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With purpose comes passion

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Fall has arrived and is running its course. The deciduous trees have progressed through their show of fall color and have dropped their leaves. In the plant grower’s world, this turns the page to harvest season. At the mention of the words “harvest season,” a litany of tasks runs through my mind — all associated […]

President’s Awards Banquet recognizes vital contributions

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The Oregon nursery and greenhouse industry’s best were honored at Oregon Association of Nurseries President’s Awards Banquet for 2021, taking place November 3 on the chapel lawn at the Grand Wailea Resort, Maui, Hawaii. The banquet capped off the annual OAN Convention, highlighted by the passing of the gavel from Kyle Fessler of Woodburn Nursery […]

November 2021 – The Transportation Issue

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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has sent logistics into a tailspin and severely limited many shipping options. This Transportation Issue reveals the source of the trucking industry’s struggles and offers tips for getting products on the road. Readers will also meet Mark Bigej, COO of Al’s Garden & Home, in the Meet the Leader story and […]

Meet the Leader: Mark Bigej

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Co-owner, chief operating officerAl’s Garden & HomeOAN member since 2009 OAN roles/positions:• Government Relations Committee Chair (2021, 2022)• Political Awareness Award (2019)• Past President (2017)• OAN Executive Committee (2011–2017)• Young Nursery Person of the Year (2002)• Yard, Garden & Patio Show Chair, Committee (2000) Tell us about yourself. I am part of the third generation […]

No map should muffle our voice

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Every 10 years, the nation takes a census to find out where our fellow Americans reside, so they can be better represented in the political process. Based on those results, those states or locales that increase in population get more representation; conversely, influence recedes in the states or areas that lose voters. While fairness is […]

The start of a beautiful journey

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Hello everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Josh Robinson. Alongside my parents, Rick and Roxanne, and brother, Chris, I am a co-owner of Robinson Nursery in McMinnville, Oregon. Mom and Dad started the business in 1984. I consider myself blessed to have been raised on the farm and as […]

Ag is united in the face of adversity

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The fall season signifies a change. Colors explode on our trees, while crisp mornings and the precious opportunities for a warm day combine for a special time in Oregon. While I am a boy of summer, the fall has always been my favorite time of year. My two daughters are away at college, the hard […]

Working for future generations

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When I look back on this past year, countless emotions come to mind. There is one in particular that I keep circling back to, and that is gratitude. For those of us in the nursery industry, we have much to be thankful for. While many sectors were hit hard by the pandemic, ours experienced rejuvenation […]

Meet the Leader: Tyler Meskers

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Vice PresidentOregon Flowers, Inc.OAN member since 2009 OAN roles/positions:• Board of Directors Greenhouse Grower Representative Tell us about yourself I am a first-generation American. My parents, Martin and Helene, immigrated from the bulb fields of Northern Holland to the Pacific Northwest in 1979 in pursuit of the American Dream. They started the family cut flower […]