On The Move

Jennifer Zurko

Hort Americas, LLC
Maria Luitjohan (pictured) has joined Hort Americas to handle Marketing and Customer Service. For the past five years, Maria worked as a Regional Supply Manager for Ball Horticultural Company, managing young plant supply in the Midwest, Great Lakes and Eastern Canada.

LumiGrow, Inc.
LumiGrow announced that Melanie Yelton joined the company as director of research. Dr. Yelton’s appointment furthers the company’s ability to engineer and customize energy-efficient LED greenhouse lighting systems that improve plant growth, seed and fruit production. Dr. Yelton brings 20 years of experience in leading research and developing coursework for Stanford University. She’ll work closely with the LumiGrow product design team, along with academic and commercial partners in quantifying plant morphological enhancements achievable through LED lighting. Dr. Yelton’s research will begin with the study of commercial crops and model organisms, including Brachypodium distachyon and Arabidopsis thaliana. LumiGrow is expanding the plant growth and demonstration facility at its corporate headquarters to support the work of Dr. Yelton and her team.

Hoffman Nursery, Inc.  
Ornamental and native grass supplier Hoffman Nursery introduced its new website (www.hoffmannursery.com) that delivers more information, gives users easier access and is tailored to users’ interests. Growers and landscapers now have dedicated sections on the site so they can easily find relevant information. A section for home gardeners focuses on landscape use and basic grass information. The new site also features extensive plant search options. The “Find Your Plants” section makes picking the right ornamental or native grass from among all the choices easier. Users can search by growing and cultural conditions or browse plant lists. Expanded plant profiles offer beautiful photos, a detailed description, container production guidelines and helpful landscaping tips.

SOOS Grower Resources LLC  
Bob and Barb Soos have transitioned the business as of January 1, 2013, to their daughter, Kathie Bishop, at the same time forming Soos Grower Resources LLC (formerly Bob Soos Company). Kathie has been active in the industry for more than 20 years. Like many in the industry, Kathie grew up working in greenhouses and blends hands-on horticultural experience with managerial expertise in the aviation and medical industries. Kathie took over the daily operations of Bob Soos Company in 2005 with the retirement of Barb.

Skagit Gardens  
Skagit Gardens announces the addition of Steve Clark and Ken Rundle to the company’s growers’ team.

Steve has come back to Skagit Gardens in the position of Lead Finished Grower after working for Blooming Nursery for 10 years. Growing plants in Washington for more than 30 years, Steve brings years of experience with annuals and perennials in the Northwest.

A native of Washington, Ken comes to the operation from Molbaks, with 32 years in production work. As Finished Grower at Skagit Gardens , Ken plans to oversee production. GT