News release ODCC – Each year, the Oregon State University Extension Association honors individuals, organizations and businesses who have made significant contributions to Extension programs. This year, the OSUEA is honoring Seafood OREGON with a Cooperator of the Year Award – “in recognition of its extraordinary support and partnership.” Amanda J. Gladics, on behalf of Oregon Sea Grant’s fisheries extension faculty, made the announcement on Tuesday, October 31, 2017. In her announcement, she noted Seafood OREGON’s consistent service as trusted advisors – providing insights on the industry’s perspective, as well as extensive financial and in-kind support for extension programs related to Oregon fisheries and seafood. “Seafood Oregon’s partnership with the OSU Extension Service has greatly expanded the reach and impact of extension programming and enabled OSU Extension to connect with coastal residents and visitors through the experience of sharing Oregon’s local seafood bounty. This supports experiential learning which increases seafood consumer’s understanding of Oregon’s commercial fisheries and has resulted in more informed, savvy seafood consumers, and ultimately greater support for local seafood businesses. We simply could not deliver these excellent Extension programs to Oregon’s coastal communities on seafood and fisheries without this support.” The award will be presented during the OSU Extension Annual Conference at 6:00 p.m. on December 6th, 2017, at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center in Corvallis.