In recognition of her leadership and service to South Florida’s agricultural industry, Councilwoman Judy Waldman presented Mrs. Jenn Helms-Shelley with a Certificate of Professionalism.
“My relationship to the Helms family goes back many years, as I lived just down the street from their farms,” said Councilwoman Waldman. “I am proud to honor my friend, Jenn Helms-Shelley, for what she has accomplished in the agricultural industry in such a short time. She truly has a passion for what she does and it shows through in her positive energy. Jenn is a true community liaison for everything we do here in the City.”
Jenn Helms-Shelley, the wife of City of Homestead Councilman Stephen R. Shelley, is a 5th generation agriculturalist and a state-wide pillar of the farming production. One could say she was born to do this; it is in her blood. Her great-grandfather first introduced tomato farming to Homestead in the early 1930’s. She grew up on her father’s farm, learning most of what she knows today before adulthood. Mrs. Helms-Shelley graduated in the top ten-percent of her class from the University of Florida with a degree in Horticulture. Her articulation skills and work ethic are apparent from excelling at school to her current position in Sales at Railroad Nursery. Contributions to the community include her service on the boards of FarmShare, Rotary Club of Homestead, and Wedgworth Leadership Institute Alumni. On Friday, July 26th, Mrs. Helms-Shelley was inducted as President of the FNGLA (Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association), Miami-Dade Chapter, and on June 15th, she received the 2013 Farm Credit/FNGLA Young Nursery Professional of the Year Award.
“If you have a passion for what you do, it’s not work. I have a passion for this industry and selling plants, and it does shine through,” said Jenn Helms-Shelley. “It is a great honor and very humbling to be recognized by the City of Homestead and Farm Credit for things that you are passionate about. Thank you, Judy, for the honor.”
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