09/29/2016

HRI Launches New Fund Honoring Regelbrugge

The fund is challenging industry to raise $52,000 by Regelbrugge's 52 birthday

The Horticultural Research Institute is pleased to announce new endowed research fund, created in honor of Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort’s senior vice president of Industry Advocacy and Research. This year, Regelbrugge celebrated his 25^th year of service to the horticultural industry.

“Craig advocates for horticulture every day. Now, it’s our turn to be advocates for horticulture and honor Craig at the same time,” said HRI President Karl Losely, of Herman Losely & Son, Inc., Perry, Ohio. “In honor of Craig’s extraordinary contributions to the horticultural industry, a group of AmericanHort and HRI friends conceived of a plan to create a special HRI endowment fund in Craig’s name. In addition to providing needed funding for horticultural research, this fund allows us to publicly acknowledge our gratitude for Craig and the work he has so willingly and thoughtfully undertaken on our behalf.” 

“Many of us have enjoyed and profited from Craig’s efforts over the years. Many of us have had the privilege of assisting Craig’s work, while many more of us have often been the beneficiaries of his knowledge and insights,” added HRI President-Elect Jon Reelhorn, of Belmont Nursery, Inc., Fresno, Calif. “Craig has spoken at countless green industry events, sharing his knowledge of the critical role regulations and laws have on our collective business success—knowledge that is increasingly important for our teams to have.”

The Craig Regelbrugge—Advocates for Horticulture Fund was officially launched at Cultivate ’16 during the HRI Summer Donor Reception. Through the remarkable generosity of many donors, the fund quickly exceeded $35,000 in pledges. HRI leaders have set a goal to raise $52,000 by Regelbrugge's 52^nd birthday in November.

“Craig has inspired many of us to pay better attention to the nuances of the ever-changing political landscape and he’s guided our industry through some tumultuous terrains," Losely added. "He’s spent tens of thousands of hours advocating for our interests and thousands more educating us. Donating to this fund is a way to show our gratitude while being advocates ourselves.”

HRI is asking others to contribute to this special HRI fund in honor of Regelbrugge and the remarkable opportunities horticulture has given to so many industry professionals. To donate online, HRI is asking people to use this form, or to contact Jennifer Gray at (614) 884-1155 or jenniferg@americanhort.org.

The Horticultural Research Institute exists to understand the business of horticulture and, by doing so, fund, advocate for and direct research specific to horticulture and horticultural businesses. Funded by hundreds of green industry philanthropists and businesses, HRI provides effective, efficient and relevant solutions.