OR Association Of Nurseries To Host Sustainability Summit

WILSONVILLE, Oregon  – The Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN), as part of its overall Sustainability Initiative, is hosting a Sustainability Summit on October 13, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Hayden's Lakefront Grill in Tualatin, Ore.

The Summit is aimed at nursery owners and professionals who want to learn more about sustainability, how to tap into the developing market, and how sustainability can translate directly into profit through efficiency improvements.

The event is just one piece of the OAN Sustainability Initiative which has several projects aimed at identifying and promoting sustainable practices, making available resources to assist growers, and enhancing marketplace recognition and value for sustainably produced Oregon plants. The initiative began in July of 2009.

The morning session of the Sustainability Summit covers the driving forces behind the sustainable product market. It will include research from Pivot Group LLC and a panel of nursery industry leaders. The afternoon will focus on translating sustainability into savings and profit, and will include an overview of energy efficiency and renewables training and incentives programs.

"The sustainability tide is rising locally, nationally and globally," said Whitney Rideout, Business Development Manager for the OAN. "It is real, it is significant, and it influences the actions of the individuals and organizations upon whom we all depend for our continued success."

For more information or to register, contact Whitney Rideout at wrideout@oan.org or 503-682-5089. Information about the OAN Sustainability Initiative can be found on the Association's web site at www.oan.org.

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The Oregon Association of Nurseries, based in Wilsonville, represents more than 1,200 wholesale growers, retailers, landscapers and suppliers. Oregon's ornamental horticulture industry is among the state's largest agricultural commodities, with annual sales of $820 million. More than 75 percent of the nursery plants grown in Oregon are shipped out of state. For information visit www.oan.org or call (503) 682-5089.

Contact Info: Elizabeth Peters, Director of Communications Oregon Association of Nurseries 503-682-5089 / epeters@oan.org

Source: The Oregon Association of Nurseries