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Articles and posts by Curt Kipp

Building your Lean team

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These analytical tools can help nurseries reach the next level of efficiency Last May, Digger presented the Efficiency Issue. We examined ways in which Oregon nurseries are making their operations more efficient, and we showed examples. Each nursery is unique. Our goal was to show off the ingenuity of some growers and inspire others to […]

Identifying value and waste

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The key is in knowing what the customer is actually willing to pay for The central concept of Lean is to identify process steps that add value and those that are wasteful, eliminating the latter to become more efficient. It sounds simple but isn’t. Rick and Elizabeth Peters own a Wilsonville, Oregon-based Lean consulting firm, […]

Garden clubs: Cultivating buzz

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Growers benefit by building relationships with gardening groups, both in person and online Garden clubs have always had a mutually beneficial relationship with wholesale and retail nurseries. Each can provide something the other needs. Nurseries need passionate gardeners who are always in search of new and interesting plant discoveries. Gardeners hunger for knowledge about new […]

New president and CEO takes over at Skagit Horticulture

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Skagit Horticulture has appointed Scott Crownover as the company’s new president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Crownover joined Skagit in 2018 as chief operations officer. In this new role, he is replacing Mark Buchholz, who semi-retired at the end of 2018 and will continue to serve the company in an advisory role. Crownover has […]

Exceptional by nature

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There are many reasons we call Oregon “Nursery Country.” The climate is mild, with enough winter cold for dormancy. That’s essential for spring growth. The growing season is long. Plants grow faster to market-ready size and can be shipped sooner.  And in the Willamette Valley, rainfall is abundant. Plants can grow and thrive even as […]

Kuenzi Turf and Nursery

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Founded: 1990 by Myron Kuenzi About: Turf and tree nursery offering specimen shade and flowering trees, liners and Japanese maples. Principal: Myron Kuenzi Key employees: General manager Tyler Kuenzi, facilities/maintenance and sod production manager, Josh Kuenzi, tree field manager Luis Tellez, customer service Rick Metzger, accounting Sara Kuenzi, tree sales and inventory James O’Brien, secretary […]

Plants West Inc.

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Founded: 1995 by Alicia Cruz-Bernstein About: Broker-grower of ornamentals, conifers, topiaries, evergreen shrubs and deciduous plants. Principals: Alicia and Adam Cruz-Bernstein Employees: 3 full-time, with 2 additional added in the spring. Contact: 27094 S. Bolland Road, Canby, OR 97013-8103 503-266-3912 alicia@plantswestoregon.com Online: www.plantswestoregon.com Trade shows: MANTS Listings: 32 listings on NurseryGuide.com Plants West Inc. may […]

Arrowhead Ornamentals

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Founded: 1997 by Mike Coleman and family About: Grower of finished caliper B&B and containerized trees that are sold to landscapers and re-wholesalers, as well as bare root trees that are sold to other growers to be finished. Principals: Mike and Gail Coleman and other family members Key Employees: Mike Coleman, general manager; Gail Coleman, […]

Oregon Association of Nurseries recognizes Friends of Nurseries

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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 […]