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Oregon Association of Nurseries recognizes friends of nurseries

The Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) has recognized four people and one coalition with Friends of Nurseries awards.

"The OAN gives these awards annually to recognize officials and others from outside our industry who are solution oriented, who consider the nursery and greenhouse point of view, and who act as a partner, regardless of party affiliation," said Jeff Stone, executive director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries. "We appreciate their help and support in attempting to solve problems that affect agriculture and particularly the nursery industry."

The winners for 2018 are: U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Oregon-4) and U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon-5); U.S. Rep. Greg Walden (R-Oregon-2); Andrea Williams, executive director of Causa. » Read more on www.DiggerMagazine.com.

Save the date for the 2019 Hall of Fame banquet

The 2019 OAN Hall of Fame Banquet will be held from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, February 27 at the Abernethy Center ballroom in Oregon City. The Oregon Nurseries' Hall of Fame was established to honor and recognize individuals who have been instrumental in the development of the Oregon nursery industry, have brought credit and recognition to the industry or have had a profound historical impact on the industry. The incoming class of inductees will be announced December 26. Watch this space.

Farwest accepting exhibitor applications for 2019 show

The 2019 Farwest Show is accepting exhibit booth applications as it heads into its 47th year showcasing the excellence of the Green Industry. The show will be held August 21–23, 2019 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, Oregon. Booth information and complete details on the 2019 Farwest Show can be found at www.FarwestShow.com, or contact Allan Niemi at 503-682-5089 or aniemi@oan.org for details and to reserve your booth space. » Read more

Industry leaders honored at OAN Convention

Oregon's nursery and greenhouse industry leaders and servants were recognized at the annual President's Awards Banquet, held on October 27 at the 2018 OAN Convention at Eagle Crest Resort in Redmond, Oregon.

Convention host Rod Park led the awards ceremony, which recognized the following professionals, businesses, and organizations:

• Honorary Life Membership: Cindy Lou Pease, Rod Park
• OAN Outstanding Service Award: Dave Van Essen
• New Nursery Professional of the Year: Scott Ekstrom
• Chapter or Committee of the Year: Willamette Chapter
• Retailer of the Year: Bauman's Farm & Garden
• Distinguished Member of the Horticultural Allied Trades Award: Bill Phillips
• Outstanding Stewardship Award: John Maurer
• Distinguished Education Award: Ryan Contreras
• President's 5 Star Awards: Mark Bigej, Leigh Geschwill, Kyle Fessler, Curt Kipp, Kattie Zielinski, and Jamie and Doug Zielinski

Please visit diggermagazine.com/2018-awards for the full announcement of the award winners and photos of the ceremony.

Oregon's nursery sales grow to new heights

The Oregon nursery industry climbed to its second-best sales year on record in 2017, according to figures from the Oregon Department of Agriculture.

The state's wholesale and retail nurseries tallied an estimated $947.7 million in sales during the calendar year, which was more than enough to make nursery and greenhouse crops Oregon's top agricultural commodity, ahead of cattle and calves, which were in second place at $695 million.

"The wholesale nursery industry is a traded sector that serves markets in every time zone of the United States, as well as Canada and overseas, and brings significant dollars back to the Oregon economy," said Jeff Stone, executive director of the Oregon Association of Nurseries. "More than three-fourths of what we grow in Oregon is shipped over state lines, to destinations as far away as the East Coast."

It was the Oregon nursery industry's best sales year since 2007, when $1.039 billion worth of Oregon nursery and greenhouse products were sold, just prior to the Great Recession.

Read more details on www.DiggerMagazine.com.

Subscribe to eDigger and become a nursery expert

The OAN is excited to announce the launch of eDigger, a new email edition of Digger magazine. It's a new way to read the Digger content you already enjoy, including original articles, columns from industry professionals and valuable tips for growing your business. Each monthly email will contain excerpts from that month's magazine, with links to the full articles. All OAN members will receive eDigger automatically by email. Other eligible green industry professionals may also sign up to receive the magazine by email, traditional print, or both by going to www.diggermagazine.com/subscribe.

Need help with your safety program?

A great safety program is crucial to ensure your workplace is safe. OAN members have access to our online library of 150 safety and health related handouts and posters. Downloads include attitude and awareness, confined spaces, fire safety and emergency response, hazard communication, lifting and moving material, safety posters, and personal protection. Each document is offered in both English and Spanish. Visit the safety page to browse the safety handouts (Members only).