Payseno: Improving ag support 'one of our highest priorities'

By MITCH LIES

Capital Press

The new manager of the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center, Toni Payseno, plans to work closely with farm groups.

"They are one of the vital partners in the fair," Payseno said. "The fair started with agriculture as a major goal for having the fair."

Payseno took over as manager of the fair Jan. 17. Brian Silcott, the previous manager, left in the spring of 2011 to pursue other interests.

Farm groups have criticized state fair management for lack of support in recent years. Criticism came to a head last summer when a dairy industry leader said the Western National Holstein and West National Jersey Show were pulling out of the fair.

Payseno said she will begin meeting with agricultural organizations "as soon as possible" and brainstorm with them on how to improve operations.

"That is one of our highest priorities," she said.

Payseno, a former urban development manager for the city of Salem, said she also hopes to increase revenue for the fair and exposition center.

"That is one of our main concerns, trying to make it pencil out. But that is not the whole thing," she said. "It's not all about money. We want to provide a good venue for our community."

The fair in recent years has operated at a loss of between $1.5 million and $2 million annually.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department took over management of the fair in 2006. It previously operated as a separate state agency.

Payseno, 51, is the fifth state fair manager in seven years.

Payseno said she grew up in the Willamette Valley and has attended the fair regularly since childhood.

"I'm excited to be here," she said. "I think this is a great opportunity."

Payseno will report to Lisa VanLaanen, an assistant director for the department.

She will earn $79,956 in her new position.