Following bilateral discussions that began in April, organizers of the Washington and Oregon state potato conferences have decided to hold a merged event January 26-28, 2010 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick.  
 
“We believe the combined efforts of the two groups will be beneficial to growers of both states and to the Northwest potato industry,” said Mike Dodds, board chair of the Washington conference. “Representatives of our board had a fruitful meeting with Oregon representatives, both boards discussed the joint venture and some of the particulars, and both voted to approve a combined conference.”  
 
Oregon Potato Commission Executive Director Bill Brewer attended the Washington State Potato Conference board meeting on May 14 and explained that Oregon does not have a separate organization to organize and implement the conference, so the Oregon Commission and the hosting district were responsible each year. 
 
Brewer indicated that some of the Oregon growers attended the 2009 Washington conference at the Convention Center and were impressed with the venue and program. The Oregon conference is held later the same week and competes for growers’ time. “I believe OPC will be getting an improved version of our conference and hope we can add to yours,” Brewer said. 
 
Both states will have underwriting sponsorships for the Washington Oregon Potato Conference. The two groups committed to maintain the joint conference for three years. Three Oregon representatives will serve with the conference board, and Oregon Commissioners will participate in conference duties along side their Washington counterparts, serving the potato bar luncheon, helping with registration and other functions. 
 
The groups expect sponsorships, trade show exhibitors and grower participation will increase because of the combined effort. 
 
#####