THE AWARD FOR LIFETIME CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY Richard Haury

Each year, since 1992, the OLA Board of Directors selects a deserving individual to receive the Lifetime Dedication and Contributions to the Landscape Industry Award. This year, the OLA recognizes Ric Haury as the 32nd recipient of this prestigious award.

Ric Haury was the 4th of five children born to Charles and Gerry Haury. In typical post war, baby boomer fashion, they had 5 children in just 7 years. The family lived in Stow, where Ric is a lifelong resident. He learned to love gardening working in the family’s large vegetable garden and enjoyed watching the plants grow.

Ric graduated from Stow-Monroe Falls High School in June of 1971. Winning the Good Park Golf Tournament in August of ’71 convinced Ric that he could play in college. He went on to the University of Akron and earned a bachelors Ddegree in Accounting. All Ric’s college days were focused on either schoolwork or golf. In fact, during college Ric was working at the pro shop of a public golf course. The girl working in the snack bar caught Ric’s eye. They began dating and he married Bev two years later in 1978. In 1988, Ric and Bev added to their family with the birth of their daughter, Maggie. She works at Suncrest, but is also a very talented singer.

Ric founded Rite Landscaping in 1976 with his accounting background, his interest in horticulture, and his strong desire to build a full-service landscape business. With the addition of Production Manager Rob Gray in 1987, the Management Group was formed.

Expansion in 1990 led the business to its current location in Peninsula, Ohio and Rite Landscaping became a full-service landscape construction Ccompany with Design / Build and Maintenance divisions. In 1997, a new garden center was added and the Rite Landscaping name was retired in favor of Suncrest Gardens. A second expansion was completed in 2006 with an enlarged store, new greenhouses for the Garden Center, and new offices.

Ric served on the OLA Board from 1997 through 2001, serving as Board President in 1999. While on the board, Ric helped plan the CLT program, though the biggest legacy he leaves with OLA is being the creator of our Scholarship Golf Classic, which has helped many students achieve their goal of attending college.

Ric has been an instrumental leader in the OLA’s quest for a permanent solution for the H2B program, having traveled to wWashington, D.C., countless times, and has helped organize and participate in political fundraisers to further this cause.

Ric spent time on Tri-C’s Plant Science & Landscape Contracting Advisory Board, served on the Urban Forestry Commission in the City of Stow for more than 10 years, and has taught adult education classes on landscaping in the City of Stow.

Ric says that he has been guided throughout his life by the wonderful example set by his parents, the love of his family and friends, and his faith in God. He hopes he has been able to do the same.

Congratulations, Ric, on receiving this prestigious award!

RESIDENTIAL MAINTENANCE

SPONSOR: ALVORD’S YARD AND GARDEN

AWARD OF MERIT

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A Private Residence in Shaker Heights

COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE

SPONSOR: STANLEY BLACK & DECKER

AWARD OF HONOR

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Belden Mall L.L.C. in Canton

AWARD OF MERIT

Suncrest Gardens

CEIA USA in Hudson

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION, CATEGORY I

SPONSOR: SNOW & ICE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (SIMA)

AWARD OF MERIT

Suncrest Gardens

A Private Residence in Hinckley

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION, CATEGORY II

SPONSOR: M.H. EBY

AWARD OF MERIT

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A Wooded Project in Westlake

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION, CATEGORY III

SPONSOR: WILLOWAY NURSERIES

AWARD OF MERIT

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A Private Residence in Bay Village

RESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION, CATEGORY IV

SPONSOR: LAKE COUNTY NURSERY

AWARD OF MERIT

Ground Works Land Design

Lakeside Luxury II in Avon Lake

AWARD OF MERIT

#1 Landscaping

A Private Residence in Westlake