Nursery Groups Pursue Merger

Leaders of the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) and the Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association (WSNLA) are discussing the possible merger of the two associations.

The groups have been casually discussing the idea since April. Group leaders said Ore. and Wash. share similar climates, geography and population profiles. Retailers, growers and landscapers in the two states also face many of the same marketing challenges, and must contend with similar legislative and regulatory issues.

A combined association could result in more than 1,800 individual members, drawing on Oregon’s strength in the wholesale sector with Washington’s strength in the retail sector.

“Oregon’s membership is grower-dominated while Washington has a larger percentage of retailers, landscapers and nursery wholesale distribution companies,” said OAN pres. Tom McNabb.

Tom Quigley, pres. of WSNLA, said, “This is a great example of looking at old challenges in new ways and demonstrates the commitment of both organizations to provide innovative leadership in challenging times.” The boards of both have planned several meetings to get input from members. A blog has been created for members to monitor the discussions.