Presenting the 2022 Operation of the Year Finalists
July 12, 2022 
Excellence in Innovation: Corso’s Horticulture, Ohio
Innovation at Corso’s Horticulture starts with automation. The operation has automated its sticking process in partnership with Ball and AutoStix, and it has mechanized plant potting in partnership with AgriNomix. Corso’s also uses a warehousing “super market” pulling system in partnership with FlowVision.
Development of new perennial cultivars at Corso’s is also an innovative process. Plants are trialed and analyzed for multiple years through partnership with major customers and breeders.
Corso’s is particularly proud of its international internship program in collaboration with The Ohio State University and Communicating for Agriculture Education Programs. Horticulture students from countries around the world gain work experience while sharing their own culture and horticulture techniques. Most of these students act as assistant growers, working next to the Corso’s growing team on a daily basis, and many either stay on with the Corso’s team or take on leading roles at other companies.
Excellence in Education: Welby Gardens, Colorado
Welby Gardens gives its growers opportunities to further their education at regional and national conferences and any other education seminars they want to pursue. The company strives to employ college-educated growers who understand the importance of continued education and learning. It has an extensive trialing program that allows the growers to get firsthand and hands-on experience with new products. Welby’s sales and production teams also travel annually to California Spring Trials and Cultivate to see the latest innovations in plant genetics and industry trends.
This education focus extends to Welby’s customers and other industry members, as well. Welby’s trial garden evaluations give attendees a chance to learn about new plant introductions and how they might perform in the landscape. In turn, the feedback the Welby team receives from these trials gives them the ability to procure and evaluate the highest-quality new plant material in advance of its release.
Excellence in Management: Willoway Nurseries, Ohio
Willoway Nurseries thrives on its open-book management approach, specifically its adherence to the “Great Game of Business” (GGOB) program. GGOB focuses on three areas of running a successful business: communications, understanding the “why”, and building a team culture. These foundational pillars support day-to-day operations.
At the employee level, seven culture teams, comprised of about 10% of Willoway’s workforce, meet weekly to discuss areas of concern in their departments. In addition, they act as a conduit for communication from both the bottom up and from the top down.
The GGOB approach is also a major component in maintaining profitability. Every employee is focused on the critical number of profit before tax, and all financial decisions are based on how they affect that number. As a result, every team member knows where they stand, and whether or not the company is on the path to profitability.
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