The Scoop Online - March 2018

Aren’t They All Pine Trees?

Also Inside

5 Tips to Improve Problem Solving

Northern Green DC Update #GrowResults

LANDSCAPING EXCELLENCE Projects that showcase the industry’s professionalism

Vol: 41 No: 03 Mar 2018 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E M I N N E S O TA N U R S E R Y & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

TM

10

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Promotion runs March 1, 2018 through May 31, 2018.

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FARMINGTON 4375 170th Street West Farmington, MN 55024 (651) 423-5048

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Volume 41 No. 03 Mar 2018

➾ S E CT I O N TITLE

CONTENTS 19

12 31 IN THIS ISSUE 8

Events

10 Opportunity Is Abundant in 2018 In his first column as MNLA President, Scott Frampton looks forward to what the new season will bring.

40

12 Northern Green Report Five pages of photos tell the story from the biggest event of the year.

19 5 Tips to Improve Team Issue Solving / All Terri Wilcox digs into how your team can get better at effectively solving problems for your business. 

22 Aren’t They All Pine Trees?

Faith Appelquist provides a simple guide to ten common conifers to help you identify them in the field.     

31 How to Retain Your Best Green Industry Employees Here are some useful ideas to help you find and keep the employees you need for your business. 

35

Explaining Pesticide Applicator Licensing & Certification This article from the MDA is aimed at helping you understand this critical green industry topic.    

40

2018 Landscape Awards, Part II These entries garnered the nod from our panel of judges as the projects that demonstrate the best of the landscape industry. 

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

26 DC Update Immigration has been a major talking point in Washington lately, and horticulture is feeling the impact.

34 New MNLA Members 50 The #growresults Campaign Using social media to promote our green industry agenda.

54 MNLA in the Media A roundup of recent news stories featuring MNLA members.

55 MNLA Certification Give yourself instant credibility with your clients and employers — become an MNLA Certified Professional!

The Scoop, March 2018, Issue 3, is issued monthly, 12 times per year.

All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2018, 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.

Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific 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.

march 18

MNLA .biz

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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

AD LIST All Stone Solutions ........................................................................................... 17 Anderson Nurseries, Inc. .................................................................................. 17 Arborjet ............................................................................................................ 53 Bachman's Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes .................................................... 3 Bullis Insurance Agency .................................................................................... 11

Association is to help members grow successful businesses.

Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ..................................................... 17

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Central Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 43

Landscape Renovations 651-769-0010 • sframpton@landscaperenovations.com

CST Distributors ............................................................................................... 24

scott frampton, president

tim malooly, cid, clia, cic, VICE-PRESIDENT Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com

randy berg, mnla-cp, SECRETARY-TREASURER Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • randy@bergsnursery.com

FAITH APPELQUIST

Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 24 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 39 Fahey Sales Agency, Inc. .................................................................................. 21 Fury Motors ...................................................................................................... 37

Tree Quality LLC 612-618-5244 • faith@treequality.com

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

matt mallas

Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies .......................................................... 4

Hedberg Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@hedbergaggregates.com

mike mcnamara

Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 28–29

Hoffman & McNamara Nursery & Landscaping 651-437-9463 • mike.mcnamara@hoffmanandmcnamara.com

Klaus Nurseries ................................................................................................. 43

john o'reilly

Lano Equipment, Inc. ....................................................................................... 43

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

jeff pilla, mnla-cp

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

nick sargent

Midwest Transmission Center / DBA Clutch & U-joint Proven Force ............... 17 Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 11 Plaisted Companies ............................................................................................ 7

Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com

Prairie Restorations, Inc. ................................................................................... 21

cassie larson, cae

RDO Equipment Co. ........................................................................................ 11

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 Government Affairs Dir: Larry Johnson • larry@mnla.biz

Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) .................................................................... 39 Rock Hard Landscape Supply ........................................................................... 34 SMSC Organics Recycling Facility .................................................................... 47 Sylva Corporation Inc. ...................................................................................... 52 The Builders Group .......................................................................................... 47

regulatory affairs manager: Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz administrative asst.: Gayle Anderson • gayle@mnla.biz accountant: Kris Peterson • kris@mnla.biz foundation program coordinator:

The Tessman Company .................................................................................... 49

advertising sales: 952-934-2891 / 763-295-5420

Unilock ............................................................................................................. 44

Paulette Sorenson • paulette@mnla.biz

Faith Jensen, Advertising Rep • faith@pierreproductions.com Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com legislative affairs consultant: Doug Carnival

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Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. ........................................................................................ 30 Truck Utilities, Inc. ............................................................................................. 43

Versa-Lok Midwest ........................................................................................... 18 Ziegler CAT ......................................................................................... Back Cover

Volume 41 No. 03 Mar 2018

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➾ C ALE N DAR

MAR15 ➾ C

TURFGRASS MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP

TIFIE ER

D

MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM

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AL

N

FE

Prove what you know and take the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2018!

SSIO

MAR 26–27



PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP & EXAM MNLA.biz Prepare for the Category A & E Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam by attending this 1 ½ day study program.

Day 2 includes testing, if desired.

march 18

Discuss, debate and disseminate best practices on all things shade tree with fellow arborists at the 56th gathering of this two-day conference. The Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course has been ensuring tree health since 1963.

MAR29

MDA, St. Paul

MNLA .biz

SHADE TREE SHORT COURSE

ccaps.umn.edu

Learn best management practices for lawn/turf maintenance, and earn Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Level 1 Certification for turfgrass maintenance best management practices.

MAR28 BACHMAN’S ANNUAL SPRING OPEN HOUSE Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes, Farmington BachmansWholesale.com The annual open house incudes: a vendor fair, seminars, and tours.

➾

O PR

MNLA.biz

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

Bethel University, Arden Hills

Roseville, MN MNLA.biz

Roseville, MN

8

MAR 13–14

 ➾

MAR 9, 16





2018 SEASON KICKOFF with the Fun is Good Team: Mike Veeck and Fran Zueli New Brighton Community Center, New Brighton MNLA.biz Gather your team for an energizing 2018 Season Kick off with Mike Veeck and the “Fun is Good” Team, whose mission is to help organizations develop and sustain a positive, fun and creative culture for employees and customers alike.

Only $5.00 for MNLA/ MTGF members!

2018 MNLA seminars generously supported by:

MAR19 ➾

MAR20



MASTERING FOREMANSHIP TRAINING (ILCA CERTIFIED WORKSHOP)

➾

Bachman’s Heritage Room, Minneapolis

MNLA.biz

In this dynamic seminar, foremen learn how to more effectively handle tight deadlines, tight margins and increase customer satisfaction.

Learn about the status of jumping worms in Minnesota and their potential impact on the Minnesota nursery and landscape industry and its customers.

 ➾

PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP & EXAM

WEBINAR: JUMPING WORM UPDATE with Jim Calkins, MNLA Research Information Director and Regulatory Affairs Manager Participate from your computer

MNLA.biz

APR 4–5



➾

APR 9–10

MAR21



WEBINAR: THE BENEFITS OF NATIVE GRASSES TO BUTTERFLIES, with Diane Narem, University of Minnesota Participate from your computer MNLA.biz Native grasses provide numerous benefits to their surrounding environment. Learn about the characteristics and site preferences of individual grasses and the butterflies that use them.



PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP & EXAM MDA, St. Paul

MDA, St. Paul

MNLA.biz

MNLA.biz

Prepare for the Category A & E Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam by attending this 1½ day study program.

Day 2 includes testing, if desired.

Prepare for the Category A & E Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam by attending this 1½ day study program.

Day 2 includes testing, if desired.

KEY:

 Business  Leadership Development

 Skills Training General

➾

All information on these and other industry events are online at MNLA.biz. march 18

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➾ F R OM THE PRESIDEN T

Opportunity is Abundant in 2018 Greetings fellow members, I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as your MNLA President.

I want to thank Herman Roerick of Central Landscape Supply for his leadership as the outgoing MNLA President and all Past Presidents that I have had the pleasure to serve with. They have paved the way for this preeminent organization to be a leader for the nursery and landscape profession in this region.

With a new year upon us, I found attending my 30th consecutive Northern Green as stimulating as ever. The early date and below zero temperatures didn’t seem to dampen any enthusiasm or attendance. In fact, attendance was up by nearly 350. The date change due to the “Big Game” in town was less of a factor than we feared and how exciting it is for the Vikings to be contending for a home town NFL Championship!

The MNLA Board members and MNLA staff used the opportunity to visit with many of you during this important event and will use your input and feedback to continue improving Northern Green every year. All attendees received a survey about Northern Green which I strongly encourage you to respond to. The MNLA Board of Directors and staff read the compiled results and comments and absolutely consider them as we plan

Scott Frampton

5 Tips to Improve Problem Solving Aren’t They All Pine Trees?

Also Inside

MNLA President

for speakers and programming for the coming event.

We continuously look for the latest trends, best practices, and speakers to provide the best possible event. The staff works year round to make the show floor inviting and steady with attendees.

I thoroughly enjoyed the keynote speaker Dave Durham. For many of us his common themes serve as necessary reminders of successful behaviors. I was particularly interested in the Les Brown story and his determination to become a radio D.J. and ultimately a very successful businessman. For many of us, our passion and determination has led us to own, lead or manage a business that provides goods and services that people truly enjoy. As 2018 begins, nearly everyone in the related green profession is very optimistic that opportunity is abundant for new prospects entering the industry.

Please feel free to contact me regarding any questions you have about the MNLA or the nursery and landscape business in general.

SCOTT FRAMPTION can

be reached at:

sframpton@landscaperenovations.com.

Northern Green DC Update #GrowResults

LANDSCAPING EXCELLENCE Projects that showcase the industry’s professionalism

Vol: 41 No: 03 Mar 2018

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E M I N N E S O TA N U R S E R Y & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

ON THE COVER

This year MNLA presented 17 projects with Landscape Awards. This project, “Serene Vista with Creekside View” from Tabor Group Landscape caught the judges’ eye with its landscape that didn’t become the star of the show, but complimented the classic home — adding to it instead of overwhelming it. The materials seemed to fit nicely with the house stone and color, and the plantings transitioned very nicely from the upper to the lower patios. Congratulations to Tabor Group Landscape and to all our winners!

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A Deeper Shade of Green Local Genetic Origins

TM

Native Minnesota Woody & Herbaceous (651) 438-2771 • Fax (651) 438-3816

www.outbacknursery.com

Call us first for all your native planting needs

When it’s time to get to work...

RDO DOES THAT.

Request a quote and be entered to

WIN A TOPCON RL-H4C LASER GET A QUOTE at RDOEQUIPMENT.COM or contact Jesse Miller JMiller@rdoequipment.com 612.202.6906

BLOOMINGTON • BROOKLYN PARK BURNSVILLE • MARSHALL • MOORHEAD NORTH MANKATO • ROCHESTER SAUK RAPIDS Receive one entry with a completed quote request of a John Deere Skid Steer, Compact Track Loader, Wheel Loader or Compact Excavator.

Offer valid from January 1, 2018 until March 31, 2018. Offer limited to one entry per completed quote request. Offer not valid with any other retail discount and subject to availability. Restrictions apply. See dealer for complete details.

➾ NORT HERN GREEN

AWARDS NIGHT: On January 2, 2018 MNLA and MTGF came together to celebrate the past year’s achievements and awards, including scholarships, research, landscaping, service to the industry, and completion of professional training.

Dave Warhol won a Special Service Award for his 37 years of service to MNLA’s winter trade show.

Sam Bauer from University of Minnesota served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Mike McNamara of Hoffman & McNamara Nursery & Landscape with High School Scholarship recipient Wyatt Adam Schumacher of Heron Lake-Okabena High School.

Karen Filloon of Southview Design with scholarship recipient Sarah Kickert of North Dakota State University.

President Herman Roerick of Central Landscape Supply (right) congratulates Randy Berg on winning MNLA’s Volunteer of the Year Award.

THANK YOU TO OUR AWARDS CELEBRATION SPONSORS:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER

Steve and Terri Wilcox of Resultants for Business congratulate Dan LAW-2017-Sponsors.indd Ostvig of Ostvig Tree Care (center) upon graduating from the Green Industry Leadership Institute.

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1

1/19/2017 4:13:14 PM

Northern Green 2018 was undoubtedly the place to be the first week of the year!

Where else could you find one place to grow your business, employees, knowledge, connections, plants, products, sales, and bottom line?

Craig Regelbruegge of AmericanHort and Andrea Vaubel of MDA participated as panelists at the Legislative Breakfast.

Lobby B was abuzz with activity Wednesday morning.

Several industry members registered onsite Wednesday and Thursday.

Did you know that you’ll receive the best pricing by registering in advance?

And they’re off! Attendees flooded into the trade show floor as soon as the doors were open.

Debbie Lonnee moderated the return of the New Plant Forum in the Innovation & Inspiration Theater.

It was great to have stadium seating for several sessions for this year’s education.

Climber’s Corner was a popular destination on the trade show floor.

MARCH 18

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âžž NORT HERN GREEN

Teams competing in the 2018 Hardscape Challenge. Think your team can win? Look for the opportunity to sign up coming later this year.

Northern Green Campfire spaces continue to be a hit with attendees.

Networking with fellow professionals can sometimes yield amazing value for attendees.

Attendees enjoy a presentation in the Innovation & Inspiration Theater.

Industry segments gathered in the Campfire spaces to talk about the upcoming season.

Thanks to Urban Ecosystems for providing a cutting-edge demo of selling landscapes using virtual reality.

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2018 brought the first-ever game show to Northern Green. Two teams competed in a Family Feud-style green industry trivia game.

Free beer could be found on the trade show floor during Tuesday’s Preview Party.

Northern Green offers two tracks to enhance your experience and take a deep dive into a specific topic.

Tasty free food was also available at the Preview Party.

The new Poker Run at the Preview Party was a fun way to try and win some cash.

THANKS TO THESE COMPANIES FOR GENEROUSLY SUPPORTING NORTHERN GREEN 2018!

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER

LAW-2017-Sponsors.indd 1

Exhibitors stood ready to greet attendees with a smile.

Be sure to mark your calendars for January 15–17, and 1/19/2017 4:13:14 PM plan to join us for Northern Green 2019 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!

MARch 18

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➾ NORT HERN GREEN

2018 MNLA FOUNDATION SILENT AUCTION Thank you to the 2018 Northern Green MNLA Silent Auction donors. It’s our pleasure to recognize the generous companies who donated Silent Auction items that support the MNLA Foundation Scholarship Fund.

MNLA Foundation would like to thank the volunteers of the 2018 Silent Auction Committee, all sponsors and supporters of this annual event!

Ambergate Horticulture Consulting

Malmborg’s Greenhouse & Garden Centers, Inc.

Anderson Nurseries, Inc.

Margolis Company

Anoka Technical College

Midwest Stihl

Arrowwood at Brainerd Lakes

Minnesota Orchestra Hall

B&B Hoffman Sod Farms, Inc.

Minnesota State Horticultural Society

Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes Items were displayed in Lobby C at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

National Refund and Marketing Services

BFG Supply Co.

OnSite Companies

Bluebird Nursery, Inc.

Otten Bros. Garden Center & Landscaping

Borgert Products, Inc. Central Landscape Supply Copeland Buhl & Company, PLLP Crop Production Services Debbie Lonnee Dulcet Fountains & Aeration, Inc. Eden & Valders Stone Farber Bag & Supply Co. Attendees took time to browse the items and monitor their bids right up to the last second.

Flyover America Gardens of Rice Creek Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply Growhaus, Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens

Be sure to stop by next year and win valuable products and services while supporting industry scholarships!

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Monrovia

Baker Lake Nursery, Inc.

Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

Pierre Productions & Promotions Plaisted Companies, Inc. RDO Equipment, Vermeer and JD Construction Resultants for Business Sage Landscape Design, Inc. Sara Stafford SavATree Schultes Greenhouse & Nursery, Inc. Star Valley Flowers, Inc. Surley Brewery Suståne Natural Fertilizer, Inc. Swanson Nursery Consulting

Healthy Ponds, by Bioverse

Tangletown Gardens LLC

Hedberg Supply

Titan Machinery, Inc.

Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape

Toro Irrigation

Hyatt Minneapolis

Touchstone Accent Lighting, Inc.

Irrigation By Design, Inc.

University of Minnesota

JavaCycle

Waconia Tree Farms LLC

Kwik Trip

Wheeler Landscape Supply

Laurentian Monument Granite & Stone

Wilbert Ronald Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC

Greenhouses, Garden Centers, Nurseries, & Landscapers

ď˜ş018

www.PlugDays.com

Give your plants the right amount of shade with Kool Ray. St. Paul Branch: 1375 Trout Brook Cir. St. Paul, MN 55117 Call Today: P: 855-487-8108 • F: 651-487-3963 www.carlinsales.com A Family Owned Company Proudly Serving the “Green Industryâ€? Since 1972

all stone solutions Do we have veneer!?!?

BRAD GERLACH www.allstonesolutions.rocks allstonesolutions @gmail.com 651.249.4388

VERSA-LOK

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Contractor Sales Yards Contractor Training: March 7, 2018 Register: Call Barb, 651-770-3166 Your locally owned headquarters for landscaping supplies and materials!

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KIMBALL (320) 398-5415

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VERSA-LOK-midwest.com

ONALASKA, WI (800) 770-4525

âž¾ S E CT I O N TITLE

5 TIPS TO

IMPROVE TEAM ISSUE SOLVING How good is your team at solving issues?

Are they disciplined about going after a solution as quickly as possible?

Terri Wilcox | Resultants for Business, Inc.

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➾ T E A M ISSUE SOLVING

roblem solving is a required skill for any team and the recipe for success is made up of the 1. Belief that “my team owns the problem” 2. Courage to make decisions amidst complexity and lack of information 3. Openness to taking some risk As business advisors who facilitate leadership team meetings on a daily basis, we sometimes find ourselves caught between a team’s expectation of us as leaders and their expectations of themselves as leaders. When meetings are focused on issue solving, who should be providing the solutions? Who leads the decision-making? In order to clarify, Resultants for Business (RFB) makes a distinction between advisory-facilitation and consulting. To us, there is a difference. The usual consulting program starts with a sizing-up of your business, using some type of assessment or audit and from there, offering solutions. However, if consultants offer solutions, then they must own the issue (since they identified them). AND, if that is the case, they now own the project. So, who ultimately is accountable in the end?

Do you see where this is going? This is YOUR company. These are YOUR issues within an industry YOU know very well. So, who should own the problem? Your leadership team.

Owning a problem is not about blaming someone, it’s about taking on the responsibility to change something or find a solution to an obstacle that is holding your company back from building value. RFB Business Advisors are experts at drawing the knowledge and experience out from the team members around the table. Issue solving is a team sport and the accountability toward executing any solution lies with that team. Together, we work to clarify the issues, collaborate, solve and hold each other accountable for getting things done. This is truly a skill that develops through a continuous improvement mindset.

How can a team improve their issue solving skills?

Start by thinking like leaders and owners. Gather your leadership team and collaborate the best solutions possible by following a few basic disciplines: 20

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1. Keep it simple and be clear

Groups have a tendency to create complexity. Teams, especially in meetings, tend to get into the weeds so much that it’s hard to find their way back to the problem. Does your team know how to facilitate themselves out of these situations? The best, most successful teams create simple processes that clear away ambiguity and work for their particular team dynamics and style. These disciplines practiced within meetings help teams stay on track and not lose sight. Start by: • Identifying and stating the problem • Discussing the issue — timed while allowing everyone a chance to speak • Being disciplined and courageous enough to call for a solution to the problem (vs. avoidance) Remember “momentum over perfection.” It may not be the perfect solution, but at least make a decision. Solve it to the best of the team’s ability based on what you know today. If your team consistently avoids solving most problems, you are basically kicking the can down the road which leads to zero results and allows a team to make excuses for the lack of accountability.

2. Take ownership

Once your team comes up with their best solution, the execution has just begun. The next step is to identify who owns the solution and would be best to lead the project or action. Taking ownership means supervising, observing, and communicating consistently to ensure actions are completed.

This lead person will engage others to work alongside him/ her in various ways. Many people can assist but there should only be one person responsible for the final outcome. If you allow multiple people to co-lead the execution, accountability breaks down. There is one point-person, one narrow spot in the hour glass, one responsible party.

3. Communicate out

Cascade the next steps-execution messages out to everyone who needs to know or may have a stake in the outcome.

Remember, “momentum over perfection.”

Many teams forget to share their decisions and resulting actions with other stakeholders not present at their meetings. Get your people prepared in order to understand what is going to happen. Take the time to explain what everyone’s role is in this execution (no matter how small a part). Leaving employees in the dark simply because the leadership team doesn’t have time to communicate is one of the major reasons why change initiatives fail.

4. Follow-up (and close the loop)

Just because one person may own the solution, doesn’t mean the project or action is performed in a vacuum. It takes many hands, many people to execute and when that happens, the owner must follow up on all directives, delegations, commands, and coaching. Closing the loop means once you communicate out to others, it is your responsibility to follow up and find out if that communication was actually heard and implemented. For more detail on how to communicate effectively by closing the communication loop, check out “Amazing Workplace: Creating the Conditions that Inspire Success,” a book I co-authored. For your free copy, email me at Terri@ theResultants.com.

COMMERCIAL TURF, GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPE EQUIPMENT

CONSIGNMENT AUCTION Sat, March 31, 2018 - 8:30 a.m.

Fahey Auction Complex

2910 9th Street SE, Glencoe, MN 55336 (35 Miles West of 494 on US Hwy 212)

One piece or a complete line.

Accepting all types of:

1 7 th Annua l

golf course maintenance equipment landscape & light construction equipment commercial lawn care equipment Skid loaders & attachments consumer mowers trenchers Over 900 Lots utility vehicles Sold in 2017 trucks & trailers

Fahey Auctioneers 320.854.3510 E-mail: sold@faheysales.com

www.faheysales.com Turning Your Assets to Cash in a Global Market

5. Gain feedback

Just because your team solved a problem doesn’t mean it was completed with ease, efficiency, and impact. Great leadership teams aren’t afraid of feedback, in fact, they look forward to it. In other words, they lead with a continuous improvement mindset. Hold a post-mortem or debrief meeting after executing a solution. What did your team learn from their efforts? Would they do it again? Is it something they would never try again? Feedback focuses on the final impact or value brought to the company while analyzing the steps taken. If evaluated from this perspective, it should not turn into a blame game. This is simply a continuous improvement step. Teams should be learning from every problem they solve in order to develop themselves into stronger issue-solving company leaders.

Are your teams solving issues effectively? Do they have what it takes to make decisions in the best interest of the company? Successful teams, whether at the executive, supervisory or work group level, start with a clear and simple process. Being clear on that process allows a team to continuously “discipline up” to the challenge, because issue solving requires courage, risk taking, and ownership.

TERRY WILCOX is

co-founder of Resultants for Business and an

experienced Business Advisor, organizational strategist, and certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

Connect with her and other RFB® Business Advisors at www.theresultants.com.

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➾ P I NE TREES

AREN’T THEY ALL

PINE TREES?

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Faith Appelquist | Tree Quality LLC

Many years ago, I toured the Luther Burbank Gardens in California with my sister, who lives nearby. She always manages to have fun stuff like this on the schedule when I visit. We came across many trees neither of us could identify, but there was one that caught my eye.

A glorious, immense, evergreen type of tree. I asked a garden worker what the name of this tree is and he simply said, “You’re not from here, are you? It’s a Sequoia Redwood.”

Arborivatea (Thuja) Leaves are scale-like and arranged in flattened fan shaped groupings. Cones are under a half-inch long and look more like capsules than cones. Evergreen.

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➾ P INE TREES

hen I don’t know the names of plants or trees, I feel like I have moved to a foreign country wearing a blindfold, earplugs and a muzzle.

When a client told me her cat climbed up the pine tree on the side of the house and I looked to see an arborvitae instead, I understood the common misconception. Most people confuse spruce trees with pine trees, as we are programmed to think that any tree with needles that stays green all year-round must be a pine tree.

Now I make a point of taking a local tree book with me when I venture out of Minnesota. Even trained arborists can have trouble correctly identifying and differentiating between species of conifers, so I put together this simple guide of ten common conifers. And one more thing; there are three species that drop their leaves like deciduous trees: the larch, the bald cypress, and the dawn redwood. If there is one takeaway message, it’s that there are many more conifers than just pines in Minnesota.

Juniper (Juniperus) needles very small 1⁄16 inch, with two types of leaves (often on the same tree), scale-like and needle-like. Berry-like cones, appear light green in spring and turn dark blue in fall, about ¼ inch in diameter.

Evergreen.

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MNLA .biz

march 18

Fall Cleanup Douglasfir (Pseudotsuga) needles are flat, growing from stem in all directions, soft to the touch. Cones are 1-3 inches, soft, semi-wood scales with distinct 3-lobed bracts extending from each scale. Looks like mice running into holes. Cones are common on tree year round.

Evergreen.

conifer. Unlike the thin scales on hemlock and spruce cones, pine cones have thick, woody scales and sharp-pointed tips. Evergreen.

Fir (Abies) needles are flat, curving outward and upwards. Pale blue-green above, silvery-grey below. Tightly arranged with a bottlebrush appearance. Cones on firs grow upright on the branch like candles. They fall apart at maturity leaving a cone core spike on the branch. Evergreen.

Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia) needles one-inch long, flat and feathery.

Buds extend off the twig at a 90-degree angle. Cones are four-sided, boxlike that hang on long stalks, round to cylindrical in shape, ½ to 1 inch long. Deciduous. (Photo credit: Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org)

Hemlock (Tsuga) needles are flat, attached to the twig in a spiral fashion, giving it a star-like appearance. Needles have 2 whitish bands beneath. Tips bluntly rounded. Cones are egg-shaped, pendulous, and can remain on the tree year round. Evergreen.

Spruce (Picea) needles are ½-1 inch long, four-sided and stiff with sharp tips. Singly attached to the twig. Cones papery, pendulous, 1–6 inches long, brown when mature. Evergreen.

Larch (Larix) Up to a couple dozen needles grow in clusters from the end of small spurs along the twigs. The needles are about an inch long and are very soft. The cones are about ½ inch in size. Deciduous.

Bald Cypress (Taxodium) needles very small, ¼ to ¾ inch long, resembling a feathery compound leaf. Cones attached along the length of the twig. Cones are composed of scales forming a woody, brown sphere with rough surfaces, ¾ to 1 inch in diameter. Deciduous.

(Photo credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org.)

FAITH APPELQUIST

Pine (Pinus) needles in bundles of 2, 3 or 5. You can usually identify a pine by the number of needles in each bundle. Needle length varies from 1–6 inches long. The cones are the largest you will find on any

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.

march 18

MNLA .biz

25

➾ D.C. UPDATE

D.C. UPDATE FRO M AM ER I C AN H O RT

IMMIGRATION DEBATE GOES FROM VOLATILE TO CHAOTIC Amidst a series of bipartisan White House-convened

growers, equipment suppliers, and beyond. AmericanHort urges employers to contact your elected officials to

solution for the DACA program came a disparaging com-

plead for urgently-needed H-2B cap relief.

New “Hard-line” Enforcement Bill. A group of House

America would want immigrants from some less-fortunate

Republicans has introduced a new and very tough im-

nations, including those in Africa as well as Haiti and El

migration enforcement bill. Among a much longer list

Salvador. The backlash to the words and apparent un-

of provisions, it would reduce legal immigration levels,

derlying sentiment was broad and fierce, and the DACA

restrict some family-based migration, end the diversity

dialogue has come to a screeching halt, at least for now.

visa lottery, authorize a border wall, clamp down on “sanc-

Meanwhile in the horticulture industry, many are

tuary cities,” hire 10,000 more Border Patrol and CBP

waiting in the hopes of progress on the politically

agents, and make the E-Verify program mandatory for all

fractious immigration reform issues. Here are key recent

employers. In exchange, it would provide for continued

developments that affect us.

deportation deferrals for DACA recipients, but no path

H-2B disaster looms. The visa cap for the first half of

to residency status. The package also includes the AG

the fiscal year, which started October 1, was hit before

Act, an agricultural guest worker bill that was approved

Christmas. This means many who got shut out will join

by the House Judiciary Committee in October. While that

the large number of landscape companies seeking

bill has a few attractive features, it also has serious flaws

workers starting April 1. On New Year’s Day, the Labor

and low support in the agricultural community. A new

Department filing process opened for April 1 employment

visa cap and unrealistic options for current agricultural

dates. Over 80,000 H-2B positions were applied for

workers top a longer list of concerns.

— more than twice the 33,000 visas that Congress has made available.

This is a looming train wreck for horticulture. The landscape sector is the single biggest user of the H-2B

MNLA .biz

themselves. They also affect greenhouse and nursery

meetings to pursue a deal on border security and a ment from President Trump. He questioned aloud why

26

program. Serious labor shortages affect landscape firms

march 18

Each passing day brings new ideas and new entrenchments. Will cooler heads and rhetoric prevail?

Only time will tell.

MNLA FOUNDATION Improving the Environment by Investing in Research and Education

1813 LEXINGTON AVE. N | ROSEVILLE, MN 55113 | 651-633-4987 | FAX 651-633-4986 | MNLA@MNLA.BIZ | WWW.MNLAFOUNDATION.COM

PARTNERS FUND You are encouraged to participate in the Research & Education Partners Fund at one of the participating suppliers recognized below. Your voluntary donation of ¼ of 1% (0.25%) on purchases of plants and other nursery, greenhouse and landscape products at these suppliers is used by the MNLA Foundation to grow a brighter future for the industry.

On an invoice totaling $1,000 at one of these suppliers, your contribution will be only $2.50. Your individual contribution is small, but collectively these small contributions will add up to make a real difference!

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HOW TO RETAIN YOUR BEST

GREEN INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES Here are some ideas you can use to hire and retain the best employees for your green industry business.

Tom Borg

➾ E MP LO YEES

Build in Motivation

First, when you hire the new person, start them out at a slightly lower wage or salary with the understanding that their performance will be reviewed in ninety days. At that time, based on their progress, they could be offered a raise and/or additional incentives. This provides some built-in motivation for them to do their best in the first three months on the job.

In order to keep good employees you must pay them well. While money is not the only motivator, it is important. If you pay too little, don’t be surprised if your new hires leave for greener pastures.

Like the saying goes, “If you only pay peanuts, you get monkeys.”

When possible, tie compensation to performance. Not just profit sharing, which rewards everybody, but monetary increases for specific job excellence.

Prioritize Orientation

Another idea to consider once the person is on board is to give them a thorough new employee orientation. Make sure they get a chance to meet all pertinent people throughout the company. One system that still works extremely well is to use the buddy system. Assign one experienced employee to show the new employee around and 32

MNLA .biz

march 18

be a “go-to” person for any questions or help. This technique can shorten the time it takes for a new person to become more comfortable and productive in their new company.

Next, make sure your new green industry hires know and understand your company mission statement. People can be inspired and motivated to do their best when they are working for a company that is in harmony with their values. If your mission statement needs some updating, make it part of your next company strategic planning session, and give your employees a chance to be part of the revisions. People support what they help create.

Spend Money on Training and Perks

“When they are green they grow and when they are ripe they rot.”

Invest not only in training for new employees, but all employees.

Find out how they would like to grow with your company and support them with the right kind of training and development opportunities. It has been said over and over again that your employees are the best investment you can make.

It has been reported that the Xerox Corporation, on average, gets a return on investment of $22 for every dollar they spend on training.

IBM gets a return of $28 for every dollar they spend on training and

Motorola receives $33 for every dollar they spend on training their employees. In other words, investing in training your employees and managers doesn’t cost, it pays!

As reported in the Wall Street Journal, providing some small perks increases retention. “Free bagels on Fridays and dry-cleaning pickup and delivery may seem insignificant to you, but if they help employees better manage their lives, they’ll appreciate it and may be more likely to stick around.”

NEONICOTINOID NEWS L AT E S T N E O N I C RE S E A RCH

Listen Well

Instead of conducting only exit interviews, why not conduct “stay interviews.” Ask employees who have been with you over two years and longer, why they continue to work for your company or organization?

Ask them what makes them feel good about working for your company and what would cause them to leave. Find out how your company could improve the work environment for them.

Jill Calabro, Ph.D.

AmericanHort A newly published research article compared the uptake and dissipation

Don’t Play Favorites

of two neonicotinoid residues in nectar and foliage of Ilex and Clethra. The

Finally, don’t play favorites. New employees are sharp and can easily see where special treatment is being given to certain individuals or departments. Nothing kills an individual’s self motivation than this kind of favoritism. I remember early in my career working for a company where the business owner overtly favored certain people within the company. It was so overt that he allowed unethical behavior by these individuals to go unnoticed. One of the adverse effects of this type of management was that it angered and demoralized the other team members.

Don’t make the same mistake with your company.

Implementing some or all of these tips can go a long way in helping to insure that the new employees you hire not only stay, but excel in their new jobs.

research was led by Dr. Dan Potter, University of Kentucky, and partially funded by the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) through the Pollinator Stewardship Initiative.

The two neonicotinoids evaluated were imidacloprid and dinotefuran. Though both are neonics, the two insecticides have different properties that impact their behavior in plant material. Both are systemic and able to move through plant material from roots to the upper canopy, but the speed of that movement is different. Dinotefuran, for example, moves much more quickly. This has led researchers to speculate that dinotefuran would be less persistent in plant tissues.

Dr. Potter tested three application timings, autumn (postbloom), spring (prebloom), and summer (early postbloom). Results showed that concentrations in nectar were found to be higher than levels known to adversely affect honey bees. However, summer applications of imidacloprid reduced concentrations.

Results also indicated that dinotefuran may be more persistent than originally thought.

Translating these results into practices impacting pollinator protection would be a bit premature. No regulatory limit has been identified for imidacloprid or dinotefuran in woody plants. When considered in landscape settings, assessing potential exposure to bees becomes even more complex.

Most bees collect pollen and nectar from a variety of flowering plants, po-

TOM BORG

is a business expert who

tentially diluting the effects of occasional, sublethal exposure to neonicotinoid-

works with small and mid-size green

treated plants. The length of bloom period and the percentage of plants in a

industry companies to profitably

neighborhood treated with neonicotinoids both impact bees’ exposure. Dr.

gain and retain customers through the use of

Potter’s group has previously shown that most woody landscape plants typically

his consulting, speaking, videos, and profes-

bloom for one to two weeks, as opposed to a crop such as canola where the

sional writing. To ask him a question or to hire

bloom period can last up to six weeks.

Tom, please contact him at: (734) 404-5909, tom@tomborg.com or visit his website at: www.tomborgconsulting.com.

march 18

MNLA .biz

33

âž¾ ME M BER N EWS

WELCOME NEW MNLA MEMBERS!

34

Auto Truck & Equipment Ron Kotschevar Thief River Falls, MN, 320-267-2016

Early Bird Lawnscapes, Inc. Tom O'Sullivan Woodbury, MN, 612-282-7112

Minnehaha Falls Landscaping Russ Henry Minneapolis, MN, 612-227-0115

Brand LLC Brandon Laubach Little Falls, MN, 320-266-0823

Erick Warner Construction, Inc. Erick Warner Faribault, MN, 507-271-6691

RXLeasing Partners, Inc. Tom Hougnon St. Paul, MN, 612-757-3190

C&D Granite LLC Brad Steil Richmond, MN, 320-597-2398

Kuhen Construction John Kuhen Blaine, MN, 612-741-0294

Tracer Landscape & Concrete, Inc. Travis Longfield Ramsey, MN, 763-464-1691

Concrete Chad Regnier St. Cloud, MN, 320-258-4685

Lawncare Jeremy Velasco East Gull Lake, MN, 218-828-3180

Travis Richter Estimating Travis Richter Oak Grove, MN, 763-913-8555

Dale Kremers Construction Dale Kremers St. Stephen, MN, 320-248-4690

Logs and Limbs Jay Linn Bloomington, MN, 952-881-5838

Watercourse Design Ian Lamers Golden Valley, MN, 612-741-4289

Diamond General Contracting, Inc. Joe Goracke Monticello, MN, 763-747-6091

Lone Oak Irrigation Robert Blaufuss Maplewood, MN, 512-774-1290

MNLA .biz

march 18

EXPLAINING PESTICIDE APPLICATOR

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) regulates the use, handling, distribution and storage of agricultural chemicals in the state.

The MDA also licenses qualified persons to apply pesticides for private and commercial purposes. The agency ensures qualifications and competency through testing, certification, licensing, and training.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture

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35

➾ P E S T I CIDE APPLICAT O R L I C EN SI N G AN D C ERTI FI CAT I O N

Pesticide Regulation

Federal and state laws governing pesticide distribution and use are designed to protect human health and the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delegates authority to the MDA to regulate pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The MDA also has authority under the Minnesota Pesticide Control Law and related statutes and rules.

Applicators who apply pesticides on farms, in the field and forest, in orchards and nurseries, at co-ops, in commercial facilities, or for pest control companies need to demonstrate qualifications to obtain a pesticide license. Also, golf course workers who apply pesticides on the property must be licensed by the MDA. The MDA issues Commercial, Non- Commercial or Structural Pest Control license types. The MDA also issues a Private Pesticide Applicator certification to farmers.

This article explains basic steps to obtain a license. Detailed information is available on the MDA website www.mda.state.mn.us (under pesticide applicator licensing).

Commercial, Structural and Non-Commercial

A Commercial Pesticide Applicator applies pesticide for hire or on a contract basis. This license is required to apply any pesticide for hire.

A Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator applies pesticide as a condition of employment to property owned or controlled by an 36

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march 18

MNLA is offering three 2-day workshops this spring to help you prepare for the Category A & E Pesticide Certification Exam: March 26–27, April 4–5 and April 9–10. For details and to register, visit MNLA.biz.

employer. This license is required to apply Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP).

A Structural Pest Control Applicator (SPCA) controls pests in or around structures on a for hire or contract basis. An SPCA may be licensed as a Journeyman, or with enough experience, as a Master.

Category of Pesticide Use

You must demonstrate competency by passing exams before a license is issued. First, you must pass the Core category and at least one other category exam for license eligibility.

Categories describe specific patterns of pesticide use. You can find a list of categories on the MDA website. The University of MinnesotaExtension has exam study manuals to help you prepare.

Commercial and Non-Commercial applicators may certify in categories such as Turf and Ornamental, Field Crops, Rights-of-Way and others. Structural Pest Control applicators can certify in three different categories.

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âž¾ P E S T I CIDE APPLICAT O R L I C EN SI N G AN D C ERTI FI CAT I O N

1

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MNLA .biz

2

march 18

3

4

5

6

7

8

Basic Steps to Licensing

• Determine the categories you need.

• Purchase the study manuals from the U of M-Extension Bookstore.

• Study the manuals and prepare for your exam.

• Complete license application form.

• Pay license application fees.

• Schedule the exam: Contact the MDA St. Paul office, 651/201-6633 or check the website for an exam site near you.

• Comply with license requirements.

License Requirements

Licenses expire annually at the end of December. Application fees are nonrefundable and not transferable. Some applications require financial responsibility. Application fees must be paid before taking certification exams.

Once fees are paid and you pass the exam, an official license ID card will be mailed to you. Carry the ID card with you when applying pesticides.

About Exams

• Exams are only administered during business hours and are not timed.

Strengthen Your Culture and Align Your Team.

• A person gets three attempts to pass the exam. If you do not pass, you must wait until the following year to apply again.

A plan is only as effective as its execution and execution is dependent on culture ... people, alignment, focus and ability to solve issues.

RFB® Strategic Execution is the essential business platform for owners and their leadership teams to make the most of their time and talent.

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Answers must be at least 70 percent correct in order to pass.

The RFB system incorporates “TRACTION” and the Entrepreneurial Operating System, (EOS®) to help you achieve a healthy culture and shared vision which will:

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march 18

MNLA .biz

39

➾ LANDSCAPE S E CT I O N TITLE AWARD S

2018 MNLA LANDSCAPE AWARD WINNERS PART II

SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

were recently honored with the

2018 MNLA Award for Excellence in Landscape. Seventeen projects received awards, and you can view all submitted photos and read the project descriptions by visiting the project gallery at www.mnla.biz/ landscapeawards. Congratulations to the companies and personnel behind these projects!

All winning projects were displayed in the Innovation and Inspiration Theater during Northern Green 2018, recognized at the Green Industry Awards Celebration, and were presented in a special session on our giant screen on the trade show floor. All winners receive the posters shown at Northern Green and many other marketing assets as well. MNLA creates a video and a plaque for each award given, plus delivers a linkable project page in our gallery, a sample press release, a winner’s crest, guidelines for pitching projects to local home magazines, and tips for marketing to other media.

DID YOU KNOW? Entries are NOT judged against each other. In any given year, ALL entries could win awards, or NO entries could win an award. Each entry is judged against he standards of excellence. Judges must decide whether an entry, in their opinion, meets or even exceeds those standards.

Firm: Mom’s Design Build Project: Concierge Apartments Entrant: Heather Grossmann 40

MNLA .biz

march 18

➾ S E CT I O N TITLE

Firm: Mom’s Design Build Project: Inver Grove Residence Entrant: Becca Bastyr

Firm: Pleasant View Gardens Project: Victoria Gardens Entrant: Anita Volkenant

march 18

MNLA .biz

41

➾ LANDSCAPE S E CT I O N TITLE AWARD S

Firm: S&S Tree and Horticultural Specialists Project: A Painter’s Garden Entrant: Celine Schroeder

Firm: Stonepocket Inc Project: Cottage Blues Entrant: Tim Heelan 42

MNLA .biz

march 18

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Firm: Superior Landscape and Irrigation Project: Full Package Outdoor Living Poolscape Entrant: Shawn Racine

Firm: Yardscapes Inc. Project: Golden Valley Residence Entrant: Clayton Johnson

march 18

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âž¾ LANDSCAPE S E CT I O N TITLE AWARD S

Firm: Tabor Group Landscape Project: Lakeside Tranquility Entrant: Jeff Gaffney

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➾ G OV E RN MEN T AFFAI R S

#GrowResults Campaign Did you see how MNLA is using social media to promote our green industry agenda?

Northern Green gave us a chance to spread our message.

Many New Years’ resolutions this past January included a promise to use social media less as the addiction to these web-based sites have been known to ruin relationships, careers (both inside and outside Hollywood and Washington, DC), have been the subject of Larry Johnson many talk shows where psychologists analyze the pheGovernment Affairs Director nomenon, and ulterior motives can lead to individuals’ need for likes and retweets depending on your particular social media preference. We aren’t ashamed to admit that we here at MNLA have an ulterior motive — we want to use your stories and accompanying hashtags to help us in our efforts to reach more people and by doing so, reach more legislators in fun and innovative ways!

The MNLA Government Affairs Committee is now in our second year of using the #growresults campaign to highlight our members and use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even LinkedIn to get legislators’ attention.

The #growresults initiative was born during Northern Green 2017 where the Committee supported a photo booth at the legislative action center and attendees were able to take a photo that would then be uploaded to Twitter and sent to their legislator, urging support for a specific issue.

Our ultimate goal of using social media to leverage contacts between you as members and your legislators gives you an easy “way in” and a helpful ice breaker when you go to meet with your legislators — (AT OUR

Included in this article are photos from our Northern Green 2018 Photo Booth. You can see yourselves and some of your fellow members and the issues which are most important to them in the upcoming legislative session. A key to what the different “gremojis” (get it, green emojis?) are is found in the inset box.

If you haven’t followed MNLA on Twitter (@MinneostaNLA) or liked us on Facebook (@MNLA!) what are you waiting for? Social media—like Rock ‘n’ Roll in the 1950s is here to stay. And as we say in the political world: “Find a way to be in favor of what’s gonna happen anyway!” This new communication device can help you in your business and help the green industry overall to accomplish our legislative goals!

LARRY JOHNSON can

be reached at: larry@mnla.biz.

I support retaining irrigation backflow work for members.

I support Uniform State Labor Standards.

I support Duty to Defend reform.

I support more funds to fight Emerald Ash Borer.

I support pollinator habitat expansion.

I support liability reform for salt applicators.

ANNUAL MNLA DAY ON THE HILL IN JUST A FEW DAYS!) — and at other events in your local communi-

ties. These quirky social media efforts will give you something you can mention to your legislator when you begin your meeting “hey did you see my photo on the MNLA Twitter page?” and use it to start a conversation on an important issue.

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MNLA .biz

march 18

Meet Alex Brennan from #mnleg District 46B.

Alisha Asleson hails from #mnleg District 12A.

Meet Andrea Hiracheta--#mnleg District 56A.

Meet Cara Donovan #mnleg District 60B.

Meet Chris Reifsteck #mnleg District 67B.

Cory Whitmer from #mnleg District 47A. Thanks, Cory.

Meet Dan Lipman #mnleg District 62B.

Derek Tweten came to Northern Green from #mnleg District 50A.

Meet Gail Havlicek from #mnleg District 51A.

Meet Gail Nozal #mnleg District 57B.

Meet Jill Edwardson #mnleg District 47A.

Meet Kay Halla, #mnleg District 47A.

Meet Kelly Lorenz #mnleg District 55B.

Kim Gaida-Wager from #mnleg District 56B.

Meet Laura Wagner #mnleg District 61A.

Meet Mark Rehder #mnleg District 32A.

march 18

MNLA .biz

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➾ G OV E RN MEN T AFFAI R S

Meet Matt Kuha #mnleg District 59A.

Meet Nick Wagner from #mnleg District 33B.

Meet Patrick Hammer #mnleg District 36A.

Meet Patrick Warden from #mnleg District 61B.

Meet Rob Neeser from #mnleg District 39A.

Meet Annamarie Skogen #mnleg District 56B.

Meet Julie Wagner from #mnleg District 33B.

Meet Matt Langlais #mnleg District 35B.

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MNLA .biz

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➾ ISNE CT T HI E ON MEDIA TITLE

MNLA MEDIA IN THE

 

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 RECENTLY MNLA STAFF AND MEMBERS HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED or provided background for a number of green industry stories and issues in the media. Although not comprehensive, below is a list of several examples of that coverage:

 2018 issue of their magazine, is a great way to bring awareness to the collective energy being put into this issue. Here is a link to the story: http://magazine.lawnandlandscape.com/article/january-2018/high-school-hopes.aspx.

3. Local News/Immigration Reform: MNLA Board Member John O’Reilly recently recorded a video as to the importance of

1. MPR/Salt Reduction: On January 16th, MNLA Vice President

local businesses and industries did the same. MNLA belongs to

with Max Nesterak, a reporter from Minnesota Public Radio

the Minnesota Business Immigration Coalition, who has called

(MPR) to talk about winter parking lot and sidewalk maintenance

on Congress to enact immigration reform. The set of videos,

including plowing and salting. The MNLA office was contacted

including the one produced by O’Reilly, was used in press

by MPR for comments and background on winter salting and how

releases picked up by many outlets.

our members are working to reduce the amount of salt ending up in our lakes and streams around the state. IBD gave demonstrations of different snow removal procedures and showed how salt applicators put salt down to help manage snow and ice during the winter. They also discussed our MNLA legislative agenda which includes a measure to give applicators and their clients some protection from potential slip and fall litigation. Thank you to IBD for the great work in FRIGID conditions.

2. Lawn & Landscape Magazine/Workforce Development: MNLA Executive Director Cassie Larson, along with leaders of several other state and national associations, was interviewed over the winter months by Lawn and Landscape Magazine regarding industry workforce shortages. The story, which ran in the January

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immigrant labor to the green industry workforce. Several other

Tim Malooly and Matt Kuha from Irrigation by Design (IBD) met

MNLA .biz MNLA .biz

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4. Rochester Post Bulletin/Berg: A reporter from the Rochester Post Bulletin produced a story on the 2018 MNLA Volunteer of the Year, Randy Berg of Berg’s Landscape & Nursery LLC. Berg emphasized in the article that the reason he continues to volunteer is the networking and relationship building the association provides. You can read the full article here: http://bit.ly/2rDOmlo 5. Digger/Green Industry Associations Lead the Way: Recently the Oregon Association of Nurseries (OAN) interviewed Executive Director Cassie Larson and other association leaders about how green industry trade associations are adapting to the changing times and leading the way for members in a new economy. The article was published in the February 2018 issue of Digger, their magazine.

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