Explanation
Title
To congratulate Paul B. Redman, for his dedication to the Franklin Park Conservatory and his commitment to the Columbus Community.
Body
WHEREAS, Paul Redman's life-long passion for plants began as a child gardening with his grandmother. He had his first vegetable garden on his family's cattle ranch in Southeastern Oklahoma when he was in third grade; and
WHEREAS, Paul has been working and studying in the field of public horticulture for over 16 years. His education includes a Certificate of Tropical Horticulture from the National Tropical Botanical Garden and B.S. and M.S. of Horticulture from Oklahoma State University; and
WHEREAS, Paul, who joined the Franklin Park Conservatory staff as Horticulture Director in 1995, became Executive Director in 1997. As executive director, Paul was responsible for the Conservatory's $4.4 million budget, over 90 staff and 300 volunteers. During his tenure, Franklin Park Conservatory expanded its offerings to include exhibitions like Chihuly at the Conservatory, such programs as Growing to Green, Columbus's first organized community gardening advocacy program, and various social activities.; and
WHEREAS, Paul has always been an advocate for education. He was an adjunct professor for Columbus State Community College, teaching interior plantscaping classes. As spokesman for the Conservatory, Paul was regularly seen teaching gardening tips on In the Garden with Mike Davis on WBNS-10TV and statewide on Ohio News Network.; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize Paul B.Redman. Your leadership and involvement have made significant contributions to the City of Columbus.