ALCA November/December 2024

The

ALCA

A R I Z O N A L A N D S C A P E C O N T R AC T O R S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N

INFLUENCE

November/December 2024

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

November/December 2024 The

ALCA

A R I Z O N A L A N D S CA P E CO N T R AC T O R S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N

I N F LU E N C E

President’s and CEO’s Message....................................................................6 Sponsors..........................................................................................................7 Education Coordinator’s Message................................................................8 ALCA Education 2024...................................................................................9 New Members..............................................................................................10 Calendar of Events.......................................................................................10 2023 ALCAs Excellence Awards - Back to Nature Landcare Inc............ 12 2023 ALCAs Excellence Awards - Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management................................................................................. 12 2023 ALCAs Excellence Awards - Creative Environments ................ 13-15 2023 ALCAs Excellence Awards - Hillman Workshop.............................16 2023 Excellence in Landscaping Award Sponsors...................................16 Power Tools...................................................................................................17 ALCA Member Profile: Evergreen Turf, Inc.................................................18 ALCA Member Profile: Hunter.....................................................................19 ALCA Member Profile: Hill & Usher & Trim Risk........................................ 20 ALCA Membership Application................................................................... 21 Resource Guide/Ad Index..........................................................................22

GROWING NATIVE DESERT TREES & ORNAMENTAL SHADE TREES

24” Box up to 48” Box Arizona Certified Nursery Certifiable to ship out-of-state Contract Growing for Large Projects SALES:

Hunter Hawkins 602.625.1566 hunter@westerntree.com

Mo Ibarra 602.763.8004 mo@westerntree.com

Eric Johnson 602.738.8733 ej@westerntree.com

Office 602.243.6125 • Fax 602.243.3764 3401 E. Southern Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85040

www.westerntree.com

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS President

Nickie Velten DTR Landscape Development, LLC

Vice President

PUBLICATION Advertising

Association Outsource Services, Inc. (916) 961-9999 www.aosinc.biz

Warren Runcorn ABC Scapes Inc

Printing

Secretary

Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association

Kim Kleski Kleski & Associates

Treasurer

Beth Postma All Season Wholesale Growers

Diversified Print Solutions 5425 E Bell Road, Suite 105 Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 Phone: 602-626-7091 www.ALCA.org

Executive Director Linda Turnage

Linda@ALCA.org

The ALCA Influence is the official publication of the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association. ALCA and The ALCA Influence assume no responsibility for the statements or opinions appearing in articles under an author’s name. The services of an attorney or accountant should be sought in legal and tax matters. For editorial information, contact the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association, 5425 E. Bell Road, Suite 105, Scottsdale, Arizona 85254; telephone (602) 626-7091 e-mail linda@ALCA.org.

The Participant hereby irrevocably grants the Company permission to use the Participant’s voice, image and likeness in any photograph, video, internet site, audio-recording, and in any and all of its publications, including website entries (collectively “Promotional Materials”) without payment or any other consideration.

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PRESIDENT & CEO MESSAGE ALCA BULLETIN BOARD

ALCA’s Upcoming Three-Year Strategic Planning Meeting: A Blueprint for Organizational and Personal Growth

the Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association (ALCA) gears up As for its highly anticipated, first-ever, Three Year Strategic Planning Meeting, there is a palpable sense of excitement about the future. This

Resource Alignment: A key component of ALCA’s planning process will involve aligning resources—whether financial, technological, or human—with its goals. In personal strategic planning, this means idenmeeting will bring together leaders, stakeholders, and members from across tifying the resources you’ll need to achieve your objectives. It might be the organization to map out ALCA’s vision and networking connections, further education, or developing specific skills. goals for the next three years. Yet, while the Just as ALCA must make budgetary decisions, individuals should also focus will primarily be on the organization’s allocate time, energy, and resources efficiently.

Flexibility and Adaptation: The world is constantly changing, and strategic objectives, the principles guiding these discussions can be highly relevant to individuals so must strategic plans. ALCA will account for potential disruptions in seeking direction in their personal and profes- the landscaping industry and ensure its strategy is flexible. In personal planning, it’s crucial to remain adaptable. Life circumstances—such as sional lives. health, family obligations, or economic shifts—can require us to pivot our The Significance of Strategic Planning plans. The ability to reassess and adjust your goals as needed is a critical for ALCA component of long-term success.

The Three-Year Strategic Planning Meeting Sustainability and Balance: ALCA is not just planning for growth Nickie Velten provides a structured opportunity to reflect on but for sustainable growth. For individuals, this translates to finding a 2024 ALCA President current achievements, assess market trends, and balance between ambition and well-being. Pursuing personal goals at chart a course that aligns with the evolving needs the expense of mental and physical health is unsustainable. Like ALCA, of its members. This year’s planning session is personal strategic plans should consider how to achieve growth in a way expected to focus on several key areas: that is harmonious and sustainable over time.

Member Engagement and Support: Ensuring that ALCA continues to offer innovative Conclusion: Aligning Organizational and Personal programs, resources, and networking opportuni- Strategies ALCA’s Three-Year Strategic Planning Meeting represents more ties to support its diverse membership.

Technology Integration: Exploring ways to than just a roadmap for the organization—it serves as a valuable model leverage technology to enhance member commu- for individuals seeking to plan their futures. Whether you’re a career nication, improve access to resources, and create professional looking to make your next move or simply someone aiming more personalized experiences for our members. for more personal fulfillment, strategic planning can help you align your Linda Turnage Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: resources, stay adaptable, and pursue sustainable growth.

Executive Director As ALCA embarks on this strategic journey, its members are encourStrengthening efforts to build a more inclusive aged to do the same. Through careful reflection, goal setting, and alignment community by addressing equity in career access of resources, both organizations and individuals can carve out a clear and growth.

Sustainability and Growth: Developing a financial and operational path to success, ensuring that they are prepared for the challenges and plan that supports long-term sustainability while expanding membership opportunities that lie ahead. and organizational impact.

Warmest Regards, The importance of this meeting lies not only in the outcomes that Nickie Velten – 2024 ALCA President will drive ALCA’s future but also in how these outcomes are achieved. Linda Turnage – ALCA Executive Director The strategic planning process itself is a powerful exercise in visioning, goal setting, and resource alignment—elements that mirror personal development strategies.

How Strategic Planning Principles Relate to Personal Growth

Just as organizations like ALCA engage in strategic planning to thrive in a competitive environment, individuals can apply these same principles to their personal and professional lives. Here’s how the strategies discussed during ALCA’s Three-Year Strategic Planning Meeting can be adapted for personal use: Reflection and Assessment: The first step in any strategic plan is understanding where you currently stand. ALCA will examine its past performance and assess current trends. Similarly, personal strategic planning begins with self-reflection—evaluating your strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and areas of improvement. What have you achieved in the past few years? What challenges have you faced? This level of selfawareness helps create a solid foundation for future growth.

Setting Long-Term Goals: ALCA will outline ambitious yet achievable goals for the next three years. On a personal level, individuals can think about where they want to be in their careers or personal lives in the next three years. Are you aiming for a promotion? A career change? A healthier lifestyle? Setting clear, long-term goals provides direction and purpose.

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Special Thank You to our ALCA Sponsors PLATINUM SPONSORS All Season Wholesale Growers Arizona CLA LLC Belgard/Superlite Block an Oldcastle Co Civano Growers Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock – a SiteOne Landscape Supply Company Desert Tree Farm

Enterprise Fleet Management Evergreen Turf Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply Hill & Usher Insurance & Surety Horizon Distributors Hunter Industries/FX Luminaire

LeBaron & Carroll Rain Bird Corporation SiteOne Landscape Supply South Coast Wholesale The Synthetic Grass Store/ Arizona Turf Masters Vermeer Mountain West West Coast Turf

Join Our Team to Volunteer Arizona Landscape Contractor’s Association 5425 E Bell Road, Suite 105 Scottsdale, Arizona 85254 www.ALCA.org | 602-626-7091

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EDUCATION COORDINATOR

In Reflection of 2024

By Frances Craik

O

ctober 9, 2024, marked my one-year anniversary with ALCA, a milestone that took me by surprise. At first, I was struck by how quickly this year seemed to have flown by—too quickly, in fact.

However, as I took a moment to reflect on the transformative journey I’ve had with ALCA, it became clear why a full year has indeed passed.

This time has been filled with significant changes and personal growth, both for the organization and for myself. From overcoming challenges to celebrating successes, each experience has contributed to my development and deepened my connection to the mission of ALCA. As I look back, I’m filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and excited for what the future holds.

Our ALCA Certified Landscape Professional (ACLP) program recently concluded for the year, achieving a remarkable milestone with the highest level of student participation in ALCA history. We saw the ALCA Training Room consistently sell out for many classes, accommodating a full capacity of 32 students. However, even when our in-person classes reached capacity, we provided a hybrid option that allowed an unlimited number of students to engage live via Zoom. This flexibility has enabled participants from all corners of Arizona—from Nogales to Prescott—to immerse themselves in foundational landscape topics that not only enhance their skill sets but also open doors to greater career opportunities.

Throughout the year, I have been actively gathering feedback from students, volunteer Frances Craik educators, and ALCA Members. This invaluable Education Coordinator input has allowed me to pinpoint the strengths of our programs, identify gaps in education,

and recognize areas that require updates to keep pace with the rapidly evolving landscaping industry. In 2025, I am excited to collaborate with ALCA Members through small groups and committees to thoroughly review all of our ACLP classes, ensuring they are not only relevant but also effective in preparing our students for future challenges. If you’re interested in participating in this important process, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Your insights and involvement would be greatly appreciated as we work together to enhance the quality of our program. The ACLP classes in Tucson have experienced an incredible surge in student and member participation, so much so that we have officially outgrown the Auditorium at the Randolph 8

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Center. This overwhelming interest is a testament to the value and relevance of our programs. Looking ahead to 2025, students can anticipate taking ACLP classes at the conveniently located Pima Community College Downtown Campus, where we will have access to a spacious room equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology. This upgraded environment will enhance the overall presentation quality and educational experience, ensuring that participants receive the best possible training.

I am particularly grateful to have Shannon Scott as a cornerstone of our Tucson ACLP Program. His dedication and expertise have been instrumental in our success. Additionally, I am excited

about the new instructors we are onboarding to co-teach alongside him, allowing us to expand our educational offerings and provide a more diverse range of perspectives and insights to our students.

Thanks to the strong support we’ve received for education in Tucson, ALCA is thrilled to announce that we will be offering the Sustainable Landscape Management® course to our Members and landscape professionals for the very first time in Spring 2025. This is an exciting opportunity that reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation within the landscaping industry. Together, we are not just building skills; we are cultivating a community dedicated to excellence and environmental stewardship.

ALCA has taken significant strides in offering a range of workshops and webinars tailored for landscape professionals, aimed at enhancing their education and providing supplemental information on specialized topics within the landscaping industry. These sessions have been well-received,

ALCA Education 2024

By Frances Craik

highlighting the need for ongoing professional development. In response to industry demands, we are excited to announce the development of more comprehensive programs that will include Certificates of Completion and Certificates of Competency for their respective areas of focus.

Looking ahead, we are eager to collaborate closely with our Members and industry experts to design targeted programs covering a variety of essential topics, including Turf Conversion, Smart Controllers, Outdoor Landscape Lighting, Business Seminars, and Water Conservation.

Additionally, we aim to create a platform that brings together Landscape Contractors, Landscape Architects, and Nurserymen and women to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing.

These new programs will not only provide opportunities for Continuing Education Units but will also serve as a vital resource for those holding ALCA credentials. By engaging in these educational offerings, professionals can continue to expand their expertise, integrate innovative practices into their work, and enhance their careers in this dynamic industry. We are committed to empowering our Members through education, ensuring they remain at the forefront of landscaping practices and sustainability initiatives.

In the upcoming years, ALCA is committed to expanding our programs to include offerings in Spanish. This initiative is part of our dedication to equity, ensuring that Spanish-speaking professionals in the landscaping industry have access to the same opportunities for career advancement as their English-speaking counterparts. As landscape professionals, they play a crucial role as stewards of our precious desert landscapes and natural resources. It is essential that they are equipped with the information and tools necessary to manage our water, soil, and vegetation sustainably and responsibly. By providing educational resources in Spanish, we aim to foster a more inclusive environment where every professional can thrive and contribute to the health of our ecosystems.

Reflecting on the achievements of 2024, I feel a deep sense of excitement and gratitude for what we have accomplished together. I am incredibly thankful for all the Members and volunteer educators who generously share their time and expertise, enabling us to run impactful educational programs. Their dedication is the backbone of our success. I am continually inspired by the innovative solutions that the landscaping industry brings to the climate challenges we face, and I am eager to continue this important work as ALCA’s Education Coordinator. Together, we are not just educating; we are cultivating a community that is resilient, informed, and proactive in addressing the pressing environmental issues of our time.

I look forward to collaborating with all of you as we embark on this journey of growth and transformation.

Shannon Scott, Jason Drain, and Maggie Saulsby, ACLP Tucson Educators with Frances Craik during ACLP Irrigation

ALCA Students and Educators next to the tree used for ACLP Tree Planting and Staking demonstration

Beth Postma and Frances Craik at the SHADE Conference

Doug Donahue and ACIT participants preparing a Water Audit during ACIT Spring 2024

Tony Acosta, Leo Acosta, Ralph Holt, and Samantha Bosley celebrating a successful ACLP Irrigation class November/December 2024 T THE ALCA INFLUENCE

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NEW MEMBERS Arnold Insurance

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Desert Scape LLC

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Doering Fleet Management

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BISTRO 12 VOLT STRING KIT

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We offer a full range of equipment to meet sales, rental, and leasing requirements throughout the United States and internationally.

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A great addition to any outdoor lighting job, bistro lights add a touch of elegance and ambiance for entertaining. The Brilliance Bistro 12 Volt String Kit comes in 26 ft., 52 ft, 98 ft & 150 ft kit options.

Use this low voltage bistro string with the corresponding low voltage string connection accessories for custom length bistro lighting. This string is for use with low voltage lamps only.

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Petrichor Landscape Management

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Contractor Class 1

2024/2025 Calendar of Events NOVEMBER

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

7

23 ACLP Plant Identification – ALCA office or online 25 ACLP Plant Identification – Tucson in Person 30 ACLP Soils and Fertilizer – ALCA office or online 31 SLM – Sustainable Landscape Management – ALCA office or online

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ACIT – ALCA Certified Irrigation Technician – ALCA office only (Day 3) 23 ALCA 2024 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Gala DECEMBER 11 Tucson Member Mixer 18 Phoenix Member Mixer

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ACLP Tree Planting & Staking – ALCA office or online 22 ACLP Tree Planting & Staking – Tucson in Person 27 ACLP Irrigation – ALCA office or online 28 ACLP Irrigation (Spanish) – ALCA office

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ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2023 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Back to Nature Landcare Inc.

Sponsored by:

General Motors EV Hummer Track at State Farm Stadium, Commercial Installation, $100,000 - $500,000, Award of Excellence

2023 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management

Cadence at Gateway, Commercial Maintenance $500,000 - $1 Million, Judges Award

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Sponsored by:

ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2023 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Creative Environments

Sponsored by:

Sterling Grove By The Toll Brothers Front Yards, Commercial Maintenance $500,000 - $1 Million, Judges Award

Signature at the Phoenician Community Area, Commercial Installation $100,000 - $300,000, Award of Distinction

Sterling Grove Marketing Trail, Commercial Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Award of Distinction

The Highland Oasis-Private Residence, Residential Installation $50,000 - $100,000, Award of Excellence

Preserve at Santan Community Areas, Commercial Installation Over $1 Million, Award of Distinction

November/December 2024 T THE ALCA INFLUENCE

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ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2023 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Creative Environments

Sponsored by:

Paradigm, Residential Installation $100,000 -$200,000, Award of Distinction

Prelude at Oro Ridge, Residential Installation $200,000 - $300,000, Award of Distinction

Stone Crest, Residential Installation $300,000 - $500,000, Award of Distinction

The Desert Sanctuary- Private Residence, Residential Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Award of Distinction

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Reserve at Storyrock, Residential Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Award of Distinction

ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2023 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Creative Environments

Sponsored by:

Rosewood Canyon, Residential Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Judges Award

Rosewood Highlands, Residential Installation $500k-$1M, Judges Award

Waterston North, Residential Installation $500,000 - $1 Million, Award of Distinction

Atalon Collection at Adero Canyon, Residential Installation Over $1 Million, Award of Excellence

Sterling Grove ModelsHastings, Ballantyne, St Helena, Residential Installation Over $1 Million, Award of Excellence

November/December 2024 T THE ALCA INFLUENCE

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ALCA LANDSCAPING AWARDS

2023 Excellence in Landscaping Awards Hillman Workshop

Sponsored by:

2023 Excellence in Landscaping Award Sponsors

Belgard/Superlite Block

Belgard Hardscapes is a brand within the Oldcastle APG Portfolio. Since 1995, we have transformed thousands of residential and commercial properties across North America.

(602) 352-3845 www.belgard.com

Enterprise Fleet Management

Optima Kierland, Commercial Installation Over $1 Million, Award of Excellence

Enterprise Fleet Management is a privatelyheld, full-service fleet management business for companies, government agencies and organizations operating medium-sized fleets of 20 or more vehicles, as well as those seeking an alternative to employee reimbursement programs. Part of our total transportation solution, Enterprise Fleet Management is an affiliate of Enterprise Holdings Inc. and owned by the Taylor family of St. Louis, Mo. 480-783-8124 www.efleets.com

OnSite OilChange Plus

OnSite OilChange Plus is the oil change shop that comes to you. They perform services in residential and commercial locations. OnSite OilChange Plus services cars, trucks, RVs, and fleets.

(480) 470-0352 onsiteoilchangeplus.com

Midway Chevrolet/Isuzu

Midway Commercial Truck and Fleet Outlet is dedicated to providing its customers with the finest new and used Chevrolet and Isuzu commercial trucks and commercial vans.

2201 W Bell Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85023 (833) 895-6832 www.midwaycommercial.com

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BULLETIN BOARD

Power Tools Article provided by Grainger

P

ower tools present more hazards than hand tools due to the speed at which they operate and the potential for the user to come into contact with the power source (electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic etc.).

There are differences between the PPE suggested for use with hand tools and the PPE suggested for safe power tool use.

Eye protection, such as safety glasses or goggles, is especially important when using power tools. The speed at which drills, saws, grinders, sanders and routers operate can propel small particles much faster and farther than hand tools. Others working around the area where power tools are used

should also wear protective eyewear. Certain power tools may require using a face shield, in addition to safety glasses or goggles. For example, a face shield is suggested while using a grinder, due to the amount of hot metal particles generated. A face shield is considered a secondary form of eye protection and should always be used in conjunction with a primary from of protection – safety glasses or goggles. OSHA’s Eye and Face Protection eTool describes the role of a face shield as PPE this way, “When worn alone, face shields do not protect employees from impact hazards. Use face shields in combination with safety spectacles or goggles, even in the absence of dust or potential splashes, for additional protection beyond that offered by spectacles or goggles alone.”

Standard cotton or leather work gloves can protect your hands from minor scrapes and cuts while working with various materials. Cut-resistant gloves are not designed for, or capable of providing protection against a moving blade or bit. The best way to prevent injury from moving parts is to keep your hands on the tools' handles and keep all guards in place.

Anti-vibration gloves minimize the vibration created by hammerdrills and rotary hammerdrills.

Safety footwear is recommended when using power tools. Safety shoes with a nonslip, electrically insulated sole and a protective toe cap will provide protection against dropped objects and misdirected electricity.

The higher sound levels generated by some power tools, especially if used over extended periods of time, may require the use of earplugs or earmuffs. Power sanding and grinding operations may require the use of a particulate respirator. Each situation must be analyzed to determine the type of PPE that is required for the safe use of each type of power tool.

Along with PPE, proper attire is also important while using power tools. Tie back or cover long hair and don’t wear loose or torn clothing.

Hair and clothing that strays too far from the body can get caught in power tools. Because of this potential, loose jewelry should be avoided as well.

Find more safety tip articles on ALCA’s website - https://www.azlca. com/safety-tips.

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November/December 2024 T THE ALCA INFLUENCE

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ALCA MEMBER PROFILE EVERGREEN TURF, INC.

Evergreen Turf, Inc.

G

rass in the Desert? Why, Yes! Wherever people live and play, there is a need for grass! COVID taught us a lot of lessons, (most of them we hope to never repeat), but one of the lessons that resonates with our industry, people more than ever, want to be outdoors.

They want fresh air. They want to connect with nature. They want to live a healthy lifestyle. For anyone with small children or pets, that means natural grass under their bare feet! Literally!

The pandemic brought better than expected sales to the sod industry.

The Pandemic helped increase the rounds of golf, which in turn, created a demand for sod repair work and upgrades to golf courses. Sports fields are increasing in demand as youth sports are at an all-time high. More people are working from home, realizing the need to upgrade their outdoor living space. Natural grass saw a huge resurgence as people realized that life outdoors is more pleasant with cool grass underfoot.

As we face record drought and record heat, many people feel that grass has no place in the desert, but the reality is, if people are going to live in this desert, then the responsible use of grass will be a part of our lives.

How do we balance the use of grass while saving water?

At Evergreen Turf our first priority has always been to help our cus18

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tomers find the best grass for their specific needs. Evergreen grows more than 10 different grasses, just for Arizona, each with its own specific use to ensure the success of our recreational space in the Sonoran Desert.

TifTuf has made a splash the last few years. After rigorous testing in Arizona and California, we can confirm that it is the most drought tolerant bermudagrass on the market today. You will begin to see it’s use on golf courses and sport fields first. Fairways have already been converted at Alta Mesa CC, The Biltmore, Pebble Creek GC, McCormick Ranch and a number of other local golf courses. The Arizona Cardinals have upgraded their stadium with TifTuf, and along with a number of High Schools. We are beginning to see homeowners request TifTuf as they hope to lower their water bill by using this grass.

As landscapes and trees mature, we see shade lines extending into grass areas. No grass can tolerate 100% shade in Arizona, but TifGrand and Palmetto St. Augustine both tolerate as little as 4-6 hours of sunlight.

The right grass for the right application!

Midiron is still king of our landscape grasses, the main reason, it is the easiest grass to maintain. The easiest to overseed, and the best transitioning grass from overseeding.

It can be mowed at 3 inches or half an inch, it is drought tolerant and produces very little thatch.

Tifway is still the standard for sports turf and golf course fairways Arizona. A durable hybrid that makes a great playing surface for athletes. Grown on soil or sand.

Tifgreen, once the standard for golf course putting greens, it is now used for high quality fairways, home lawns and even a few, low use sports fields.

Honorable mention: Other grasses that have specialized uses are MiniVerde Ultra-dwarf, TifEagle Ultra-dwarf, and TifDwarf.

Evergreen Turf was established 25 years ago right here in Arizona. We now have operations in New Mexico, Southwest Texas, and California. No matter which of our farms you deal with, you can be sure that we will help you choose the right grass, for the right location, grown the right way!

ALCA MEMBER PROFILE HUNTER

Tackling Sustainability Challenges One Irrigation Controller at a Time

F

rom residential landscapes to agricultural zones to sports fields, a well-managed watering plan is a must for maintaining usable green spaces, growing food, and connecting people with the outdoors.

Smart irrigation plays a vital role in achieving new levels of sustainability for the environment and the communities where we live, work, and play.

One component of smart irrigation that is frequently ignored is the practice of upgrading older or malfunctioning irrigation controllers to newer, more efficient units—and disposing of old items in an environmentally responsible manner.

Generally, irrigation products are meant to go unnoticed. They’re installed underground or in hard-to-reach places and are designed to blend in with the surrounding environment. When all parts of an irrigation system are working as intended, it’s easy to forget that these products are all around us. By the same token, we forget they must be replaced periodically and responsibly disposed of.

This is where Blue Star Recyclers comes in. The award-winning 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization creates jobs for people with autism and other disabilities by recycling electronics and other e-waste. Blue Star Recyclers is tackling sustainability challenges in the irrigation industry one controller at a time by ethically recycling old controllers and creating jobs in the process. Diverting waste from landfills directly benefits the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions generated during transportation and processing. Additionally, recycling the components allows them to be reused in new ways, which conserves natural resources. Finally, when these old controllers are removed, current-generation controllers can be installed in their place, saving significant amounts of water and energy.

Since launching, Blue Star Recyclers has experienced breakout success and reached full sustainability. Over time, Blue Star Recyclers has increased its e-waste processing capacity from 250,000 pounds to 30 million pounds, making the organization the largest electronics recycler in Colorado. The team has grown as well, from six to over 100 employees across four facilities in two states.

At Hunter, we’re striving to advance our sustainability goals by developing new water-saving technologies, products, and services that will have an impact far beyond our industry. We salute the unsung heroes of the industry, like Blue Star Recyclers, for their commendable environmental and social achievements. To learn more about Blue Star Recyclers and the organization’s mission, visit http://www.bluestarrecyclers.org/.

How the Hunter-Blue Star Recyclers Partnership Began

As part of our broader Corporate Social Responsibility goals, Hunter Industries established a target to achieve a zero-net-waste certification by 2030. This means at least 90% of our waste must be diverted from landfills. So far, we have recycled more than six tons of discarded irrigation controllers and helped pay for six days of employment for one Blue Star Recyclers team member. Hunter wants every irrigation controller in the world recycled. To achieve this goal, we need your help. That’s why we have expanded our Irrigation Controller Recycling Program to Hunter Preferred Program members nationwide. For more information, visit: https://hunter.info/controllerrecycling.

Elevating the Irrigation Industry

Blue Star Recyclers helps the irrigation industry achieve sustainability goals by making it easy to upgrade less efficient controllers to the current generation of smart controllers. These new internet-connected controllers automatically fine-tune irrigation schedules based on real-time conditions, saving significant amounts of water. Smart controllers offer two major benefits for the environment: conserving energy by updating irrigation schedules to prevent watering when it’s not needed, and saving water, the source of life for our communities. Additionally, Blue Star Recyclers has inspired industry organizations to put competition aside for the greater good by establishing industry-wide best practices for sustainability in the process.

“We take our responsibility to the planet very seriously at Hunter Industries,” said Warren Gorowitz, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Hunter Industries. “By partnering with Blue Star Recyclers, we accelerate our ability to make positive social and environmental impacts that benefit local communities while safeguarding our world for future generations.”

Professional, Personalized, and Experienced Guidance in the Sale and Acquisition of Arizona Businesses

Do you know how much your business is worth?

MACOR ASSOCIATES, INC. 602-989-9960 jmagrogan@macorassociates.com www.macorassociates.com

Jim Magrogan

Designated Broker

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ALCA MEMBER PROFILE HILL & USHER

Hill & Usher & Trim Risk

25+ Years of Service to Landscape, Lawn Care and Tree Professionals

About us

Get in touch with Hill & Usher

Hill & Usher proudly celebrates 26 years in business in 2023. Like you, On your next renewal, get to know Hill & Usher by calling one of our we have enjoyed solid years of growth most years, and those occasional Sales Professionals at 602-956-4220 or sales@hillusher.com. We appreciyears with stalls and learning experiences. ate the opportunity to serve you.

A long History

Richard wrote Arizona’s Prompt Payment statute that was signed in to law in 2001. His speaking on indemnity and risk transfer fairness issues led to reforms in nearly a dozen states. Richard leads a team of 40 insurance professionals in Arizona focused on fairness, family and lifestyle for clients and employees. Hill & Usher realizes insurance is a necessity but fights hard for premium reductions and improved insurance coverage.

How to Control Increased Insurance Rates

Inflation is well in our midst. Our goal is to beat inflationary impulses for our customers who strongly control losses, while mitigating premium increases for valued customers who aren’t able to reduce losses.

As Steve Shields notes, “our landscaper clients can go two directions, and we try to have them prepared as well as possible. One direction is to shop hard with insurance, which we always do. We have a strong team and solid insurance carriers who put your account to market. The better, more sustainable long term strategy is to promote safety within the organization, often and regularly. Many of our clients abided by social distancing measures and in so doing, put a pause on in-person safety meetings. We were surprised to see what kind of a difference and the toll taken by a lack of tool box talks had on experience with both Workers Compensation and Automobile claims wrought from a change in routine safety conversations.”

Let’s talk Safety, Training, Cyber Liability and Hiring

These major risks go hand in hand. We preach an environment of awareness of these big known risks and emerging risks. It’s easy for your accountant to pay the wrong person, at your cost through a cyber / social engineering loss. Often its uninsured because its either a neglected risk or an unwanted expense of insurance.

Hard Markets

Auto insurance is a problem with expensive auto repairs and increases in tort activity for bodily injury and uninsured / underinsured motorist claims.

The best managed fleets should expect an 8% increase in Business Auto insurance premiums.

Workers Compensation has traditionally decreased since the 1990s in Arizona. It’s down another 6% for most buyers today automatically, based on filed NCCI rates. Watch the rates as insurance companies will change rates upward (increase) to accommodate automatic rate reductions.

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602-437-5194 rob@aridsolutionsnursery.com

3815 E. Southern Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85040

“Your success is our success” 1 gallon thru 36 inch box www.aridsolutionsnursery.com

YOU MAY ALSO REGISTER FOR MEMBERSHIP ONLINE AT WWW.ALCA.ORG Company____________________________________________ Primary Contact____________________________ Address____________________________________________ City/State/Zip________________________________ Phone_____________________________________ Website____PPP____________________________________ Email___________________________________________________________________ Cell___________________ Average # of Employees _______

Please provide a brief profile of your organization:

______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________

M e m b e r s h i p Ty p e (Based on annual sales revenue in the landscape Industry) Contractor Member: person, partnership or corporation

Associate Member: person, firm, partnership or corporation engaged in a business or industry allied with the landscape industry.

Contractor Class 1 (Sales Revenue under $100,000) $275 or 690 Hunter Points

Associate Class 1(Under $1M)

$550

Associate Class 2($1—$5M)

$715

Associate Class 3($5—$10M)

$880

Associate Class 4 (Over $10M)

$1100

Municipalities, golf courses, ACLP students & Educators

$150

High School/College Student

Free

actively engaged in the construction or maintenance of landscapes.

Contractor Class 2 (Sales Revenue $100,001—$500,000) $370 or 925 Hunter Points Contractor Class 3 (Sales Revenue $500,001—$1.5M) $580 or 1450 Hunter Points Contractor Class 4 (Sales Revenue Over $1.5M) $880 or 2200 Hunter Points Architects & Designers $275

List or check project and/or service types:

Arborist - Certified Backflow Services BBQ supplies, Fire Pits, Fireplaces Boulder/Granite-Wholesale Cacti/Succulents-Wholesale Chemicals-Wholesale Color/Shrubs-Wholesale Curbing Equipment Sales/Rentals Financial Garden Centers GPS Tracking Hardscape Installation Horticulture Consultant

Insurance Interior Plantscaping Irrigation Construction/Repair Irrigation Manufacturer Irrigation Supplier Landscape Architect Landscape Commercial Construction

Landscape Commercial Design Landscape Commercial Maintenance Landscape Lighting Installation Landscape Lighting Manufacturer

Landscape Lighting Supplier Landscape Material Supplier Landscape Residential Construction

Landscape Residential Design Landscape Residential Maintenance

Legal Marketing Masonry/Paving Merchant Services Misting Nursery Organic Fertilizer-Wholesale Paver Supplier Pest Control Applicator Pottery-Wholesale Propane & Alternative Fuel Risk Management

Rock/Gravel-Wholesale Sod/Turf-Wholesale Swimming Pool/Spa Installation

Synthetic Grass Supplier Tree Relocation Tree Trimming/Removal Trees/Palms-Wholesale Truck/Vehicle Sales Waste Disposal Water Feature Installation

Payment Method Check

Credit Card

Hunter Points

Card Number _____________________________________________________________ Exp date_____________ Name on Card_____________________________________________________________ Amount_____________ ALCA • 5425 East Bell Road Suite 105 • Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Phone:(602) 626-7091 • Fax (602) 626-7590 • www.ALCA.org/application November/December 2024 T THE ALCA INFLUENCE

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RESOURCE GUIDE/AD INDEX BUSINESS BROKER

LIGHTING

Macor Associates, Inc. (602) 989-9960 macorassociates.com Please see our ad on page...........19

Brilliance LED, LLC (800) 867-2108 brillianceled.com Please see our ad on page.......... 10

COMMERCIAL FLEET VEHICLES

NURSERIES

Diversified Truck & Equipment Sales, Inc. (480) 854-7373 DTBody.com Please see our ad on page.............7 FLEET & VEHICLE MANAGEMENT

OnSite OilChange Plus (480) 470-0352 onsiteoilchangeplus.com Please see our ad on page..... Inside Back Cover INSURANCE

Hill & Usher (602) 667-1848 trimrisk.com Please see our ad on page.............6 IRRIGATION PRODUCTS & SYSTEMS

Horizon (800) PVCTURF (782-8873) horizononline.com Please see our ad on page........... 11 Hunter Industries (760) 744-5240 hunterindustries.com Please see our ad on page...........17 LANDSCAPE CERTIFICATION TRAINING/TESTING

Metro Institute (602) 452-2900 metroinstitute.com Please see our ad on page.......... 22

All Season Wholesale Growers (602) 276-0230 allseasongrowers.com Please see our ad on page.............5 Arid Solutions Nursery (602) 437-5194 aridsolutionsnursery.com Please see our ad on page.......... 20 Arizona Wholesale Growers (623) 581-3100 azwholesalegrowers.com Please see our ad on page.............3 South Coast Wholesale (888) 326-7256 southcoastwholesale.com Please see our ad on page...... Inside Front Cover SOD/TURF

Evergreen Turf, Inc. (480) 456-1199 evergreenturf.com Please see our ad on page........Back Cover West Coast Turf (888) 893-8873 westcoastturf.com Please see our ad on page.............4

DECORATIVE ROCK SAND BOULDERS

Now part of the Site One team, Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock Is your one stop shop for all your landscape needs. We are a hauling company with a fully stocked retail yard and a proud distributor for Belgard, Southwest Sod, Evergreen Turf, Phoenix Paver, and AZ Best Block. We carry over fifty colors of landscape rock, river products, soil mixes, rip rap and boulders. Our knowledgeable sales staff will insure that your order is accurate and our experienced drivers will get your materials to you on time. Our certified scale ensures that you are receiving the correct amount of material ordered.

Call or come by today.

Monday-Friday 6A-5P Saturday 7A -3P 7540 N 67th Ave, Bldg. A Glendale, AZ 85301 Office 602-353-1020 Fax 602-353-1027

CEMENT PRODUCTS BLOCK TOP SOIL RIP RAP ABC CURBING PAVERS MULCH / SOD MIX IRRIGATION RIVER ROCK WEED BARRIER FLAGSTONE SOD & TURF BAGGED GOODS WINTER SEED BEACH PEBBLES HAULING STABILIZED INFILL

TREES

Western Tree Company (602) 243-6125 westerntree.com Please see our ad on page.............5

LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT

BCS (800) 543-1040 BCSamerica.com Please see our ad on page.............4 Stotz Equipment 623-936-7131 stotzequipment.com Please see our ad on page.......... 10 LANDSCAPE MATERIALS

Cutting Edge Curbing Sand & Rock Landscape Materials (602) 353-1020 cuttingedgecurbing.com Please see our ad on page.......... 22

PMD Certification Exam PPreparatory MD Certificat ion Exam Courses Preparatory Conducted WCourses eekly Conducted Weekly

Ornamental & Turf Orn mhetno ta Raig f lW&aT yurf RigAhqtuoaftiW c ay Ar qeua cm Co Etxia Core Exam

LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

Material Delivery, Inc. dba MDI Rock (602) 569-8722 mdirock.com Please see our ad on page........... 11

Get Knowledge!

Get Knowledge!

Call ll-2900 602-4C5a2

602-45 O2 r -2900

Check S Ocrhedule AnC dhReecgkisStceh reO i ne dn ule A n d R e g i s t e r O n l ine www.MetroInstitu te.com

www.MetroInstitute.com

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PLUS

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FLEET SERVICES • RV'S • PERSONAL VEHICLES Professional Oil Changes • Battery Replacement Full Brake Service • Tire Sale & Install at Your Location Serving the Greater Phoenix Area Let us keep your fleet on the road and avoid costly downtime!

Servicing Gas or Diesel Vehicles Also available:  Engine Air Filter & Cabin Air Filter replacement  Diesel Fuel Filter replacement  Wiper Blade & Exterior Light Bulb replacements

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3370 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale AZ, 85251