The Oregon Association of Nurseries has recognized four leaders, including three legislators and a government relations official at AmericanHort, as its Friends of Nurseries award winners for 2025.
The awards are given to leaders who meaningfully support the nursery industry. OAN Government Relations Committee Chair Chris Robinson (Robinson Nursery, Amity, Oregon) announced the awards October 30 at the 2025 OAN Convention, held in Wailea, Maui, Hawaii. In November, OAN Executive Director Jeff Stone presented the recipients with framed certificates.
Legislators of the Year: State Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany) and former State Sen. Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) were tabbed as co-Legislators of the Year.
Boshart Davis is now a four-time Friend of Nurseries award winner. Previously, she was Legislator of the Year in 2019 and 2022, and was named an Ag Warrior in 2023. “The OAN believes that State Rep. Boshart Davis is an elite advocate for the nursery and greenhouse industry,” Robinson said. “Nobody lays it out and commits more fully than Shelly, and the OAN could not be more proud to call her a friend.”
Bonham is now a three-time Friend of Nurseries award winner. Previously, he won his first Friend of Nurseries award in 2019 and was co-Legislator of the Year in 2022.
“Servant leadership is a hallmark for Daniel Bonham,” Robinson said. “He’s direct, forward-looking, and a stout ally of the nursery industry, worthy of recognition. Even in a super-minority, he was up to the task to defend agriculture.”
Friends of Nurseries: State Sen. Christine Drazan (R-Canby) and AmericanHort Vice President of Advocacy and Public Affairs Matt Mika were awarded Friend of Nurseries honors.
Drazan is now a three-time Friend of Nurseries winner, winning previously in 2019 and as Legislator of the Year in 2021. “Christine’s return to the Oregon Legislature after her run for governor, and her service as Republican leader in the house, have furthered her credentials as a mainstay supporter of the industry,” Robinson said. “She’s an ear, an advocate and a trusted friend.”
Mika won his first Friend of Nurseries award. He was credited for his efforts with AmericanHort to work more closely with the Oregon Association of Nurseries. “Nobody has made a greater impact on the relationship between the national association and OAN than Matt Mika,” Ronbinson said. “A former hill staffer and coalition builder, Matt saw the value of engagement of the third largest nursery state in the union and has built trust and success since his arrival at AmericanHort.”
