Deal reached to raise California's minimum wage to $15
California Gov. Jerry Brown has reached a deal with labor unions to raise the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2022. Under the terms of the deal, the state minimum wage, which is currently $10 per hour, will increase by $0.50 per year for two years, and then $1 per year for four years, until it reaches $15 in 2022 — surpassing the rate set earlier this month by Oregon. On March 2, Oregon enacted a three-tiered minimum wage law that will raise pay to $14.75 per hour in Portland's urban growth boundary by 2022.
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Ravenna grass to be added to noxious weed quarantine
Ravenna grass (Saccharum ravennae) was recognized as an A-rated noxious weed last year by Oregon's Noxious Weed Board and the Oregon Department of Agriculture. The Noxious Weed Program is in the process of revising the noxious weed quarantine to add Ravenna grass. This should be completed sometime this spring or summer. At that point, the ODA will begin to enforce the quarantine.
Similar in appearance to pampas grass and jubata grass, Ravenna grass is native to the Mediterranean region of Africa and Eurasia. The plant has been sold for more than 90 years as a cold-hardy ornamental grass with striking size, nearing 12 feet tall at maturity.
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Ash tree set for extinction in Europe
The future for ash trees in Europe looks bleak, according to a new report published by the Journal of Ecology. Ash trees are being killed off by the fungal disease ash dieback along with the invasive emerald ash borer (EAB) beetle. Numerous native species, from birds to fungi and insects, are dependent on ash trees and also are in peril of extinction.
The United States has been on high alert for emerald ash borer, too. Since the pest was first discovered in Michigan in 2002, it is estimated that EAB has killed more than 100 million trees across North America and caused more than $3.5 billion dollars' worth of damage and property value losses.
The pest threatens all 16 North American ash species, including native Oregon ash. Emerald ash borer has been detected as far west as Boulder, Colorado — a day's drive or so from Oregon. Originally introduced to the U.S. via wood packaging material, the pest is now spread across the continent in
infested firewood.
OSU names new director of Southern Oregon ag research station
Richard Roseberg, a soil scientist with 26 years of experience at Oregon State University, has been named director of OSU's Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center in Central Point. Roseberg worked at the station for the first 14 years of his OSU career, then spent 12 years at the ag station in Klamath Falls.
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HRI now accepting scholarship applications
The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) is offering scholarships totaling $20,000 for the 2016–2017 school year to aid students who are seeking a lifelong career in horticulture. The scholarship application and prerequisite information are available on the Horticultural Research Institute website. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2016.
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OAN offers health, dental coverage through Leonard Adams Insurance
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As a reminder, the Oregon Association of Nurseries offers an exclusive health and dental insurance program for member companies through Leonard Adams Insurance, an independent agency endorsed by OAN.
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OAN dental coverage is geared toward prevention and good overall oral health. Plans can start any month, with as few as two enrolled employees, and have tax deductible rates as low as $36.60 per employee. There are no waiting periods for class I, II, or III services, and benefits begin the first day covered.
OAN and Leonard Adams offer multiple health insurance plans through Providence Health Plan with strong benefits at competitive cost. To receive an updated quote on the new plan offerings for this year, please contact Randy Skinner at randys@lacoinsurance.com or 503-296-0077. Leonard Adams also offers other insurance lines, including workers compensation, general liability, farm, business auto, and personal.
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Donations and volunteers needed for Plant Sale
The OAN Willamette Chapter will hold its annual Plant Sale at the Oregon Ag Fest on Saturday and Sunday, April 23–24, at the Oregon State Fairgrounds (2330 17th St. NE, Salem, Oregon). Your generous donation of plant materials helps raise money for the chapter's educational fund. Blooming plants are the best, although all plants are needed and welcome. Please label all plants, and include an invoice with your donation.
To make a donation or volunteer, download this form and return it by April 14. For more information, contact Val Tancredi at valjtan@gmail.com.
Register for webinar on spotted wing drosophilia — April 12
A free webinar — "All-Seasons Approach to Monitoring and Managing Spotted Wing Drosophilia" — will take place from 10–11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 12. Pre-registration is required.
Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) is an insect pest affecting economically valuable small fruit and tree fruit crops. Known in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest since about 2009, this species now appears to be established in many fruit-growing regions around the country. Growers and researchers are working together to implement effective pest control strategies. The webinar will discuss effective techniques to monitor and reduce SWD populations year round.
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Farwest New Varieties Showcase submission deadline
♦ MARCH 31 - Do you have one or more exciting new plant introductions? The New Varieties Showcase is the place to show them off to garden centers, growers, landscape designers and architects, trade publications and garden writers. More Info »
OAN membership renewal deadline
♦ APRIL 1 - Membership includes opportunities to market your business, provide the industry with a strong voice, keep your industry knowledge current, and save money. Our member savings calculator helps you quantify your membership return on investment. If you're an existing member and haven't paid your 2016 dues, renew today and stay part of the action!
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ONF scholarship applications due
♦ APRIL 15 - Applications must be postmarked for the Oregon Nurseries Foundation (ONF) scholarships. Ranging from $500 to $1,500, the awards are sponsored by individuals and OAN chapters as a way to support the next generation of green industry professionals. More Info »
Willamette Chapter Plant Sale at Ag Fest
♦ APRIL 23-24 - The Willamette Chapter will hold its annual Plant Sale at the Oregon Ag Fest on April 23-24. Your generous donation of plant materials helps raise money for the chapter's educational fund. More Info »
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Clackamas County student scholarships due
♦ APRIL 29 - Applications are due for the two $2,000 scholarships being offered by the Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District for the 2016–17 school year. For questions, contact Lisa Kilders at 503-210-6002. More Info »
AFE scholarship applications due
♦ MAY 1 - The American Floral Endowment (AFE) is offering more than 20 scholarships to floriculture and horticulture students. The deadline to submit applications is May 1. More Info »
Oregon is the top grower of several deciduous shade trees
Allison Pennell joins OAN staff
Seed Your Future program encourages careers in horticulture
Oregon governor signs landmark minimum wage bill
State revises proposal to increase nursery license fees
EPA approves new Syngenta insecticide
Portland considers changes to approved plant list
2016 Farwest Show announces keynote speaker
Oregon horticultural sales hit $932 million for 2014
Spraying for Asian gypsy moth to begin this spring in Portland
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Our range of respected publications and engaging events provide valuable opportunities to strategically deliver your message and help achieve your sales and marketing goals. From print to digital to in person at the Farwest Show, we can help you find the best way to reach key nursery industry decision-makers through advertising and sponsorship. And as an OAN member you receive exclusive discounts and can save even more with our frequency discount for multiple ads. Download our Media Kit for all the details and contact Blair Thompson at 503-582-2012 or ads@oan.org to discuss how OAN advertising and sponsorship can help your business grow.
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29751 SW Town Center Loop W., Wilsonville, OR 97070
Ph: 503.682.5089 | 888-283-7219 | F: 503.682.5099 | info@oan.org ♦ oan.org
Email your story ideas, tips and comments to Curt Kipp, Director of Publications and Communications, or call him at 503-582-2008.
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