One of my favorite things about this association and this industry in general, is everyone’s willingness to help and guide one another.
As my husband, Wayne, started Columbia Nursery, he called countless people — truly too many to mention. There was always someone to answer his questions on grafting, business planning, where to buy nursery items, or anything else regarding our new business venture.
Steve Germany was a mentor and was the first person to introduce him to propagation and a love for plants. Wayne was only in second grade when he got that banana plant, but by the time he was in eighth grade he had over 50 varieties of lilies in his back yard. He knew that growing plants was going to be in his future.
For many in this industry, this is what being apart of the association helps you with. It’s special to be surrounded by like-minded people that are willing to help one another.
Not too long ago, the main space for this was at board meetings. Those would be a time to bounce ideas off one another.
One of my main goals as president this year was opening that same door of communication and mentorship with new leadership groups that have emerged as the industry has evolved. I am so excited about our leadership groups and feel like they are the perfect addition to our already thriving association.
The first one to start this year was the NexGen group, and boy, did they hit the ground running! The group is aimed at aiding people new to the industry and others hoping to expand their knowledge and career opportunities within the nursery industry.
NexGen has already had several successful social and educational events. Their officer team even went to Sherwood High School and spoke to the students there about future career possibilities in horticulture and gave a demonstration on grafting. This type of outreach is vital in expanding our pipeline of industry professionals and demonstrating the vast spectrum that our industry encompasses.
The next leadership group is just taking off. Human Resources Leadership Professionals is aimed at providing a space to discuss industry specific challenges and brainstorm solutions that arise around employee retention, business success in general, and other HR-related issues.
Many of you run a small business like I do, and I am the “HR” person. To keep up with all the new things in that arena, as well as my normal day-to-day nursery tasks, can be overwhelming. To have an outlet to be able to get industry-specific information regarding this will be a game changer for me.
Following soon will be a Hispanic leadership group and a grower segment group. I am very excited about both groups getting started. Both allow current (and potential) members a place to engage with one another and get involved in some capacity with our association based on their interests and capacity within the nursery industry.
It will be an incredible asset for the association, as well, to help guide the future leaders of our organization.
This has been one of my main priorities as OAN president: to make sure that the organization is responsive to the changing needs of the industry and those who work in it. And it is vital to ensure a successful OAN for future generations to come.
Please take time to look into events these leadership groups are hosting and continue the industry tradition of mentoring and helping others. I know I will, and I hope to see you there! To find out more or indicate an interest in joining one of these groups, click here.
From the July 2024 issue of Digger magazine | Download PDF of article
