CNLA Summer Newsbrief 2016 by Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

Winners of the National Awards of Landscape Excellence

Green Industry News Summer 2016 Vol. 25 Issue 3

What’s inside: • Harold Deenen receives CNLA President’s Award • Canada’s ornamental horticulture industry gets federal support to grow its markets • Winner spotlight with Charlie Wilson • Is Wal-Mart’s battle with Visa good for small business?

he thirteenth annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence took place this August in Kelowna, British Columbia. The BC Landscape Awards of Excellence were also presented during the ceremony. In attendance were the CNLA Board of Directors, BCLNA members, representatives from Caterpillar Inc., DynaSCAPE Software, FCA Canada, HortProtect, Kubota, as well as other distinguished guests and sponsors. Also in attendance, was MP Stephen Fuhr, who announced the contribution of $1.1 million to grow the domestic and international market for Canadian ornamental horticulture. MP Fuhr’s announcement was well received by everyone in the room, as

this significant investment in Canada’s nursery and landscape sector will benefit the entire value chain, from the grower to the consumer. CNLA President, Rene Thiebaud, confirmed that the funding will be used in a variety of projects dedicated to increasing market exposure of Canadian ornamental horticulture products. National judges received over 50 entries in the landscape categories alone, where only five could be named national champions. A huge thank you to everyone that participated in their provincial awards for a chance to be entered into the national awards – 2016 was one of the biggest years to date.

landscape saskatchewan

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CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

EXECUTIVE BOARD:

President Past President First Vice President Second Vice President

Member Services & Insurance Chair

Rene Thiebaud, CLM - ON Christene LeVatte, BBA, CLM - NS Bruce Hunter, CLT, CLD, CLM - BC Gerald Boot, CLM - ON

Treasurer Phil Paxton, CLT, CLM - AB

DIRECTORS: BCLNA Representative Michael Kato - BC Landscape AB Representative Anita Heuver - AB Landscape SK Representative Aaron Krahn - SK MBNLA Representative David Hinton, CLM - MB Landscape ON Representative Alan White - ON Landscape NL Representative Krista Russell - NL Landscape NS Representative Robin Godfrey - NS Landscape NB/PEI Kevin Nauss, CLM - NB Representative Human Resources Chair Harold Deenen, CLM - ON Landscape Canada Chair Cable Baker, CLM, CLT - BC Public Relations Chair Bill Hardy, CLM - BC Research Chair Vic Krahn, CLT - SK Government Relations Chair Michael Murray - NL Garden Centres Canada Chair Anthony O’Neill - NL Professional Development Chair Jeff Foley, CLT, CLM - BC Growers Canada Chair John Byland - BC

STAFF: Executive Director Victor Santacruz, CAE, CLM victor@cnla-acpp.ca Executive Assistant Cheryl Gall cheryl@cnla-acpp.ca Growers Manager Rita Weerdenburg rita@cnla-acpp.ca Member Services & Rebecca Doutre, CAE Government R elations Manager rebecca@cnla-acpp.ca Industry Human Resources Stacey Porter Coordinator stacey@cnla-acpp.ca Professional Development (East) Claudia Santos & Garden Centres Coordinator claudia@cnla-acpp.ca Professional Development (West) Colin Vince & Landscapers Coordinator colin@cnla-acpp.ca Member Programs Coordinator Christine Finn christine@cnla-acpp.ca Communications Specialist Anne Beifuss anne@cnla-acpp.ca Member Services Assistant Teagan Giddings teagan@cnla-acpp.ca Professional Development Jason Young Assistant jason@cnla-acpp.ca Minor Use/IPM Coordinator Peter Isaacson, B.Sc., MPM peter@cnla-acpp.ca

Minister Fuhr poses with CNLA President Rene Thiebaud, the 2016 National Awards of Excellence winners and the 2016 BCLNA Landscape Awards of Excellence winners in Kelowna this past August.

CONTINUED... The winners in the five landscape categories are: Bruce Wilson Landscaping Ltd. in Ontario, for the Caterpillar Award of Excellence in Commercial Landscape Construction/Installation; Pro-Land Landscape Construction Inc. in Ontario, for the Caterpillar Award of Excellence in Residential Landscape Construction/Installation; Joe Bidermann Landscaping Design Inc. in Nova Scotia, for the DynaSCAPE Award of Excellence in Landscape Design; OGS Grounds Maintenance Specialists in Ontario, for the National Award of Landscape Excellence in Commercial Maintenance; Cedar Springs Landscape Group in Ontario, for the National Award of Landscape Excellence in Residential Maintenance.

Harold Deenen wins President’s Award

ong-time industry veteran and volunteer, Harold Deenen, CLM, has won the 2016 CNLA President’s Award for his outstanding commitment to the industry and association. CEO of Hank Deenen Landscaping, Harold is also a past President of CNLA, Treasurer for the Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council, and current CNLA Human Resources Chair.

Harold Deenen was awarded the prestigious President’s Award for his year’s of service and dedication to both the association and the industry as a whole. Donnie Burke accepted the Green for Life Community Award on behalf of Nova Scotia Lands and the other groups involved in the restoration of the Sydney Tar Ponds into the beautiful Open Hearth Park. Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery in Barrie, Ontario was named Garden Centre of the Year. Van Belle Nursery took home Grower of the Year and will compete in the international competition next year.

Passionate about Horticulture and the impact green has on our future, Harold Deenen has devoted countless hours of volunteer work in this field. This stemmed from the belief you should invest time where your heart lies. The industry has recognized his efforts over the years by presenting him with both the Frank Ewald Junior Landscape Award for outstanding leadership to the horticultural industry and Honorary Life Membership in Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association. His enthusiasm has grown from an unstoppable belief in his profession and for those who work in it.

Congratulations to all the winners for truly outstanding projects. Each entrant into the Awards of Excellence program demonstrates a commitment to their community and environment, by upholding the standard of what it means to be a true landscape professional.

As CEO of Hank Deenen Landscaping Ltd. Harold brings his zeal for professional excellence and the environment to a corporate level. Originally founded by his father over 50 years ago, the company has grown to become an industry leader by emphasizing training, education and a

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | T: 1-888-446-3499 | F: 905-875-1840 | info@cnla-acpp.ca | www.cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

healthy respect for the environment. The company won the first ever Environment Award presented by Landscape Ontario in 2000.

Human Resources for the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), a Director and Treasurer for the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC).

Harold’s professional credentials include Landscape Industry Certified Manager (the first CLM in Canada), Landscape Architect (OALA), Landscape Technologist (HLT) and Horticulturist/Landscaper/Greenskeeper (C of Q)

On a more personal note, Harold is equally comfortable above and below the water’s surface. While he is happiest boating on board “Wreckless”, he is also a private pilot and scuba dive instructor. He firmly believes that “balance of life” is an essential ingredient to happiness and success. He and his wife Linda, have two children and one grandchild.

He continues to demonstrate his leadership skills while currently serving as Chair of

Industry events NORTH AMERICA September 21: National Tree Day: www.nationaltreeday.ca September 28-29: CanWest Hort Expo: Abbotsford, BC www.canwesthortexpo.com October 5-6: Canadian Greenhouse Conference: Niagara Falls, ON www.canadiangreenhouseconference.com October 14-15: Landscape Industry Certification Test Day: Langley, BC www.cnla-acpp.ca October 17: Landscape Industry Certification Test Day: Victoria, BC www.cnla-acpp.ca October 19-21: GIE+EXPO: Louisville, KY www.gie-expo.com October 27-29: Communities in Bloom Symposium and Awards: Regina, SK www.communitiesinbloom.ca

Tightly integrating your design into your cost-based estimate!

October 29: Landscape Industry Certification Test Day: Milton, ON www.cnla-acpp.ca October 31 to November 4: CitiesAlive: Annual Green Roof & Wall Conference: Washington, DC www.citiesalive.org November 4-5: Landscape Industry Certification Test Day: Truro, NS www.cnla-acpp.ca November 16-18: Expo-FIHOQ: Drummondville, QC www.expofihoq.com November 17-18: The Green Industry Show & Conference: Edmonton, AB www.greenindustryshow.com

INTERNATIONAL DynaSCAPE Manage360. It’s a single, comprehensive cloud-based estimating and job costing system that handles every aspect of managing your landscape business, from initial sales contact to final invoice, and everything in between.

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Runs until October 30, 2016: Expo Antalya: Antalya, Turkey www.expo2016antalya.org.tr October 12-14: GARDEX: Makuhari Messee, Japan www.gardex.jp October 25-28: Morel Production Trials: The Netherlands www.cyclamen.com

Proud sponsor the CNLA National Awards of Landscape Excellence

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

National Award of Landscape Excellence for Commercial Construction BRUCE WILSON LANDSCAPING LTD. - Frank Stronach Park

or this new municipal park, they installed and project managed the sports field lighting, installed 1,500 l.m. of drainage in sports field, constructed a Tai Chi Garden, steel trellis, playground, asphalt pathways, concrete curbs and patios, play surfacing, sod / plants, corten screens and fescue-sodded berms.

See page 15 for more info on this award winning company!

National Award of Landscape Excellence for Residential Construction PRO-LAND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION INC. - Multi-tier Backyard

he backyard entrance is at the grade of the walkout basement; as you walk through the entrance tunnel and open a sliding cedar door you become overwhelmed by a remarkable infinity hot tub. This area is also a sunken lounging area with high limestone planter walls. The second tier looks onto a mature river atmosphere. The third tier takes you into the main floor of the house.

Green for Life Community Award NOVA SCOTIA LANDS & OTHER PARTNERS - Open Hearth Community Park

he former Sydney Tar Ponds, located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, were formed from more than 100 years of steel making. In 2004, a $400 million dollar cost share agreement was reached between the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia to clean up the site. Today, the site boasts trails, parks and sports fields. In addition to the infrastructure, varying grass varieties along with native tree species were used.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des PĂŠpiniĂŠristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | T: 1-888-446-3499 | F: 905-875-1840 | info@cnla-acpp.ca | www.cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

KEEP UP WITH EVERY DEMAND. YOUR BUSINESS IS YOUR LIVELIHOOD. That’s why Caterpillar is built to help businesses like yours succeed every day – by supplying the right machine for the job, making parts available, offering up versatile work tool attachments and providing responsive service.

As a CNLA member, you get to take advantage of bundling the exclusive member discount on Cat® machines and attachments, along with the industry’s best financing:

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*Offer valid from July 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016 on select new models of machines manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. Building Construction Products Division. Offer available only at participating Cat dealers. Flexible payment terms available. Offer is available to customers in the USA and Canada only and cannot be combined with any other offers. **Financing and published rate are subject to credit approval through Cat Financial. Offer subject to machine availability. Machines sold in Canada by authorized dealers are priced in Canadian dollars and the price may take into account the exchange rate of Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars. Models shown here do not necessarily reflect the exact model and configuration to which the promotion applies. Payments are based on a finance lease with 60 monthly payments and $0 down. Payments do not include taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, document fees, inspections, additional options, or attachments. Final machine prices are subject to change. The Equipment Protection Plan (EPP) applies to select models and is provided through Cat Financial for use at participating Cat dealers. Offer may change without prior notice and additional terms and conditions may apply. Contact your Cat dealer for details. ***Limit of one credit per new attachment purchased. Machine and attachment offers available on new quotes only and may be combined with published Caterpillar Inc. Building, Construction Products Division U.S. and Canadian offers only. Contact your local dealer for details and to see the complete discount pricing available per model. Subject to credit approval. Valid only at Cat dealer locations in the U.S. and Canada. ©2016 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission.

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

NATIONAL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR LANDSCAPE DESIGN JOE BIDERMANN LANDSCAPING DESIGN INC. - Botten-Wong Residence

he clients had just completed their interior renovations and they wanted to maximize the outdoor space of their property. The yard needed to reflect both the needs for entertainment areas for the parents as well as accommodate the children’s needs for play space. A 3-D model was developed to help the clients visualize their future landscape. The plants chosen were a fusion of both contemporary and traditional colonial.

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE National Award of Landscape Excellence for Commercial Maintenance OGS GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS - Two Condominiums

t these two condominiums, the staff meet the high expectations from two separate condo boards, providing quality and service excellence. Grounds maintenance includes lawn maintenance, plant care, pruning and other general maintenance tasks.

National Award of Landscape Excellence for Residential Maintenance CEDAR SPRINGS LANDSCAPE GROUP - Perennials

edar Springs has maintained this landscape since it was built in 2005. The mature trees provide challenges for plant selection and turf quality. Shrubs and ornamental trees require constant pruning to keep the shape and sizes according to the client’s preference. There is a collection of perennials, including a stunning example of variegated Japanese forest grass. To reduce watering, colour and texture is provided without the use of annuals.

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

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CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

Staff changes A

s members and volunteers know, there is never a dull moment here at CNLA. The atmosphere is never stagnant as staff move to new places and board members graduate to new positions. While it is always bittersweet to say goodbye, the association looks forward to the opportunities that result from change. This summer, CNLA said goodbye to long-time staff member, Julia Ricottone, Commodities and Professional Development Manager, who left to join the great team at the City of Hamilton. With almost a decade at the association, Julia will be missed by staff and board members alike. We wish her all the best as she begins the next chapter in her career. With Julia’s departure, existing staff have reorganized to ensure that the work of the Landscape Canada and Garden Centres Canada committees continue without interruption. Along with his responsibilities with the Professional

Development Committee (PDC) and apprenticeship, Colin Vince will be stepping into the staff coordination role for the Landscape Canada Committee. Also retaining her responsibilities with the PDC committee, Claudia Santos will be taking over the staff coordination role for the Garden Centres Canada committee and the International Garden Centre Association. Jason Young will step into a more active role with the PDC committee. CNLA extends its deepest gratitude to the staff and volunteers that help set the direction of the association and assist in its day-to-day operation. For a complete list of staff and Board of Directors, please see page two.

Some of the CNLA staff with Julia Ricottone on her last day at the office.

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Canada’s ornamental horticulture industry gets federal support to grow its markets

tephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna – Lake Country, on behalf of Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood Lawrence MacAulay, announced a contribution of up to $1.1 million to grow the domestic and international market for Canadian ornamental horticulture. This funding will help the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) promote and showcase nursery products to buyers in Canada and around the world through marketing activities, trade shows, and hosting sales missions. The CNLA will also meet with industry partners in the United States and Mexico to discuss common issues and future opportunities. Quick Facts • Canada’s ornamental horticulture industry, which includes floriculture, nurseries, and turf sod, generated $1.93 billion in farm gate sales in 2015. The United States accounted for over 98.5% of exports which brought in over $438 million. • The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association is a national not-forprofit federation of nine provincial landscape and horticulture associations representing over 3,800 members. • The contribution is made through the Market Development stream of the AgriMarketing Program, a fiveyear, $341-million initiative under Growing Forward 2. “Our Government is proud to support the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association as they grow their industry and our economy. This investment of up to $1.1 million will help Canada’s horticulture farmers expand their markets in Canada and abroad, generating greater returns and recognition across borders for Canadian ornamental horticulture.” ~ Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna - Lake Country

www.HortProtect.com

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

Industry Human Resources What tools do you need?

NLA maintains the Platinum level sponsor with the Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council. CAHRC is developing a number of products that are and will be available to you including: •

• • •

AgriToolkit – online staffing guide and templates (Available now: www.cahrc-ccrha.ca/resources/ agricultural-hr-toolkit); AgriSkills – workshops (available now) and e‐learning (Fall 2016); AgriJobMatch – National job board to SkillMatch™ employers and job seekers (Fall 2016); and ASApp – mobile application to improve member communications and engagement (Fall 2016).

Learn More: www.cahrc-ccrha.ca/ Let us know what YOU need to keep your toolkit current and relevant for your business. Contact stacey@cnla-acpp.ca

Skills Canada T

hanks to the amazing work of many volunteers across the country, seven teams competed at SCNC representing British Columbia; Alberta; Manitoba; Ontario; Quebec; Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. This great publicity for our industry would not have been possible without so many people, but a special thank you to Jim Landry, Executive Director for Landscape New Brunswick and Landscape PEI, for hosting the very first provincial competition in New Brunswick to ensure a team went to Nationals. Also, to the amazing Joe Bidermann of Joe Bidermann’s Landscaping Design. Joe and his staff members helped the National Technical Committee move equipment and materials all day for the competitors. The Bidermann group also

stayed after the competition was over to help tear the competition grounds down after the event had wrapped up, despite a two-and-a-half-hour drive back to Halifax. Without this group taking time off of their “regular work”, the event would not have been able to happen, or at the very least have turned out to be such a massive success. Marilou Morin and Brandon Di Sabato took home the coveted gold medal for team Quebec in the Landscape Gardening category of the Skills Canada national competition this June. Alberta’s Paul Kerpel and William Llyod came second, with BC’s Clair MacLean and Dan Strain coming in third. 2017 Nationals will be at the RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB May 31June 3rd. Skills mission statement is simple: “To encourage and support a coordinated Canadian approach to promoting skilled trades and technologies to youth!” In the words of Mike Holmes “I don’t think anyone knows how important Skills Canada is...to me, it is the beginning...to get kids into the trades...”

2016 Apprenticeship in Canada report

NLA continues to be a member of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA) and is pleased to present the 2016 Apprenticeship in Canada Report. The 2016 conference in Vancouver, BC this past June, was an event that highlighted innovative solutions in apprenticeship training and engaged in collaborative solutions to address common challenges including: skill shortages, employer engagement and apprenticeship completions.

to bring apprenticeship stakeholders together to explore the ways in which the apprenticeship community supports apprentices to obtain their certificate. To obtain a copy of the report or any of the reports listed on www.cfa-fca.org/reports, please contact Stacey Porter, CNLA Industry HR Coordinator.

“Students can look at schools, careers and scholarships. Industry can participate in looking for students and sponsorship opportunities. Secondary schools can connect with Colleges. As an educator we can actually post material that we can share.” ~ Michael Pascoe NPD, ODH, CLT, M.Sc. - Program Coordinator, Horticulture Programs at Fanshawe College.

id you know that the Green Careers Canada website has a Teacher’s Resource Discussion Group? Educators across Canada can use this application to discuss programs, classes and lesson plans, as well as to share files and resources in a private area. If you are a teacher, and would like to contribute to the group, please register at www.greencareerscanada.ca/ educators

Industry Snapshot: labour profit margin

How does your business compare to the average profit margin on labour? The information on this chart was provided by DynaSCAPE Software.

Apprenticeship is a proven way to train and to develop skilled workers but many employers do not hire apprentices. Rates of participation remain at 19% based on CAF-FCA surveys. CAF-FCA hosted a Roundtable this year that was designed

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

Growers Canada

Van Belle Nursery named Grower of the Year! V

an Bell Nursery has been awarded the prestigious Canadian Grower of the Year title at the National Awards of Landscape Excellence held this past August. The Grower of the Year Award is designed to promote and award excellence in horticultural production domestically and also internationally. The winner of this year’s Grower of the Year Award, has been entered into the International Association of Horticultural Producers awards competition being held in January at the IPM trade show in Essen, Germany. The growers awards program is open to all sizes of producers with five main categories: • Sound economic performance • Innovation in production and technique • Strong market orientation and professional company image • High environmental standards • Sound human resource policy Van Belle Nursery is a leader in today’s nursery growers sector. They perform above and beyond expectation in each category. Not only does this company grow excellent plant material, they are also involved in creating new and innovative products, like their newly launched “Rocket Liners” that shorten growing cycles for new plants. They also lend their staff to various association committees, such as the Never Alone Rose committee and the New Plant Development committee. CNLA congratulates the whole team at Van Belle Nursery and wishes to thank them for setting the bar high in terms of nursery production!

and will help us increase our competitive edge,” said Rick Bradt, Managing Director, A.M.A.

Propogation trays designed to increase tree health and growth Submitted by: Vineland Research and Innovation Centre

ineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland) is revolutionizing propagation systems for the nursery sector through a tray design supporting superior tree root growth. There is an increasing demand for container tree seedling production – plug trays – in North America and a greater focus on higher quality root architecture. Many current propagation tray designs lead to root malformation making seedlings less robust after transplantation and increasing tree mortality. “We’ve been studying this problem since 2014 and have found containers with the largest cell volume and the highest degree of exposure to air resulted in superior results,” said Dr. Darby McGrath, Research Scientist, Nursery & Landscape, Vineland. “In collaboration with Kingsvillebased A.M.A. Plastics Ltd. (A.M.A.), we’re developing a woody perennial airpruning propagation tray that maximizes tree growth and limits root defects.” “We are excited to partner with Vineland on this innovation. The propagation trays fit well with our strategic mandate

The new tray is designed for use in conjunction with the Ellepot™ system, a bounded transplantable growing medium which A.M.A. produces for North American growers. The design of the tray, for which a patent protection is pending, allows the substrate to remain essentially free floating, maximizing air flow to the root system and promoting ideal root architecture while improving overall tree performance in later stages of growth. In spring 2017, the tray will be distributed in Canada and the United States by A.M.A. with other territories to follow. For more information, please contact: Dr. Darby McGrath Research Scientist, Nursery & Landscape 905-562-0320 x766 darby.mcgrath@vinelandresearch.com

Export market development funds available to nursery growers

NLA is seeking funding applications from nursery grower members interested in pursuing business and export market development opportunities in the US and other international markets. Partial funding (up to 50%) is available to defray travel and other related market development costs. Funding is available for single year projects for the government fiscal years (April 1 to March 31) for 2016-17 and 2017-18. These funds are made available to industry through the Market Development Stream of Agriculture and AgriFood Canada’s AgriMarketing Program. For more information and an application form contact rita@cnla-acpp.ca - NEW RESEARCH Consumers can now have container-grown organic blueberries at your fingertips thanks to new production techniques developed at Vineland Research and Innovation Centre. www.vinelandresearch.com/news

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

Member Services Program Spotlight: Caterpillar

ave up to $2,750 when you buy or lease qualifying Cat® Backhoe Loaders, Wheel Loaders, Mini Excavators, Multi Terrain Loaders, Skid Steer Loaders, Compact Track Loaders, Telehandlers or Small Dozers – exclusive to you and fellow CNLA members. Save an additional $250 on select Cat attachments. To redeem your offers, visit catresourcecenter.com/CNLA and download your CNLA Cat savings flyer to take to your local Cat Dealer.

Lyreco

yreco’s goal is to help all members utilize their buying power by participating in this special program designed for all of the Canadian Nursery Landscaping Association members. After verifying your membership,

we can have you set up and saving within a few days. You can order on-line or call your orders in and everything is available in both French and English. 7000 business products available with free next day delivery.

Echo / Shindaiwa

embers receive a 20% manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) discount off Echo or Shindaiwa units and accessories*. With over 1,000 dealers coast-to-coast, members will benefit from a discount on power equipment, specialized commercial and professional gardening tools and accessories. Only available at Echo and Shindaiwa stores and servicing dealers. *Plus applicable taxes, $250 minimum purchase, does not include parts and labour

St. John Ambulance

certification. To take advantage of this discount contact St. John Ambulance and say that you are a member of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. Discounted first aid supply order forms available on the CNLA website.

Group Buy Protect

hings happen in the course of doing business and the need for legal help can be expensive and time-consuming for any business, particularly small businesses. That’s why legal expense insurance is essential for most small business owners. The more members who purchase legal expense insurance through Group Buy Protect, the lower the price becomes for everyone. We can all work together as industry professionals to bring insurance costs down.

embers receive an eight percent discount on first aid with CPR

landscape industry

Professional Development

Recently Awarded Landscape Industry Certifications

Wallet card update C

certified

Manager Mark Morella Shauna Wentworth

ON NS

Technician - Hardscape Installation Greg Loner NS Corey Tool NB Technician - Ornamental Kyle Haskett

*as of September 1, 2016

Written testing opportunities are available on the last Wednesday of the month in BC, AB, and NB. Manitoba offers exams on the third Friday of the month. For those, in NS, NL and ON, staff can accomodate your written test as requested.

Looking for test dates? See page 3 event listings.

NLA has now successfully launched and sent out the new Certification ID cards. Please contact colin@cnla-acpp.ca with any updates or certification needs, as there were some bounce backs to the office. If you are certified with a CLT/CLM/CLD or CHT in good standing and did not receive your wallet card, CNLA may not have your proper address on file.

Early bird registration available for ARCC test

ake advantage of early bird registration pricing until October 4, 2016 for the Atlantic Region Certification Test. Give your business the upper hand by showing your customers that you have employees that have proven competency and professionalism. Contact Jason Young at jason@cnla-acpp.ca to register.

Why did I become Landscape Industry Certified? “We find that Landscape Industry Certification has helped our company stand out from others in the field. It continues to be recognized as a symbol of professionalism and a dedication to the landscape trade. Our company will continue to be involved with the certification program in the future.” ~ Ryan Milligan, CLT, CLM Millennium Landscape Contractors LTD

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

Garden Centres Canada Is Wal-Mart’s battle with Visa good or bad for small business?

n June 2016, Wal-Mart Canada announced that it would no longer accept Visa at its stores; phasing it out starting July 18th in Thunder Bay, Ontario and moving across Canada. The mass merchant claims that they need to pay a lower rate in order to keep prices low for their customers. With Visa unwilling to negotiate, Wal-Mart is pulling the plug. Retailers have long been fighting to lower the fees for accepting credit cards, but we often hear about how it hurts small business, not the box stores. Many small business owners are applauding Wal-Mart for standing up to Visa. Now the retail voice is loud enough to be heard. But, is this a fight for all retailers, or is it just a fight for Wal-Mart? In one way, the press has shown Wal-Mart as a hero to all retailers. On the other hand, Visa’s response has exposed the control Wal-Mart has over the retail market. Retailers know this has always been the case. With Wal-Mart’s special treatment of pay-by-scan products, they have one-up on other retailers who aren’t privy to that kind of deal. Now they are trying to do the same with credit card fees. Although sales in Canada are lumped into the parent Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in the U.S., the Globe and Mail reported last year that Wal-Mart Canada was expecting revenues of $23 billion in 2015. According to Visa, they were willing to offer lower fees for Wal-Mart, but it wasn’t as low as Wal-Mart wanted. To reiterate – Visa already offered lower rates to Wal-Mart, but not to other retailers. If Wal-Mart’s threat to Visa will change their response, do you think it will be good or bad for the other retailers across Canada? Sure, their success means that Visa is in fact willing to negotiate. However, it could backfire on small business, like every other Wal-Mart protocol. If Visa lowers its rates

for Wal-Mart, they could end up raising rates for everyone else to make up the difference in revenues, including merchants and customers. That means small business owners are once again subsidizing big business. Canadian retailers currently pay some of the highest interchange rates in the world, some report as high as five times more. Ultimately Bill C-236 is what all retailers, including Wal-Mart, would like to see. This private member’s bill would put limits on merchant fees, like what has been done in many other countries. With the same mentality noted above, Canadian retailers are subsidizing the low rates many other countries are benefitting from. CNLA will continue to work with the Retail Council of Canada and other partners to have a voice for small retailers across Canada when it comes to credit card fees and other issues.

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it

hat title is a quote taken from a recent Corey Bordine article in Green Profit Magazine,* and it links directly to why CNLA’s new Garden Centre Benchmarking program is so beneficial to member businesses. It provides garden centre members across Canada with a method of documenting key numbers to compare weekly, monthly, and yearly in order to identify opportunities for your store. If you are not ready to commit to the volume of data that the system requests each week, start off small. Consider tracking just some of your key items to start. For example, you may only decide to track your annuals, perennials, and giftware for the first few weeks. As you get more comfortable with the system, you can start to include data on your trees, bulbs & seeds, tools, etc. Benchmarking Scenario: You have been entering your data for a few months and you noticed that your sales are starting to decline, yet similar sized garden centres in your region are not experiencing the same trend. Knowing that simple fact can raise a number of key questions that will benefit your garden centre. Think about

the product range you have – are there too few products causing customers to shop elsewhere? Can your merchandising be improved, or should you make changes to the overall layout of your store? What about your staff? They have been working hard for the last 2 months and perhaps they are getting burnt out. Or maybe the spring sales made it too easy and now they could use some more training on customer service and selling. Without the comparison to other stores in your region, you would have no way to alert you and your management that your decline in sales was an anomaly compared to your peers. Understanding your sales compared to how other garden centres are performing can help you pinpoint when improvements can be made and set realistic goals for the future. Example Reports: Want to know what you are getting into before you take part? In addition to a detailed breakdown by category, you will also receive a summary of your data each week, and access a dashboard each time you login to show certain trends that can be displayed by week, month, or year. Example dashboards are:

• • •

Weekly summaries, compared to the previous year; Graphs of your sales by category; Sales average by week, to see your growth throughout the year.

With over twenty garden centre members already signed up across the country, participants now have access to a huge pool of data that would have been very difficult to find in the past. Not only will you have a one stop shop for all of your store’s key benchmarks, you will now be able to compare your numbers to aggregate regional and national data from other participants. This free service is available to our members, sign up today by visiting www.gardencentrescanada.com *Is Buying and art or a science? Corey Bordine, Green Profit Magazine, April 2016

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

sale online as both a hard copy and a digital download. CNLA staff investigated various methods of providing a simple way to sell the product and keep track of our customer base. In our investigation, most online sales portals all have the same transaction fees (2.9% + $0.30 per transaction at the time of research). These basic fees allow you to add a buy button to your website and on Facebook, or access a checkout portal run (i.e. Paypal). If that is all you need, you have a number of great choices.

Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery is Garden Centre of the Year!

ongratulations to Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery in Barrie, Ontario for receiving the Garden Centre of the Year award at the CNLA National Awards of Landscape Excellence! The Garden Centre of the Year award recognizes garden retailers that go above and beyond the act of selling plants by investing in their employees, nurturing their customers, caring for the environment, exploring new technologies and, of course, having a well operating retail location.

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CNLA extends a huge congratulations to Kevin and the team at Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery for a truly exemplary retail location in Barrie!

September 17 to 22, 2017 Niagara Falls, Ontario

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Store Manager, Kevin Johnson, accepted the award on behalf of the garden centre at the awards ceremony in Kelowna, BC this August. Garden Centres Canada Chair Anthony O’Neill presented the award, also mentioning Sipkens Nurseries in Wyoming, ON, which won category awards for “Growing Connections” and “Continuous Growth”.

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Online Sales:

Shopify Case Study

elling products online can be a daunting task. Shopify is one platform that makes it simple! Packages allow you to easily setup buy buttons directly on your website, or to create an entire online shop. As a garden centre owner, you may want to sell some hard goods, or home décor items online. Perhaps you have figured out the best way to sell plants to your local market – kudos to you! There are many options out there to help you sell online and it can be overwhelming. CNLA wanted to share our experience with Shopify.

Anthony O’Neill and Kevin Johnson at the awards ceremony in Kelowna.

Earlier this year, CNLA and CSLA released the Canadian Landscape Standard as a joint initiative. This document is available for

CNLA and CSLA also wanted to include the option for digital downloads. This was where different platforms varied, and Shopify seemed to provide the best platform for our purposes. For a small monthly fee, we now have the ability to add buy buttons on our website and Facebook, and include a hassle-free, automatic digital download, keeping administration time to a minimum. Key features: • The main dashboard gives you a quick snapshot on your sales and orders for the day (or week, month, etc.). • You can add your own shipping rates (multiple options). • See who has abandoned their checkout, and send them an email to encourage them to visit your shop again. • Easily communicate with customers from within the system about their order, and track all of those communications. • Maintain a full list of customers and their order history. Shopify was easy to set up, and very simple to use. Their support team is very accessible and helpful if you need assistance with anything. CNLA members have access to the discounts offered from the Retail Council of Canada. Visit the member benefits section of the CNLA website for more information. Although this article was specifically about CNLA’s experience with Shopify, you are encouraged to research the various platforms available and choose the option that works best for your business. Even if you are not looking for an online sales platform, be sure to check out Shopify’s blog and social media feeds. They are full of great information to help small businesses!

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

Landscape Canada Increasing company diversity

ith a history as a male-dominated sector, the world of skilled trades is starting to change. Recently, CNLA’s Human Resources Committee heard a presentation from the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) about hiring and retaining female and Aboriginal apprentices, and learned some key points that are worth sharing. Women are becoming better represented in the trades and the landscape industry leads the way, with a 25% participation rate from women, compared to 15% in other trades. This is great to hear from an equality perspective, but when you look deeper into the research, you might want to consider actively reaching out to women and minority groups to benefit your business. Here are some quick facts coming from CAF’s research: • Companies report improved health and safety compliance when women are part of their teams. • Women are more likely to want to stay in their local communities, helping businesses retain employees. • Women influence 80% of buying decisions at home. With women on your team, you can have insider information about what they are looking for, and tweak your marketing to influence women to purchase your products and services. • Diversity can also bring your business better understanding of different cultures, and new ways of thinking. This can help you reach segments of your community that you may not have connected with in the past. Improve your market outreach. The need to embrace a training culture. According to CAF, there is a financial business case for training apprentices. For every one dollar invested in an apprentice, they received a return of $1.47. Apprentices learn company-specific procedures and they align better with the needs of the organization which leads to

better productivity. Home-grown talent. A journeyperson that they trained as an apprentice was more productive than an external hire. On average 29% more productive. Some employers incentivize apprentices who reach key milestones to reward and celebrate their achievement. This builds confidence levels and helps to motivate people to progress through the programs.

CAF created the Skilled Trades Network to centralize information for employers about apprenticeship – searchable by province and territory. www.caf-fca.org

The Canadian Landscape Standard is designed to be a user-friendly tool that recognizes and promotes your membership to your provincial association and CNLA, along with qualifications such as Red Seal, Landscape Industry Certified, and other equivalent programs. Using the CLS canMidtown in Fo cus help achieve greater consistency in the activities involved in providing landscape products and services. With NATIO NAL H these consistencies, ONOU R companies will be able to increase efficiencies in project costing, installation, and compliance to specifications. It will also help improve customer satisfaction and improve your firm’s products, services, processes and systems. Toronto PUBLIC , Ontario WORK ofﬁce for PLA NNING

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If you are interested in learning more about the Canadian Landscape Standard, or would like to order a copy, please visit www.csla-aapc.ca/standard. The document is available as a hard copy or electronic format to suit the needs of every user.

Breaking ground with the Canadian Landscape Standard Korea Forest Service helping people W enjoy a green life ith over 200 copies sold within the first five months, the Canadian Landscape Standard (CLS) is getting into the hands of more professionals across Canada each day. The CLS is a joint project between the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) and the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA). It is based on the highly successful BC Landscape Standard and is intended for use by anyone who specified landscape work, and to support landscape contractors in the bid process. Sales to date indicate that an equal number of CNLA and CSLA members are purchasing the CLS. Approximately 20% of the orders were made by government institutions, including many municipalities. Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia are leading the way, where most orders have currently been made.

n June 13, 2016, Landscape Ontario and CNLA hosted 19 delegates from the Korean Forest Service (KFS) at the Milton office to learn about each other’s organizations. The KFS is a government body dedicated to growing and sustaining the forest industry in Korea. KFS recognizes the benefits that forests provide and aims to develop the forest industry as a new driving force of economic growth by merging it with cutting edge technologies. They have six major initiatives to create a virtuous cycle in forestry: • Adding value to the forest industry

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CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

• Driving economic growth through forest resources development • Promoting forest welfare to enhance the quality of life • Securing forests and public safety through disaster management • Implementing regulatory reform to provide business support • Maximizing synergies through international cooperation The KFS is committed to establishing green infrastructure in urban areas by providing accessible green spaces for citizens including the creation and expansion of 183 urban forests, 113 meditation forests, 7 forest landscape gardens, and 561 kilometers of roadside trees. Korea’s National Vision for the next 60 years is “Low Carbon Green Growth.” The KFS is contributing to this vision by providing the public with high-value green resources to help people enjoy a green life. Why did Korea start to recognize the value of forests? After WWII, Korea’s forest was destroyed. In the 1960’s, citizens began replanting these forests and have since planted over 18 million trees and have restored the lush forest that once existed. Today, 64% of Korean territory is covered in forest. This dramatic change helped Korean decision makers place value on the country’s forests and implement new policies and directions that have led the KFS to the place it exists today. Now they are focusing on integrating people with the forest, by making forests vital work places, resting areas and recreational areas. Forests provide benefit to all citizens. It seems that Canada can learn a lot about placing more economic value on trees and plants based on the improvements to the quality of life they provide. International connections like this can help CNLA and our provincial associations provide real-world examples when speaking to government about our industry, and this is why we continue to get involved on the international level.

Charlie Wilson, President - Bruce Wilson Landscaping

graduate from the landscape technician program at Humber College, as well as an ISA Certified Arborist, Charlie Wilson has been in a family business in the landscape industry for over 30 years. His father, Bruce Wilson, started the company in 1965 with a lawn mower in the trunk of his car. At first, they primarily specialized in commercial / industrial maintenance and snowplowing. In the 1980’s, they diversified into landscape construction and are now exclusively landscape contractors. The award winning project, Frank Stronach Park in Newcastle, Ontario was a little more unique than most of the parks the company had constructed in the past. The design was focused on promoting community use, pathways with fitness stations, soccer/

football field, thai chi area and playground facilities. The park is highly utilized by the local community. Charlie says that they “really enjoyed constructing an open space that the community would use and be proud of.” Advice for someone entering a project into the awards competition? For us, entering awards is a positive step for our employees. It is a confirmation that the projects we construct are of high quality. It also promotes a team environment. Landscape Ontario provides a smooth process to enter online. I would suggest to anyone wanting to enter the awards to take lots of pictures! Policy: develop and implement a sun and heat safety workplaces policy within the broader occupational health and safety policy at your workplace.

ven with summer coming to an end, sun safety should still be top of mind for anyone working outside. Landscape industry workers have a higher risk of developing heat stress, skin cancer, sun burn, skin damage, cataracts and other eye conditions because of their exposure to the sun on the job. Besides being well informed as an individual working outside, it is also important for managers and crew leaders to be aware of the risks, so that they can protect their crew.

Engineering: use portable shade structures, UV protective films on windows, air conditioned rest areas. Administrative: schedule work to minimize exposure, conduct regular risk assessments, post daily UV index, ensure frequent water and rest breaks in high heat. Personal Protective Equipment: wide brimmed hats, long sleeve shirts, sunscreen (min. SPF30), loose and breathable fabrics. Check out: www.occupationalcancer.ca/2016/ sunsafetyatwork for more sun safety tips!

CNLA Newsbrief

Summer 2016

STIHL KM 94 R KombiSystem The KM 94 R is STIHL’s lightest KombiEngine. It’s comprised of a single engine powerhead and offers a comprehensive range of KombiTools to choose from to increase your productivity and performance. As your landscaping needs change, the STIHL KM 94 R is a cost effective way to meet those challenges by providing dependability and versatility. Thanks to the split shaft, the KombiSystem can be dismantled quickly and offers added storage and transportation space. Cutting, pruning, trimming, cultivating, blowing or any job your contract demands, the STIHL KombiSystem has the right tool combinations to get the job done quickly and efficiently. The KM 94 R is not an impulse buy, it’s a solid investment for any professional.

Displacement 24.1 cc Power Output 0.9 kW Weight 4.0 kg/8.8 lb • Multi-function control handle - This houses all the engine controls. Easy, comfortable thumb-operated control means the operator’s hand never leaves the handle. • Loop handle (R) with barrier bar The loop handle is well suited for most jobs around the yard. • Split shaft - With split shaft and tool-less quick-release coupling, the KombiSystem is highly versatile, easily transported and easy to store. • Quick-release coupling with tommy screw - The innovative quick-release coupling enables all KombiEngines and KombiTools to be dismantled - no tools required.

QUALITY AT WORK FOR 90 YEARS. For a remarkable 90 years, STIHL has been a world market leader and innovator in outdoor power equipment. German engineered products featuring the latest pioneering technologies make STIHL the preferred choice for professionals, by consistently providing uncompromising quality. STIHL products are only available at independent STIHL Dealers who provide personal advice and expert service. Thank you for the continuous support and for making STIHL the brand you can trust.

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