ANLA - American Nursery & Landscape Association
OFA - The Association of Horticulture Professional
OFA & ANLA Event Map
Momentum Builds for New Horticulture Trade Association
The leadership and staff of ANLA and OFA continue to move forward on the decision to form a new horticulture trade association by 2014. If approved by the memberships of the respective organizations, the consolidation of ANLA and OFA will create a new trade group that will be considered the largest in North America. It is also projected to be the largest association of independent garden centers.
Following one year of working together in a joint venture structure, the boards of directors for both organizations resolved at the end of 2012 to continue supporting the development of a comprehensive horticultural trade association. The new organization will represent the whole of the plant industry, including breeders, greenhouse and nursery growers, garden center retailers, distributors, interior and exterior landscape professionals, florists, students, educators, researchers, manufacturers, and all of those who are part of the industry supply chain. The point is to consolidate the industry into one national association instead of there being several competing interests.
working group
Participants on the ANLA/OFA Joint Venture Working Group
Why Now?
"Some people wonder why we are doing this. It's because our members want this to happen," said Bob Terry, ANLA's president and owner of Fisher Farms in Gaston, Oregon. A membership and organizational study performed at the end of 2011 indicated members of both associations want the organizations to work closer to unify the industry. "Members clearly expressed their preference for their association to be all encompassing—one that touches and links all pieces of the horticulture industry. From breeders to the independent retailers, we believe this can be best accomplished by combining our groups into one organization," explained Terry.
"The combined 215 years of leadership, service, knowledge, and history of these two organizations will result in a more robust experience for our members and ensure the vitality of the horticulture industry," said Mike McCabe, OFA's president and co-owner of McCabe's Greenhouse & Floral in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
Before the consolidation is finalized the two organizations will be working to secure the formal support of their respective memberships, merge operations, complete corporate and legal requirements, determine a dues structure, and confirm a new name, among other activities. In the meantime, both groups will continue to offer their respective member services and industry-wide programs. As progress continues, updates will be shared with members and made public through this website and other communications.
Get Involved—We Want to Hear From You
This is an exciting time for the horticulture industry. The future success of the industry, which includes the entire supply chain, will require different thinking and grander strategies from all of us. Later this year, we will ask our members to vote to approve the consolidation between OFA and ANLA. Until then, we welcome your feedback.
What do you think about this? Questions or comments about the consolidation efforts may be directed to our chief staff executive, Michael Geary, CAE, at michael@ovoi.org.
You can also share your opinions and ideas for the new organization on our One Voice * One Industry Facebook page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: OFA and ANLA seem to be very different organizations. Why are they working together?

A: Once you get past the question of “outside or under glass?” our member businesses look pretty similar. Our grower members are selling through similar supply chains - including garden centers, interior and exterior landscape firms and florists — with similar legislative issues and educational needs.

Both organizations have the same types of member companies, including breeders, distributors, nursery growers, greenhouse growers, garden centers, landscapers, allied trades/services, trade media, and the educational community. Additionally, OFA’s membership includes retail florists and interior plantscapers. In fact, there is very little overlap in membership among the companies so the consolidation will essentially be a doubling of our impact.

There is little duplication in how our two organizations serve the industry, so coming together is not a bid to save money but rather to make the industry’s dollars go farther. Together we can provide greater government representation, a world-class trade show, innovative business and technical education and stronger ties to the researchers and students who represent our industry’s future.

Q: What will be the dues and leadership structure?

A: The devil is in the details. Some companies may pay more and others less then they're currently contributing. The most important detail was the question of whether working together makes sense and the leadership of both groups says, "Yes, it does." When it's the right thing to do, you figure out how to get it done. At this point, numerous financial models have been reviewed and a final budget for the first year, including the dues, has not been finalized.

Regarding leadership, a governance model has been approved by the legacy organizations. Eventually, a board of directors will be organized and they will begin working on the new association while the legacy organizations continue to serve their members throughout the entire year.

Our core beliefs include:
  • Ethical, legal, and transparent decision making;
  • Encouraging candid, thoughtful, inclusive, and diverse dialogue on issues;
  • Accountability to our members and other stakeholders; and
  • Operating in the interest of our industry and the public.

The goals of the proposed governance structure are to:
  • Simplify and accelerate governance and decision-making;
  • Empower the CEO and enhance staff expertise;
  • Involve individuals that are committed, experienced (professional and industry leadership), and have relevant expertise for the governance of a trade association;
  • Reflect, but not mirror, the diversity of the industry (people and businesses); and
  • Represent the entire industry.

Q: Does bringing more industry segments to the table weaken my voice?

Both OFA and ANLA have long histories — sover 200 years combined — of serving a vertically integrated membership and making sure that each segment of their membership has an equal voice in guiding the work of the organization. From a legislative and regulatory standpoint, size matters. It is important for state and federal policy makers to understand the economic impact our industry has on this country and in the global marketplace. By having a larger and more unified voice, our message is better heard.

Q: What will happen to the programs I love like OFA Short Course, the Management Clinic, and a strong advocacy program? Are you cutting back on services to members?

A: Coming together means we're taking the best of each organization's programs and services to provide meaningful value to members and the industry. Serving a broader membership, some things will stay the same and some will change, but we aren't looking to cut back on programming; in fact, the goal is to increase services to our members and the industry. ANLA and OFA pride themselves on continuously getting better. Now we will get better together.

In January 2013, the new Next Level conference will replace the Management Clinic. Additionally, the plan is to expand Short Course to include more nursery, landscaping, and garden center products and education.

Q: What about the name for the new association?

A: Naming the organization will be one of the last decisions made by the new board of directors. First we have to finalize a strategic plan, confirm the core products and services, and seek additional feedback from our members. All of these activities will inform the naming process.

Q: What will happen to the staff and offices?

A: OFA and ANLA have little overlap in their current staff teams. After serving as ANLA's Executive Vice President for 22 years, Bob Dolibois retired on December 31, 2012. OFA's Michael Geary now serves as the CEO of both organizations, with offices in Columbus and Washington.

Our teams are far too busy for this partnership to be a downsizing exercise. A legislative/regulatory and communications team will remain in Washington, DC where their work is done, while our events and management teams will remain at our offices in Columbus.

If you have further questions or have any comments, please contact us at michael@ovoi.org.
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July 2011
  • ANLA and OFA Boards of Directors begin discussions about future collaboration.
  • Working group of volunteer leaders from both groups is appointed to discuss opportunities. This group meets several times in 2011 and 2012.
September-October 2011
  • Boards of Directors resolve for both groups to formally work together on joint programming.
  • Membership surveys conducted.
January 2012
  • Joint venture scheme announced to respective memberships and industry.
February 2012
  • Both boards of Directors meet jointly to review the membership surveys and plans for collaboration.
March 2012
  • First joint effort announced: Next Level conference to be held in 2013.
June 2012
  • Working group meets and reflects on positive feedback about joint venture. They suggest plans for a full consolidation between the organizations should be explored.
July 2012
  • Boards of Directors meet and resolve to do the necessary research to consolidate the two organizations.
  • Organizations announce to respective memberships and industry this decision of the Boards.
October 2012
  • Boards of Directors meet and resolve to the necessary steps to consolidate the two organizations by January 1, 2014.
January 2013
  • Next Level conference occurs, which is the first formal joint program between the two organizations.
  • Bob Dolibois retires from ANLA; Michael Geary assumes responsibility as CEO of both associations.
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