Proven Winners Adds IGC Support

Jennifer Polanz

Plant brand Proven Winners recently announced some personnel changes designed to offer independent garden centers even more support. The first is moving Jessica DeGraaf (top photo) to Director of Retail Accounts. Jessica joined Proven Winners in 2015 and has worked with independents since then. In her new role, she’ll oversee and direct all aspects of the brand’s interaction with independent retailers while continuing to work directly with key accounts.

The brand hired Heather Poire as a Retail Account Manager in the Eastern U.S. and the Canadian Maritimes. She comes to Proven Winners after supporting the Bailey Nurseries stable of brands for nine years. Before that, however, she worked with Proven Winners co-founder Pleasant View Gardens for more than 10 years.

“She joins the Proven Winners team with a wealth of knowledge and experience within both the grower and garden center channels and is passionate about building relationships and programs that support Independent Garden Centers,” according to a media release issued by Director of Public Relations Jeanine Standard. GP