Legal

Moves to make while the economy is still good

By Ryan Kuenzi — Posted July 26, 2019

Market fluctuations and shifting consumer trends can create economic complications for businesses across industries. However, even though an economic downturn may be looming, the nursery industry’s current strength provides a sturdy foundation for making informed business decisions that could position companies for stability and growth, regardless of outside influences. Following are three steps your nursery […]

Is there ‘at-will’ employment in Oregon anymore?

By Amy Robinson — Posted August 1, 2017

While Oregon employers can end employment at any time and for any reason, there are several exceptions.

Capital lessons

By Mark Bigej — Posted July 3, 2017

A recent trip to Washington, D.C. leaves lasting impressions on OAN board president Mark Bigej

April 2017

By Peter Szymczak — Posted April 3, 2017

A is for April — and Annuals.

November 2016 — The Water Issue

By Peter Szymczak — Posted November 1, 2016

In this special edition of Digger magazine, we look at water, one of the key ingredients for growing plants.

Hiring the right family business adviser

By Sherri Noxel — Posted November 1, 2016

Business advisers can help nursery owners build a company that will last for generations.

Obtaining and protecting water rights

By Steve Shropshire — Posted November 1, 2016

Agricultural rights holders commonly face a variety of dilemmas.

Court puts new ‘waters of the U.S.’ rule on hold

By Curt Kipp — Posted October 9, 2015

A federal court has put on hold the EPA’s new “waters of the United States” rule, which was announced back in the spring and was widely criticized by leaders from both major political parties as a case of federal overreach. Opponents, including most agricultural groups, fear the rule, if implemented, could subject marginal waterways to […]

Oregon minimum wage will not increase in 2016

By Peter Szymczak — Posted September 21, 2015

Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian announced last week that the minimum wage will remain unchanged next year because the consumer price index (CPI), a measure of inflation and a key economic indicator, was almost unchanged. By law, Oregon’s minimum wage is tied to the CPI. The CPI rose .02 percent, according to annual economic numbers released by the federal government, […]

New H-2B regulations may present hurdles for small businesses

By Peter Szymczak — Posted May 6, 2015

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Labor released new H-2B visa regulations last week after previous versions were struck down by a federal judge. The new rules go into effect this week. While larger employers may be able to follow the rules, added requirements may make it more difficult for […]