HIA Names Green Industry Workers’ Comp Board

Hotchkiss Insurance Agency Inc. (HIA), a provider of insurance services to building contractors and specialty industries in Texas, announced that Johnette Taylor, Greg Walsh and Candy Atkins will make-up the company’s newly formed Texas Green Industry Workers’ Compensation Group’s (TGI) Board of Directors.

The TGI group, underwritten by Texas Mutual Insurance Company, includes growers, landscape contractors, nurseries and other green industry businesses. It provides qualifying members with a competitive option for workers’ compensation coverage.

“I am excited about the opportunities on the horizon for the Texas Green Industry WC Group, and believe we have selected a very strong group of individuals to serve on the Board,” said Doug Hotchkiss, president, Hotchkiss Insurance Agency. “With over 20 years of worker’s comp risk management experience in such diverse fields as oilfield service, aviation and the green industry, Greg Walsh will contribute a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board. Additionally, Johnette Taylor’s real-world experience in building a successful green industry company, coupled with HIA’s Candy Atkins’ vision and understanding of the market trends and direction will prove invaluable as we position the group for future growth.”

Taylor is both the president of Roundtree Landscaping Inc., and a Licensed Landscape Architect. She earned her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from Louisiana State University in 1981. Prior to founding Roundtree Landscaping, she served as Corporate Secretary/Treasurer and Landscape Designer for Rosedale Nurseries Inc.

Taylor is also a Licensed Irrigator and a Certified Irrigation Auditor in the state of Texas. An active member of ASLA (American Society of Landscape Architects), ALCA (Associated Landscape Contractors of America), and TNLA (Texas Nursery and Landscape Association), Taylor was recently elected Chairman of the Dallas Region of TNLA, and asked to serve on the Dallas Arboretum Gardens and Grounds Committee. She also holds the office of chairman of the TNLA’s Education Committee.

Walsh has been CFO of Tree Town U.S.A. since its inception. He holds a BBA from the University of Texas and earned his CPA Certificate in 1975. Prior to his position with Tree Town U.S.A., Greg held senior financial executive positions with both public and private companies, and has provided consulting services for a broad range of businesses.

Tree Town U.S.A. is one of the largest producers of container grown trees in the United States. With over 2,500 acres of growing facilities in Texas and Florida, Tree Town U.S.A. currently produces more than 100 varieties available in sizes ranging from three to 300 gallons.

Atkins is operations manager for the Commercial Division of HIA. Having joined the agency in 1990, Atkins’ industry designations include CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) and CISR (Certified Insurance Service Rep). With more than 20 years experience in the insurance industry, Atkins’ expertise lies in target marketing of specific industry programs, writing guidelines for these programs and managing company relationships.

Founded in 1975, the Hotchkiss Insurance Agency provides a broad range of insurance products and services including commercial and personal insurance, life and health insurance, retirement and estate planning, as well as workers’ compensation. The Texas Department of Insurance approved HIA’s application to form and maintain the Texas Green Industry Workers’ Compensation Group in January of 2004. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, HIA has statewide locations in Houston, San Antonio, Bryan/College Station, Fredericksburg, Kerrville and Boerne.