Thomas Balling, President of Treasure Coast Irrigation and Rood Landscape in Hobe Sound, was inducted as the 2012 Board of Directors President for the Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce at their year-end luncheon on December 15.

Balling joined the Chamber Board in 2007 and previously served as Treasurer and Vice-President.  In addition to his service on the Hobe Sound Chamber Board of Directors, Balling previously served as President of the Quantum House at St. Mary’s Hospital, and as President of the Executive’s Association of the Palm Beaches.  He was the recipient of the prestigious President’s Award from the Executive’s Association while in the position.

Balling joined Treasure Coast Irrigation and Landscape, LLC and Rood Landscape, LLC as President and Managing Partner in 2006, and brought with him more than 20 years of professional experience.  Rood Landscape has served South Florida since 1946, and along with TCI, the companies employ 165 green industry professionals.

The Hobe Sound Chamber of Commerce offers services to newcomers, visitors, residents and businesses year-round, and plays host to several major events throughout the year that enhance the local economy, such as the Christmas Parade in December, the Art Festival in February, and the BBQ Festival in July.

Scott Fay, Partner and CEO of Treasure Coast Irrigation and Rood Landscape in Hobe Sound, has joined the 2012 Hobe Sound Community Chest Board of Directors.

The Hobe Sound Community Chest supports 42 local organizations serving those in need in Hobe Sound through funding and the personal support of their volunteer Visiting Committees.  Fay serves on the South Fork High School Visiting Committee, assisting the school’s agricultural program by sharing his years of experience in the landscaping and irrigation business.

Fay has been in the green industry – including landscape maintenance and irrigation – since 1983. He is the author of numerous articles for green industry trade magazines, and he is a featured presenter at state and national Irrigation Association conventions.  Fay has owned Treasure Coast Irrigation & Landscape since 1996, and its sister company, Rood Landscape, LLC since 2007.  Rood Landscape has served South Florida since 1946, and along with TCI, the companies employ 165 green industry professionals.

Roy Rood went from a poor small town child to a multi-million dollar landscaping pioneer in Palm Beach County. He started Rood Landscaping Co. with some used lawn equipment he bought after arriving home from serving in World War II. Over the next 54 years the company grew into a multi-million dollar business before Mr. Rood sold it to his employees in 2000. Roy passed away on October 8th at the age of 92 but his legacy will live on, as will the company that bares his name!

Roy was born in a small town in a rural area north of Indiantown Road that is now known as Jupiter Farms. He graduated from Jupiter High School in 1936. Community members helped raise Roy and his 10 siblings after his father was killed in a car crash when he was a young boy. In return he then spent much of the rest of his life showing his gratitude through good deeds.

For half a century, Roy created some of South Florida’s loveliest landscapes. Rood Landscape designed and installed tropical paradises at almost all of Jupiter Island’s estates and many in Palm Beach. But Roy was more than just a great landscaper. He was a great contributor and mentor throughout the community. He even went so far as to help several competing landscaping firms, including his major competitor. When the owner of his major competition passed away in 1986, Rood helped his rival’s 26-year-old son learn the business.

Thank you Roy Rood for all that you did and all the lives that you touched. You will be greatly missed!