Time for your input is NOW! The OAN Research committee influences the allocation of your research dollars each year. Please take a few minutes now. Your responses to this simple survey will direct our future research.
The OAN government relations team was in the State Capitol on Monday, monitoring activity and analyzing bills as the 2010 Legislature convened. The team has two overall goals: prevent negative impacts on the nursery and greenhouse industry, and recognize opportunities to leverage the support the OAN has earned through its respected outreach efforts. [Read More]
Stone: Oregon small businesses are strong and resilient
From specialty growers to garden centers to unique and innovative suppliers, small businesses are a critical part of the Oregon nursery industry. For that reason, it's fitting that Jeff Stone, OAN Director of Government Relations, also serves as president of the Oregon Small Business Coalition.
Last week, Oregon Public Broadcasting asked Stone to comment on President Obama's State of the Union speech. In it, the president announced a $30 billion proposal to assist community banks typically lending to smaller businesses, as well as a proposed tax credit for small firms that hire new employees. Stone said these proposals were welcome steps. "Ultimately, our goal is to get more Oregonians working," he said. "Any type of incentive, whether it's utilized or not, at least shows ability by the administration to recognize that the small business owner is having a hard time right now." [Read More]
Membership benefits include the 2011 OAN Member Directory
Are you a member of the OAN? One of the benefits of membership is access to a select and exclusive group of nursery professionals. Not only do you get the opportunity to network in person at association and chapter events, you also get contact information for all the OAN members at your fingertips. The new, 2011 edition of the OAN Member Directory will be the only place where contact information for every OAN member is listed. Get the most out of your industry involvement. Renew your membership and receive the exclusive OAN Member Directory when it is published in late June.
Scholarships are available from the Oregon Nurseries Foundation
Applications are now available for the 2010 college scholarships offered by the Oregon Nurseries Foundation. There are 16 different awards sponsored by individuals and Oregon Association of Nurseries Chapters as a way to support the next generation of green industry professionals. All applications must be postmarked or delivered to the OAN office no later than April 1, 2010. Eligible persons include graduating high school seniors, current college students, and college graduates embarking on a graduate student research project. For more information about the scope of the awards and for an application form, browse scholarship.oan.org.
Northwest charities contribute to relief efforts in Haiti
Several folks have asked us how they can contribute to ongoing relief efforts in Haiti. The Oregon Association of Nurseries has compiled a list of several Northwest-based charities that are part of ongoing aid to earthquake victims. Please consider making a donation to help those less fortunate.
Oregon: The State of Perfection
Digger magazine visits Sester Farms in Gresham, Ore., talking about the Sester Dwarf spruce.
Our second annual tour of Oregon nurseries reveals how quality plants are grown here. - Clip 2
