The 2008 winners of the Cecil D. Andrus Leadership Awards for Sustainability and Conservation are MaryJane Butters of Moscow, Idaho and the 2007 Oregon Business Plan Steering Committee.

Environmental activist and organic farmer, MaryJane Butters is a pioneer of sustainability and conservation. She is founder of a thriving environmental group, has developed a diverse array of organic products, and runs a rural enterprise that has been featured in National Geographic magazine. She trains future organic farmers through a farm apprentice program, runs a B&B that was featured in the New York Times Style Magazine, designs and sells her own line of organic linens, and is the creator of Project F.A.R.M. (First-class American Rural Made), an organization that supports rural women’s handicrafts. She is the author of three books on farm living, and her magazine, MaryJanesFarm, is distributed nationwide.

Since 2002, the Oregon Business Plan has provided the strategic framework for Oregon's business and elected leaders, building a stronger, more competitive state economy. In 2006 the focus of the Plan was turned to Oregon’s reputation for sustainability as a competitive advantage, and to leveraging “green” products, services, and expertise. With strong support from the community, the 2007 Oregon Business Plan Steering Committee strategically focused on “green” industries, from wood products to solar energy, to discover industry needs and to find big ideas that advance the sustainability strategy. This focus is proving effective, finding Oregon ahead of the curve with expanded markets and opportunities for sustainable businesses and jobs.

Cecil D. Andrus was the founding board chair of Sustainable Northwest. He served as four-term Governor of Idaho, and as U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Among his many conservation accomplishments, Andrus helped established numerous National Recreation Areas in Idaho. He also ensured the preservation of 103 million acres in perpetuity through the Alaska Native Land Claims Settlement Act.

The annual “Andrus Leadership Awards” recognize people’s demonstrated commitment to stewardship of the environment, economic entrepreneurship, and service to the community. Past recipients have included Stahlbush Island Farms of Corvallis Oregon, Norm Thompson Outfitters of Portland Oregon, Jefferson State Forest Products of Hayfork California, and Celilo Group Media of Portland Oregon.