President’s Message
We are the Professionals of the Wisconsin Green Industry!
We are proud of the work we perform and the contributions we make daily improving the lives of our fellow citizens, and our state's economy and natural environment.
We consider ourselves "active environmentalists." We plant the trees, grass, shrubs and other plantings that clean our air, cool our homes, convert CO2 to oxygen, and reduce runoff, soil erosion and subsequent pollution to our surface and groundwater.
We invented rain gardens, roof gardens and green roofs, and we restore native plantings in appropriate environments.
We bring the beauty of nature into every backyard. We increase property values and personal enjoyment.
We bring smiles to those in need of comfort and reassurance with the beauty of flowering plants.
We help protect our youth from injury by providing properly installed and maintained play areas and athletic fields.
With the scent of a freshly cut tree, we bring the magic of Christmas into homes and businesses throughout the country.
Our golf courses provide expansive natural areas, groundwater recharge sinks, and wildlife habitat.
We provide the venues for national sports entertainment and its' subsequent economic and intrinsic value added in our state.
We are plant physicians offering our expertise and experience in diagnosing, treating and protecting landscapes due to disease and other plant pests and injury. We offer, develop and install environmental solutions, while improving the ambiance and aesthetics of the world around us...every day.
We are the professionals of the Wisconsin Green industry!
Jim Garbe
WGIF President
Presidents
WGIF (formerly WLF) was incorporated February 8, 1972 and since incorporation the following individuals have served as President:
William
Jung (1972-1973)
Don Groth (1974)
Roy Zehren (1975)
Bert Thierfelder (1976)
John Roeske (1977)
Earl Wiggins (1978)
Dick Garbe (1978-1979)
Jack Boerschinger (1980-1981)
Wayne Johnson (1982-1983)
Chuck Gerlach (1984)
John Schaefgen (1985-1986)
Matt Stano (1987-1989)
Bliss Nicholson (1989-1991)
Randy Jasperson (1991-1993)
Marshall Scheibe (1993-1995)
Jeff Edgar (1995-1997)
Lou Wierichs (1997-1999)
Gregory Long (1999-2001)
Bill Vogel (2003-2005)
Gilbert Yerke (2005-2007)
Jim Garbe (Present)