North Central District American Rose Society
ARS 2021 Election
CARRIE BERGS
Candidate for Vice President American Rose Society
My belief in, and appreciation for, the mission of the American Rose Society inspired me to run for Vice President. I am excited to share my personal skills and professional expertise as a member of the team that will ensure the success of the ARS well into the future.
For nine years, the American Rose Society has been an important part of my life. From the day we purchased our first rose to today, with gardens that include almost 400 roses of all varieties, my husband Joe and I are excellent examples of what new rose growers and exhibitors can do with the support of their local rose societies and the resources of the ARS.
Working Together for the American Rose Society
This is an exciting time for the ARS! The American Rose Center has been revitalized with the restoration of the gardens, we have embraced social media and video conferencing, we will soon gather in person again for meetings, rose shows and conventions, and as one of America’s oldest and most esteemed flower societies, we are well positioned to attract new members from the over 20 million new gardeners that emerged last year.
As a candidate for Vice-President, my priorities include:
- Building upon the excellent progress that has been achieved in promotional, educational and social media platforms for members and the public.
- Growing membership and strengthening local rose societies by capitalizing on the surge in gardening interest and the increasing availability of easy care roses.
- Leading initiatives for digitizing the treasure trove of articles from past rose magazines, annuals and historic records for preservation, education and universal accessibility.
- Supporting long term sustainability for the American Rose Center and the Great Garden Restoration Project through collaborative partnerships, market- ing and special events.
- Promoting membership, education and events by fostering partnerships with growers, nurseries, garden centers and garden supply companies.
- Contributing to an atmosphere of cooperation, respect and congeniality in the governance process.
Professional Experience& Education
MS Degree in Journalism, Northwestern University
Public Relations & Marketing Manager, 1984-1997
Director of Specialty Medical Clinic, 1998-2007
Board member of numerous not-for-profit organizations including Racine Area United Way, Downtown Racine Corporation, Taylor Home for Youth, YWCA, Bethany Apartments for Women, Volunteer Center of Racine
Volunteer special events chair and fundraiser for Racine Art Museum ($100,000 showhouse event) • Downtown Racine Corporation Festival of Trees ($150,000 over 3 years) • YWCA Holiday Village ($20,000 over 2 years) • Preservation Racine, Children’s Service Society, Racine Heritage Museum, Health Care Network
Rose Society
Leadership Positions & Awards American Rose Society
Member since 2012
2021 Cream City Roses National Convention planning committee and garden tour host
Apprentice Horticulture Judge, 2018-present
North Central District
Co-Chair, District Rose Show, 2016
Co-Chair, District Convention & Rose Show, 2019
Board Member, 2018-present
NCDrose.org website,
Creator and administrator, 2019-present
Greater Milwaukee Rose Society (GMRS)
Co-President, 2015 and 2016
First Vice President of Member Programming, 2019-present Membership Chair, 2018-present
Chair/Co-Chair, GMRS & State Fair rose show, 2017-present Host of annual member picnic, 2015-present
Bronze Honor Medal, 2019
Gateway Rose Society (GRS)
Board Member, 2016-present
Secretary, 2019-present
Co-Chair, Annual worm casting fundraiser, 2013-present Bronze Honor Medal, 2019
Contributions
- Presentations to local and district meetings, garden groups and Rose Chat podcast on topics including old garden roses, transporting and exhibiting, dry wrapping techniques, scented roses, fertilizing, winter protection, worm castings and national convention reviews.
- Numerous articles and reports for local and district newsletters and websites, including two articles for the American Rose.
- Consistent financial support at national, district and local level.
- Frequent contributor to Horizon Roses.
- Enthusiastic volunteer and exhibitor at local, district and 3 National Conventions since 2013.
- Coordinated GMRS/GRS member bus trips to 2019 National Convention in Franklin, TN and 2017 National Convention in Gettysburg, PA.
