It is hard for me to believe that a year has already gone by since I wrote my first President’s Message. What an incredible year it was!

I knew that entering the president’s role would be a huge responsibility and would require time away from my nursery and family, but I also knew it would be worth it. It has surpassed my expectations and has only increased my love for this industry.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank a few people who helped me this year.

I couldn’t even begin to start this without thanking the best advocate we have for our industry … Jeff Stone. There is a reason he is thanked time and time again (but still, never enough). He works more hours than I believe is humanly possible and is everywhere all at once.

I will never forget how he missed whitewater rafting for the opportunity for just a few moments to talk to our governor on our behalf. He meets with other agricultural executives as well as other nursery executive directors to make sure we are leading this state and nation as an association. He is constantly bettering our association and therefore our industry.

But perhaps the thing he does best is bring us all together and show us how each and every one of us makes a difference within our association. Big and small, grower or supplier, owner or employee … we all have a voice that matters. He helps find that voice. Without his support, encouragement, and words of wisdom, this year would never have been as easy as it was.

I am confident that any other person that is involved in any capacity of leadership within the organization feels that support and we are all beyond appreciative of what he does for us.

I want to also thank my family. First, my husband for his dream and the life I get to live every day with him. His determination and love for plants spearheaded this life we have now, and I will never take that for granted. He knows the importance of the OAN’s role for our industry and picked up the extra workload I left while I was busy this year.

And second, my kids. There were so many times that family members or babysitters had to pick them up from school or be with them for a few days while I was out of state. They knew how important this year was for me, and not only understood my absence at times, but were proud of what I was doing.

And finally, I want to thank all of you that have reached out this year. Those of you who reached out and introduced yourselves, called with questions or concerns for the industry, or told me that you read my column every month, I am humbled by the support, trust, and kindness.

Everywhere I turned I was met with the best of people and new friends for life. You all are what made this year so memorable for me and why I love this industry. I look forward to continuing to aid the association as past president next year and am excited to see Ben Verhoeven enter his role as president in November at our annual OAN Convention. He will be a great leader for our association and is truly one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of knowing.

Our association is set up for the brightest future ahead and I am grateful for the opportunity I had and the beautiful memories I made this past year. Thank you all.

From the October 2024 issue of Digger magazine | Download PDF of article