Byron Wates Award and Winners
The Byron Wates Awards was created from the namesake of association founding father, Byron Ernest Wates, Sr. Byron began his family owned landscape business, Area Landscaping, Inc. in 1953 and was a leader in the local landscape industry rallying support for issues of the industry at the time. He first became a member of the NVNA (previous name of Northern Virginia Nurseryman’s Association) at the beginning of association inception in 1957. He served on several committees as well as served as President.
The award was first presented by his Son, Byron Wates, Jr. in 1993 and was created to recognize those who have outstanding contributions and dedication to our association and industry. Those individuals have dedicated great time and talents to promote education, events and business growth. Without their help our association would cease to move forward.
Byron’s involvement was monumental and years later after his family members took over the business and they continue his legacy of service. His son Byron Ernest Wates, Jr. and Granddaughter Amy Wates Ordonez continue to serve on the Board of the NVNLA to this current day.
Past Winners of the Byron Wates Award Winners
2024 – Coming Soon
2023 – Carl Fletcher “Fletch” Flemer III
2022 – Chuck Wood
2021 – Paul Eden
2020 – Bill Bland
2019 – Tom Neil
2018 – Peter Murray
2017 – Jeff Miller
2016 – Howard Saunders
2015 – Adria C. Bordas
2014 – Richard Hunter
2013 – Lanelle Kyle
2012 – Larry Shapira
2011 – Carl F. Flemer Jr.
2010 – Seana M. Ankers
2009 – Debbie D. Dillion
2008 – G Stewart Bunn
2007 — Amy Wates Ordonez
2006 – Kevin Warhurst
2005 – Dr A. G. Paulsen
2004 – John K. Mosely
2003 – Richard N. Barfield
2002 – Farmer Meadows
2001 – Terri Aufmuth
2000 – Robert P. Warhurst
1999 — Duncan L Byrd, Sr.
1998 – Roger M Brewster
1997 – Byron E Wates Jr.
1996 – Dr. Rajandra N Waghray