Dr. George Good, a member of the Board of Directors of Learn2Grow® and PlantFind, Divisions of Preferred Commerce, Inc., died unexpectedly on Dec. 24, 2007. George was a well-known advisor and friend to many in the Green Industry, as well as a personal friend of Frank Ferraro, CEO of Preferred Commerce, and the Ferraro Family.

Dr. George Good was a dear friend and inspiring teacher.

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of Jennifer Harris

When Michael Ferraro, President of Preferred Commerce, had a vision of what the Internet could mean to the Horticulture Industry, he and Frank immediately contacted George, as well as some other friends in the industry. George not only supported Michael’s vision, but he became actively involved as a member of the Board of Directors. As Preferred Commerce grew, George continued to offer his support, his expert advice and, most of all, his friendship. As a member of the Board, George strongly confirmed that the company would play an important part in improving the manner in which the Horticulture Industry did business – and he helped get us there.

Anyone who ever had the pleasure of speaking or traveling with George will tell you that every moment with him became an enjoyable, teachable one – whether you were family, friend, student or colleague.

He served for 38 years as a professor in the New York College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, in the Department of Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture (now the Department of Horticulture). He taught courses in nursery crop production and landscape management, provided leadership for the Cooperative Extension program for nursery and landscape businesses in New York State, and researched problems that were identified as issues by the latter audiences.

For 10 years George served as Chairman of the Department of Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture, after which he served seven years as Director of the College’s Pesticide Management Education Program.

He’s been published extensively in the horticulture field, and his achievements and awards are many, including: the Gold Medal of Horticulture Award, New York State Nursery/Landscape Association, 1997; Norman J. Colman Research Award, American Association of Nurserymen, 1985; 1979-80 Professor of Merit Award, New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University; 1979-80 Professor of Merit Award, New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University; and the Hall of Fame Award, New York State Nurserymen’s Association, 1978.

While he had been a positive influence to fellow members of the Green Industry and countless students for the past four decades, George’s dedication and service didn’t end there. He was a caring member of his community as well, from assisting with his son’s Boy Scout troop to giving plant science lectures to elementary school children in celebration of Arbor Day. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family.

Dr. George Good was committed to everyone who knew him – from family and friends to students, peers and industry professionals. His research and published works will continue to have tremendous impact on the Horticulture Industry, just as his wisdom, advice and kindness will forever impact the lives he had touched.

Our prayers are with him, his wife Carolyn and his entire family. We appreciated his years of service, his expert advice and his friendship more than we can say.

And we will remember him always.
 The Ferraro Family and the management and staff of Learn2Grow.com and PlantFind.com