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The technology race

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On July 20, the nation will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Apollo 11, led by Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, set in motion a technology era with their successful mission in 1969. Less than eight years earlier, President John F. Kennedy had […]

OAN goes to Washington, D.C.

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I traveled to Washington, D.C. along with our OAN executive director, Jeff Stone, and the chairwoman of our Government Relations Committee, Leigh Geschwill of F & B Farms & Nursery. We were there to represent the Oregon Association of Nurseries, and to lobby for the needs and priorities of Oregon’s nursery industry. This was my […]

Willamette Chapter raises $6,013 for education

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The Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) Willamette Chapter Plant Sale raised $6,013 at its annual plant sale, held April 27 and 28 as part of the Oregon AgFest at the Oregon State Fairgrounds in Salem. It is the chapter’s second best year for total sales. Proceeds of the sale go to four participating event partners: the […]

Farwest Show offers tours of garden centers, sustainable businesses and wholesale nurseries

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The 2019 Farwest Show, August 21–23 in Portland, Oregon, will offer three tours from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20. Every year, Farwest tours explore the dynamic facilities of Portland’s thought leaders in the green industry. This year’s three tracks will look at retail garden centers, sustainable business processes and procedures, and […]

Elections have consequences

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I am privileged and honored to serve an Oregon nursery industry that is hardworking, honest and committed to excellence. Our association sets an example for others around the country on how to approach turbulent issues, such as the environment, education and workforce development. We stake out moderate views on taxation and employer regulations. We are […]

Celebrating Mom

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During the month of May, I usually write about our industry’s labor needs. Normally, I express my dismay that Congress is kicking the immigration reform can down the road yet again. But on a personal level, it’s really Mother’s Day that defines the month of May for me. Mothers play a central role in molding […]

Standing up for the industry

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On Valentine’s Day, our group of about 15 OAN members and professional government relations staff visited the Oregon State Capitol. We split up into three groups of five to have meetings and meaningful conversations with our state senators and representatives in their offices. The annual OAN Advocacy Day has been one of our most effective […]

Crossover and compromise

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Oregon is blessed with agricultural lands that produce more than 225 different commodities. The production types run the gamut from organic to conventional, and the work required to cultivate these crops varies in intensity. Oregon farmers have even introduced crops that traditionally have not been present in the fertile Willamette Valley. “Coexistence” is a term […]