The Oregon Blueberry Commission has selected BCI Management, LLC (BCIM) as its new administrator. BCIM is a new entity formed by Bryant Christie Inc. (BCI), a leading international trade policy, marketing, and research consulting firm that specializes in working with clients in the agricultural, food, and beverage sectors.

BCIM offers a team of experienced professionals, led by Oregon commodity commission veteran Michelle Palacios, who will serve as the new administrator of the Oregon Blueberry Commission.

Palacios is joined by several staff from the previous management firm owned by Bryan and Lisa Ostlund, Pioneer National Advertising, who have retired. In addition to the Blueberry Commission, BCIM is serving as the administrator of the Oregon Tall Fescue, Oregon Ryegrass Growers Seed, Oregon Fine Fescue, and Oregon Clover Commissions, as well as the Oregon Mint Commission.

BCIM is also providing administrative services to four other agricultural associations formerly managed by the Ostlunds, including the Oregon Seed Growers League, Oregon Essential Oil Growers League, the Oregon Seed Research Institute, and the Mint Industry Research Council.

The transition began on September 1, and the Ostlunds are continuing to provide guidance as needed for the next year. “We will still be in the background and still helping as needed,” Bryan Ostlund said.

Eric Rosenberg

Commissioners from the Oregon Blueberry Commission selected BCIM over multiple applicants after what principals described as “a very competitive process.”

“We were thrilled to be selected to administer the Oregon Blueberry Commission,” said BCIM’s President Eric Rosenberg. “We have big shoes to fill following Bryan and Lisa, but we are looking forward to the challenge.”

As Palacios works alongside the Ostlunds to take over their administrative duties for the Oregon Blueberry Commission, she will continue to serve as administrator of the Oregon Hop Commission, a commission she joined out of college and worked with for more than 20 years.

“I have enjoyed my work with the Oregon hop industry and have a huge heart for Oregon agriculture,” Palacios said. “I’m excited for the chance to support a diverse group of Oregon commodities and help them succeed. This opportunity with BCIM and these commissions, especially the blueberry commission, is particularly meaningful to me. With this team, especially with the strength of BCI’s experience and resources, I believe we can accomplish a great deal together.”

Michelle Palacios

Palacios attended Oregon State University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in speech communications from Portland State University.

In addition to bringing on Palacios, BCIM has retained key staff of Pioneer National Advertising. “We think it is important to provide some degree of continuity to these commissions,” Rosenberg said. “Bryan and Lisa have done an outstanding job. We intend to maintain that level of service and earn the trust of these organizations.”

A consideration for the Blueberry Commission in its selection of BCIM is that the firm will be able to draw on the experience and services of BCI. Founded in 1992, BCI helps companies and industry organizations in the agriculture, food and beverage sectors to open, access, and develop markets around the world.

James Christie

BCI’s Global Access team opens new markets and works to eliminate barriers to trade, including tariffs, phytosanitary, and other technical issues. The Market Development team helps organizations implement global marketing strategies and offers grant management services to support their programs. BCI’s Research and Information Services team provides market intelligence, data analysis, and customized research tailored to an industry’s needs. The team also monitors the latest developments on food labeling, packaging, sustainability, and other trade and shipping requirements, delivered in a weekly report called the BCI Monitor.

James Christie, BCIM’s founder and strategic advisor, looks forward to working with the Oregon blueberry industry. “The Oregon blueberry industry is a major player in the global produce market,” Christie said. “With that comes opportunity, but also new and ongoing challenges. Our team looks forward to finding solutions to those challenges moving forward.”