So now there is word on the fate of our annual February show, although perhaps not the final word. Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association, which was trying to raise money to buy the show, has dropped out of the running. It's not easy to raise money from nurseries in this cold, recession-burdened spring.
More fatal to owner Duane Kelly's hopes of selling the show was the vote last night by the board of the Northwest Horticultural Society. NHS was the leading contender, and eager board members were ready with a press release and fund-raising strategy. A tentative agreement had been reached, based on board approval. But negotiations broke down over the down payment, and the board voted last night to abandon efforts to purchase the show.
There are rumors that Kelly, who laid off his staff more than a month ago, has a couple more interested buyers....stay tuned.
We'll keep our fingers crossed. Thanks for keeping us posted, Valerie.
Posted by: Fiona Gilsenan | May 15, 2009 at 12:04 PM