Who We Are
MGGC is well established as a relevant and sustainable STATEWIDE voice for Michigan greenhouse growers, identifying and addressing issues and threats to profitability.
Michigan Greenhouse Growers Council
As a statewide organization, Michigan Greenhouse Growers Council (MGGC) realizes the importance of having a strong, cohesive association that represents the grower segment of our industry and focuses on public policy, legislation and keeping Michigan growers informed about relevant issues.
- MGGC is a public policy organization that will make sure your views are expressed to public officials.
- MGGC is an independent organization endorsed by Metro Detroit Flower Growers Association (MDFGA) and the Western Michigan Greenhouse Association (WMGA).
- The Council will not duplicate the programs of the MDFGA and WGMA, but will actively support beneficial legislation and oppose public policies that do not support Michigan’s floriculture and horticulture economy.

Policy Priorities
- Preserve the agriculture exemption to encourage growth in the industry
- Oppose real property taxation for energy-related equipment
- Seek grower compensation for government ordered plant destruction
- Ensure access to water. Continue to monitor water legislation and its impact on growers
- Shift the responsibility of immigration laws and enforcement to the federal level/ away from growers
- Eliminate unfair importation of products that take business from Michigan/US growers
- Support continued communication between MGGC and the plant industry and the Pesticide Division of MDARD
- Support an effective applied research and floriculture and horticulture marketing research agenda at MSU
For a complete picture of MGGC Policy Interests, click here.
Legislative Success
Board of Directors
President
Chris Schwartz
Schwartz’s Greenhouse
schwartzgreenhouse@gmail.com
Vice President
Craig Stevens
DGI Propigators
craig@dgiprop.com
Treasurer (Allied Trade Member)
Mike Fassbender
Action Mold & Machining
mfassbender@actionmold.net
Secretary
Cindy Ray
MainStreet Legislative Consulting Services
cindy.ray@mainstreetLC.com
Board Member
Joe Wojciechowski
WoJo’s Greenhouse & Farm
joewojo@hotmail.com
Board Member
Paul Schaap
Schapp’s Greenhouse
schaapsgreenhouse@hotmail.com
Board Member
Kevin Sportel
Sportel Greenhouses
kevin@sportelgreenhouses.com
Board Member
Kurt Elders
Opel Growers
kurt@opelgrowers.com
Board Member
Susie Raker-Zimmerman
Raker- Roberta’s Young Plants
susieraker@raker.com
Allied Trade Member
Matt Staal
Dillen-ITML/ The HC Companies
mstaal@hc-companies.com
Education Committee Member
Heidi Linberg
MSU Extension
wollaege@anr.msu.edu
WMGA Board Member
Phil Syswerda
Mast Young Plants
phil.syswerda@mastyoungplants.com
MDFGA Board Member
open seat
Executive Director
Jared Rodriguez
MainStreet Legislative Consulting Services, LLC
Jared.Rodriguez@MainStreetLC.com