Nominations for the HISSC Distinguished Achievement Award from members of the Chapter are now being solicited. Regular Membership in the Southern Chapter of the Horticultural Inspection Society is a requirement of the recipient.

Nominations for the HISSC Distinguished Achievement Award shall be based on the following criteria:

1. Demonstrate outstanding performances to HISSC and/or the State where employed.

2. Recognized by peers in the Plant Industry.

3. Able to work harmoniously with other state inspectors and solve problems on plant protection issues.

4. Promote high standards of inspections by training and sharing expertise with fellow employees and members of the HISSC.

Eligible nominations must be postmarked or received via email no later than AUGUST 1 of each year.

After the Committee Chair has received the final nominations:

• The committee will select no more than one recipient for the HISSC Distinguished Achievement Award annually. 

• HISSC State Awards will be awarded to one member from each state where a nomination was received.

• The HISSC State Awards will be presented during the Annual Meeting.

One overall HISSC Distinguished Achievement Award winner will be made.

The overall HISSC Distinguished Achievement Award winner will be submitted to the Southern Plant Board to be considered for the Carl Carlson Award. 

The Distinguished Achievement Award winner, to be considered for the Carl Carlson Award, must submit all required information to the Southern Plant Board Chairman through the HISSC Awards Committee.

The HISSC Distinguished Achievement Award Winner will:

• Develop their nomination packet between the end of the HISSC Annual In-Service and Training and March the following year.

• Submit their nomination packet to the Southern Plant Board in March. Packet needs to be in electronic format (i.e. PDF) and shall include:

1.  A biographical sketch of the nominee

2.  A photograph

3.  A brief description of professional duties, job experience, other professional responsibilities or achievements, leadership and participation in related endeavors, awards and an evaluation and appraisal of the nominees' accomplishments, with particular emphasis on contributions and service made at the field level.

4.  A letter of support from co-workers and the private sector are encouraged.

The rules governing the award can be found on the National Plant Board Awards and Recognition web page.