Aug 14, 2009
ANLA Inducts New Hall of Fame MemberSource: ANLA

The American Nursery & Landscape Association recently inducted Gordon Hobbs, former president and owner of C.M. Hobbs and Sons, into its Hall of Fame. The award is the highest honor the green industry can bestow upon one of its members. His election to the ANLA Hall of Fame is testament to his commitment to leadership and service, to family and business, and to the green industry and its associations.

After earning a B.S. in horticulture and M.S. in plant pathology from Purdue University, Hobbs returned to work in his family’s business. C.M. Hobbs and Sons, Inc. was founded in 1812, and Hobbs is the sixth generation of family ownership of the firm. The company was sold in 2006, but Hobbs still works part time to assist in the transition and, in his words, “to keep me busy!”

Hobbs has served as president of ANLA and its grower division, the Wholesale Nursery Growers of America, and served on the search committee that resulted in the successful hire of ANLA’s current executive vice president, Bob Dolibois. He has served as president of both the Indianapolis Landscape Association and the Indiana Association of Nurserymen, who presented him with their Award of Merit in 2007. He also spent 17 years as secretary-treasurer of the American Nursery Credit Association.

His contribution to the industry has been noted by many, who were happy to hear of his nomination and induction. “When I was young and just getting started, he was one of the first industry leaders to make time for me before I felt I was far enough up the food chain to approach him,” said William Studebaker, president of Studebaker Nurseries. “That feeling of welcome has stayed with me these many years.”