The Scoop - November 2023

Novem b e r 202 3 • Vol u m e 4 6 I s su e 11

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

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NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

November 2023

Vol 46 Issue 11

CONTENTS

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14 The Art of Negative Review Responses 98% of people think online reviews are essential. Learn how to handle and respond appropriately to negative reviews should you get one.

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41

IN THIS ISSUE 9

Events

25 MDA Nursery Certification Renewals

10

Committee Volunteer Opportunities

37 Annual FFA High School Landscape

13

Executive Director Cassie Larson outlines changes to MNLA committees based on our latest strategic planning initiative.

A reminder from MDA to renew your certification before December 31, 2023.

Competition at the Minnesota State Fair Take care to inspect holiday greenery to prevent the spread of pests and diseases this holiday season.

Felipe Illescas, MNLA Government Affairs Director, encourages site visits with your local legislators to let them know how legislation is or could affect your business.

41 Minnesota’s Minimum Wage Increase Learn what changes are coming your way with the January 1, 2024, Minnesota minimum wage increase.

48

Test your soil at the University of Minnesota Soil Lab to learn valuable information to help you select trees that will be best suited for a property.

54 High Schoolers Jumpstart Landscaping Careers with Hands-On Experience

Buffalo High School engages over 100 students in their College in the Schools Landscaping class, preparing them for future careers.

This page: iStock.com/erhui1979 (left), iStock.com/mixetto (right)

Serving on Your Behalf: Jon Horsman A new Scoop feature aimed at helping you get to know MNLA staff and leadership. This month we hear from Associate Director, Jon Horsman.

45 Understanding Soil Health for Tree Planting

Site Visits with Legislators and Regulators

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2023 MNLA Foundation Shootout Thank you to all attendees and sponsors who helped make this event a success and raised money for scholarships!

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Plant of the Month: Berry White® Hardy to Zone 3, this large panicle hydrangea is a favorite of Debbie Lonnee from Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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D IR ECTORY

November 2023 | Vol 46 Issue 11

MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

STAFF DIRECTORY

Successful Businesses Grow Here

Executive Director

Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz

1813 Lexington Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-4987 • Fax: 651-633-4986

Associate Director

Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz

Outside the metro area, toll free: 888-886-MNLA • Fax: 888-266-4986 • MNLA.biz • NorthernGreen.org

Director of Government Affairs

Felipe Illescas • felipe@mnla.biz Education & Certification Manager

Hallie Chasensky • hallie@mnla.biz

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Randy Berg, President

Communications Coordinator

Brianna Burns • brianna@mnla.biz

Greg Krogstad

Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • randy@bergsnursery.com

Rainbow Treecare 952-922-3810 • gkrogstad@rainbowtreecare.com

Matt Mallas, Vice-President

Patrick McGuiness

SiteOne Landscape Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@siteone.com

Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC 651-331-6500 • pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com

Terri McEnaney, Secretary-Treasurer

John O’Reilly

Regulatory Affairs Manager

Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz Foundation Program Manager

Paulette Sorenson • paulette@mnla.biz Administrative Assistant

Louise Nemmers • louise@mnla.biz Accountant

Bailey Nurseries 651-459-9744 • terri.mcenaney@baileynursery.com

Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping 952-473-5425 • j.oreilly@ottenbros.com

Susan Bachman West

Jim Shimon

Advertising Sales

Bachman’s, Inc. 612-861-7600 • sbachman@bachmans.com

Willow River Company — Landscaping & Tree Farm 715-386-3196 • jimshimon@willowrivertree.com

763-295-5420 Advertising Manager

Kim Gaida-Wagener

Cassie Larson

Betsy Pierre • betsy@pierreproductions.com

Rock Hard Landscape Supply 612-619-3312 • kgaida@rockhardmn.com

MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz

Doug Carnival

Pam Helgeson • accounting@mnla.biz

Legislative Affairs Consultant

ADVERTISERS

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Amcon Concrete Products............................................... 8

Jeff Belzer Chevrolet................................................ 28, 29

Ancom Communications Inc and Midwest Radio Rentals.................................................. 21

Jeff Martin Auctioneers................................................. 55 Kubota............................................................................ 40

Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes................ 3

Maguire Agency.............................................................. 42

Bullis Insurance Agency................................................. 12

Niebur Tractor & Equipment........................................ 24

Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus............... 12

Out Back Nursery........................................................... 12

Central Landscape Supply............................................. 55

Plaisted Companies.......................................................... 7

Crysteel Truck Equipment............................................. 36

Rock Hard Landscape Supply........................................ 36

Cushman Motor Company............................................ 26

SiteOne Landscape Supply............................................ 22

Davey Twin Cities Wood Products................................ 38

SMSC Organics Recycling Facility................................. 42

Edney Distributing Co., Inc........................................... 43

The Resultants................................................................ 47

Environmental Design Inc............................................. 55

The Tessman Company.................................................. 24

Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply............. 2

Tri-State Bobcat, Inc...................................................... 18

Goodmark Nurseries...................................................... 46

Versa-Lok Midwest........................................................ 44

Green Turf Sod Farms...................................................... 4

Ziegler CAT....................................................... Back Cover

MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

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TOGETHER, HELPING YOU BUILD A BETTER BUSINESS

Contact Jonathan Dorow to FIND OUT HOW: jdorow@amconconcreteproducts.com www.borgertproducts.com

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MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

UPCO MI NG

EVENTS CALENDAR Information on industry events: MNLA.biz/events Free, member-only videos: MNLA.biz/OnlineEducation

November 03 MNLA Professional Certification Exam MNLA Office, Roseville, MN

Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2023.

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Pesticide Recertification Workshop Wilder Foundation, Saint Paul, MN

Obtain recertification credits (Category A, E & Optional P) by attending the Pesticide Recertification Workshop and have your current license scanned and checked by MDA. Applicators MUST bring their license identification card.

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MNLA Professional Certification Exam MNLA Office, Roseville, MN

Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2023.

January (2024) 23- Northern Green 25 Saint Paul RiverCentre, Saint Paul, MN Save the date! New place, new time, new impact.

Exhibit booths now available at www.NorthernGreen.org.

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Volume 46, Issue 11: The Scoop is issued monthly, 12 times per year.

All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2023, and may not be used 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: Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113.

SPECIAL PROMO FOR NEW MNLA CUSTOMERS 30¢ per gallon discount for the first 90 days.

STANDARD FUEL DISCOUNTS Receive a 7¢/gallon rebate on all gasoline and diesel fuel purchases with no annual fee! Good at over 400 Circle K/Holiday locations.

Contact: 888-626-1218 or fleetsales@circlek.com

Editorial Contributions: You are invited to share your expertise and perspective.

Article ideas and manuscripts should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific experiences. Before submitting an article, please contact the editor at brianna@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987.

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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FR OM THE EXECUT IVE D I R ECTO R

Cassie Larson MNLA Executive Director cassie@mnla.biz

Committee Volunteer Opportunities Volunteering often comes with surprising benefits. It connects you with colleagues, enables you to help others in a selfless way, and supports causes you believe in. Have you ever considered volunteering with MNLA? There are a wide range of opportunities for you to be involved; some take an hour like writing an article for this magazine, while others are longer term like committee service.

With the creation of our latest strategic plan, we’ve slightly realigned our committees to help execute our high-level strategic objectives. Below is a full list of committees including their focus areas. As you read the descriptions below, I encourage you to think about if there’s a place where your skills and interests might fit as a volunteer for the association! Long-time MNLA volunteers very often report that they get way more back than they put in. We’d love for that to be your story as well.

First, a quick reminder that the new vision and mission below will be put up for a full vote of the membership: Proposed Vision: Enhancing lives by creating and maintaining sustainable green spaces.

Proposed Mission: To empower, support, and cultivate a community of green industry businesses through advocacy, education, and connections.

MNLA will implement activities to fulfill this revised vision and mission through a dynamic work plan organized around four core tenets: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Geographic Membership Expansion Communicate and Advocate for the Vital Role of Green Industry Businesses Promote Careers and Employee Advancement Grow and Empower Members through Education & Networking

We can’t continue to do this work without dedicated volunteers. So, we need your help and participation to be successful. In order to best tackle the new core tenets identified above, the Board of Directors took a look at our current committee structure and made minor revisions to align with the new strategic direction.

Interested in volunteering? Visit https://bit.ly/3PBro7u to fill out a committee application and we’ll happily get you plugged in.

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MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

FRO M T HE EXECUT IVE DIRECTOR

Membership & Connections Committee – REVISED! Geographic Membership Expansion

This committee will combine the current duties of the former Membership and Networking Committees. The committee’s focus will be to increase member engagement by creating an environment that fosters connections, valuable participation, and purposeful involvement for the enrichment of our members and their businesses.

Government Affairs Committee The focus of the MNLA Government Affairs Committee is to help members grow successful businesses through legislative and regulatory involvement to protect and advance the collective interests of members. They will deliberate and recommend policy positions, set and implement annual legislative and regulatory strategy, and assist in organizing timely, relevant events to increase MNLA member engagement in government affairs.

Communicate & Advocate for the Vital Role of Green Industry Businesses

Career Development & Outreach Committee Promote Careers and Employee Advancement

This committee is charged with creating a career development model to assist with green industry employee retention and promote employee advancement. The committee makes recommendations to the Board and provides leadership in promoting these programs.

Note: The work of this committee is differentiated from that of the MNLA Foundation’s workforce efforts by its directed focus on individuals currently working in the profession.

Education & Certification Committee

The focus of the MNLA Education & Certification Committee is to help members grow through education that will improve the professionalism of individuals, the profitability of member companies, and the development of a dynamic future workforce.

Grow & Empower Members through Education & Networking

GOVERNANCE/OPERATIONS COMMITTEES: Communications & Content Committee – Revised!

This committee monitors, creates, and provides content development ideas across all formats and channels of MNLA communication. They will identify trends and topics of interested to all MNLA industry segments and will actively look for opportunities to repurpose or repackage content for use by different or broader audiences; liaises with other committees and members-at-large to add their ideas to content streams.

Board Development Committee

The Board Development Committee nominates new board members with the goal of building a group with varied leadership skills and styles, a demonstrated volunteer record, and sound financial accountability. In addition, this committee will promote the ongoing development of board member skills.

Northern Green Trade Show Committee

The focus of the Northern Green Trade Show Committee is to ensure the presentation of a world-class commerce and networking event at the most exhibitor-friendly green industry trade show in the country.

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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GOVERNMEN T A FFA IRS

Felipe Illescas Government Affairs Director felipe@mnla.biz

Site Visits with Legislators and Regulators As we start looking at the issues that affect our industry and businesses, it is critical to ensure that legislators and regulators get a deeper understanding of both. One excellent way of doing this is by scheduling tours of your facilities or simply inviting legislators and regulators for a quick visit to see your operation. This way, they will not only get to know you better, but will also get a better understanding of how different proposals can directly affect your business.

Most recently, Rep. Jon Koznick toured the ForeverLawn Minnesota warehouse in Lakeville and he was amazed at the evolution of synthetic grass. He also learned that the product is in several projects throughout his district and became sympathetic with the needs of the business.

Additionally, we have done legislative tours at Bailey Nurseries and with other members. I would really encourage you to consider opening your doors to legislators and regulators; it is very impactful for everyone involved. If you are interested in inviting a specific legislator or agency regulator to your place of business, please feel free to contact them directly; or, if you would rather have me help with that, I am more than happy to do that. Just send me an email at felipe@mnla.biz or call me at 612-418-5382 and we can coordinate a site visit for your business.

Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication to this industry. I look forward to hearing from you.

Last month we met with Representative Athena Hollins and Senator Jennifer McEwen to give them the Green Industry Advocate of the Year Award for their work and leadership on ending the Duty to Defend.

This critical piece of legislation brings fairness to the construction industry, leveling the playing field for subcontractors and allowing MNLA members to enter the industry with the right footing.

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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iStock.com/erhui1979

NEGATIVE R EVIEWS

The Art of Negative Review Responses: Examples for Your Landscaping Businesses Reprinted with permission from the Landscape Management Network

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The Importance of Addressing Negative Reviews Today, customer reviews matter more than ever. A Power Reviews survey found 99% of people read reviews online and 98% think they’re essential. And 96% look for negative reviews.

When you get a negative review, it’s tempting to strike back or ignore it. But negative reviews on social media, Google, Yelp, Thumbtack, and elsewhere — especially those not responded to — can turn away new customers. And a song written by David Carroll after United Airlines damaged one of his guitars, went viral and reportedly cost the airline $180 million.

Instead of lashing out or ignoring it, face the criticism head-on and use it to your advantage in your negative review responses. When you do, you actually benefit your company.

NEGAT IVE REVIEWS

You Protect Your Reputation Online Negative review responses are great opportunities to protect — and even prop up — the reputation of your business. They shine a light on potential problems, including those you might not be aware of. And they give you a chance to address those problems both internally and publicly.

Responding to negative feedback shows you care about your customers, take pride in the work you deliver, and are willing to rise to the challenge of better serving your customers’ concerns and expectations. How you respond makes all the difference in how people perceive your company.

Your [Appropriate] Responses Build Trust Thoughtfully and professionally responding to negative reviews helps earn trust from current and potential customers. Think about reviews on a product on Amazon or a business you’re considering. If you see five-star praise, you might be skeptical.

But seeing good, neutral, and bad reviews — especially reviews with thoughtful, honest responses — gives credibility to the product or business.

You Might Keep and Win Back Unhappy Customers Responding to negative feedback can help retain current customers and even win a customer back. Say you respond to a bad review with a comment along the lines of “Well, you wouldn’t work with us. We tried.” That doesn’t make you look good. It makes you look like a jerk.

Don’t Be Generic It’s important to respond to customer reviews with a personalized message. Don’t rely on a canned response, which can sound insincere. You can personalize messages more easily by starting with sample templates. We include a few below.

Respond with Empathy and Understanding (and Humility) It’s easier to be empathetic and understanding if you remind yourself that criticism of your business isn’t personal. It’s simply about someone being disappointed in a service you did or didn’t provide. Sometimes negative feedback doesn’t even have anything to do with your business. There may be something going on in the customer’s life that they’re redirecting at your business.

Step back and look at the situation as objectively as you can. Ask someone who wasn’t involved for their opinion. And ask your crew or other staff what went on with the job.

In your response, make it a standard to: • Thank the customer for sharing their feedback.

• Acknowledge the customer’s concern.

• Express that you understand and/or share their concern.

You may not actually feel any of that. But putting a good face forward is a good way to protect your company’s reputation.

How you respond is really a form of marketing your company.

Imagine, if instead, you say, “You know, Mr. Jones, you have a point. We were in a very busy phase and didn’t give you the attention your job deserved. We want to make it right. I’ll give you a call so we can find a way to do that.”

Stay Professional and True to Your Company Values Your response will be most effective if it’s professional and aligned with who you are as a company. Here are some helpful practices to keep it classy.

The second response serves to diffuse the customer’s anger. And how could they say no?

• •

You Show Potential Customers You’re Worth Doing Business With Consider the second response above from the perspective of a potential customer. It makes your company look like a rock star organization. Wouldn’t you want to do business with your company?

•

Best Practices for Responding to Negative Reviews

Show You’re Committed to Addressing the Concern Once you’ve thanked the reviewer for sharing feedback and acknowledged their disappointment, address the issue at hand.

Own up to it and ask for both forgiveness and a second chance.

Share that you want to resolve it. And if appropriate, share how you can resolve it.

Now that we’ve established the benefit of responding — the right way — to negative feedback, let’s look at how to effectively do it. Here are three quick key ways to turn your response into a win for your business and its reputation.

•

•

Avoid being reactive, confrontational, or hostile.

Take responsibility — even if it’s not deserved — instead of making excuses or blaming the customer.

Avoid slang or overly casual language. Be mindful of good grammar.

Hold true to your company values. For example, if your company prides itself on timely completion, reiterate that in your response.

Use your own voice so you sound authentic and honest.

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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NEGATIVE R EVIEWS

It’s often smart to take the conversation offline, so you can discuss a solution one-on-one instead of in front of an audience.

Provide a convenient way for the reviewer to contact you to get the issue resolved quickly. If it’s a known customer, call them yourself.

Examples of Negative Review Responses Responding can be tough, especially if you’re still stinging from the criticism. Here we offer examples of good responses. You can even lift these as a starting template for your own responses.

Simply add in you and your customer’s names.

Note that for any of these examples, it’s best to sleuth the situation based on your internal records and the crew involved.

Once you know that you can respond more thoughtfully. A caution though: if you find that the customer is flat-out wrong, don’t say so in your public response. Keep that part between you and the customer privately.

Example Response to a Missed Appointment Complaint We’ve all been there, waiting for an appointment — having potentially shifted our calendar and other responsibilities to accommodate it — only to get stood up. No-shows are maddening. And customers don’t want to hear an excuse.

Here are two sample responses to a negative review about a missed appointment.

Example 1 Dear Customer Name: Thank you for sharing your feedback and frustration over our missing your appointment. I understand your disappointment and take full responsibility for the oversight.

I want to make it up to you by giving you a discount and discussing a potential second chance for working with you. I’ve sent you a direct message. Call me at your convenience, and let’s talk.

Thank you, Your Name Here Example 2 Customer Name. We are so sorry for missing you and the impact on your time. We let ourselves get a bit overbooked and didn’t adjust as needed. Please know we pride ourselves on meeting customer expectations and have put new procedures in place to make sure we never fail to do so in future. Let us complete your job at a discount to

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MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

regain your trust. I’ve left you a message. Let’s talk soon regardless of whether you choose to give us another chance or not. All the best, Your Name Here Note: If the job is a larger multi-day project, a discount is a nice idea and can actually benefit you financially in the long run. If it’s a one-time or recurring maintenance, you might offer a free visit altogether.

Example Response to Negative Review About Service Quality Crummy service happens. Sometimes it’s legit, sometimes it’s the customer’s expectations or perceptions. If you get a bad review for a quality issue here are a few sample responses.

Example 1 In this example, the customer has complained that the plants in their new flower bed are small, and the bed looks poor. This is an easier complaint to address because ultimately, the plants just need time to grow and fill in. The pictures you’ve saved from past jobs can be very useful here.

Dear Customer Name: Thank you for sharing your disappointment with your flower bed installation. We’re disappointed that it didn’t meet your expectations. Please know that what you see today is just the beginning. Your plants will fill in as they have time to grow.

I’ve sent you a DM with a photo of a new installation and that same installation x months later. You can see how the plants filled in. I’d love to touch base and see if that eases your concern. And, if not, what can we do to make it up to you and make sure you get the quality and service you deserve and that we’re committed to providing.

Thank you, Your Name Here Example 2 In this example, the customer complained that an install fell short of the proposal. The photos from the jobsite and your internal investigation validate that.

Customer name, you’re right we blew it. And we’re not happy with ourselves. We pride ourselves on quality service and we ran into some unexpected issues that led us to fall short with your project. On top of that, we didn’t communicate the issues with you well.

Thank you for sharing your feedback. Please give me a call at xxx-xxxxxxx. I want to talk about what we can do to make it up to you, or at

iStock.com/Nuthawut Somsuk

NEGAT IVE REVIEWS

the very least, to hear what we could have done differently.

Your Name Here Example Response to Negative Review Over a Billing Issue If a customer bashes you online over a billing issue — whether valid or not — use a response that fosters goodwill. Here are a few samples to get you started.

In these examples, the customer has complained about their bill not matching their estimate. You’ve found out it’s valid but are committed to meeting your estimate because you didn’t let the customer know of the added costs. Or you did, but it’s not worth fighting with the customer.

Example 1 Hi Customer Name, Thank you for letting us know that your bill was different than what you expected. We know that your budget is important, and we make every effort to adhere to it when quoting and delivering work.

It looks like prices went up during your project and that we didn’t let you know and passed the added cost on to you. That’s not right. We’ll adjust your bill and get you a new one. We appreciate your business and hope you give us the opportunity to work with you again.

Thank you, Your Name

Example 1 In this example, the customer simply complained after the fact despite having approved your estimate and signed off on your doing the work.

Hi Customer Name, Thank you for sharing your concern. There’s definitely been a misunderstanding. I’d like to talk live and better understand your concern and walk through the difference between your estimate and bill and see what I can do to set things right. I’ve left you a message, feel free to call me at xxx-xxx-xxxx at your first chance.

Talk soon, Your Name

Turn Negative Feedback into a Growth Opportunity In addition to responding to negative reviews, it can’t hurt to take some time to learn from them and incorporate changes to your business and or customer approach if needed. Some reviews will likely uncover needed changes. Others may just uncover chances to better cover your ass(ets).

Identify Areas for Improvement Negative landscaper reviews are an excellent way to gather honest feedback and better understand where your company can improve. Take note of where your business is being dinged.

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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NEGAT IVE REVIEWS

Is it for one-time issues or are there complaints, such as missed appointments, shoddy workmanship, or billing mistakes that seem to occur again and again?

Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning and Adaptation As your landscaping business evolves, it’s likely that its shortcomings and challenges will evolve, too. You can stay ahead of bad reviews by cultivating a workplace culture and processes that embrace communication and are committed to continuously learning and improving to better meet the business and its customers’ needs.

Embrace Feedback as a Catalyst for Business Success Success is more likely when you stay agile and continually evolve and improve. Embracing feedback, even the most unpleasant kind, can help strengthen and grow your business. View it as an important catalyst, rather than a shameful ding.

How Landscaping Management Software Can Improve Customer Experience and Help Prevent or Reduce Negative Reviews

Now You’re Ready to Transform Criticism into Effective Negative Review Responses While no one wants to hear that they’ve disappointed their customers, negative reviews can be powerful indicators of where you can strengthen your landscape business. They can also serve as opportunities to connect with customers and demonstrate your ongoing commitment to them.

Use the tips and templates provided here to better respond to negative reviews and help build relationships with current and potential clients. And if you need more time back to do more to keep customers happy, check out LMN landscape business management software. It lets you automate estimates, initiative invoicing, track crews in real time, and manage customer contacts and jobsite photos.

Frequently Asked Questions About Responding to Negative Landscaper Reviews Q. What’s the best way to respond to a negative review?

Building and maintaining a landscape company that keeps customers happy and minimizes negative reviews can be timeconsuming and challenging. Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone. Technology, like landscaping management software, can help you manage your business in a way that lets you better serve your customers and yourself.

A: First and foremost, own up to it and ask for another chance.

It’s best to take any deeper and direct discussion offline. Also, provide a convenient way for the reviewer to get in touch with you.

Enhance Communication and Scheduling Avoid miscommunication, missed appointments, and billing issues by using a business management platform. Scheduling and time-tracking tools, like those in LMN, let you quickly and easily manage estimating, scheduling, your crews’ capacity, and communicate with customers to provide updates to schedules.

A. Yes, you should absolutely respond to negative reviews. If you don’t, you’re missing out on an important opportunity to right a wrong, secure an important relationship, and show that your company has integrity.

Ensure Accurate Estimates and Transparent Invoicing Stay true to your estimates and avoid unpleasant billing (or profit) surprises by using a management software to track materials used, get accurate GPS site measurements, and minimize the chance of over- or underestimating work.

Streamline Operations for Consistent Quality of Service When your operations are in order, you can consistently deliver high-quality service. A management software lets you streamline operations for one-time or recurring maintenance jobs, design and build, or snow removal services.

Q. Is it good to respond to negative reviews?

Q. How do you respond to negative comments?

A. The best way to respond to criticism is to appreciate that someone is providing feedback on your business and sincerely do what you can do to set things right with them.

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

19

PARTNERS FUND INVES TING IN THE FU TURE OF THE GREEN INDUS TRY

Contribute to the MNLA Foundation Workforce Development Partners Fund at a participating supplier.

Your voluntary donation of ½ of 1% (0.5%) on purchases is used to grow a brighter future for the industry.

Partner Suppliers:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Your Trusted Partner

Research for the Real World

Career Development & Promotion

Scholarships

FoundationPartnersFund-Half-Horiz-Page-2023.indd 1

10/8/2023 8:34:37 PM

Generously supported by:

MONDAY, JAN. 22 SAINT PAUL RIVERCENTRE

Northern Green 2024

Pre-Conference Sessions POWER LIMITED TECHNICIAN (PLT) RELICENSURE

PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION (CATEGORIES A, E, & P)

7:30am - 4:30pm

Cat. P: 7:30-9:00am | Cat. A & E: 9:15am-4:00pm

Course Approval Code #: Pending on approval from MN Dept. of Labor and Industry This course has been submitted to the Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry for approval for eight hours of continuing education requirements for the Power Limited Technician License, including 2 hours of code and 6 hours of technical training oriented specifically toward the landscape industry.

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MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

Pending approval by the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture (MDA), this workshop meets Commercial Pesticide Applicator Requirements for Category A (Core), Category E (Turf and Ornamentals), as well as an option to add Category P (Vertebrate Pest Control).

Licensed applicators with Categories A and E who last attended a recertification workshop in 2022, and newly-licensed pesticide applicators in 2023, must attend an MDA-approved workshop by December 31, 2024.

By attending the Pesticide Recertification class and scanning in and out onsite with staff of MDA, applicators will obtain recertification credit.

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

Buying portable or mobile radios keeps your people in touch

Renting or adding radios for your

Never be out of touch with your crews

Proudly Celebrating 30 Years Serving the Midwest!

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1991 SALES: 952-808-0033 RENTALS: 952-890-7570 SERVICE: 952-808-7699 ROCHESTER: 507-281-1917

Visit our website at WWW.ANCOM.ORG MOTOROLA, MOTO, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2023Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hotels for Northern Green

Book Now!

A limited number of discounted room rates have been secured for Northern Green 2024 at the hotels below. We encourage you to book your rooms early to ensure you get the ideal room and rate for your circumstances. Space and discounted rates are limited at each hotel, so book early to get your first choice.

Note: Prices at most hotels will go up after December 20, 2023. Book early for the best rates!

HAMPTON INN & SUITES 200 7th Street W, St. Paul, MN 55102 Rate: $115 (single/double rate) Reservation Line: 651-224-7400 Parking: Self parking not available. Valet: $20.

THE SAINT PAUL HOTEL 350 N Market Street, St. Paul, MN 55102 Rate: $139 (standard room) Reservation Line: 651-292-9292 or 800-2929292 (Ask for the 2024 Northern Green rate) Online Reservation Link under “rate type” choose “I have a code” and enter 12123MNLA. Parking: Self parking not available.

Valet: Rates vary (call for information).

HOLIDAY INN ST. PAUL DOWNTOWN 175 West 7th Street, St. Paul, MN 55102 Rate: $134 (single/double rate) Reservation Line: 651-225-1515 Parking: Onsite parking in connected ramp ($21 per day).

Offsite parking directly across the street (prices vary).

INTERCONTINENTAL ST. PAUL RIVERFRONT 11 East Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55101 Rate: $112 (single/double rate) Reservation Line: 651-292-1900 or 866-686-2867 (identify yourself as a Northern Green participant) Parking: Self parking not available. Valet: $32.

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER? SiteOne® Landscape Supply has the solutions you need to tackle winter ice.

We carry a variety of de-icing products as well as a broad selection of handheld and broadcast ice-melt spreaders. And our industry pros can help make sure you and your crew are well stocked and geared up before the first snowfall.

Find your local branch or order online today at SiteOne.com 22

MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

O UT & A BOUT

MNLA OUT & ABOUT

Jon Horsman at the Minnesota Grown Booth

Cannabis Forum

MNLA at the Saint Paul Saints

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

23

CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM FLEET DISCOUNT Rebates up to $4,000 on select Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. Available to all MNLA members! Contact the MNLA office for more information at 651-633-4987 or info@mnla.biz.

MK Martins pull type snowblowers contect to your tractors 3PH.

Pull with Ease The hitch facing design allows you to drive straight forward pulling the hitch instead of backing it into the snow. This means you no longer have to keep looking over your shoulder when blowing snow or drive into a cloud of blown snow. Since the blower follows the tractors path guiding it around objects is easy.

NIEBUR TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT 14380 E 240th St. Hastings, MN 55033 (651) 437-3531 | (888) 559-9492 nieburtractor.com LOCATED IN MIESVILLE BETWEEN HASTINGS AND RED WING ON HWY 61.

ALL YOUR WINTER SUPPLIES IN ONE PLACE!

We’re here to help you!

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MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

Fargo, ND (701) 232-7238

St. Paul

(651) 487-3850

Tea, SD

(605) 368-2586

iStock.com/ChamilleWhite

END O F YEAR REMINDERS

MDA Nursery Certificate Renewals The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds Nursery Stock Dealer and Nursery Stock Grower certificateholders that those certificates expire at the end of each calendar year. The MDA mailed out renewal applications in late October.

Completed applications and appropriate fees must be completed online or be postmarked by December 31, 2023, to avoid late penalties.

The MDA encourages certificate holders to use the online system to renew their nursery certificate. This allows for quicker turnaround of certificates. To use the MDA online renewal system, visit www.mda.state.mn.us/renewal. Please reference your PIN that was issued on your hardcopy application.

It is important that an updated list of all nursery stock sources in which you plan to purchase stock from in 2024 be submitted with your renewal application. Nursery names and complete addresses are required for each stock source. This information is critical to ensure that all stock purchased has been officially inspected and certified at its origin. This information is also used to contact you in the event a plant pest has been introduced into the state and/or country on nursery stock.

Finally, please make sure to provide a valid email address. As plant pest issues arise, information is communicated by email.

The MDA’s Plant Pest Insider Newsletter and Nursery Program announcements can provide information that could be critical to the success of your business.

Dealer certificate fees for 2024 are based on gross sales of nursery stock from 2023. This includes stock that is sold in landscape jobs. Be sure to provide an accurate calculation of these sales when completing your renewal application. The MDA may perform a financial audit if volume of stock offered for sale and gross sales amounts appear to conflict.

Grower certificate fees are based on the number of acres in production. To qualify as a nursery grower, you must grow more than 50% of the stock you offer for sale. An annual inspection of your growing locations by the MDA is required.

Inspectors may perform an acreage audit using GPS to confirm accurate reporting.

Questions and comments can be directed to the MDA’s Nursery Program nurseryprogram@state.mn.us

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

25

VERSATILITY THAT WORKS We offer new Ventrac tractors and attachments, used equipment, OEM parts, and factory trained service.

WANT A DEMO?

Call us at 612-333-3487 Minnesota’s #1 Ventrac dealer!

26

MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

Cushman Motor Company 2306 N Washington Ave Minneapolis, MN (612) 333-3487 | 1-800-759-5343 www.cushmanmotorco.com

L ANDS CAPE COMPETITION

Collegiate Landscape Design Competition Paulette Sorenson, MNLA Foundation Guided by the MNLA Foundation’s mission to invest in education for the green industry, this year we initiated a juried landscape design competition for students to gain real-world experience. The objective of this competition was to design a permanent garden at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds as a showpiece for green industry education efforts. This garden space will be in a prominent location by the FFA Landscape Design & Construction Contest showcases near the CHS Miracle of Birth Center. Students worked with a professional landscape designer to craft and submit their entries. The winner of this contest, Jacob Dobson, a student in the Horticulture/Landscaping Program at Central Lakes Technical College, had his design installed this summer.

Special thanks go to Kurt Schroeder, Siteone Landscape Supply and his team, Mike Keran, Ken Ponto, Andy Werkheiser, Tyler Farr, Corey Lunde, and Jamey Caldwell, Mickman Brothers/Davey Tree, for volunteering to work with the student designer and install the garden, and Bailey Nurseries for donating the materials. Support from members allows the MNLA Foundation to continue to fulfill our mission of changing the way young adults, parents, and community members look at the green industry as a career choice.

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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2024 REGISTRATION OPTIONS GR O U P

DIS CO U NT

AVAIL AB L E *

3-Day

2-Day

2-Day + Mon

(Tues/Wed)

2-Day + Mon

(Wed/Thur)

Mon + Trade Show (Mon & Wed)

Trade Show Only (Wed)

$229

$328

$328

$229

$45

$179

$179

$278

$278

$179

$45

$348

$249

$249

$348

$348

$249

$50

$507

$408

$309

$309

$408

$408

$309

$50

REG. NON-MEMBER ONSITE

$527

$428

$329

$329

$428

$428

$329

$55

Choice of PLT or Pesticide Recerticification on Monday

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Tuesday Village Education & Social Event

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Thursday Village Education & Social Event

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4-Day

2-Day

(Mon-Thur)

(Tue–Thur)

(Tue/Wed)

(Wed/Thur)

(ON OR BEFORE JAN. 15, 20241)

PRE-REGISTER MEMBER

$427

$328

$229

STUDENT**

$377

$278

PRE-REG. NON-MEMBER

$447

(JAN. 23-25, 2024)

REGISTER MEMBER ONSITE

Includes morning coffee and lunch

Includes morning coffee and lunch

Includes morning coffee and lunch

Access to all exhibits on the Trade Show floor on Wednesday Access to Trade Show Block Party on Wednesday Access to mini-sessions on the trade show floor Access to Genius Bar

NORTHERN GREEN

RATE LOCK

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Attention Snow & Ice Management Companies: Worried about snow on show days? Try our "Snow Insurance" Rate Lock. This nonrefundable $30-per-person ticket qualifies the ticket holder for pre-registration rates onsite. Plus, your $30 advance payment will be applied to the onsite registration fee.

Offer only available for Northern Green on Tuesday & Thursday, and must be purchased during pre-registration dates.

Choice of registration must still be selected. If ticket holder cannot attend show, the $30 payment is non-refundable.

1 Register on or before Jan. 2 to receive badges in the mail. The deadline for pre-registration is Jan. 15 and all who pre-register between Jan. 3 and Jan. 15 must print a name badge at the Self Check-In Kiosk onsite. *Group Discount: A 10% discount is available to an individual company registering 10 or more people for a 1-Day educational pass or greater. Not valid for student or trade show only passes. Valid only for pre-registration completed online with all registrants entered in one registration. Not valid with other discounts/promotions. **This rate applies to those currently enrolled in horticulture, landscape, arboriculture, or grounds study at the high school or college level.

School name must be included on the registration form and may be verified.

January 23-25, 2024

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS NORTHERN GREEN 2024 SUPPORTERS:

SAINT PAUL RIVERCENTRE

Pre-Conference Sessions to be held on Jan. 22, 2024 30

www.NorthernGreen.org | info@NorthernGreen.org | 651-633-4987 MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Your Trusted Partner

Introducing James Robilotta

TWO different keynotes, TWO different days.

ONE enjoyable and impactful Keynote Speaker!

T U E S D AY, J A N U A R Y 2 3

T H U R S D AY, J A N U A R Y 2 5

Leading Imperfectly:

Find Your Third Place:

Hey Superwoman, take off your cape. Hey Batman, take off your mask. Hey decision makers, put away your ego. Let’s talk about who you are personally as a leader and as a partner. As humans, we can’t learn things from people who are perfect, we can only learn things from people who are imperfect. So, it is time to own who you are so you can be real to others and lead through your faults. This deep but hysterical session will leave you feeling introspective about the person you show to others and recognize the rapport and trust building power of authenticity in your communication and relationships. If you’re looking to master the art of courageous feedback and authentic relationship building, this is the session for you.

Hold the eye rolls, this is a conversation about balance that is both realistic and worthwhile! The truth is, work cannot run our lives AND work is not the only source of our balance issues. In this session James offers an alternative to traditional methods (things like, find one hour of your week and hold it sacred) and, instead, uses the “Third Place Principle” as a way for us to gain more control and purpose.

We all crave more balance, and this introspective session will help audiences understand how a Third Place can add more stability at work and home, create more impactful stories, and, most importantly, generate a more fulfilling life.

The Value of Being Authentic for Leaders, Professionals, and Human Beings

A Work/Life Balance Conversation That’s Actually Helpful

James Robilotta, CSP, is a leadership author, motivational speaker, emcee, and trained improv comedian. After years of building, training, and leading teams, James followed an entrepreneurial dream and built two successful businesses. The first is an organization that incorporates freestyle rap into improv comedy (a success story for another day). And the second is his speaking and coaching business (a success story for today). James has been speaking internationally to willing and unwilling audiences since 2009 and has found that quality humor is the secret to hosting powerful conversations that make a genuine impact. His attendees leave feeling recharged, introspective, and ready to get out of their own way. With years of research (and a few too many real-life case studies within his work), James has learned everything he can about fighting apathy and building strong company cultures. He uses this insight to help leaders manage and retain talent and give feedback that sticks, and to help organizations create community buy-in using curiosity. James’ cornerstone concept is that we as humans can’t learn from people who are perfect, we can only learn from people who are imperfect. And companies like American Express, GE, Accenture, and Afterpay have gravitated toward this message and found the insights to be invaluable in shifting the way their people show up for each other. James is working to bring humanity and community back into the workplace. He is on a mission to ensure that people are seen, heard, respected... and giggling a little, too.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS NORTHERN GREEN 2024 SUPPORTERS:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Your Trusted Partner

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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A Trade Show Built for the Attendee We dne sday, Januar y 24, 2024 | Saint Paul RiverCentre 1338

1339 1438

STAGE & SEATING

STAGE & SEATING STAGE & SEATING

HANDHELD HANDHELD EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT RIDINGEQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT RIDING RIDINGEQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT RIDING

HANDHELD HANDHELD HANDHELD HANDHELD EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT

730

BAR

BAR

BAR

BAR

728

GARDEN GARDENGARDEN CENTER GARDEN CENTER CENTER CENTER RIDINGEQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT RIDING

GROWER GROWER GROWER GROWER

ROCK & & MULCH ROCK MULCH

ROCK & & MULCH ROCK MULCH ROCK & & MULCH ROCK MULCH

12'

601

601

Fern Service Desk &26'-2" Lead Retrieval

Fern Service Desk & Lead Retrieval

12'

36'

BUSINESS SERVICES BUSINESS 605 607 609 611 SERVICES 613 615 619 621 623

BUSINESS SERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES

BUSINESS SERVICES 604 606 608 610 612 603 605 607 609 611 613 615 619 621 623 BUSINESS SERVICES 12' ENTRANCE PREMIUM 623 601 603 8' 605 607 609 611 613 9'-11" 615 SQUARE 619 621 #5 BOOTHS

614

616

618

622

643 624

TREE CARE TREE CARE 645 641 647 649 651

SNOW SNOW

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RR O SSQ OTTUU Q UA NNDD ##22 ARRE AA E

HARDSCAPES HARDSCAPES HARDSCAPES HARDSCAPES TRUCKS TRUCKS

10'

10'

10'

10'

10'

116

10'

15'-8"

114

BUSINESS BUSINESS SERVICES 106 108SERVICES 110 112 114 116 BUSINESS SERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES 32 MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

15'-8"

8'-8"112 110

1629

1527 1626

1627

1624

1625

1623 1523 1622 GROWER 1521 1620

1621

1519 1618

1619

1517 1616

1617

1515 1614

1615

GROWER

1514

1513 1612

1613

1511 1610

1611

1508

1509 1608

1609

1506

1507 1606

1607

1504

1505 1604

10'

10'

163

1605

10' 1500 1501 1502 1600 1601 1602

565

567

569

571

573

564

566

568

570

572

465

467

469

471

473

464

466

468

470

472

365

367

369

371

373

364

366

368

370

372

265

267

269

271

273

264

266

268

270

272

165

167

169

171

173

10'

213

15'-8"

108

1529 1628

HARDSCAPES HARDSCAPES

R I V E R C E N T R E E X H I B I T HA L L

106

1631

1528

BUSINESSSERVICES SERVICES BUSINESS 661 663 665 667 669 671 673 675

TRUCKS TRUCKS TRUCKS TRUCKS

211

1531 1630

8'

SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW DIRT & HAULERS DIRT & HAULERS EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT DIRT & HAULERS DIRT & HAULERS EQUIPMENT DIRT & HAULERS DIRT & HAULERS EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT EQUIPMENT

209

1633

1530

BUSINESS SERVICES 644 646 648 650 652 654 658 660 662 664 666 668 670 672 BUSINESS SERVICES TREE CARE 659 661 663 665 667 669 671 673 675 BUSINESS SERVICES BUSINESS SERVICES TREE CARE 661 663 665 667 669 671 673 675 BAR 8' 659

TREE 626 628 630 CARE 632 643 645 641 647 649CARE 651 TREE 643 645 641 647 649 BAR 651

A DA NND EE TTUU RR OO AA RR SQQU ##11 S

100

207 10'

1533 1632

659

PREMIUM 215 217 ENTRANCE 219 223 225 227 229 231 233 235 237 241 243 245 247 249 251 253 255 259 261 263 265 267 269 271 273 10' 10' 10' 100 9'-11" SQUARE #1 BOOTHS 10' 10' 10' 10' 204 206 208 210 212 214 216 218 105 222 107 224 109 226 111 228 113 230 115 232 117 234 119 236 123 240 125 242 127 244 129 246 131 248 133 250 135 252 137 254 141 258 143 260 145 262 147 264 149 266 151 268 153 270 155 272 159 161 204 PREMIUM 206 208 210 212 214 216 218 222 224 226 228 230 232 234 236 240 242 244 246 248 250 252 254 258 260 262 264 266 268 270 272 ENTRANCE 8'-8" 9'-11" SQUARE #1 BOOTHS ENTRANCE PREMIUM 106 108 110 112 114 116 100 9'-11" SQUARE #1 BOOTHS 105 107 109 111 113 115 117 119 123 BUSINESS 125 127 129 SERVICES 131 133 135 137 141 143 145 147 149 151 153 155 159 161 163 165 167 169 171 173 BUSINESS SERVICES 105 8'-8" 107 109 111 113 115 117 119 123 125 127 129 131 133 135 137 141 143 145 147 149 151 153 155 159 161 163 165 167 169 171 173

205

1635

1532

GOLF / 1512 GOLFTURF / TURF // SOD 1510 SOD

500 618 8' 604 606 608 610 8'612 614 616 658 660 505 622 507 624 509 626 511 628 513 630 515 632 517 519 523 525 527 644 529 646 531 648 533 650 652 654 545 662 547 664 549 666 551 668 553 670 555 672 559 561 563 604 PREMIUM 606 608 610 612 614 616 618 622 624 626 628 630 632 644 646 648 650 652 654 658 660 662 664 666 668 670 672 ENTRANCE 10' 10' 10' 10' BAR 9'-11" SQUARE #5 BOOTHS ENTRANCE PREMIUM BAR 9'-11" 500 504 523 506 525 508 527 510 529 512 531 514 533 516 518 522 524 526 545 528 547 530 549 532 551 534 553 536 555 540 559 542 561 544 563 546 565 548 567 550 569 552 571 554 573 558 560 562 505 507SQUARE 509 #5 511 BOOTHS 513 515 517 519 ROTUNDA 500 ROTUNDA PREMIUM 505 507 509 SQUARE 511 513 515 517 ENTRANCE 519 523 525 527 529 531 533 545 547 549 551 553 555 559 561 563 565 567 569 571 573 SQUARE 10' 10' 10' 10' SQUARE #4 BOOTHS #3 #3 10' 10' 10' 10' 504 506 508 510 512 514 516 518 405 522 407 524 409 526 411 528 413 530 415 532 417 534 419 536 423 540 425 542 427 544 429 546 431 548 433 550 435 552 437 554 441 558 443 560 445 562 447 564 449 566 451 568 453 570 455 572 459 461 463 AA 504 PREMIUM 506 508 510 512 514 516 518 522 524 526 528 530 532 534 536 540 542 544 546 548 550 552 554 558 560 562 564 566 568 570 572 ENTRANCE 10' 10' 10' 10' EROTUNDA ROTUNDA SQUARE #4 BOOTHSPREMIUM ENTRANCE SQUARE SQUARE 408 427 410 429 412 431 414 433 416 435 418 437 426 445 428 447 430 449 432 451 434 453 436 455 444 463 446 465 448 467 450 469 452 471 454 473 462 405 407SQUARE 409 #4 411 BOOTHS 413 415 417 419 423 425 441 443 459 461 #3 #3 ROTUNDA ROTUNDA ENTRANCE 405 407 409 411 413 415 417 419 423 425 427 429 431 433 435 437 441 443 445 447 449 451 453 455 459 461 463 465 467 469 471 473 SQUARE SQUARE 10' 10' 10' 10' 10' 10' 10' SQUARE #3 #4 #4 10' 10' 10' 10' 408 410 412 414 416 418 323 341 359 309 426 311 428 313 430 315 432 317 434 319 436 327 444 329 446 331 448 333 450 335 452 337 454 345 462 347 464 349 466 351 468 353 470 355 472 363 ROTUNDA ROTUNDA 408 410 412 414 416 418 426 428 430 432 434 436 444 446 448 450 452 454 462 464 466 468 470 472 ENTRANCE SQUARE ROTUNDA 10' 10' SQUARE 10' 10' 10' 10' 10'10' ROTUNDA SQUARE #3 ENTRANCE #4 #4 SQUARE SQUARE 10' 10' 10' 10' SQUARE #3 304 323 306 308 327 310 329 312 331 314 333 316 335 318 337 322 341 324 326 345 328 347 330 349 332 351 334 353 336 355 340 359 342 344 363 346 365 348 367 350 369 352 371 354 373 358 360 362 309 311 313 315 317 319 #4 #4 PREMIUM 323 341 359 309 311 313 315 317 ENTRANCE 319 327 329 331 333 335 337 345 347 349 351 353 355 363 365 367 369 371 373 10' 10' 10' 10' SQUARE #2 BOOTHS 10' 10' 10' 10' 304 306 308 310 312 314 316 318 205 322 207 324 209 326 211 328 213 330 215 332 217 334 219 336 223 340 225 342 227 344 229 346 231 348 233 350 235 352 237 354 241 358 243 360 245 362 247 364 249 366 251 368 253 370 255 372 259 261 263 304 PREMIUM 306 308 310 312 314 316 318 322 324 326 328 330 332 334 336 340 342 344 346 348 350 352 354 358 360 362 364 366 368 370 372 ENTRANCE 10' 10' 10' 10' SQUARE #2 BOOTHSPREMIUM ENTRANCE 204 223 206 225 208 227 210 229 212 231 214 233 216 235 218 237 222 241 224 243 226 245 228 247 230 249 232 251 234 253 236 255 240 259 242 261 244 263 246 265 248 267 250 269 252 271 254 273 258 260 262 205 207SQUARE 209 #2 211 BOOTHS 213 215 217 219

BAR

1634

UPPER WILKINS

603

8'

1637

1534

26'-2"

36'

LOWER WILKINS

26'-2"

700

Fern Service Desk & Lead Retrieval

IRRIGATION GOLF / IRRIGATION GOLF / & LIGHTING 712 GOLF /LIGHTING TURF &TURF // SOD DISTRIBUTORS / SOILS / GOLFTURF / TURF // SOD DISTRIBUTORS IRRIGATION / SOILS / CHEMICALS IRRIGATION 710 SOD CHEMICALS IRRIGATION IRRIGATION LIGHTING SOD & &LIGHTING DISTRIBUTORS // CHEMICALS SOILS / &LIGHTING LIGHTING DISTRIBUTORS / SOILS & DISTRIBUTORS / SOILS / 706 DISTRIBUTORS / SOILS / CHEMICALS CHEMICALS CHEMICALS 704

1639

1537 1636

COFFEE CAFÉ / COFFEE SHOP/GENIUS BAR GENIUS BAR

732

GARDEN CENTER

GARDEN CENTER

COFFEE CAFÉ / COFFEE SHOP/GENIUS BAR GENIUS BAR COFFEE CAFÉ / COFFEE SHOP/GENIUS BAR GENIUS BAR

734

1539 1638

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Find what you’re looking for more easily, from products to colleagues.

Wednesday is an exclusive trade show-only day made specifically for your needs. This year’s exhibit hall will feature industry vendors and providers grouped by area of specialty.

No need to seek out exhibitors for your needs – they will be

NORTHERN GREEN

TRADE SHOW

9:00am-5:30pm

gathered in designated areas excited to see you!

NORTHERN GREEN

BLOCK PARTY

Interact with your peers and forge valuable connections.

When the trade show is over, head right upstairs to the RiverCentre’s Grand Ballroom for the Northern Green Block Party! Kick back and relax in the neighborhood-like atmosphere with free games and food!

5:30pm-7:30pm

Food

G E N E R O U S LY S U P P O R T E D B Y :

Enjoy appetizers and snacks as you converse with colleagues.

Fun

Try your hand at a yard game or two in a fun and friendly environment.

Connections

Catch up with friends at this laid back green industry reunion.

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Your Trusted Partner

REGISTER NOW!

JAN. 23—25 | SAINT PAUL RIVERCENTRE

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS NORTHERN GREEN 2024 SUPPORTERS:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Your Trusted Partner

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

33

Villages-at-a-Glance The Northern Green Villages were created to help attendees more easily identify, learn from, and network with attendees who perform similar work. Each Village’s themes were specifically curated by your industry peers to have relevant, trending topics.

You’ll be asked to register for your primary village but will have the opportunity to visit other villages throughout the day as well.

FEATURED SESSIONS & SPEAKERS: TUESDAY January 23, 2024 Landscape/Hardscape Contractor

Landscape Design/ Landscape Architecture

My Favorite Landscape Project: Problems and Solutions

SUPPORTED BY:

Equipment Hyper-Efficiency Frank Bourque, Frank Bourque Consulting

Morning Theme: Exploring Innovative Designs for Real-World Clients Art of the Garden: Northern Design and Techniques Jack Barnwell, Barnwell Design

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Your Trusted Partner

Stone Shaping Jordan Keyes, Trow and Holden

Regional Design Panel: From Trends to Techniques

Chart Your Career Path: Tips from Industry Veterans

Local Design Panel: From Trends to Techniques

Black Market Landscaping Patrick McGuiness, Zlimen & McGuiness

Cutting Edge Landscape Lighting Design Nels Peterson, Blingle Premier Lighting

Featured Speaker

Featured Speaker

In Focus: Design Studio Technology – Rapid Sessions

Gear Showcase – Rapid Session Frank Bourque, Frank Bourque Consulting

In Focus: Design Studio Technology – Roundtables

Hardscape Retaining Walls: Drainage, Building Tips and Tricks Bill Gardocki, Hardscape Educator

Jack Barnwell

Bill Gardocki

Water/Irrigation

Golf

Irrigation Systems and Design Basics, Part 1 John Raffiani, Raffiani’s Automatic Sprinkler Service

Turfgrass Research Update Eric Watkins and John Trappe, University of Minnesota

Irrigation Systems and Design Basics, Part 2 Steve Pallas, Hunter Industries, Inc. and Jeff Latterell, HLS Outdoor

Disease? What’s That?

Ernest Butler, University of North Carolina

Bidding Components and Job Costing Don Franklin, Hunter Industries, Inc.

Featured Speaker

Management Path

Irrigation Doesn’t Have to End in Frustration! | Craig Jerome, MTI

Panel: Building Better Apprenticeships and Career Paths Social Hour: Superintendents Ignite Session

Dominic Petrella

All Management Path sessions run BOTH Tuesday and Thursday.

Green Industry Economic Outlook Alicia Rinn, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in a Struggling Labor Force Sam Gembel, Atlas Outdoor

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS NORTHERN GREEN 2024 SUPPORTERS: MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

Featured Speaker

How Do We Maximize Our Plants’ Growth? | Dominic Petrella, Ohio State ATI John Raffiani

34

SUPPORTED BY:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Your Trusted Partner

Staying Ahead of Legal Issues Bryan Zlimen and Patrick McGuiness, Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC

2024

JANUARY 23—25 Saint Paul RiverCentre

And because some business-related topics cross many Villages there is a Management Path available each day with repeated topics on Tuesday and Thursday. Attendees can pop into, and out of, relevant sessions throughout the day in addition to attending their Village sessions. Below are some highlighted topics and speakers for each Village.

FEATURED SESSIONS & SPEAKERS: THURSDAY January 25, 2024 Turf, Grounds, & Snow Management

Garden Center/Grower 2024 Garden Trends: Eco-Optimism Katie Dubow, Garden Media Group

SUPPORTED BY:

Staying on Top of Invasives Regulations Jim Calkins, Sustainable Horticultural Solutions

Herbaceous & Woody Plants Best Practices Emerging EV Equipment Nolan Bangert, Toro

New Plant Forum Moderated by Mike Heger, Ambergate Horticultural Consulting and Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. A Focus on Pests and Biological Controls Suzanne Wainwright Evans, The Bug Lady

Featured Speaker

Best Management Practices for Production Facilities Christopher Currey, Iowa State University Make them Happy! Increasing Consumer Success

Turf Care Best Practices John Trappe, University of Minnesota

Green and White Initiatives in Landscape Design and Management Carolyn Dindorf and Joel Odens, Bolton & Menk Featured Snow and Ice Management Best Practices Carly Haugen, Prescription Landscape and Martin Tirado, SIMA

Katie Dubow

Professional Gardening Services

Carly Haugen

Tree Care/Arborist

Enhancement Design – Plug & Play with Existing Designs Laura Benhardus, Home Sown Gardens

State of the Tree Care Industry David White, Tree Care Industry Association

Pests & Diseases: What’s on the Horizon for 2024 and Beyond Featured Erin Buchholz, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Arborist Sales and Marketing Workshop Eric Petersen, ArboRisk Insurance

Panel: Creative Container Designs

Speaker

Speaker

Designing a Horticulture-Centric Approach for Your Maintenance Program

Panel: How to Grow and Prepare Your Tree Care Business for Eventual Sale

Featured Speaker

Regulations for Protected Bat Species Lucas Wandrie, WSB Laura Benhardus

John Ball Presents: Tree Care Safety Topics for Your Business John Ball, South Dakota State University

Eric Petersen

All Management Path sessions run BOTH Tuesday and Thursday.

MGMT. PATH SUPPORTED BY:

Utilizing AI in Your Green Industry Business Skyler Westergard, LandCare LLC and Chelsea Hartshorn, Threadleaf Landscape Design

Developing an Effective Onboarding and Training Program for New Employees Rayne Gibson, Taproots Horticulture Consulting

Featured Speaker:

Alicia Rihn

Watch NorthernGreen.org to keep up with the latest details...

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

35

NEWS & NOTES

Your De-Icing Supply Headquarters Bulk Salt Treated Salt Bagged Salt

Annual Meeting Notice: February 7, 2024

Chapin Salt Spreaders Snow Plow Shovels + WE DELIVER

Notice is hereby given that the annual membership meeting of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at 10:00 am via Zoom online meeting. During the annual meeting, the results of the Board of Directors election will be announced. An electronic ballot will be sent the first week in December to the primary contact provided to MNLA by each business member.

We have snow event hours.

Call the salt hotline!

952-895-7408

www.rockhardmn.com 3600 W Hwy 13 Burnsville, MN 55337 952-895-7408

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MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

4375 170th St. W Farmington, MN 55024 952-207-4456

13535 Grouse St. NW Andover, MN 55304 763-862-0400

FFA COMPETITION

Dassel-Cokato FFA: Grand Champion

Annual FFA High School Landscape Competition at the Minnesota State Fair Paulette Sorenson, MNLA Foundation Seven schools and over 80 FFA students participated in the Annual FFA Landscape Design and Construction Competition at the Minnesota State Fair this August. The MNLA Foundation was pleased to be part of this event again this year and help coordinate the installation and judging.

The competition was started by Paul M. Day, in the early 1990’s and was located inside the Ag-Horticulture Building. In 2006, when the CHS Miricle of Birth Center and FFA Chapter House were built, the competition was moved outside near these new buildings. Image the original competitions displayed on top of concrete – the move was a game changer that inspired students and teachers.

rhythm planting. Repetition of color is a useful device to unify the garden and pull everything together. This event always challenges students to develop and execute a real-world design plan. Construction must be completed by the students with minimal assistance from advisors. Each entrant is provided an irrigated 14’ x 14’ plot and receives a stipend to help cover costs. Installation and planting began in early June so each space would be picture-perfect for judging during the State Fair in late August. Teams gain valuable field and team-building experiences. Students are judged based on design, construction, labeling, specimen quality, accessories/lighting, and theme.

This year’s competition theme was colorful gardens. The theme worked well for creating harmony through simplicity and

The MNLA Foundation would like to thank this year’s judge’s, Seth Mooney with Lynde Greenhouse & Nursery in Maple Grove, and Joe Ramstad, Agricultural Education Instructor at Rockford High School.

Plainview-Elgin-Millville FFA

Forest Lake FFA

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

37

Develop the Next Leader in Your Business in 2024 This unique leadership development program was custom designed with a green industry focus. It is open to selected candidates (maximum 14) each year. The curriculum is founded on the power skills (referred to by many as “soft skills”) needed for leaders in today’s workplace. Each student will complete a project that impacts the company.

• The course meets one time per month from February to December (except for May). This consistent schedule allows the students to take away a concept from the class and gives them time between meetings to apply and experience it APPLICATION within the work environment.

DEADLINE: • Thanks to MNLA’s volunteer leaders, the students have the opportunity to JANUARY 19 personally meet presenters from many successful green industry organizations, hearing their stories and industry insights.

• The program’s strength lies in the team approach. There is an intentional focus on building teams of green industry peers who work together to build leadership skills. In so doing, the group develops strong ties with one another as they meet in person, share experiences, ask probing QUESTIONS? questions, and support each other through their journeys.

Contact Jon Horsman 651-633-4987 More information and an application form is at www.MNLA.biz/leadership. jon@MNLA.biz

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Grinding is intended for large jobs. Our solution will help you recycle wood and organic material into a valuable product.

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We offer next day product delivery as well commercial tree & brush disposal. Contact us for more information.

Rick Hogan - Assistant District Manager, Sales 651.357.0465 • rick.hogan@davey.com

Our location for mulch pick-ups, manufacturing, shipping & brush disposal is: 405 Hardman Avenue S., South St. Paul, MN 55075

Michelle Dey - Client Experience Coordinator 651.707.2202 • michelle.dey@davey.com

MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

davey.com/tcwp

FFA COMPETITION

Stillwater FFA

The judges volunteering their time to guide future landscapers.

Paynesville FFA

Dassel-Cokato FFA: Grand Champion

Buffalo FFA: Reserve Grand Champion

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

39

GET

FOR

To get the Northern Green event app, download Whova on your mobile device.

Job Boards are no longer part of the physical show—they’re now in the app. Your listing stays posted before and after the show! Click on Community at the bottom, then scroll down to Job Openings.

Search openings already posted, or fill in the form to post opportunities at your company.

WHOVA EVENT CODE:

northerngreen

• Explore the professional profiles of speakers and attendees • Send in-app messages and exchange contact info • Network and find attendees with common affiliations, shared networks, and social profiles • Receive update notifications from organizers • Access the event agenda, GPS guidance, maps, and parking directions at your fingertips

n Green The Norther on the app!

Job Board is

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For complete warranty, disclaimer, safety, incentive offer and product information, consult your local Dealer or go to KubotaUSA.com.

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MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

CMYK

MI NIMU M WAG E

iStock.com/Nuthawut Somsuk

Minnesota’s Minimum Wage Increase Anna Schwering, Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC

Starting January 1, 2024, Minnesota will be increasing the minimum wage rate. While that does mean employers will have to pay their workers more, hopefully it will also mean that the employees will be happier and more likely to stick with your company. Below are some quick facts to help you and your company prepare for the upcoming increase.

Q: How much is the increase?

A: The increase will be based on the annual gross revenue of your company. If your company’s annual gross revenue is at least $500,000 then minimum wage will be $10.85 per hour, which is a $0.26 increase. If your company’s annual gross revenue is less than $500,000, then minimum wage will be $8.85 per hour, which is a $0.22 increase.

Q: What type of employee will be affected?

A: All employees will be affected by the change, including those receiving training wage rates, youth rates, and workers that are part of the summer work travel exchange visitor program.

The training wage rate applies to an employee that is under the age of 20, and only for the first 90 consecutive days of their employment. The youth wage rate is for any employee that is under the age of 18. The required rate for all these types of employees will be $8.85.

Q: Does the increase apply to all cities?

A: No. The increase does not apply to work that is performed in Minneapolis or St. Paul, because both cities have a higher

Minneapolis Business Size

Rate

Effective Date

Large (over 100 employees)

$15.57 per hour

January 1, 2024

Small (100 or less employees)

$14.50 per hour

July 1, 2023

St. Paul Business Size

Rate

Effective Date

Large (over 100 employees)

$15.00 per hour

July 1, 2023

Small (100 or less employees)

$13.00 per hour

July 1, 2023

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

41

INSURING THE GREEN INDUSTRY SINCE DIRT.

Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC have 25 years combined experience as small business owners in construction and landscaping. They understand what green industry business owners face on a regular basis: Contracts, Construction Law, Mechanics Liens, Business Formation, Collections, and Employment Law.

MNLA members receive a discounted rate.

Contact Bryan Zlimen or Patrick McGuiness 651-331-6500 | info@zmattorneys.com | www.zmattorneys.com

AARON TRETTER, CLCS T: 651.635.2770 | F: 651.638.9762 1970 Oakcrest Avenue Suite #300 Roseville, MN 55113 www.maguireagency.com

BUILDING BETTER SOIL Commercial Soil Amendments, Custom Soil Blends, and Landscaping Materials

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MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

minimum wage rate. On the previous page is a table of the minimum wage rates for both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The city of St. Paul breaks it down even further, list rates for macro businesses, micro businesses, and the youth wage rate.

A full list of St. Paul’s minimum wage rates can be found at www.stpaul.gov.

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Q: How does my company prepare for the increase?

A: There are two things that your company will need to do. First, you will need to provide written notice to any employee whose pay rate will be affected by the increase. This must be done before the change goes into effect. Second, you will need to post the required minimum wage rate poster in a location where all employees can easily see it.

The Minnesota Department of Labor will have the updated minimum wage poster available to download and print this fall.

They also have an example of what the written notice to an employee might look like. This is also available to download and use at your company’s convenience.

For more information about the minimum wage rate increase plus links to the required poster and written notice example, go to www.dli.mn.gov/news.

The author, Anna Schwering, is a paralegal at the law firm of Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC. This article provides general information on employment law matters and should not be relied upon as legal advice. A qualified attorney must analyze all relevant facts and apply the applicable law to any matter before legal advice can be given.

If you would like more information regarding employment law or other legal matters, please contact Patrick McGuiness at Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com, 651-206-3203 or www.zmattorneys.com.

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S OIL HEA LTH

Understanding Soil Health for Tree Planting Anna Stockstad, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension

Soil serves as the foundation of your woodlands, supporting trees, plants, fungi and other organisms. In fact, it can be considered an entire ecosystem of its own, as it provides habitat for thousands of species of microbes. These microbes transform nutrients in the soil into a form that is accessible for trees and plants to use, a process essential for tree health and growth.

Soils vary in their chemical and physical composition across an individual site and the state, and the soil health directly influences the health of trees and the forest as a whole. Like in agricultural settings, understanding the fertility of the soils in your backyard woods and woodlands is important for selecting, planting, and growing trees that will be healthy in the long-term.

However, soil health is not often as large of a focus in forested settings compared to agricultural settings, where soil testing is a common practice. It can be helpful for small woodland owners to understand the state of their soil prior to tree planting since tree species vary in their preferred pH, nutrient profile, and moisture availability for optimal growth. For example, most trees in northern hardwood communities prefer moist, richer soils, while jack pine can thrive on nutrient-poor, dry, sandy soils.

By learning more about the soil on your land through soil testing and the Web Soil Survey, you can be confident that you have a clear representation of the capacity of your soil to grow healthy trees.

The University of Minnesota Soil Testing Laboratory (www. soiltest.cfans.umn.edu) makes it easy to test your soil with stepby-step instructions for sample collection and several available tests, some of which include recommendations for potential fertilizer application. Soil testing may be more feasible for smaller woodlands and backyard woodlots, as the effort required for sample collection increases with the size of the woodland.

Soil sample forms can be printed or picked up from your local Extension office. Soil samples can then be either dropped off inperson at the Soil Testing Laboratory in St. Paul or sent via mail in a sealed container. Detailed guidance for sample collection can be found on the laboratory’s page for lawns and gardens,

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

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which includes tree planting. In short, collecting soil samples to submit for testing includes the following steps: 1.

Fill out a soil analysis request sheet for each soil sample.

2.

Take a soil sample to a depth of 12 inches (the recommended sampling depth for trees) using a trowel, auger, spade, or other tool. Make sure to remove grass and litter from the surface of the soil before taking the sample. a. If the sampling area is uniform (terrain is level and there are no expected differences in fertility), take five samples from the area and combine the samples in a bucket, making sure to mix the soil well. Take a pint of soil from the well-mixed composite sample and send it to the Soil Test Laboratory in a spill-proof container. b. If the sample area is not uniform (major differences in condition and fertility across the area), take one sample from each area and keep the samples separate (do not combine the samples).

GROWING STRONG, HEALTHY LEADERSHIP TEAMS IS WHAT WE DO BEST theResultants.com

3.

Label each sample container with your name, address, and sample ID, consisting of 4 numbers or letters of your choosing.

4.

Mail or drop off samples at the Laboratory in a sealed container using the lab’s recommended guidance for submitting samples.

More detailed information on sample collection (including a video), sample submission, and prices can be found on the Soil Testing Laboratory website. All specific questions related to soil testing can be directed to Laboratory staff using the contact information on their website.

Once you receive your soil test report, you can refer to Extension resources for help with interpreting your soil test report (https://tinyurl.com/3z8sm9sv). Soil testing reports provide you with valuable information that can help you to select trees that will be best suited for your property.

"Working with The Resultants Team has been critical to getting our Leadership Team talking and aligning around a common vision and future for Margolis Company. The gentle reminders for us to focus time to work “on the business” versus “in the business,” have been key to making continual progress and improvements for our team."

Chad E. Buran, ASLA|PLA Owner

Connect@theResultants.com

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

47

SER VI NG ON YOUR B E H ALF

Jon Horsman, CAE MNLA Associate Director jon@mnla.biz

Serving on Your Behalf: Jon Horsman Welcome to “Serving on Your Behalf” where we share the human stories of those serving in leadership roles within the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. This month, we hear from Jon Horsman, CAE (Certified Association Executive), who has been an employee with MNLA since 2006.

What drew you to your work with MNLA? It certainly wasn’t my green thumb! I almost didn’t apply, in fact, as I have a very sketchy track record of keeping plants alive. But during my interview with Cassie Larson and Bob Fitch, they assured me that working in an association doesn’t require being an expert in what the members do. It’s much more important to have the skills needed for association work: listening to members and taking note of their needs, communicating well, building community, keeping MNLA’s strategic goals in mind, and being willing to pitch in and help wherever needed. I grew up doing these things for my church community, so association work was a natural fit for me.

What changes have you seen during your years serving with MNLA? My first big projects were working on MNLA’s plant and hardscape catalogs, and on the public relations programs, neither of which are running today. I hope that doesn’t show that I have a special talent for running any program into the ground. But rather it shows strong adaptability, one of my top strengths, and how the needs of the members of an association change over the years. Good association management to me means you’re always in conversation with your members, and devising cost-effective solutions to meet the needs as they evolve over time.

What has impressed you during your service with MNLA? The volunteers have impressed me the most. Debbie Lonnee is the first committee chair I served with, and I was bowled over by her passion for plants, her vision for serving the green industry through the association, her work ethic, and her kindness. She has been a role model for me in life since the day I met her. But she’s not the only MNLA volunteer who has impressed me. So many bring so much of themselves to serving at MNLA, believing that the greater good for the industry is worth their investment. A great example of that is Tim Malooly, who has served as chair of the Government Affairs Committee for longer than I’ve been at MNLA. And during that time our government affairs program has matured and become a larger and more vital piece of the value we deliver to our members and the whole green industry by extension. MNLA’s role in keeping the green industry working during the COVID shutdowns of 2020 is part of Tim’s legacy. His years of work shaping our strategy paid dividends in that time period, and as luck would have it, he was the MNLA President that spring as well. That was perhaps the most stressful time for MNLA members and staff during my 17 years with MNLA, and Tim was a rock we all leaned on.

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S ERVI NG O N YOU R BEHA LF

What MNLA project has had the most impact on you personally over the last 3-5 years?

When Mary Dunn retired in 2021, I shifted roles to directing the membership programs at MNLA. This role got me out of the office more, going to supplier shows and visiting members. The connections I’ve made in the green industry and the relationships I’ve deepened over the last couple of years have been personally rewarding.

Having a long conversation with someone is my favorite thing to do in life.

What personal/business project has had the most impact on you over the last 3-5 years?

It would have to be my backyard cabin project. In 2017 my family moved from St. Paul to Arden Hills to a house where we could live on one level and have my wife’s parents live on the lower level. It’s a wonderful setup, with exterior access to both “homes” and interior access via a stairwell to each other’s kitchens. We love it, but with our setup, we don’t have an area in our new home where we can have a quiet conversation. So, I hatched the idea to build a backyard cabin where I could easily have those quiet conversations that feed my soul so much. With lots of help from friends and family, I completed the cabin in the summer of 2021. One day as we were working together on it my brother Dave gave the cabin its name. I was telling him how I wanted this “conversation cabin” to be more like a “she shed” than a “man cave” to make the environment more conducive to conversations. He said, “You should call it the ‘He Said She Shed.’” The name stuck.

What excites you about the future of MNLA? I love to be in strategic meetings talking about the future, so I’m very excited about the new MNLA strategic plan! It was a blast to do the planning days with the board and other volunteers and my staff colleagues. We’ve recently had staff meetings to plan our tactics for how we will implement the strategies. MNLA also has a new proposed vision and mission, both of which energize me as I plan and execute my work for MNLA.

Jon’s wife (middle) and two daughters

Jon at the State Fair with his son

The He Said She Shed

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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FOU NDATION S H O OTO UT

2023 MNLA Foundation Shootout Thank you to all the shooters who joined us for our annual fundraising tournament at Games Unlimited Hunt Club in Hudson, Wisc. on September 19, 2023! The weather was a beautiful 80 degrees and teams shot a 75-round course. There were approximately 100 attendees who came out to support the MNLA Foundation scholarship fund. Scholarships are awarded each year to outstanding college students who have chosen horticulture or landscape as their career choice. Congratulations to the following attendees who took home prizes and trophies from the event.

Champion Team

r, Dakota Jacobs, Rob Phillips, Mike Chevrier, Brad Mathe Warner’s Tanner Sorem, and Brendan Hoben from Outdoor Solutions, Inc.

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MNLA.BIZ | NOVEMBER 2023

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FO UNDAT I O N SHOOTOUT

iStock.com/Arthit Pornpikanet

A special THANK YOU to our sponsors for making this event possible!

Not pictured: Winner of the Long Shot was Mike Keran from SiteOne Landscape Supply.

Winner of the second sport raffle prize was Ron Schulz.

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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PL ANT OF THE MO N T H

Plant of the Month: First Editions® Berry White® Panicle Hydrangea Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries

While I have many ‘favorite’ plants, in late summer I am especially fond of the flower display of panicle hydrangeas.

When I started my career in the nursery industry, we grew old classics such as ‘PeeGee’ or ‘Tardiva’, but modern breeding has brought us so many new and improved varieties and Berry White® is one of my very favorites.

Bred in Gorron, France by hybridizer Mr. Jean Renault, Berry White is one of four of his cultivars currently in cultivation in North America. Introduced into Bailey Nurseries First Editions® brand in 2018, it has become a standout for me. And yes, I’ve

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been blessed to visit Mr. Renault and his family in France to see his outstanding work. He is over 95 years old and still actively involved in hybridizing paniculatas!

Berry White is not a small plant, it will reach a mature height of 6-7’ and spread to 5’, so give it room to grow! Great in an informal hedge or in the background of a beautiful perennial garden, it loves full sun and good soils (not too wet, not too dry). The panicle types are so easy to grow for gardeners and they are not prone to many diseases or insect problems. I like to prune mine in early spring, usually April, cutting back the plant by 1/3 or even further to keep it in check and keep the lovely,

PL ANT O F THE MONTH

rounded form. This species of Hydrangea blooms on new wood, so it is hard to make a pruning mistake. It can also be pruned into a small tree, which is all the rage right now for small space gardens.

the panicle will start to turn pink, then get darker and darker with time, almost a red. Mother Nature helps this process along with some of the cooler nights that we get in August, and this initiates that great color.

Panicles are hardy into Zone 3, so they work for gardeners throughout Minnesota, which is a real plus.

I’ll admit I’m a bit biased when it comes to Berry White and the work of Mr. Renault, but then again, that is my job at Bailey – hunting for the next great plant to add into our brands. I love the name (I’m humming a favorite Barry White tune as I write) and I love the color. I hope you’ll try it and fall in love with it like I did!

The flowers are the star of the show! The cone-shaped blooms form in July and mature through August into September. They start out a lovely shade of white, but in August, the bottom of

All photos in this article: First Editions® Berry White® Panicle Hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata ‘Renba’ PP28,509

Debbie Lonnee is the Product Development Manager at Bailey Nurseries. She can be reached at debbie.lonnee@baileynursery.com.

NOVEMBER 2023 | MNLA.BIZ

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HIGH S C HOOL L A N D S CAPI N G

High Schoolers Jumpstart Landscaping Careers with Hands-On Experience Gary Wirkus, Buffalo High School

Every year, over one hundred students enroll in the district’s CIS (College in the Schools) landscaping class. In this landscape class, students can earn high school credit along with college credit from Hennepin Technical College. This class focuses on the following items: plant identification, hardscape material, installation, landscape maintenance schedules, design concepts, and green careers. At the conclusion of this class, each group of students will install a landscape project that was designed in the class. Students also get an opportunity to attend Northern Green each January through sponsorship from MNLA. Students enjoy communicating with industry leaders and discovering all of the career opportunities in the “green” industry. Through these experiences at Buffalo High School, many of our students

are employed by local landscaping companies during the summer months.

In Mr. Wirkus’ class, the first week of class is spent identifying over 30 different plant species that are installed around the high school. Understanding plant varieties is essential to creating functional landscapes that will be enjoyed for many years.

Pictured above are three Buffalo High School students helping dig up potatoes that will be donated to the local food shelf and the high school cafeteria. The garden also produces watermelon, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also a highlight in the high school cafeteria.

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One of the unique things that Buffalo High School landscaping students get to do in their CIS landscaping class is to help plant and harvest vegetables in the district’s one-acre garden, which is located on the southwest side of the campus. In addition to planting and harvesting fruits and vegetables from the gardens that are used in the school lunch program, students learn about soil texture, soil structure, and nutrient requirements of various plants grown in the gardens which can be applied to the landscape industry.

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