The Oregon Association of Nurseries recognized industry leaders and contributors for their excellence at the annual President’s Awards Banquet, held October 27, 2023 at the OAN Convention at Brasada Ranch resort, Powell Butte, Oregon.
OAN Past President Jim Simnitt of Simnitt Nursery served as master of ceremonies for the evening. An Awards Committee reviewed nominations received from the OAN membership and made the final selections. Most awards were presented by a past recipient of that award.
The Clayton W. Hannon Distinguished Service Award went to Don Sprague, owner of nursery and garden supplier and retailer Gallery Iron Works. It serves to recognize a specific, notable service to the industry. Patrick Newton accepted the award on behalf of Sprague, who was unable to attend.
Sprague was honored for his longtime contributions to the Farwest Show and the former Yard, Garden and Patio Show. Over many years, he has provided hard goods including tables, chairs, hangers and displays to elevate the experience at both shows. He also has promoted both shows extensively, including providing bus tours from his store to the YGP Show.
The Emerging Nursery Leader of the Year Award went to Allison Pennell, a sales representative with plant brokers McHutchison Inc. This award is given to an emerging nursery professional for outstanding service to the OAN and industry.
Pennell was recognized for her time in the industry working at retail garden centers, on the OAN staff, as director of development at The Oregon Garden, and finally in her more recent role with McHutchison. She has also continued to serve on the Farwest Show Committee. Past winner Jesse Nelson presented her with the award. “Ali does not do anything half-hearted,” he said.
The Chapter or Committee of the Year award went to the Mt. Hood Chapter of OAN. The award is given to a chapter or committee that is particularly successful in their service to the OAN membership, cultivating exceptional energy, new ideas and member participation. The Mt. Hood Chapter has done exactly that, creating a series of fun get-togethers to build involvement and camaraderie, including pitch-and-putt golf events and taco truck dinners.
President Elect Ben Verhoeven presented the award, with Scott Ekstrom, Anthony Kinen, Sam Barkley and Vladimir Lomen accepting it on behalf of the chapter.
The Political Awareness Award went to Jesse Nelson of Hans Nelson & Sons Nursery Inc. It serves to honor an individual who has shown exceptional political awareness in dedicated support of the nursery industry. Nelson served as an industry voice as nurseries rose to object to a proposed City of Portland water treatment plant in the middle of an agricultural zone.
Past winner Mark Bigej presented Nelson with the award. “Jesse Nelson was the tip of the spear in organizing the nursery owners against this proposal,” Bigej said.
The Special Service Award went to Jim Johnson, land use and water planning coordinator for the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The award recognizes a special and specific act of service to the industry. Johnson put together a map showing where nurseries were located in relation to Portland’s proposed water treatment plant.
Rod Park of Park’s Nursery presented Johnson with the award, describing him as a talented advocate for farming. “He paints a picture of the land, the water and the right to farm,” Park said. “His mastery of the subject translates into a picture that people can see.”
The Distinguished Member of the Horticultural Allied Trades Award went to Steve Shropshire, a shareholder with the Jordan Ramis PC law firm. It is given to honor an allied trade individual who has shown exemplary support for the OAN, the industry and members. Shropshire has served for years as OAN’s chief legal counsel, and as a member of the OAN’s Advocacy Team, reviewing proposed legislation and often anticipating, and responding to, issues to come that could affect the industry.
OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone presented Shropshire with the award. “I asked to present this award for one reason, and it’s because Steve Shropshire deserves it,” Stone said.
The Outstanding Service Award went to Leigh Geschwill, co-owner of wholesale grower F & B Farms and Nursery Inc., which also has a retail operation, Happy Bee Garden Center. It is given in recognition of long-term service to the industry and association. Past winner Kyle Fessler presented her with the award.
“She has stepped up and done so many more things for our industry,” Fessler said. “She joined the Horticultural Research Institute board of directors and will be president next year. She has brought forth hundreds of thousands of dollars of research for our industry.” He added that Geschwill is a compelling and effective voice for the industry on a variety of issues, including most recently taxation.
The awards presentations also included outgoing president Todd Nelson’s Five Star Service Award presentations, traditionally given to individuals who provided key support or assistance to help make it a successful year. This year’s representatives include Justin Ford of Bountiful Farms, for assistance with Nelson’s monthly President’s Message columns in Digger; Blake Nelson of Bountiful Farms, who co-owns the nursery and watched over it when Nelson was absent; Todd’s wife, Lisa Nelson, for her support during his year as president; OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone, for serving as an effective industry advocate and organizer, as well as tour guide during a visit to Congressional and federal offices in Washington, D.C.; and Stephanie Weihrauch, OAN director of finance, for her mastery of accounting and numbers that helped the OAN board make sound, well-grounded decisions.
