The Oregon Society of Association Management (OSAM) announced several awards and honors at its annual conference November 5 in Wilsonville, and the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) was among the winners. The association won the Association Achievement Award, which is presented to an association that has done exceptional work in areas such as enhanced member benefits, management practices, new programs, significant staff accomplishments, outstanding member services, services to the general community, fiscal management or membership growth.
OSAM President Geoff Horning, executive director of the Agri-Business Council of Oregon, presented the award. “[OAN] represents everything that this award stands for,” he said, “and has become a leader of its industry not just at a state level, but on a national level.”
Horning mentioned several issues in which OAN has taken a leadership role, including the USDA’s prenotification rule for nursery shipments, which was later modified. He also mentioned OAN’s involvement in the driver’s card issue, which benefitted not just nurseries but all of agriculture, and other econocmic sectors such as hospitality and construction. “There are many issues that this organization has taken a leadership stance on a national level,” he said
He also alluded to the OAN’s online and print Nursery Guide as well as its annual Farwest Trade Show. “While taking on state and national legislation that affects its membership, [OAN] is also a national leader in marketing its members across the country, making Oregon the place that landscapers, retail operators and cities across North America look to purchase their plant material,” he said.
Accepting the award on behalf of OAN was Jeff Stone, executive director, who was surprised by the honor. “I am honored to receive this prestigious award on behalf of the nursery and greenhouse industry,” he said. “We take pride in building coalitions and partnerships to solve the problems that face our industry and agriculture. It is gratifying that OSAM recognizes the commitment that OAN has to its members.”
OSAM is comprised of professionals working for trade associations in the state of Oregon. It provides them with valuable resources, educational programs, and networking opportunities.
