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U.S. Department of Labor issues new guidance for the ever-evolving ‘employee or independent contractor?’ determination

By Peter Hicks — Posted February 29, 2024

On January 10, the U.S. Department of Labor (Labor Department) published new guidance for determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Why it matters As most employers are aware, the misclassification of an employee can expose the business to liability, including employee wage claims, […]

Building something special

By Jeff Stone — Posted February 29, 2024

As your executive director, I listen carefully to the membership to make sure we enact your priorities in a complete and fiscally responsible manner.

Participation in member programs can help strengthen OAN’s collective purchasing power

By Stephanie Collins — Posted February 29, 2024

At the Oregon Association of Nurseries, we are dedicated to providing our members with relevant benefits that add value to their businesses. Yet did you know that by taking advantage of these benefits, you are also playing a pivotal role in supporting the association?

Getting in ship shape together

By Amanda Staehely — Posted February 29, 2024

My main thought as we start March and the beginning of shipping season, is simple — good luck. This is what we are all here for; to sell plants. That’s true whether you provide necessary items such as fertilizer, soil, or the plants themselves. Maybe you are the grower. Maybe you sell the containers. Or […]

March 2024: The Wellness Issue

By Vic Panichkul — Posted February 29, 2024

The March issue of Digger explores the topic of wellness and now it relates to the nursery business

Angi Bailey elected to American Farm Bureau Federation Board

By Vic Panichkul — Posted February 15, 2024

Angi Bailey, president of the Oregon Farm Bureau Federation and an Oregon Association of Nurseries member, was elected to the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors for the Western Region. “With the depth and breadth of challenges facing Oregon farmers and ranchers, including issues surrounding ag labor, the farm bill, water and drought, and […]

Skagit Horticulture brands announce closure

By Curt Kipp — Posted February 8, 2024

Wholesale grower Skagit Horticulture, based in Mt. Vernon, Washington, has announced plans to close effective April 7, 2024. The closure affects both Skagit Horticulture and the two sister brands under it, Skagit Gardens and Northwest Horticulture.

Leigh Geschwill takes office as HRI president

By Vic Panichkul — Posted February 7, 2024

Leigh Geschwill, co-owner of F & B Farms and Nursery, began her term as president of the Horticulture Research Institute at the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show in Baltimore, Maryland, recently.

Panzer Nursery closes after 60 years in business

By Vic Panichkul — Posted February 6, 2024

Panzer Nursery, which specializes in top-quality florist azaleas, has closed after 60 years in business. “I’m soon to be 68 and after 42 years at it, I decided it was time to retire,” said owner Brad Bloes. Bloes started working at Panzer in 1981 and was a partner in it and in 2010 he bouth […]

Weeks Berry Nursery selling business, property

By Vic Panichkul — Posted January 31, 2024

Weeks Berry Nursery has decided to sell its nursery and property, co-owner Bradley Weeks said. The nursery, which was started in 1908 and has been in business for more than a century, includes 45 acres of land on Windsor Island Rd. N. in Keizer, Oregon, north of Salem. The nursery leases an additional 120 acres […]