The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Newport. The mission of their organization is to create unique and engaging experiences that connect you to the Oregon coast and inspire ocean conservation. The Aquarium is a living classroom for all learning styles and ages. As one of Oregon’s top tourist attractions, the Aquarium is a vital educational resource for the state, with over 40,000 students visiting the Aquarium each year. In recent years, they have started evaluating their role in how they can conserve oceans and minimize marine debris.

Lauren Norris, long-time leader of the Portland Master Recycler Program, recently retired. Colleagues and former Master Recycler students nominated Lauren to receive a Lifetime Achievement Awards. Genevieve Joplin of the City of Portland, presented and accepted the award on Lauren's behalf. This is what Genevieve had to say: 

The Driving Diversity Program, nominated by Kristin Leichner of Pride Disposal, started shortly after he Portland Haulers Association (PHA) DEI consultant Johnell Bell, Founder/President of Espousal Strategies connected PHA with Worksystems. Worksystems brought along partners Interstate Trucking Academy and SE Works to join with PHA in building the program. Driving Diversity in Portland prepares participants for family-wage driving jobs with benefits at PHA member companies.

Elaine Blatt and the Bad Apple Campaign was nominated by Sanne Stienstra of Oregon DEQ. Sanne had this to say as she presented the award: 

Nominated by the City of Gresham, here is what award presenter Gretchen Sandau had to say about this group:

Nominated by Cathy Brown of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Eastern Region, she felt compelled to shine the light on this winner and their efforts that extend beyond materials and sustainability. While providing mental health support and well-being in their community, this organization has also led a grassroots effort in rural Oregon that targets an impactful material: food waste. 

What is your name? Anthony Pearia 

Where do you work and what do you do? I'm a self employed Machinist. I run CNC machines making small scale runs of parts for a variety of clients. In Metals, Wood, and Plastic.

What is the name of your business or organization? Zero Waste McMinnville Foundation 

Eight AOR members have stepped forward to make a run for the five open positions on the AOR board. Candidates will have an opportunity to address the membership during the annual meeting at the upcoming Sustainable Oregon Conference in Bend, 10/26 - 10/28.

Nominations will also be taken from the floor. All members with voting priveleges will have the opportunity to vote as we will be using electronic balloting.

What is the name of your business or organization? 
Organically Grown Company, known in the industry as OGC.