The Illinois Green Industry Association (IGIA) is one of the oldest agricultural organizations in the state of Illinois. Founded in 1925, the focus of IGIA is to promote and protect greenhouse and nursery growers, landscape professionals, retail garden centers, irrigation contractors, and other green industry partners. Lurvey is a proud member of the IGIA and believes in its mission to support the green industry. 

H.O.P.E. 

One of the great programs that IGIA has pioneered is called H.O.P.E. (Horticulture Operations & Professional Experience) program. The mission of the H.O.P.E. program is to, “provide students with an opportunity to experience the Illinois Green Industry with a ‘hands-on’ approach, demonstrating the potential career opportunities that exist within the field of horticulture, landscape, and more”. 

To fulfill its mission, the H.O.P.E. program provides business work experience and educational opportunities from early fall through mid-spring via its partners in the green industry, including Lurvey. We were proud to be able to host a group of students in mid-September. They visited our Des Plaines location and were able to hear about our business from several retail and wholesale staff. During their visit the students were exposed to various product lines that we carry, allowing them to see many parts of our business. We’re proud to have been a part of this program and are looking forward to hosting the next group of students.