SANA Awards 2017

Nick has always been very positive towards SANA.  As President of SANA he dedicated a lot of time on the association and took SANA to a higher level of professionalism.  He ensured that SANA was recognised internationally through IGCA where he held South Africa’s name high as IGCA President – the first South African!

In his garden centre he doesn’t only play a leading role in the gardening industry in the Western Cape, but also the whole of South Africa.  Nick is truly deserving of a SANA Gold Medal to encourage him to continue serving SANA and the industry further.

 Getting his feet wet in GCA as the Tshwane GCA as chairman he moved into the Bedding Plant sector full time as the family business grew. He served a term as BPGA Chair and has also been an active SANA member within the Growers Association.

Having served his time on the EXCO this soon became building blocks toward him becoming Vice President Operations followed by Vice President Marketing and ultimately SANA President.

Helping to modernize and extend the trade fair into the biggest green industry fair in SA and Taking LIAG into its second phase of growth as just some aspects that SANA has benefited from in the years he has been actively involved.

After his term a President, Ryan has taken on new business ventures continued to build his growing business and still continues to be a strong supporter and role model for SANA.

This service award would recognize many years of service to the Association on a road still being travelled.

 Colette Norris

 KZN is known as the last outpost and the region has found an individual who has embraced the industry and especially SANA.  She joined the association in 2011 and regularly attends the SANA Trade Fair in Knoppieslaagte.

She is directly involved in setting up KZN Forum meetings and doing minutes and also coordinates communication within the group via WhatsApp.  She is involved in the planning and coordination of other functions like the Golf Day and Trade Fair and also supports these initiatives through regular attendance.

Nothing is too much to ask of her and she is always willing to lend a hand.

 In 2009 when SANA held its first independent Convention in many years, a then “young” man put his hand up to serve on his first committee to be mentored in the all-important, technical side of SANA events. Soon he would be an integral part of our Association and serve on a number of committees over the years.

Growers chairman on the EXCO 2010/2011. Elected Member operations support EXCO 2012/2014 and then Vice President for the next EXCO says something about his dedication and commitment to our industry.

He has served five Presidents without question and is always available when the team needs him. Organiser of the GCA Garden Centre Competition, Property maintenance, Trade Fairs and the Legacy Committee have all been under his portfolios. He has been on the Convention Committee since 2009 and from 2016 took over as Chairman and Organiser for the SANA side of the SAGIC convention.

Today there is hardly a function that he does not attend as our resident sound man and DJ and support to the organiser. This Service Award recognised the contribution made to SANA which is by no means over but it is also a heartfelt thank you for the hours of work, input and most importantly for being someone that we can all call our friend.

 When he starts talking about a project, it is actually the conclusion you are listening to upfront.  Always armed with a plan, he has a clear concise vision of the finished product and absolutely no-one stands in his way until it is completed.   This person has lead innumerable projects, events and happenings within our industry with passion over many years and deserves commensurate recognition.

Finding a champion for the GCA Garden Centre  Competition is not always an easy task.  Well, this individual gladly put his hand up when I took over as President.

Johan’s energy, commitment and love for this industry and SANA is unquestionable.  Not only has he run a very successful competition this year with two new evaluators, but have brought a fun element into what we do.

The entrance at the SANA trade days at Knoppieslaagte have also taken on a whole new look thanks to his dedication.  Then there is the arranging of the Spring Ball, as well as his involvement on the SANA Bursary Fund.  Besides all these duties, he still has the time to call and ask if there is anything else he can do or assist with.

Well done Panda, you are a friend, a great team player and a loyal support of all that SANA stands for.