Dec. 23, 2009, Pensacola, Fla – Emerald Coast Growers has hired John Friel as its marketing manager. Friel brings over 30 years’ experience in the greenhouse industry to his new position.

A familiar face on the lecture circuit, Friel served in a number of positions in transportation, sales, and marketing with Green Leaf Enterprises, Yoder Brothers, and the Green Leaf Plants division of Aris Horticulture Inc.

Emerald Coast Growers is a family-owned propagation nursery headquartered in Pensacola, Florida, with greenhouses in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1991 by David and Wyona Babikow, the firm specializes in starter plants of ornamental grasses and herbaceous perennials, which it ships throughout North America.

Friel is a former Regional Director and current president-elect of the Perennial Plant Association.