What's New

US House budget includes funding increase for P. ramorum

Budget writers in Congress have agreed to boost federal funding to fight the spread of Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen that causes sudden oak death. The 2011 budget is set to include $6 million in support of the systems approach to fighting the disease, thanks to lobbying efforts from the Oregon Association of Nurseries and its federal lobbying firm, Cornerstone Government Affairs. U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) — who represents the Salem area, much of the Willamette Valley, and several suburbs to the south of Portland — has been a key partner and backer in the effort to gain funding. "In a tough budget year, the funding increase demonstrates the understanding by congressional leaders on the need to invest in a systems approach," OAN Director of Government Relations Jeff Stone said. "OAN has been pushing for a greater level of surveys in all regions of the country in order to debunk the notion that West Coast products are more prone to pest and disease. The association will push hard for critical dollars throughout the federal budget process."

Registration is LIVE for Back in the Black!

If you want to guarantee that you'll be able to attend Back in the Black, The 2010 OAN Convention, you're in luck. Registration is now live!. This Sept. 23-25, Back in the Black will be THE place to be, because nursery people rock, and none rock harder than Oregon nursery people.

OAN Sustainability Summit set for October 13

Online registration is now available for the upcoming OAN Sustainability Summit, which will take place from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13 at Hayden's Lakefront Grill, Tualatin, Ore. The summit is aimed at nursery owners and professionals who want to learn more about sustainability, as well as how to tap into the developing market. You'll learn how sustainability can translate directly into profit for your business by improving your efficiency, reducing your costs and increasing your sales. Register Online Today! Questions? Contact Whitney Rideout at 503-582-2019 or wrideout@oan.org.

OAN executive search process continues

The nationwide search process continues to find a new chief executive officer for the Oregon Association of Nurseries. The application period recently ended, with nearly 70 applicants from all over the country seeking the key position, previously held by John Aguirre. The process is being directed by a search committee representing the views and desires of the members. The next task is for the committee to interview a select number of candidates. This is scheduled to happen after Aug. 16. The list will be winnowed down further as the process proceeds to a second and third round of interviews during the month of September. The final selection will be made in early October. A new CEO is scheduled to begin work on Nov. 1.

» See the position description
» Learn about the search process (members only)