The Scoop - February 2021

EQUIPMENT TRENDS

AMERICAN YELLOWWOOD

WORKFORCE INITIATIVES

CREATING WINTER INTEREST PLUS:

WHAT TO DO WITH PLASTICS

february 2021 n v44 n2

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17 38

8 Events 26

10 Learning from What Was & Hope for What Is to Come Executive Director Larson looks back on 2020 and where the association is headed in 2021.

28 Board of Directors Election Results Members elected Terri McEnaney as a new board

36

12

Creating Winter Interest Matthew Olson writes about his favorite trees, shrubs, and perennials that shine during the darkest time of the year.     

17

What to Do with Plastics Plant growers, retailers, plastic manufacturers and recyclers consider new tactics for recycling and disposal of plastics. 

26

36

43

2020-2021 Equipment Trends

member, and John O’Reilly was also re-elected to serve on the MNLA board.

34 5 Quick Tips for Parting Ways with Employees Patrick McGuiness offers these tips to consider when you are contemplating firing an employee.

38 Legislative Agenda: By Members, For Members Based on this year’s member-wide public policy survey, Forrest Cyr highlights MNLA’s priority policy issues for 2021.

41 Volunteer of the Year Tim Malooly earned the award this year because

Landscape Business magazine asked several equipment manufactures for

of his advocacy work in the spring of 2020 on

their insights into landscape industry market trends.   

behalf of the green industry.

The Rare American Yellowwood Tree

46 In Memoriam: Harold Wilkins Dr. Harold F. Wilkins inspired many students at the

Since it is a flowering native tree with beautiful fall color, Faith Appelquist

University of Minnesota in his field of floriculture

wonders why this tree isn’t more widely used.     

from 1968–89.

MNLA Foundation Workforce Development Initiatives We are working to change the perception of green industry careers by building connections with schools, students, and parents. 

 Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design  Garden Services & Landscape Mgmt  Garden Centers  Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse  Irrigation & Water Mgmt  Arborists & Tree Services  All

47 Make a Difference Joining an MNLA committee offers you a place to help shape MNLA’s programs while investing in professional relationships.

Cover photo: iStock.com/beekeepx. Table of Contents Images: Top: Bill Goloski, OAN. Middle: ASV. Bottom: iStock.com/Vik_Y.

february 21 MNLA.BIZ

5

DIRECTORY

february 2021 n v44 n2

MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION Successful Businesses Grow Here!

1813 Lexington Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-4987 • Fax: 651-633-4986 Outside the metro area, toll free: 888-886-MNLA, Fax: 888-266-4986 www.MNLA.biz • www.NorthernGreen.org Mission: The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help members grow successful businesses.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tim Malooly, CID, CLIA, CIC, President Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com Randy Berg, Vice-President Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • randy@bergsnursery.com Matt Mallas, Secretary-Treasurer Hedberg Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@hedbergaggregates.com Faith Appelquist, MNLA-CP Tree Quality LLC 612-618-5244 • faith@treequality.com Terri McEnaney Bailey Nurseries (651) 459-9744 • terri.mcenaney@baileynursery.com Patrick McGuiness Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC (651) 331-6500 • pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com John O’Reilly Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping 952-473-5425 • j.oreilly@ottenbros.com Jeff Pilla, MNLA-CP Professional Turf, Inc. (Proturf) 952-469-8680 • jeff@professionalturf.com Nick Sargent, MNLA-CP Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com Cassie Larson, CAE MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz STAFF DIRECTORY Executive Director: Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz Membership Director & Trade Show Manager: Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@mnla.biz Communications Dir.: Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz Education/Cert. Manager: Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz Dir. of Government Affairs: Forrest Cyr • forrest@mnla.biz Regulatory Affairs Manager: Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz Accountant: Kris Peterson • kris@mnla.biz Foundation Program Coordinator: Paulette Sorenson • paulette@mnla.biz Administrative Assistant: Lora Sondrol • lora@mnla.biz Advertising Sales: 763-295-5420 Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com Legislative Affairs Consultant: Doug Carnival 6

MNLA.BIZ february 21

Albert J. Lauer, Inc. .............................................................................. 22 Ancom Communications Inc and Midwest Radio Rentals ........... 9 Anderson Nurseries, Inc. ................................................................... 21 Aspen Equipment ................................................................................ 42 Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes ............................... 3 BankCherokee ...................................................................................... 32 Bullis Insurance Agency ..................................................................... 39 Central Landscape Supply ................................................................ 42 Contree Sprayer & Equipment Co, LLC ........................................... 40 COWSMO, INC. ....................................................................................... 42 Cushman Motor Co. Inc ...................................................................... 19 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ................................................................ 11 Fahey Sales Agency, Inc. ......................................................................40 Frost Inc ................................................................................................. 32 Fury Motors ........................................................................................... 30 Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply ............................. 2 Glacial Ridge Growers ........................................................................ 32 Hedberg Supply ................................................................................... 39 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet ..................................................................... 24–25 Klaus Nurseries .................................................................................... 39 Maguire Agency .................................................................................... 21 Minnesota State Horticultural Society ............................................. 9 Monroe Truck Equipment .................................................................... 4 Niebur Tractor & Equipment, Inc. .................................................... 21 Out Back Nursery ................................................................................... 9 Plaisted Companies .............................................................................. 7 Rock Hard Landscape Supply ........................................................... 21 SMSC Organics Recycling Facility .................................................... 40 Sunbelt Midwest .................................................................................. 16 The Resultants ...................................................................................... 11 The Tessman Company ....................................................................... 16 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. .......................................................................... 23 United Label & Sales .......................................................................... 32 Versa-Lok Midwest .............................................................................. 35 Ziegler CAT ............................................................................. Back Cover

UPCOMING

MNLA is continuing to plan education and events for the green industry. All precautions will be taken to meet social distancing requirements and the guidelines set in place by local and state agencies as well as venues. Should changes occur causing an event to be cancelled due to COVID-19 issues, your registration would be refunded in full.

FEB

10



MASTER CLASS: GREEN INDUSTRY TECHNOLOGY There have been tremendous strides in user-friendly technology all throughout the Green Industry. This online workshop will focus on the technology available to industry practitioners and how it can benefit you and your career.

Online Class ➽MNLA.biz

FEB

12



MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2021. Also offered March 5, 19, and 26.

Roseville ➽MNLA.biz

FEB

15 +22



MASTER CLASS: FAVORITE PLANTS FOR MINNESOTA GARDENS A plethora of best performing landscape plants — from woody trees, shrubs and conifers, to herbaceous perennials, annuals and even houseplants — will be featured. With so many great plants to share, this class is being offered over two days. Join us for one or both!

Online Class ➽MNLA.biz

FEB

17



MASTER CLASS: GOING FROM GOOD TO GREAT — HARDSCAPE EFFICIENCY BOOTCAMP WITH FRANK BOURQUE This interactive workshop includes a combination of presentations and team engagement exercises. We’ll also be building a strategic business plan for the four departments every landscape/hardscape business must navigate and systemize: marketing, admin, production, and sales.

Online Class ➽MNLA.biz

FEB

26



MASTER CLASS: PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION ZOOM WORKSHOP Pending approval by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, this workshop meets Commercial Pesticide Applicator Requirements for Category A (Core) and Category E (Turf and Ornamentals). Recertification for Category P (Vertebrate Pest) will also be offered.

Online Class ➽MNLA.biz

iStock.com/skhoward

MAR

04



the landscape industry.

12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats

Eagan ➽ MNLA.biz

published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & without written permission of MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Subscription price is $99 for one year, which is included with member dues. POSTMASTER:

hours of continuing education requirements for the Power Limited Training Licensure, including 2 hours of code and 6 hours of technical training oriented specifically toward

The Scoop, February 2021, Issue 2 is issued monthly,

Landscape Association, 2021, and may not be used

MASTER CLASS: PLT RELICENSURE Pending Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry approval, this in-person class satisfies eight

MAR

30 –31



Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813

ICPI CONCRETE PAVER INSTALLER COURSE Two-day classroom-based training on proper installation (both residential and commercial) of interlocking concrete pavement systems. Participants will have the opportunity to pursue certification.

Guidant John Rose Minnesota Oval, Roseville, ➽MNLA.biz

Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113.

Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your

2021 MNLA seminars

expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts

generously supported by:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific

Your Trusted Partner

experiences. When submitting an article, please contact the publisher at jon@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987. MNLA



reserves the right to edit all Scoop content.

➽Information on industry events: MNLA.biz/events. Free member-only videos: MNLA.biz/OnlineEducation.

8

MNLA.BIZ february 21

Business

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Learning from What Was & Hope for What Is to Come Cassie Larson

MNLA Executive Director

2020 — What. A. Year. Whew! What started out as a relatively normal year for MNLA and its’ members was quickly thrown into a whirlwind in March 2020 with COVID-19 taking center stage.

The Governor’s initial shelter in place order resulted in many

questions without answers. Your MNLA Government Affairs team immediately leapt into action to advocate for the “essential” nature of green industry businesses with elected officials and state agencies. There were a multitude of activities that ensued to keep member communication front and center: 1. Frequent, if not daily, emails were sent to members with updates.

2. There were web pages added to the MNLA website specifically dedicated to keeping members up to date with activities and progress.

3. There was a private Facebook group created for information dissemination.

4. Staff and volunteers fielded phone calls from members and answered a variety of questions.

Ultimately, the connections and relationships that had been built over the many years of the Government Affairs program paid off. The green industry was allowed to open in Spring 2020, with appropriate safety precautions. While many people deserve credit for this result and it was a true team effort, we owe a special debt of gratitude to MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen and his staff for the role they played communicating with the Governor’s staff on behalf of the green industry. Commissioner Petersen continues to compliment and thank MNLA, its volunteers and staff for the respectful and open lines of communication during those highly stressful days in March. It is also worth noting that the safety standards and precautions put in place and suggested by the Green Industry in Minnesota have been used and referenced as a model by state agencies for use as other industries have created their own guidelines.

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MNLA.BIZ february 21

Please know that even during this tumultuous time, the Board of Directors, committees, and staff continued to focus on our core mission of helping members operate their businesses more successfully. The Board of Directors continues to closely monitor the allocation of our staff, volunteer and financial resources to ensure that we’re delivering the most value to our members. Here are a few of the programs and projects that have developed over the last year: • MNLA transitioned to focus on online education including pesticide recertification and other programs.

• MNLA protected our members’ interests at the state capitol and with state agencies. We also held the 4th annual “End of Session Celebration” where we awarded green industry advocate of the year, MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen, for his service.

• MNLA continues to focus on leadership development to assist member companies with employee retention. The Green Industry Leadership Institute has now been running strong for 7 years, and is about to begin its 8th year. This year, virtual components were added, which will enhance the program in the future.

In addition, an introductory mentorship program is now beginning its second year..

• MNLA maintains a commitment to programs and services that help members operate more successfully, such as the vehicle discount programs and Landscape Awards program.

• In 2019, the MNLA Board in conjunction with the MNLA Foundation Board of Trustees created a 3-year strategic plan solely focused on workforce development. A few of the initiatives from that plan began in 2020 include high school teacher workshops

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Equip your zero-turn Grasshopper with one of our heavy-duty snow removal implements, that’s designed for your location and you’ll power through deep, heavy, wet snow like a hot knife through butter. and curriculum distribution, FFA involvement and landscape contest participation, relationships with MN DEED including an upcoming virtual green industry career fair, partnership with the Minnesota Horticultural Society and their Garden in a Box program, and so much more!

• Northern Green was transitioned to a completely online virtual event that occurred January 11–14, 2021. I hope you had a chance to attend, and if not, the great thing about a virtual event is you still can! Sign up and you can see recorded sessions until September 1, 2021.

As we look at 2021, there continues to be Board commitment to focus on new and renewed income streams, launching job description templates with career paths and educational targets, creation of an ambassador program, exploration of an Association Health Plan, as well as a host of other offerings.

As an association, we can’t move forward without active and involved members. Our grassroots army of volunteers determines our educational programs, makes sure Northern Green runs smoothly, and lobbies legislators during the Day on the Hill. MNLA needs your support now more than ever. So, join us.

Here’s to the hope of a new year — 2021!

www.edneyco.com 888.443.3639

CONNECT WITH US

➽ MNLA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CASSIE LARSON can be reached at 651-633-4987 or cassie@mnla.biz.

february 21 MNLA.BIZ

11

WINTER INTEREST

12

MNLA.BIZ february 21

WINTER Creating

INTEREST

Matthew Olson Pleasant View Gardens

WINTER IS A QUIET TIME OF YEAR IN THE LANDSCAPE. The perennials are no longer blooming, the pollinators have begun hibernating and the plants are dormant. A blanket of snow covers the landscape and allows us to take a break from outdoor landscaping activities. We often miss the lush green growth of summer and eagerly wait for spring when the landscape will burst into bloom once again.

iStock.com/pixelpot

Our client’s landscapes look very different this time of year, but with some planning and creativity their landscape can be just as beautiful as it was in summer. Winter interest refers to plants that look good during the winter months, and some of these plants look their best during the winter. We will be looking at several trees, shrubs, and perennials that will enhance your client’s winter landscape and make the long winter months more enjoyable for them.

Trees As a young man growing up in Wisconsin, my favorite tree in our yard was a River Birch (Betula nigra). The River Birch is well known for its beautiful exfoliating bark that is especially stunning during winter. The peeling bark has different shades of colors that stand out nicely in the snowy landscape.

River Birch is often planted with clumps of

2–5 stems, which maximize the impact of the peeling bark. River birch are beautiful trees at any time of year and grow well in areas that have moist soil and plenty of sun.

A group of trees that really stand out during the winter are evergreens. Evergreens come in many shapes and sizes. They also provide shelter for birds and other wildlife in winter.

Mugo pines and Yews are a great choice for smaller landscapes, with several dwarf varieties that stay under five feet. Balsam fir (Abies balsamea) is a native fir that is common in northern and central Minnesota.

It’s more shade tolerant than most evergreen trees and has glossy needles that shine in the snow. White Pine (Pinus strobus) is a great choice for larger landscapes, with soft feathery foliage that gracefully moves in the wind.

There are many unusual evergreens that can be planted in the landscape as well. The weeping white spruce (Picea glauca ‘Pendula’) february 21 MNLA.BIZ

13

WINTER INTEREST

“

MOST PERENNIALS LOOK GOOD IN SUMMER THEN DIEBACK FOR THE WINTER, LEAVING LITTLE WINTER INTEREST FOR OUR CLIENTS TO ENJOY. BUT THERE’S A FEW PERENNIALS THAT SHINE DURING THE DARKEST TIME OF YEAR.

”

Photo courtesy of Harold Pellett

is a unique variety of the white spruce (Picea glauca) that grows very tall and narrow, creating a stunning specimen. In recent years, breeders have created many dwarf varieties of Pine, Spruce and Fir that will stay compact and can be used in smaller landscapes, giving us endless opportunity for creativity in our client’s landscapes. Evergreens are an excellent way to green up a landscape in winter.

Another way to add interest to a winter landscape are crabapples.

Crabapples (Malus species) are primarily known for their beautiful spring flowers, but some varieties retain their showy fruit through the winter months. The varieties ‘Donald Wyman’ and ‘Firebird’ have beautiful red fruit that stay on the tree during winter. Most varieties of crabapple don’t retain their fruit the entire winter, but they do provide nutritious food for birds in early winter.

Photo courtesy of Harold Pellett

Above and below: Betula nigra 'Heritage'.

14

MNLA.BIZ february 21

Shrubs Most evergreen trees and shrubs in Minnesota are conifers, but there’s a few evergreen shrubs that feature broad leaves. The most commonly grown broadleaf evergreen is the Boxwood (Buxus) and Rhododendron (Rhododendron). Boxwood are known for their green glossy foliage, and compact growth. These can be a great addition to your landscape.

Rhododendron are grown for their large pink flowers in spring, and they retain their leaves in winter. Your clients may notice the leaves of their rhododendron curling during the winter, but don’t need to be alarmed, because this is normal. This is a process known as thermonasty, which allows the plant to conserve moisture in the leaves during winter. Site selection is very important to maintain healthy Boxwoods and Rhododendron in Minnesota. They should be planted in locations that are sheltered from strong winds and winter sun to avoid winter burn. Winter burn is caused by the leaves drying out due to wind and sun exposure, resulting in dead foliage in spring. Rhododendrons require an acidic soil with a pH of under 6. A soil test is a useful method to determine where you can grow rhododendrons in a landscape.

Shrubs are a great way to help your client’s landscape look beautiful during the coldest time of year. A favorite shrub of mine for winter interest is the American highbush cranberry (Viburnum trilobum).

The highbush cranberry grows well in large spaces, and they feature clusters of red berries that persist during winter.

A well-known shrub for winter interest in Minnesota is the red twig dogwood (Cornus sericea). The red stems of dogwood really stand out in the snow, and if you’re looking for more than just red stems, you also could plant dogwoods with yellow stems! The varieties ‘Flaviramea’ and ‘Buds yellow’ have gorgeous yellow stems that contrast nicely on their own or mixed with red stem varieties, such as ‘Arctic Fire’. Remember to prune out the older stems on dogwood to encourage new stems, which provide the best color. The seed heads of Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) add a unique texture and enhance the winter landscape.

Photo courtesy of Harold Pellett

Note the unique texture hydrangea paniculata seedheads add to this winter arrangement.

Photo courtesy of Harold Pellett

Photo courtesy of Harold Pellett

Pinus strobus.

Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' with vibrant red stems.

“

INCORPORATING WINTER INTEREST KEEPS THE LANDSCAPE LOOKING FRESH AND ALLOWS YOUR CLIENTS TO APPRECIATE THEIR LANDSCAPE YEAR-ROUND.

”

Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea' features yellow stems.

Perennials The final group of plants we will look at are the perennials. Most perennials look good in summer then dieback for the winter, leaving little winter interest for our clients to enjoy.

But there’s a few perennials that shine during the darkest time of year. Ornamental grasses stand tall and provide beautiful texture and color during the winter. Some especially nice grasses include switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and silver feather miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis ‘siberfeder’). Karl Foerster reed grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’) is another reliable performer for the winter landscape.

In addition to grasses, Black Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia fulgida), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and sedum (Sedum) feature tall seed heads that stand up in the snow and provide an easy source of food for birds to enjoy.

Incorporating winter interest keeps the landscape looking fresh and allows your clients to appreciate their landscape year-round. ➽ MATTHEW OLSON is Garden Maintenance Crew Lead at Pleasant View Gardens and can be reached at mattolson5@gmail.com. february 21 MNLA.BIZ

15

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PLASTICS What to Do With

Peter Szymczak

iStock.com/corners74

Article first published in Digger Magazine, published by the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN)

february 21 MNLA.BIZ

17

Bill Goloski, OAN

PLASTICS

PLANT GROWERS, RETAILERS, PLASTIC MANUFACTURERS AND RECYCLERS consider new tactics for the recycling and disposal of plastics, as concerns mount over landfills and fuel Hundreds of pounds of it are in every automo-

bile, truck and tractor. It’s made into millions of straws, utensils and to-go containers for use in the food industry, as well as the disposable, sanitary medical instruments used by doctors and nurses. And it’s everywhere in the greenhouse and nursery industry too, found in everything from drip tube irrigation systems to injection molded pots, trays, flats, poly film and durable polyethylene silage bags. “When we started, very little was being done to recycle agricultural plastics,” said Allen Jongsma of Agri-Plas, an agricultural recycler in Brooks, Oregon. “Most people didn’t have a clue how much plastic waste there was.”

According to a 2018 report by the International Energy Agency, the production of plastics — the most familiar group of petrochemical products — has outpaced all other

18

MNLA.BIZ february 21

bulk materials (steel, aluminum and cement) two-fold since 2000. The United States and Europe are currently consuming 20 times as much plastic, and 10 times as much fertilizer (also made from petrochemicals) as developing economies such as India and Indonesia, underscoring the huge potential for growth in plastics use worldwide. With more plastics in the environment every day and their growth showing no signs of slowing, new tactics are being considered to recycle plastics locally.

“A lot of new paper products actually start with plastics — seedling trays, styroblocks, and the way plant material is transported around,” said John Desmarteau, communications director at Agilyx, a plastics recycler in Tigard, Oregon. “What we want to do is put plastics back into its best use.” The concept seems simple: Set aside the stuff that can be chopped up, melted down and made back into useful stuff. The problem is, there’s no single turnkey process, due in large part to all the different kinds of plastics currently in the field, with new ones being invented by material scientists every day.

Where Does All the Plastic Go? Up until about two years ago, most U.S. plastic waste was sent overseas to China, Vietnam, Thailand and other southeast Asian

countries, where it was recycled, incinerated, buried underground or disposed underwater.1 “We were sending over very contaminated loads of material, which limited what they could recover,” Desmarteau said. “They also paid more per pound than any domestic converters, so it didn’t promote domestic conversion technology.”

But the waste stream turned tide in January 2018, when China abruptly stopped buying our recyclable plastics, paper, and other refuse. China determined that the high levels of contamination causing damage to its environment and public health, combined with the low cost of oil needed to make virgin plastic, made recycling and disposal no longer desirable or profitable.2 China’s ban, called “National Sword,” came down on Oregon particularly hard.3 As of February 2020, Agri-Plas had largely stopped taking in any more nursery pots, baling twine, drip tubing, pesticide containers, and other greenhouse plastics. The recycling facility, which has been in operation over 25 years, had a colossal backlog of plastics — Jongsma estimated it in excess of two million pounds — with no place to send the sorted, ground, and ready-to-be-recycled material.

“Normally we send a load a day out of here,” said Jongsma, co-owner with his wife Dari.

“Right now, we’ve only got one order, and we don’t know when it’s turning around.”

Mechanical vs. Chemical Methods The majority of waste plastics are processed mechanically — sorted into like material and ground into flakes, then melted into “beads” for reuse in the manufacture of new plastic items. There are many downsides to this process. For starters, it takes much energy to sort, grind, and transport the material, largely defeating the economic and ecologic purposes of recycling in the first place. In addition, plastics must be made from the same types of polymers and they must be very clean, free of dirt, plant debris or any chemical contaminants, or the recycling process won’t work.

“A nursery sends a stack of #1-gallon pots.

There’s stuff made in Asia, there’s stuff made in the U.S., there’s some HD, there’s some injection, but they all look about the same, when in fact they’re all different. The industry really needs standardization,” Jongsma said.

“It’s time to innovate and adapt.” Jongsma has teamed up with chemist Kevin DeWhitt to build a machine that holds the promise of converting 20,000 to 25,000 pounds of plastics per day into usable fuel. At a conversion rate upwards of 75%, that’s 15,000 pounds of low-sulfur diesel fuel that could be sold back to farmers for powering tractors, possibly in the shipping industry. Carbon ash, a byproduct of the process, could be used as a soil amendment.

Similarly, Agilyx is also developing a chemical process that could prove revolutionary.

The company, founded by DeWhitt in 2004, is racing to develop a scalable model for converting plastics — polystyrene, specifically — into fuel and feedstock for new plastic products. “We found that polystyrene items could create a new product that is a dropin product for new polystyrene products,” said John Desmarteau, director of communications. “Now it’s less of an intermediate product that needs further refining.”

The new product promises up to 70% less greenhouse gas generation compared to virgin products. “It’s indistinguishable from virgin material, and it can go back into the highest grades of sterile food service, medical items, plant trays and styroblocks,” Desmarteau said. “Our hope is to increase plastic recovery globally from 10% to 90%.” It’s estimated that 359 metric tons of plastic were produced in 2018, equivalent to the mass of roughly two-thirds of the world’s population, with less

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MNLA Certified Professional Fellows In 2020, MNLA instituted a Certified Professional Fellow designation for MNLA Certified Professionals who are in good standing (e.g., not lapsed or expired) and who have maintained their status as an MNLA Certified Professional for at least 20 consecutive years.

When the Fellow designation is achieved, it will have no expiration date and there will be no recertification fees required. Certified Professional Fellows will no longer be required to submit recertification credits to MNLA. However, they are encouraged to continue ongoing professional improvement through education and service, and act as ambassadors of MNLA and the nursery and landscape profession. Certified Professionals interested in the Fellow status can complete an application, or be nominated by a colleague.

Applications will be reviewed and approved by the MNLA Certification Task Team.

Current Certfied Professional Fellows • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Donna Atallian, Lynde Greenhouse & Nursery, Inc. Dale Bachman, Bachman's, Inc. Richard Brickley, Jr., Bachman's, Inc. Ron Davidson, Amity Creek Landscaping of Duluth, Inc. Kim Gaida-Wagener, Rock Hard Landscape Supply Steven Hutton David Lange, Lange's Nursery & Landscaping, Inc. David Lewis, Sargent's Nursery, Inc. Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries Lori Reiland, Custom Retaining Walls & Landscaping, Inc. Scott Solomonson, Living Space Landscapes, Inc. Cheryle Wilke, Flying W Gardens LLP Paulette Wozniak, Environmental Care Nursery and Landscaping Inc

february 21 MNLA.BIZ

19

“

Bill Goloski, OAN

PLASTICS

“WE’RE SUCH A GREAT INDUSTRY, BUT WE ARE SO DEPENDENT ON PLASTICS.”

than 10% of it actually recycled.4 The rest was disposed in landfills, burned in incinerators creating air pollution, or left uncollected.

Reducing waste At Kraemer’s Nursery, a stockpile of plastic pots in various sizes had accumulated over the years. Maybe they’d be of use again someday… “Sometimes you just have to take a look and ask, ‘Are we ever going to use these?’ And if not, then we try to get it to recycling,” said Chris Ames, operations director.

Since joining Kraemer’s last year, Ames has overseen the reduction and organization of those piles after instituting a Lean initiative to improve efficiency at the 850-acre facility in Mt. Angel, Oregon. “Before we basically just made piles of miscellaneous garbage plastic, stacked on top of each other, mixed in with garbage,” Ames said. “Now we basically have a base set up where containers get put in the same spot every time, garbage string all together.”

Kraemer’s reuses as many pots, trays and flats as possible by sanitizing them in an onsite steam-sterilization facility to extend their lifetime. Ames is also actively looking to upgrade the propagation trays they use to get even more use out of them. “They’re expensive, but if we can get multiple uses then it makes 20

MNLA.BIZ february 21

sense,” Ames said. But those thicker trays, too, will eventually need to be disposed of.

Traditionally, Agri-Plas has been where Kraemer’s and many other Oregon nurseries have taken their spent plastics. “We send everything that they’ll take, but we’re limited in how much we can send their way now,” Ames said. “We are a little stuck, looking for other recycling resources,” echoed Mark Bigej, chief of operations at Al’s Garden & Home, the state’s largest independent nursery retailer.

Al’s has growing facilities in Hubbard, Mt. Angel and Gresham, where they grow 90% of the soft-stemmed annuals and perennials they sell at their retail locations. “We try to use our flats as much as possible. Some of the gallon carrier trays we get years and years, but our 6-inch in gallons and 4-inch we only get one year,” Bigej said.

Bigej said they try really hard not to send this material to landfills, but right now there’s no good, consistent solution. “Priority-wise, recycling is pretty high up there,” he said.

“We’re such a great industry, but we are so dependent on plastics.”

Profusion of petrochemicals Domestic oil drilling by fracking (hydraulic fracturing) has surged since 2000, with Tex-

”

as, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Ohio leading the way.5 Nationally, fracking produces approximately 50% of the oil and two-thirds of the natural gas used in the United States, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Fracking has not only made America less reliant on oil imports for its energy needs, it has also tapped into a new profitable resource.

When natural gas comes out of the ground, it contains ethane — a key ingredient in the manufacture of plastics.6 America is producing so much ethane that more than 300 new petrochemical and plastics plants are either planned or are under construction around the country.7 With more ethane than existing U.S. plants can use, the U.S. has also become the world’s leading exporter of ethane, which has spurred the growth of plastics industries in India, China and Europe.8 U.S. exports of ethane are expected to keep growing and are on pace to double by 2040.

“Natural gas is practically free, which helps keep the price down,” said Rick Anderson, president of Anderson Pots, a manufacturer of injection molded nursery pots, bands and flats made of polypropylene and high-density polyethylene. About 10 years ago, Anderson introduced a line of biodegradable pots, but

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there was “absolutely no interest in them on the grower side. They were slightly more expensive, but people were worried they would not be as durable,” Anderson said.

With abundant supplies of virgin petroleum and natural gas, there’s less incentive to recycle — until now, as piles of plastic waste begin to build up. “There’s incentive to recycle in the Pacific Northwest because we’re here, but there’s no infrastructure,” said Nicole Janssen, president of Denton Plastics in Gresham, Oregon. “It’s the same all over the U.S. We need more processing facilities to handle the materials.” Recycling rules vary from state to state, depending on the recycling facility, and even year by year. “Check frequently with your recycler to see what their current requirement are,” has become the recycling mantra.

Since 2014, Anderson Pots has tried to simplify the process by partnering with Denton Plastics to convert old plastic nursery containers and flats into new containers. Anderson offers credits toward future purchases of pots. “We’ll take whatever’s ours or American made,” Anderson said. “The main impediment is it has to be clean, no dirt or rocks. Making sure it is clean and reusable is the main problem.”

Additionally, Denton Plastics recently received an Oregon Metro grant to install a new continuous melt filter on an existing plastic extruder line.9 The new equipment will enable an estimated 6 to 8 million pounds of plastics to be processed.

A deposit on the future Until technology catches up, new legislation is attempting to curb plastic consumption. Fast on the heels of Oregon’s single-use plastic bag tax and ban10 taking effect this year, the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020 11 is new federal legislation, co-sponsored by Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and others, that seeks to phase out all single-use plastic products and hold corporations accountable for waste in an effort to reduce packaging and reform the waste and recycling collection system.

The proposed federal legislation is not expected to pass. Lacking a set of national standards, the problem of what to do with plastic waste is being sorted out by local recyclers like Agilyx and Agri-Plas.

“It’s happening here in Oregon,” said Desmarteau of Agilyx. “We’re working on a process that can be replicated in other places across the nation. As much as there was doom and gloom over the last two years, more domestic converters coming online should help offset the losses of foreign entities willing to take on our waste.” ➽ PETER SZYMCZAK is a freelance writer for Digger magazine. He can be reached at szymczak.peter.t@gmail.com.

References: 1. https://borgenproject.org/10-facts-about-plastic-waste-in-southeast-asia/

2. https://www.businessinsider.com/low-oil-prices-hurt-plastics-recycling-2016-4 3. https://99percentinvisible.org/episode/national-sword/

4. https://www.statista.com/statistics/282732/global-production-of-plastics-since-1950/

5. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=41955

6. https://www.npr.org/2019/11/13/778766554/ethane-and-the-plastics-boom 7. https://www.americanchemistry.com/Shale_Gas_Fact_Sheet.aspx 8. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=38232

9. https://www.oregonmetro.gov/2018-2019-investment-and-innovation-grants

10. https://www.oregon.gov/deq/mm/production/Pages/Bags.aspx

11. https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/5845

22

MNLA.BIZ february 21

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302 302 302

www.jeffbelzerchevy.com Version # 4 Version # 4 Version # 4

Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.indd Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.inddLinked Graphics Art Director Control Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.indd 12KTFLCHEV032.tif Linked GraphicsRGB

Retail Planning Flyer Control Art Jarret Petsch •Mechjpetsch@jeffbelzer.com Scale 100 8.75”952-469-7063 x 11.25” Bleed Chevy CopyDirector Writer TBD

RGB

12KTFLCHEV032.tif RGB HD CC with Dump_psd.psd Linked GraphicsRGB Control Art Director 11CHSL00054.jpg RGB Mech TBD Copy Print Scale Scale 100 12KTFLCHEV032.tif RGB None BusinessCentral_KO.ai ProjWriter Mgr csenn HD CC with Dump_psd.psd RGB 11CHSL00054.jpg RGB Scale Please 100 GM_business_choice.ai TBD Copy Writer Jeff Belzer Lakeville,Mech MN. call the Commercial Department at 952-469-4444.

Print Scale None BusinessCentral_KO.ai csenn Proj Stock None HD CC with Dump_psd.psd RGB Acct Mgr Svc kdenmark cube_0758.jpg RGB GM_business_choice.ai Print Scale Trim None 8.5” x 11” BusinessCentral_KO.ai csenn Proj Mgr Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB All Rebates & incentives to dealer, must qualify for same, prices subject to change.

Stock None Live None 8.25” x 10.75” kdenmark Acct Mgr Svc afinnan cube_0758.jpg RGB Folded Size Prod GM_business_choice.ai RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB Stock Live None 8.25” x 10.75” kdenmark Acct Svc cube_0758.jpg RGB Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB Folded Size None afinnan Mgr TBD 1 RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB Finishing Buyer To qualify, vehicles must be None used in day-to-day operations of your business and notArtProd solely for transportation purposes.

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CONTENT CONTENT CONTENT

Job Description 8.75” Chevy Retail Planning Flyer 11.25” Bleed Trim 8.5” x x11” 8.75” x 11.25” Chevrolet, 50Bleed & Cedar, Box 965, Trim Live 8.5” 8.25”x x11” 10.75”

Publications None

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840 ppi 270 ppi 840 ppi 1089ppippi 270 840 ppi 1089 ppi 270 ppi 1089ppi, ppi461 ppi 464 1112 ppi461 ppi 464 ppi, 421 1112ppippi 464 ppi, 419 ppi ppi 461 ppi 421 1112ppi, ppi 844 419 ppi 1708 ppi 421 ppi 1006 ppi,1708 1004ppippi 844 ppi, 419 ppi 1418 ppi, 1004 1482 ppi ppi 1006 ppi, 844ppi, ppi,858 1708ppippi 860 1418 ppi, 1482 ppi 1006ppi, ppi,605 1004 ppi 606 860 ppi, 858 ppi ppi 1418ppi, ppi,820 1482 ppi 821 ppi 606 ppi, 605 ppi 860 ppi, 858 ppi 3169 ppi820 821 ppi, ppi 606 ppi, 2431 ppi 605 ppi 3169 ppi 821 ppi, 820 ppi 2431 ppi 3169 ppi 2431 ppi

1PROSS.tif 12KTFLCHEV033.tif 12KTFLCHEV021.tif BasePkg_ss.tif 12KTFLCHEV033.tif 12KTFLCHEV021.tif 12KTFLCHEV033.tif

CMYK RGB RGB CMYK RGB RGB RGB

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proof of business.

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february 21 MNLA.BIZ

27

L

EQUIPMENT TRENDS

“

Landscape Business (LB): What trends are you seeing with regard to outdoor power equipment for professional lawn and landscape applications?

Trends continue to focus on productivity, ease of use and reduced service. And, as landscapers are now navigating the COVID-19 challenges with no more than two — and often only one man — per truck, equipment that offers high productivity for getting through jobs faster with less fatigue is more important than ever.

Self-propelled reciprocating aerators with hydro drive and variable hole density for single pass aerations, and overseeders that can verticut and overseed in a single pass are examples of turf renovation units that offer more productivity. Equipment offering longer service intervals for oil changes saves downtime for a landscaper trying to meet the demands of their business, which, in today’s time, may mean a smaller crew.

— Pierre Pereira, director of sales, N.A. at Billy Goat

”

TRENDS CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON PRODUCTIVITY, EASE OF USE AND REDUCED SERVICE.

”

NEWS & NOTES

28

ate last year, Landscape Business (https://landscape-business.com) asked representatives from equipment manufacturers throughout the industry to share their insights into market trends and what industry professionals need to know. Responses are re-printed here, with permission of Landscape Business, in the order in which they were received.

MNLA.BIZ february 21

” We have seen many of our professional

lawn and landscape teams paying more

attention to their efficiency and effectiveness. Each owner wants to know how products make their daily operations easier and more cost effective. Some have even calculated out how a new machine saves them money and, therefore, how quickly it will pay for itself. Operators and owners are also diversifying their services.

Groups that focus on one service, such as mowing, are exploring landscaping, stump removal, snow removal, or installation of hardscapes and landscapes. It has been great to watch the lawn and landscape industry grow and adapt to new needs in the market.

— Sam Williamson, a regional sales manager for Steiner, a Doosan Bobcat brand.

There is a trend around value, with a focus on “What am I getting for my money?” — in

”

MNLA Board of Directors Election Results

a retail garden center,

in Sociology from

her family’s nursery

genetics and brands

a secondary seasonal

Western Illinois

business. Since 1905,

like Endless Summer

retail location, and

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Bailey Nurseries

Hydrangea to the

John O’Reilly was re-

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an MNLA Certified

has remained a

world. McEnaney

elected to the MNLA

build operation. John

Professional.

family-owned

graduated from the

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has served in many

Terri McEnaney was

company serving

University of St.

He is the President of

roles for Otten Bros.

elected to the MNLA

customers in North

Thomas in 1982 with

Operations at Otten

since he began there

Board of Directors. As

America and beyond.

a degree in Business

Bros. Garden Center

in 1992, starting as a

President of Bailey

Partnerships have

with emphasis in

and Landscaping

seasonal employee,

Nurseries, Inc., Terri

been established

Accounting. After 8

in Long Lake, Minn.

working his way up.

McEnaney is a 4th

in the past decade

years working at 3M

Otten Bros. operates

John has a degree

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introducing Bailey

Company, McEnaney

Ditch Witch®

Z Turf Equipment

ASV

terms of the mower itself and what it can do. Landscape contractors want a durable piece of equipment that is simple to operate. Comfort is also a key motivating factor — especially when it comes to owner/ operators. We hear a lot about ergonomics, so we are designing seats that eliminate the chances of ending the day with bumps and bruises.

We are also seeing a desire ® at bc for an extension of the mainteBo nance intervals. With seasonal work, it’s important to keep contractors out there making money instead of facing downtime with their mowers in the shop.

— Brad Unruh, director of new product development, Hustler Turf Equipment

Improved performance and efficiency continue There’s been an increased focus on battery” ” to be on the minds of the lawn care professionpowered solutions, though it’s been a slower

als. With a continued need for labor, commercial landscapers rely on equipment that provides quick and easy service, so as to get back to the jobs at hand. Fast, DIY maintenance and cleaning access allow for more jobs done today, and less time getting ready for tomorrow. Landscaping software is also growing interest and helping contractors with improved planning for the long days ahead.

With efficiency being a priority, stand-on mowers are also continuing to gain acceptance.

Reliability is also important, so that the landscaper knows that regardless of what else is happening in the world, his equipment will support his business. Battery-powered equipment is gaining a lot of attention and interest in the market, especially with all the discussions on a greener environment happening in the news.

— Ron Scheffler, senior product manager, BOB-CAT and Ryan

transition for professionals than it has been with consumers. Consumers have been quick to take advantage of the options available for battery-powered equipment and the benefits of not having to deal with mixing gas and oil or the general maintenance associated with gas-powered equipment. However, right now, many professionals continue to rely on their gas-powered equipment to get most of their jobs done because electric technology has not advanced to a point yet where battery-powered tools can be a full replacement for gas.

Many professional landscapers are starting to recognize the benefits of battery-powered equipment, so they’ve started to use them as supplemental tools to their gas units. For example, when a crew is working early in the morning in a residential area or doesn’t want to bother people in a commercial setting, they’ll turn to battery-powered equipment due to the reduction in noise. Crews will also turn

has worked in various

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the agricultural

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positions at her busi-

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http://bit.ly/2Pzj2hT

(continued on page 41)

february 21 MNLA.BIZ

29

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EQUIPMENT TRENDS

to battery-powered equipment when they’re working in municipalities and hospitals that do not allow the operation of gas-powered equipment.

Indeed, while the professional market is slower to adopt, those who are using battery-powered equipment are seeing the benefits right away: no gas, ease of use, less noise, less vibration, lighter weight, less maintenance, and lower operating costs.

— Tony Buxton, senior product manager for Milwaukee Tool

We’re seeing a trend of professional landscape ” contractors looking for multi-application-capable

equipment. A lot of our landscape customers are looking at models like our RT-75 Heavy Duty for its ability to perform as a mid-sized loader for typical landscape applications, as well as demanding applications such as brush cutting and land clearing. This allows landscape contractors to get into this type of work without investing in larger, dedicated equipment.

In addition, we’re seeing more contractors take advantage of small sit-in compact track loaders instead of stand-on and walk-behinds.

Stand-on and walk-behind loaders offer the same compact benefits of track loaders in terms of transportability and the ability to operate in tight spaces, but, at the end of the day, they can’t compete in terms of speed and low ground disturbance, as well as operator safety and comfort.

— Buck Storlie, ASV product line manager The labor shortage continues to be a top concern for our customers. As a result, manufacturers have developed equipment solutions that help enhance operator productivity. The John Deere-exclusive Mulch On Demand technology enables the operator to switch between mulching and side discharging without ever leaving the seat.

”

Fuel is another hot trend, driven by customers either looking for ways to decrease fuel costs or exploring alternative fuels such as diesel. To meet this trend, we’ve focused on expanding our equipment lineup to offer more solutions for customers, such as the Z955R EFI and Z994R diesel zero-turn models.

These zero-turns offer professional landscape contractors the power, productivity and fuel solutions they need. With these product introductions, we are able to supply professional landscape contractors for the right solution for any application or operation.

— Nick Minas, product manager, John Deere Commercial Mowing Battery-powered equipment continues to be an area of growth throughout the country, primarily out west, where stronger regulations have pushed many landscape contractors to add more “green”/battery-powered equipment. Mowers and handheld tools, like trimmers and blowers, effectively reduce/ eliminate emissions and help to take advantage of the noise-mitigation that battery-powered equipment offers.

Larger, more productive, and more versatile machines continue to be an area of growth, where larger deck sizes — such as our 96-inch 7500-G mower — can really step up productivity, or our GrandStand Multi Force, which is an “all-season” machine with both summer (mowing, aeration, dethatching, blower) and winter applications (snowplow blade). In general, higher-horsepower engines continue to be a strong trend across multiple different product categories.

— Mitch Hoffman, marketing manager at Toro While vacuum excavation is not a new technology in the landscape industry, lawn and landscape contractors are increasingly using vacuum excavators for a variety of jobs. The

”

”

versatile machines are being used for irrigation installation, garden and flowerbed cleanout and tree care. Vacuum excavators can be less environmentally invasive than other machines, and can be used to remove ground cover without harming vegetation. Landscapers also are turning to soft excavation, which is using pressurized water to excavate the soil while using the vacuum to remove slurry. This practice is commonly used for excavating irritation trenches or around established trees with a shallow root network. Due to their versatility, low maintenance and minimal environmental impact, vacuum excavators are an asset to any lawn and landscape fleet.

— Chapman Hancock, Ditch Witch vacuum excavation product manager There is definitely a trend toward stand-on mowers, as more lawn care professionals take advantage of their small footprint, maneuverability and ease of operation. Longterm, we see a slower but consistent move toward battery-powered outdoor power equipment and autonomous functionality that will help lessen the impact of labor shortages.

— Josh Sooy, business segment director, professional products, Cub Cadet Customers remain on the lookout for ways to make their businesses and operations more environmentally friendly. This means that fuel-efficient and zero emissions products are proving to be attractive, along with battery-powered products. For example, all of Honda’s gasoline-powered mowers incorporate either the Honda GXV engine or Honda GCV engine that feature high performance, easy starting and low fuel consumption.

Noise abatement, both for operators and consumers, is an increasingly important aspect of environmental sustainability. Quieter operation of power equipment helps reduce operator fatigue and increase productivity of crews. And as people in the community are asking for less noise from landscaping activities, quiet operation reduces sound pollution.

The landscape market also benefits from increased innovation and development of equipment and tools. Outdoor power product owners remain focused both on how to get the most value from their equipment and how to most effectively complete outdoor landscaping maintenance and projects.

Despite the business challenges presented by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor power equipment manufacturers still operate around several constants —chiefly, knowing and understanding that the industry is a very seasonal one, and sales are driven

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february 21 MNLA.BIZ

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EQUIPMENT TRENDS

“

WE ARE SEEING MORE SMART TECHNOLOGY USED IN THE LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY.

largely by weather patterns and weather events.

During the past few years, Honda Power Equipment has adopted the operating mantra “expect the unexpected.” Take for example the devastating Atlantic hurricane seasons, the raging California wildfires due to drought and high winds, colder-than-average springs, and warmer temperatures lasting well into November with abrupt changes to snow and ice.

Regardless, what Honda Power Equipment counts on is that customers look to the reliability, efficiency and quiet performance of the full array of Honda outdoor power equipment and general-purpose engines to help get jobs done, maximizing productivity and return on investment.

— Gary Childress, senior manager, Honda Power Equipment Commercial users continue to place a premium on dependable tools that allow them to get their work done quickly and with as little fatigue as possible. In particular, the popularity of lightweight products with high power output continues to increase.

— John Powers, director of product marketing, Echo, Inc. With the combination of labor shortages and rising labor costs, Exmark is seeing landscape contractors looking for ways to become more productive and efficient. Customer feedback from users of our 96-inch Lazer Z models has been overwhelmingly positive. Landscape contractors, parks and rec departments, municipalities and savvy homeowners understand that up-front cost is quickly offset by the machines’ increased productivity and reduced labor, fuel, service and maintenance expenses.

Increased productivity and efficiency aren’t simply achieved through larger mowing decks, however. The Tractus non-pneumatic tire and wheel system is a great example.

Tractus practically eliminates downtime from flat tires, and operators no longer have to check and maintain tire pressure on a daily basis to maintain mower performance.

We’re also seeing increased interest in turf care products. Due to the specialization required, turf care is a more difficult category to enter than maintenance, so profit margins are typically better. Expanding into turf care can help contractors overcome low revenue from poor weather and/or economic conditions.

As a result, we’re seeing a growing number of our core customers dive into the turf care

”

”

and/or application side of the business.

— Lenny Mangnall, Exmark product manager We’re definitely seeing the need from professional lawn and landscape professionals to pack more performance and productivity into the same sized equipment they use today.

We’ve responded to this trend in multiple ways.

The new L23 and L28 small articulated loaders deliver an impressive combination of heavy lifting capability and an agile, turf-friendly package, thanks to its nimble design and smooth articulation.

As the importance of compact loaders grow for landscape businesses, owners place more demands on any given piece of equipment.

The recently launched R-Series loaders boast increased lifting capabilities, featuring cast steel lift arm construction for added strength.

New R2-Series compact excavators provide the performance, durability and quality necessary to increase productivity, achieve greater versatility and maximize profitability on landscaping projects.

Bobcat also has also recently launched its largest lifting capacity mini track loader to date. The brand new MT100 is just 36 inches wide, allowing easy access through gates and in yards, while boasting a 1,000-pound lift capacity.

— Jason Boerger, marketing manager — excavators, Bobcat Company The biggest industry trend is still the demand for battery-powered products among the professional and consumer markets. Many municipalities and residential areas are starting to require low to no exhaust emissions and lower noise levels so the market is adapting to meet those needs.

We are prepared to support landscapers with this transition over the next few years with a wide-range of powerful professional battery equipment. In addition, a number of Stihl professional battery products are already California Zero Emissions Equipment (ZEE) certified, as well as the American Green Zone Alliance Field Test Certified (AFTC) allowing them to operate even under the most stringent emissions and durability guidelines.

The landscaping business is becoming increasingly more sophisticated with hightech tools like robotic lawn mowers and apps to manage business operations and fleet management from a mobile device.

”

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”

We are seeing more smart technology used in the landscape industry. This year, we introduced Stihl connected management system. Stihl connected brings a new level of transparency to fleet management and the world of outdoor power equipment.

With the Bluetooth-enabled device and the Stihl connected portal, accessible through a phone or tablet, professionals can check the status of their tools, and when maintenance is needed. Additionally, fleet management is made easier, and productivity improved, by knowing how tools are performing and when and where they are being used.

And while battery products certainly grow in popularity, we continue to enhance our professional gas product range improving power while lowering weight, reducing emissions and improving serviceability.

— Nick Jiannas, vice president of sales and marketing, Stihl Inc. We have seen, and will continue to see, the evolution of rechargeable and battery-powered solutions for both handheld — specifically string trimmers, blowers and trimmers — and ride-on equipment. Following the progression of the automotive industry, the adoption of these technologies will continue to spread into consumer and professional outdoor power equipment.

Tweels, an airless tire option, have increased in popularity over the years. The benefit to these tires is that they never go flat, saving on maintenance time and budget, and allowing heavy equipment to carry more weight and engage with more rugged terrain.

We’re also continuing to see a rise in the popularity of zero turn mowers, such as Kioti’s ZXC Series, which allow landscaping professionals to get the job done efficiently and effectively.

— Steve Cathey, Kioti Tractor territory manager -— Kansas, Oklahoma, and Eastern Texas

”

➽ LANDSCAPE BUSINESS is the business resource for full-service landscape industry professionals, and covers all aspects of the full-service landscape business — including lawn maintenance, landscape design and construction, irrigation and water management, hardscapes, tree care, landscape lighting, tools and equipment, and more. For more information, visit https://landscape-business.com. february 21 MNLA.BIZ

33

LEGAL ISSUES

5 Quick Tips for Parting Ways with Employees in Minnesota Patrick McGuiness,

Employees in Minnesota are considered “at will” employees. This means they can quit for

Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC

any reason. It also means that an employer can terminate an employee for any legal reason.

Provided the termination is not for a discriminatory reason

(race, creed, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status), then employers have a lot of leeway in deciding who to terminate and when to terminate them.

Things to Consider Before Terminating an Employee Does this termination involve a public policy situation (e.g., employee just finished jury duty or military service)?

Has the employee reported a violation of the law or filed a complaint with a governmental agency? Have written personnel policies setting forth standards of fairness been followed (e.g., was the employee fired in anger)?

Have significant contingent benefits not yet vested (e.g., commissions or profit-sharing benefits)? Is the reason for the termination going to be difficult to prove?

If any of the above questions raise issues under the particular facts, the employer should consider further evaluation of the decision, delaying the termination, or negotiating a separation agreement with the employee that includes a release of all potential claims. A release is a legal document that should be drafted by legal counsel to ensure compliance with required language releasing claims. An improperly drafted release may not actually release the claims the employer is seeking to release, even though consideration may have been given or severance benefits paid.

No Two-Week Notice Under Minnesota law there is no such thing as a “two-week notice.” Industry customs and courtesies often lead to such notices being provided, but they are not required.

Employers can request advance notice that an employee plans to leave their position by including the request in 34

MNLA.BIZ february 21

the employee handbook, but once again, any notice given is simply a courtesy not required by law.

Paying Wages at Termination If an employee quits, they must be paid within the next pay period after the employee quit. If an employee is terminated, they must be paid within 24 hours of a demand for payment. However, if the employee was entrusted with company money or property during the course of their employment, then the employer may have an additional 10 calendar days following the date of the employees’ separation, during which time the employer may audit the accounts of the employee.

Benefits Payments Beyond what is required by law, each business can determine what benefits employees are offered. If any of these benefits have payout options, they must be paid within 30 days of when they become due.

But Why Was I Fired?

Employees often want to know why they were terminated.

Minnesota law requires that employers must give a truthful answer if an employee inquires in writing. The employee has 15 days from separation to make such a request, and then the employer has another 10 days from the receipt of the request to provide a truthful response. ➽ THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES general information on employment law and should not be relied upon as legal advice for every situation. If you would like more information regarding employment law or other legal matters, please contact Patrick McGuiness at Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651-206-3203 or pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com.

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YELLOWWOOD TREE

TREE

The Rare American Yellowwood

Faith Appelquist Tree Quality LLC

“I FOUND A LONGING COMING OVER ME…TO LIVE UP THERE TOO; SUCH IS THE STRENGTH AND CERTAINTY THAT THIS TREE HAD IN BEING A TREE.” Italo Calvino, The Baron in the Trees, 1959

Yellowwood in summer at the UW Madison campus.

Decorative seed pods in autumn.

Flowers are visited by a large number of bees.

If your boxwood is subject to winter winds, or to hardscape such as driveways or sidewalks, consider covering it with burlap over the winter.

A good replacement for boxwood is Green Mound Alpine Currant, with none of the winter problems and a reasonable look-alike from afar.

In all my years of traipsing through yards and

the yellowwood is a breath of freshness all year round.

Yellowwood trees admittedly have a maddening branching habit, generally doing fine until the tree is about chest height, when multiple leaders fork low on the trunk. Judicious and timely pruning can help, though at a certain point, it is probably reasonable to just accept that good branching structure is not this tree’s strong suit. Pruning should be done only in midsummer because the tree “bleeds” profusely if pruned in the spring and tends to crack if pruned during the winter.

Yellowwood’s other positive attributes clearly outweigh this one idiosyncrasy, and I would suggest that the value and benefit this beautiful tree provides makes consideration for planting worthwhile in many gardens.

My yellowwood tree has weathered a number of early and late season ice storms, as well as heavy, annual snowfall, with no trace of damage. She did take a number of years to bloom, but now rewards my wait with a lush, fragrant canopy in early June, followed by dangling, decorative seed pods in autumn.

The fruits mature in size by August and in September are brown and dry. They remain on the trees for a short period after the fall of the leaves, but they soon fall to the ground.

Flowers are visited by a large number of bees. Trees may not flower until they are 10years-old and then seem to give outstanding displays only in cycles of every two to five years.

The gorgeous display is well worth the wait.

Bonus Topic: Boxwood Burnout A question I often hear is “What is a good alternative for boxwoods?” Many gardeners are frustrated by their boxwoods’ random death and/or browning after years of growing beautifully in the garden.

Winters can take a terrible toll on boxwood.

A cold December and January combined with a lack of snow cover can dry and desiccate leaves. Any snow cover that comes later in the season won’t help if the leaves were already exposed to killing temperatures. Plants are especially susceptible to winter damage in temperatures get below -10 degrees Fahrenheit, especially in locations next to pavement or siding of the house with direct sunlight that warms the tissue up too quickly.

Due to our rigorous winters, only a few broadleaf evergreens will survive in Minnesota.

Boxwood, rhododendrons, vinca and pachysandra are four common broadleaf evergreens for Zone 4. Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) is typically hardy down to Zone 5.

Some boxwood cultivars are more tolerant of cold temperatures than others. A Korean cross with sempervirens has produced a hardy boxwood to -10 F. Chicagoland Green and Green Velvet are listed as hardy to Zone 4.

gardens, I can count on one hand the number

iStock.com/Vik_Y

All photos courtesy of Faith Appelquist.

Yellowwood blooms in early June, about the time school is out for the summer.

of places where I have seen an American yellowwood tree: St. John’s campus, Eastview High School, Kari’s garden, UW Madison campus and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Yup, that’s it. I don’t understand why it’s not more widely used. American yellowwood is native, has beautiful fall color and it flowers. You can’t say all that about maples and I see plenty of those.

Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea) is a moderate-size deciduous tree, reaching a height of 40–60 feet. The common name is derived from the appearance of the freshly cut heartwood, which is yellow; hence the name yellowwood. The tree was once used to manufacture yellow dyes. Yellowwood is hardy in Zones 4 to 8 and is native to Eastern North America (just a reminder, Minnesota is Zone 4). It can handle high soil pH (up to 8.2) and is considered relatively pest and disease free.

Even the Japanese beetle wants nothing to do with the yellowwood.

Yellowwood has elegant year-round beauty.

Pendulous fragrant white flowers, reminiscent of wisteria, appear in the summer. The flowers are followed by showy, three-inch long, whitish-grey pods. The elephant grey bark is smooth, similar to a beech tree. The umbrella shape of the crown and rich green foliage make the yellowwood a handsome tree during the summer. The leaves turn a surprisingly beautiful yellow in fall. In short,

➽FAITH APPELQUIST is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, an ISA Municipal Specialist MN, and an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist®. Faith can be reached at faith@treequality.com. february 21 MNLA.BIZ

37

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

MNLA Legislative Agenda:

By Members, For Members Forrest Cyr

MNLA Director of Government Affairs

Each year in late summer, the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA) conducts a member-wide public policy survey.

This survey provides a forum for MNLA’s membership to weigh in on legislative and regulatory issues impacting their businesses. With the many issues facing the green industry at the local, state, and federal levels, participation in this survey is extremely important and is the basis for MNLA’s policy platform, legislative agenda, and advocacy focus. In 2021, the policy survey was updated to include important questions about COVID-19, MNLA response to the pandemic and shutdown orders, as well as new issues as they emerged. For 2021, the MNLA Board of Directors unanimously approved the association’s policy and legislative platform for 2021 on December 17, 2020.

Advocacy is one of the most important and fundamental member benefits provided by MNLA, and member involvement in the public policy survey will ensure focus on issues that matter the most to your success as a green industry professional in Minnesota.

In preparation for the 2020 legislative session, MNLA staff analyzed the responses received in the previous years to help prepare the legislative and policy agendas for the year, which included the salt liability bill, duty to defend and construction insurance reform, backflow reform efforts, as well as other important issues. Based on this year’s survey, these issues will remain priorities for 2021. Additionally, the survey informed our defensive agenda, which allowed us to respond swiftly and effectively to proposed legislation that could negatively impact the green industry and member businesses.

The survey consists of questions about many areas of public policy that impact MNLA’s diverse business membership. Featuring questions ranging from tax law and local government labor regulations and rules to COVID-19 resources and pesticide regulations, the survey allows members not only to contribute to the discussion of currently watched issues but alert MNLA staff to emerging issues that should be an advocacy priority. Member expertise is vital to the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association’s advocacy efforts in Minnesota. Because of member participation in 2020, MNLA was able to get members back to work following the shutdown orders in Minnesota, secure additional funding for EAB mitigation, and make meaningful progress on the association’s priority bills.

In 2021, the legislative session will take place online, with House and Senate hearings conducted via Zoom.

With the legislature working hard to pass a balanced budget and pass meaningful policy proposals, it will be all-hands-on-deck for stakeholders, legislative staff, and legislators. Despite the new format for legislative work, we encourage members to continue to stay involved in advocacy work by contacting their legislators, responding to calls for action, and volunteering to serve on MNLA’s Government Affairs Committee. As 2020 clearly demonstrated, active members are crucial to our ongoing policy efforts, and 2021 is no different.

➽ TO FIND OUT WAYS TO GET INVOLVED, contact Forrest Cyr at 612-248-4463 or at forrest@mnla.biz.

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MNLA.BIZ february 21

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AWARDS

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Timothy Malooly was named MNLA Volunteer of the Year during the Green Industry Virtual Awards Celebration held online Jan. 13, 2021.

Malooly is the owner of three businesses located in Minneapolis, Minn. — Water in Motion, Irrigation by Design, and Dulcet Fountains & Aeration.

The MNLA Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual who has, within the previous 18 months, risen up to make special achievements happen for the association.

Working within the MNLA, this individual’s leadership and commitment will have helped significantly improve the activities, stature, or services of the association. Malooly was honored this year because of his advocacy work on behalf of the green industry. The advent of COVID-19 and associated governmental actions presented crippling obstacles for the green industry in March 2020, a time when the season was about to break open for the industry. Malooly, who has led government affairs initiatives for the association for many years, jumped into action to help staff and members strategize on appropriate steps to make sure the green industry is classified as an essential industry, capable of operating responsibly during the pandemic. The efforts resulted in the industry opening to a successful 2020 season and reclassification of

the Green Industry nationally as an essential industry in times of emergency.

“Malooly’s ability to turn strategy into action is unparalleled. His many years of service and relationships formed during his time on the Government Affairs Committee was of tremendous benefit to the entire green industry during the beginning weeks of the pandemic,” said MNLA Executive Director Cassie Larson.

According to MNLA Vice President Randy Berg, “Malooly has helped build the Government Affairs program at MNLA to what it is today — a recognizable entity to government officials. Businesses throughout the state owe him a debt of gratitude for his work this past spring. Without integral volunteers like Tim, maintaining such a high-quality program would not be possible.”

Malooly has a long history of volunteerism with the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association including time on the Irrigation Industry Committee, and he currently serves as Board President and chair of the Government Affairs Committee. He has also served on the Irrigation Association Board of Directors. In 2008, Malooly was named the very first EPA WaterSense program Irrigation Partner of the Year. In 2017, he was honored with the MNLA Grows Results Award.

11

CONTINUED from page 29

NEWS & NOTES

must be used directly

apply to landscaping

Lawn and Garden

New Members

and principally in

construction contracts

Maintenance, Tree &

2nd Nature Lawn &

“agricultural produc-

for improvements to

Shrub Services:

Landscaping, Inc.;

tion.” The definitions

real property, but

Minnesota Sales Tax

AdvancePro LLC;

of farm machinery and

sales tax does apply to

applies to lawn and

Bright Side Electric;

agricultural production

landscaping

garden maintenance,

Buck Landscaping;

can be found online in

maintenance contracts

indoor plant care, tree

Dawn Industries;

the following Agri-

to maintain a

and shrub services,

Everything

cultural and Farming

pre-existing garden or

and other taxable

Shrubbery; Hayes

Industry Guide: http://

lawn. Further guidance

services discussed in

Window Restoration;

bit.ly/36M45Pb.

can be found in Sales

Sales Tax Fact Sheet

lcleasing; MYP

Landscaping

Tax Fact Sheet 121B

121A which can be

Landscape Supply;

Construction

which can be

downloaded from

Otter Creek Trees for

Contracts: Minnesota

downloaded from

https://bit.ly/3odvq69.

Our Future; Synthetic

Sales Tax does not

https://bit.ly/37XGleg.

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Paulette Sorenson MNLA Foundation Project Coordinator

MNLA Foundation Workforce Development Initiatives: A Year in Review & What’s Next We have heard from members loud and clear and we are on it!

We are working to change the way young adults, parents, and the community look at green industry careers. In addition, we are building connections with elementary and high schools, higher education institutions, young adults, and parents.

Here are just a few examples of how MNLA Foundation dollars were hard at work for the future of the green industry. In 2019–2020, staff and volunteers: 1. Conducted a Research Priorities Research Survey — Members were sent a survey asking for research priorities that will help Jim Calkins with focused “Research for the Real World Articles” for member use.

2. Created a Partnership with MN DEED to Source Employees

— MNLA co-hosted a free member webinar in January

2021 to share how to use online tools available from MN DEED. In addition, the webinar let members explore how they can work directly with MN DEED to recruit workers through statewide outlets. We will also be cross-posting job opportunities with DEED & the MNLA Job Board.

3. Worked with MN Department of Labor Pipeline Program

and Youth Skills Training Program — A pipeline exists to

support employers in creating or enhancing a competency based dual-training approach where workers receive a combination of related instruction strategically paired with on-the-job training. Dual-training grants through the Minnesota Office of Higher Education provide funding for employers to create february 21 MNLA.BIZ

43

MNLA FOUNDATION

new and expand existing dual-training initiatives. We are currently working to expand the Agriculture Pipeline to include Landscape Construction and Arborist occupations.

4. Discussed Co-Marketing Opportunities with the MN State Horticultural Society — A

partnership is being created to co-market the MNLA Foundation elementary curriculum with the MN State Horticultural Society’s “Garden in a Box” program.

5. Connected Teachers with Member Resources

— The MNLA Foundation continues to connect teachers with industry resources. Our campaign is committed to help students increase interest in green industry careers and help them build skills for the future. We encourage members to donate their time in the classroom, provide supplies for classroom projects, and create opportunities for experiences.

MNLA members can demonstrate or loan equipment or contact vendors in the green industry. Teachers are also seeking industry video tours to use in distance learning. Could you help? Please reach out and let us know!

6. Began Assembling Career Messaging and Video Testimonials — A collaboration

between MNLA and the MNLA Foundation, an outreach team is currently working on creating industry videos focused on messaging about why members love their work to be used as inspiring stories for undecided career seekers.

7. Created and Distributed Grow Kits for High

School Students — The MNLA Foundation

created grow kits for five high schools in the Metro area. The kits included bulbs, potting soil, containers, and seeds for hands-on virtual or classroom activities.

Kits were generously donated by MNLA members, and were delivered to schools at the end of the school year. They were especially useful and appreciated by teachers during COVID-19 distance learning.

8. Updated Foundation Web Resources — Recently, we added career videos to the MNLA Foundation page for students, parents, and teachers. You can find them on the dropdown menu for “High School Curriculum.”

9. Sponsored a Landscape Design workshop for Agriculture High School Teachers —

Through a MAELC Grant for continuing professional education, we sponsored 4 days of intensive training. The teachers

44

MNLA.BIZ february 21

learned how to create a plan and execute it. The workshops were held at the Chisago Lakes High School and instructed

by Jeff Lindeman, teacher, and owner of The Landscape Company. The goal is to give teachers the skills and materials to teach green industry related courses in their curriculum. They are also provided with a complete set of horticulture and landscape curriculum to use in their classrooms.

10. Attended MN FFA Convention and Adver-

tised — In May 2020, nearly 10,000 FFA members and 35,000 students enrolled in agriculture, food, and natural resource systems gathered online and we were there representing green industry careers. In addition, we advertised in the FFA monthly publication distributed to nearly 11,000 members and almost 200 high school chapters across the state, to families and schools.

11. Helped Coordinate a Reverse Career Fair — Showcased over 600 high school agriculture teachers the MN College Programs available at the Minnesota Association Agriculture Educators — MAAE Winter Convention.

12. Exhibited at Career Fairs to over 2,500

students — Imagine how many more

student could have been reached if the Covid-19 virus did not stop us! We were at the following: MN STEM Career Fair, Dakota County Perkins Consortium, Forest Lake Ag Day, AFSA Career Day, MNLA Foundation presence at Hennepin Technical College Horticulture Career Day.

13. Hosted a Student Day at Northern Green 2020 — Attendance was at 91 (30

more than 2019!) including speakers, volunteers, and students. A student and industry panel shared their stories. Following the panel, students got first-hand experience with college curriculum through rotating stations hosted by the U of M CFANS, Iowa State U, South Dakota U, Rochester Technical College, and Hennepin Technical College. The students got to experience the trade show and career central as well.

In addition to continuing with many of the activities above, we will also be adding the following in 2021:

1. Hosting a Virtual Green Industry Career Fair

— In partnership with MN DEED, who has statewide outlets for marketing, we will co-host the first ever Green Industry

Virtual Career Fair as a pilot project in late February 2021. Contact us for more details.

2. Hosting a Skilled Trades Career Exploration Day — The MNLA Foundation will be hosting a student career exploration day April 2020. This is a program in which many trade organizations will be participating. It is a hands-on program open to young men and women from 6th grade to 20 years old with an inter-

est in learning more about careers in the Skilled Trades. If you are interested in participating, please contact us at MNLA.

3. Creating a New Irrigation Lesson Plan for the High School Curriculum — We are

working on a NEW lesson plan for the MNLA HS curriculum.

4. Participating on the St. Paul Agriculture

Teacher SPPS AFNR Advisory Committee —

This committee is a terrific partnership

with local agriculture industry leaders who are vested in helping teachers succeed. Mentorships and group projects are ongoing.

As you can see, the MNLA Foundation continues working for you! Please help us continue to build a great future for the Green Industry by volunteering your time and materials. Contact Paulette Sorenson at Paulette@mnla.biz to find out more about how to get involved. february 21 MNLA.BIZ

45

IN MEMORIAM

A lover of flowers for all his life, Harold was born in Cobden, Union County which is the far southern tip of Illinois. His entire family, including his parents J. Harley and Pauline Wilkins, was involved in the horticulture business. A 1951 graduate of Anna Jonesboro High School, he advanced to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. During two years of his Ph.D. program he also attended Cornell University at Ithaca, New York. Then following completion of his Ph.D., he spent an additional two years of study in post-harvest physiology at the University of Florida at Bradenton. From 1966 to 1989 he taught and served as the extension floriculture professor at the University of Minnesota’s Saint Paul campus. Beloved by his many students, he considers them his sons and daughters and their children his grandchildren.

His research over the years included many floral crops with a particular focus on cool weather crops that would require less energy for production. These included Easter lilies, Freesia, Azaleas and Alstroemeria. Dr. Wilkins’ research helped create the multi-million-dollar Alstroemeria industry here in the U.S. and he is considered the Father of the Alstroemeria Industry. In addition, his research included branching control for roses, carnations and poinsettias. Ten Ph.D. students were graduates of Dr. Wilkins’ program and today they lead floriculture education and research at major universities and businesses in the U.S. and Canada. Hundreds of his undergraduate students continue to amaze their employers and families with their floral knowledge. He and his graduate student, John Dole, authored two editions of Floriculture Species and Production, now the standard text at universities worldwide.

Teaching was a joy for Harold and his area of expertise included floral crops, bulb physiology and floral design.

However, many students found it a challenge to craft the special “Wilkins’ Bow” taught in his design course. As an extracurricular activity with undergraduate students he coached the intercollegiate flower judging teams at Cornell University, University of Minnesota and Ohio State.

After retiring from the University of Minnesota in 1989, he consulted in the San Francisco area for one of the largest cut flower and potted flowering wholesale growers in North America. His responsibility was to find and bring into production new species. Thereafter, he was awarded the D.C. Kiplinger Chair at The Ohio State University.

Next, he did research at the Hebrew University in Rehovot for two winters, and explored for new species at Kirstenbach Botanic Garden in South Africa for two winters as well as Australia for one season.

In November 2004, Harold and his partner Bryan Gjevre began a new venture. They purchased an 8-acre farm near Baldwin, Wisconsin and were so sure of the sale

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MNLA.BIZ february 21

Mary Lahr Schier

In Memoriam: Dr. Harold Wilkins

that they planted 24 tulips on the land before closing the deal. Since 2005 they have planted unusual woody and herbaceous ornamentals to sell to unique floral shops in the Twin Cities and western Wisconsin. In addition, since establishing Gold Finch Farm in Baldwin, Wisconsin, Harold and Bryan provide great cut flowers, bouquets and designs for clients who peruse the Mill City Farmer’s Market on Saturdays in downtown Minneapolis. The “Wilkins’ Bow” was hand-crafted by Harold for many bouquets while his customers watched the complicated procedure.

Over the years Harold has received numerous floriculture industry awards, including the Society of American Florists’ Award which honored him for his research and his graduate student training efforts. President and Mrs. Rosalyn Carter presented this award to him in April 1978.

Other awards are noted below.

Awards received by Dr. Harold Wilkins: • American Society for Horticultural Science: Best Paper, 1985, 1990, 1992 • American Society of Horticultural Science Foundation: Citation of Appreciation • Society of American Florists: Alex Laurie AwardBest Paper, 1991 • American Horticultural Society: Award of Excellence • The Ohio Florists’ Association: Best Paper, 1985 • Minnesota Commercial Flower Growers Association: Special Award of Appreciation • University of Minnesota: President’s Club • Minnesota State Horticultural Society: Bronze Award Harold was a member of : • Pi Alpha Xi • Gamma Sigma Delta Honorary Phi Sigma Biological Society • Harold was a Guardian of the American Floral Endowment Dr. Harold F. Wilkins inspired many undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Minnesota in his field of floriculture from 1968–89.

COMMITTEE OPENINGS

MAKE A

DIFFERENCE

iStock.com/VictoriaBar

The MNLA Board of Directors forms committees to carry out the strategic direction of the organization. Below is a list of the committees with current openings, and a summary of their mission. Are you interested in learning more about the committee’s task or time commitment?

TRADE SHOW

0

Openings

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

4

Openings

6

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

Openings

Staff Liaisons: Mary Dunn & Jon Horsman

Staff Liaisons: Forrest Cyr & Cassie Larson

Staff Liaison: Cassie Larson

Chair: Dave Kemp, The Catholic Cemeteries

Chair: Tim Malooly, Water in Motion

Chair: Jim Shimon, Willow River Companies

Vice-Chair: Paul Griffin, City of Woodbury • Ensure a smooth move-in and move-out process for Northern Green exhibitors.

COMMUNICATION & TECHNOLOGY

4

Openings

• Recommend policy positions; set and

• Create a career development model to

implement strategy; represent the

assist with green industry employee

collective interests of MNLA members in

retention and to promote employee

legislative and regulatory affairs.

advancement.

NETWORKING

5

Openings

9

MEMBERSHIP

Openings

Staff Liaison: Jon Horsman

Staff Liaison: Sue Flynn

Staff Liaison: Mary Dunn

Chair: Faith Appelquist, Tree Quality LLC

Chair: Matt Mallas, Hedberg Landscape

Chair: Van Cooley, Malmborg’s Inc.

Supply • Make MNLA a critical information hub for business trends, marketing expertise

• Hands-on outreach to members and

• Organize member-based business-to-

and consumer insight; increase the

business networks that promote profit

value of MNLA’s member communication

opportunities for members; foster small

resources; spur greater social media

group networking among members;

activity among members.

organize cross-industry networks between

prospective members via phone calls and in-person visits.

MNLA members and related industries.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

1

Opening

WATER RESOURCES

5

Openings

Chair: Tim Malooly, Water in Motion, Inc.

Staff Liaisons: Sue Flynn & Cassie Larson Chair: Mike Heger, Ambergate Consulting

• Overall education program strategy and decision-making.



Staff Liaison: Cassie Larson

Want more information?

Contact a board member, a

• Assure water remains practically available

committee chair, an MNLA

for use in the landscape and protect the

staff member, or to submit a

interests of member practitioners in the

volunteer application online,

design, installation, maintenance and

visit www.MNLA.biz.

management of water in the landscape.

february 21 MNLA.BIZ

47

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