companies with Long History of Collaboration with Council

left to right: Council President Katie Frazier with recipients Mike Hildebrand, Louis Brooking, Jr. and Bill Gouldin Play Large Role in Success of Annual Banquet [Editor’s Note: The VNLA is a major supporter/contribu- tor of the Virginia Agribusiness Council.] (Richmond, VA) Mr. Louis Brooking, Jr. of Brookmeade Sod Farm, Inc., Mr. Mike Hildebrand of James River Nurse- ries and Mr. Bill Gouldin of Strange’s Florists, Greenhouses and Garden Centers, were all acknowledged by the Virginia Agribusiness Council as recipients of the Council’s 2018 Special Recognition of an Agribusiness Award. Council President Katie Frazier presented the awards at the Coun- cil’s Annual Legislative Appreciation Banquet on January 11 in Richmond. The Council presents this award to busi- nesses deserving recognition for service and support to the Council and Virginia agribusinesses. All three agribusinesses started as modest operations founded with passion, an emphasis on quality, and a lot of hard work. 2018 marks Brookmeade Sod Farm’s 50th year of busi- ness! With Louis’s background in agronomy and turf from Virginia Tech, he and his wife Ginger founded one of the first sod farms in Virginia in 1968. Located in Doswell, they currently operate three farms, encompassing over 300 acres of sod, with 16 employees who have been with the company almost 20 years (some much longer). This loyalty is a true testament to Brooking’s ethics and superior man- agement. You can find Brookmeade sod all over Richmond in locations like Kings Dominion, the Innsbrook Office Complex and the Virginia War Memorial. The Brookings have continued their relationship with Virginia Tech, providing test plots and collaborating on other research pro- jects with the Turf Department for over 25 years.

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