The Scoop Online - June 2017

Seeing the Unseen

Also Inside

Benchmark Report: 7 Lessons

Member Profile Volunteer Voices D.C. Update

FOOD FOR POLLINATORS Just one of native grasses’ many benefits

Vol: 40 No: 6 June 2017 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

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Volume 40 No. 6 June 2017

CONTENTS 15

38 30

IN THIS ISSUE 8

Events

10 Volunteers: The Unsung Heroes Cassie Larson shows the incredible work that MNLA’s volunteers did over the last month.

41

15 Seeing the Unseen Brandon Gallagher Watson answers the question, “Why is tree decay so hard to detect?” 

22 7 Lessons from the Green Industry Benchmark Report The report analyzes hiring, revenue growth, sales and marketing, and other aspects of our industry.    

30 Native Grasses as Food for Pollinators Dr. Mary H. Meyer and Diane Narem explain how native grasses feed native insects during their larval stage.    

41 Joining the Conversation In the age of social media, misinformation spreads quickly, but proactive outreach can neutralize its effects. 

51 Are You Prepared for Immigration Enforcement Actions?

Protect your business in the event of an ICE inspection with this 10-point plan. 

56 4 Quick Tips for Parting Ways with Employees in Minnesota Patrick McGuiness guides us through what the applicable Minnesota laws are when employment ends.   Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design  Garden Services & Landscape Management  Garden Centers  Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse  Irrigation & Water Management  Arborists & Tree Services  All

12 Member Profile Wilson’s Nursery, Inc. 28 MDA Update Nursery inspectors will be collecting flower samples when plants are advertised as “pollinator-friendly.”

38 D.C. Update Policy from our nation’s capital that impacts green industry professionals here.

48 Volunteer Voices A profile of Cory Whitmer from The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center.

58 New MNLA Certified Professionals Congratulations to those who’ve passed the MNLA Certification Exam so far this year!

62 Be Counted in the 2017 Census of Agriculture 67 Sponsor an MNLA Scholarship Demonstrate your commitment to the future of the green industry with this easy-to-do program.

The Scoop, June 2017, Issue 6, is issued monthly, 12 times per year.

All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2017, 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.

june 17

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AD LIST MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION Successful Businesses Grow Here!

1813 Lexington Ave. N. Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-4987 • Fax: 651-633-4986 Outside the metro area, toll free: 888-886-MNLA, Fax: 888-266-4986 www.MNLA.biz • www.NorthernGreen.org

MISSION: The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help members grow successful businesses.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

herman roerick, president

A Top Notch Equipment ................................................................................... 40 Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes .................................................. 11 BFG Supply ...................................................................................................... 34 Borgert Products, Inc. ....................................................................................... 68 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ..................................................... 40 Central Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 14 County Materials Corporation .......................................................................... 35 Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 39

Central Landscape Supply 320-252-1601 • hermanr@centrallandscape.com

Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 32

scott frampton, vice-president

Ferguson Waterworks ....................................................................................... 52

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

Fury Motors ...................................................................................................... 47

tim malooly, cid, clia, cic, secretary-treasurer

Frontier Ag & Turf ............................................................................................. 14

Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com

randy berg, mnla-cp

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

matt mallas

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

mike mcnamara

Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply .................................................. 2 GM Fleet and Commercial ................................................................................. 3 Gopher State One-Call ..................................................................................... 35 Haag Companies, Inc. ...................................................................................... 18 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies .......................................................... 4

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

Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 36–37

john o'reilly

Landscape Alternatives Inc. .............................................................................. 40

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

Midwest Transmission Center / DBA Clutch & U-joint Proven Force ............... 14

jeff pilla, mnla-cp

Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 57

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

nick sargent

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

cassie larson, cae

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

STAFF DIRECTORY

executive director:

Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz

membership director & trade show manager:

Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@mnla.biz communications dir.: Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz education/cert. manager: Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz Government Affairs Dir.: Alicia Munson • alicia@mnla.biz

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

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

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

6

Volume 40 No. 6 June 2017

➾ G OS C

MNLA .biz

june 17

Plaisted Companies ............................................................................................ 7 Prairie Restorations, Inc. ................................................................................... 46 RDO Agricultural Equipment ............................................................................ 50 RDO Equipment Co. ........................................................................................ 66 Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) .................................................................... 32 Rock Hard Landscape Supply ........................................................................... 57 S & S Tree and Horticultural Specialists ............................................................ 52 SMSC Organics Recycling Facility .................................................................... 50 Snowfighters Institute ....................................................................................... 57 The Tessman Company .................................................................................... 21 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. ............................................................................ 16, 44, 64 Truck Utilities, Inc. ............................................................................................. 46 Versa-Lok Midwest ..................................................................................... 29, 55 Wheeler Landscape Supply .............................................................................. 33 Xcel Energy .......................................................................................................53 Ziegler CAT ......................................................................................... Back Cover

➾ C ALE N DAR

MNLA Event

JUN15 ➾

MNLA AND MTGF PROFESSIONAL LAWN CARE WORKSHOP

➾

CULTIVATE 17

TROE Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul

Columbus, OH

MNLA.biz

Cultivate17.org

This outdoor event takes place at the Minnesota Turfgrass Research, Outreach and Education Center — approximately 10 acres of turfgrass research. See first-hand what is new in turfgrass research, and learn about the emerging trends in lawn care.

Cultivate is the premier national event for horticulture professionals.

MNLA Event

AUG1–2

AUG3

BFG SUPPLY EXPO

GARDEN CENTER TOUR

Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Park Don’t miss the BFG buying event of the year! Meet with a wide selection of top suppliers for the greenhouse, nursery and independent lawn and garden industries.

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june 17

MNLA.biz MNLA’s annual tour features a tour of several garden center locations.

It’s great fun to network with peers and take away great ideas to implement at your own garden center location.

JUL 15–18

MNLA Event

➾

AUG9 LANDSCAPE DESIGN TOUR MNLA.biz Join us as we travel by coach bus and tour several amazing landscapes designed by our own MNLA members. It’s sure to inspire you!

2017 MNLA seminars generously supported by:

SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS • PARTS

MNLA Event

MNLA Event

JUL25

JUL18 ➾

MNLA FOUNDATION BLOOMS AND BREWS

➾

MNLA FOUNDATION WIDMER GOLF TOURNAMENT Phalen Golf Course, St. Paul

Noerenberg Gardens and Excelsior Brewing

MNLA.biz

MNLA.biz

Join your fellow Hackers for Horticulture at the 27th Annual Widmer Golf Tournament.

Proceeds benefit the MNLA Foundation Research Fund.

New! Highlights will include a garden walk and talk from the UofM Bee Squad, followed by brews at Excelsior Brewery. Bring your colleagues, friends, and family! By attending, you show your support to the mission of the MNLA Foundation to improve the future of our industry.

MNLA Event

MNLA.biz We want to celebrate our awesome members with a full day of fun.

Stop by the MNLA office in the morning for donuts and in the afternoon for ice cream.

Then, join us for an evening at CHS Field in St. Paul to watch the Saint Paul Saints take on the Wichita Wingnuts.

BAILEY NURSERIES SUMMER EXPO Bailey Nurseries Nord Farm Baileynurseries.com See the MN Greenhouse Production Facility, retail displays, and Collections Gardens; go on tours; hear talks; and eat a tasty lunch.

MNLA Event

MNLA Event

AUG23 MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY

JUL27

SEPT20

AUG23 ➾

SAINTS GAME

➾

MNLA.biz

Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, Prior Lake

3rd Annual MNLA Night at the Saints Game. We have reserved the Star Tribune Skybox for our group — Includes dinner and a ticket.

MNLA.biz

Sponsors: KEY:

Event Education

➾

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

MNLA FOUNDATION SHOOTOUT

Don’t miss this annual sporting clays charity event that raises money for scholarships!

The course runs at a beginner’s level — the focus is on fun. Proceeds benefit the MNLA Foundation Scholarship Fund.

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➾ F ROM THE EXECUTIV E DI R EC TO R

Volunteers: The Unsung Heros I was thinking this week about all of the members of MNLA who volunteer time and resources to make this association successful. There are SO many ways that individuals give time to the association and, therefore, support the greater green industry.

Cassie Larson

MNLA Executive Director

As I reflect on the past month alone, I created a short list of activities where members engaged, offered solutions, strategized, and demonstrated leadership: • A member called to let us know that a long-time industry business owner passed away and wanted to ensure that members were notified.

• A member shared comments at a Minnesota Plumbing Board meeting highlighting the importance of repairing reduced pressure zone devices (RPZs) and the impact of change to the irrigation industry.

• Members responded to a legislative action alert regarding Uniform State Labor Standards.

• Several members gathered to discuss the impact of EAB and how to secure funding for the impending crisis in Minnesota.

• Four members were interviewed by MNLA staff to be featured in “Volunteer Voices,” the new volunteer profile in the Scoop.

• Several members wrote articles for an upcoming issue of the Scoop.

• Nine Board members met at MNLA’s quarterly meeting to help guide the strategic direction of the organization.

• Two members helped present webinars on the topics of turf irrigation and the barberry phaseout.

• Eight members met to help guide the MNLA office landscape redesign project.

• Three members gave time helping to organize a new advocacy recognition event coming this summer.

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• Three members met to help guide the creation of a year-long MNLA social media plan.

• Six members attended a certification task team meeting to continue to improve the exam and associated elements.

• Four members attended a meeting to help make plans for this summer’s MNLA Shootout fundraiser event.

• Ten members attended a Government Affairs Committee meeting to continue to monitor and influence legislation and regulation that affects green industry businesses.

• Three members met with the City of Minneapolis to discuss zoning code related to landscaping.

• Nine members of the MNLA Foundation Board of Trustees met to discuss and guide the strategic direction of the Foundation.

Whew…and that is just ONE month of the year.

Multiply this by twelve and you can see that it takes a village to get the work done. As with any association, members are the heart of everything that happens.

Without members, an association ceases to exist. So, today and all year round, we celebrate you! Thanks for all you do to move the green industry forward both individually and collectively.

Specifically, we’d like to say thanks with an upcoming Member Appreciation event on August 23 — there are donuts, ice cream, and baseball involved! Want to know more? See page 70, and plan to join us so we can say “thank you” in person.

CASSIE LARSON can

be reached at: cassie@mnla.biz.

➾ ME MBER PROFILE

MEMBER PROFILE WILSO N ’ S N UR SERY, I N C .

Katie Mills Giorgio

Photos courtesy of Wilson’s Nursery, Inc. The spring 2017 staff, entirely made up of people who’ve returned from previous years.

Founded in 1983, Wilson’s Nursery Inc. is a wholesale supply company that carries a full line of plant material for any and every landscape job, big or small. From perennials and a full line of shrubs — including flowering and evergreens — all the way up to container trees and larger caliper trees to aggregate products like stone, rock, sand, mulch and dirt, Wilson’s Nursery Inc. works to distribute plant material wholesale to landscape contractors, municipalities, home contractors, and independent garden centers.

Andy Wilson, son of the company’s founder, is working with his dedicated staff to lead the company into its second generation. Recently, Wilson’s Nursery made a big change as a growing company when they moved their distribution center from their long-time Chanhassen yard out to their growing range in New Germany. We talked with Wilson to learn more about the history of the company and what their move means for the future.

C OM PAN Y SN APSHO T

Company Name: Wilson’s Nursery, Inc. Key Employee: Andy Wilson Date Company started: 1983 Location: New Germany, MN Number of Employees in Peak Season: 20 Areas Served: Greater Twin Cities area Member Category: Landscape, Greenhouse, Nursery Supply Center; Nursery Grower Website: wilsonsnurseryinc.com

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Q. Andy, thank you for making time to talk with The Scoop. As a second-generation family business owner, what changes have you seen over the years?

A. My dad had worked in the industry for years for other people and eventually he decided to start his own operation. Back in 1983, they started a much different operation than we have today, as they were just selling trees. So things have really changed over the years. We have slowly grown year after year. We decided to start selling shrubs and perennials as we built up our customer base. Demand kept growing and so we kept growing our company.

We are small and nimble enough to work with our customers. We don’t ask our customers to come in to our company and work with our model. I’m willing to bend the way we do things to fit our customers. I had a customer ask if we could custom grow a plant for them because another of their specialty perennial suppliers went out of business. We did it and grew them into a bigger customer. We have all this land and these greenhouses out here and I think

Getting a good quality tree out to the customer is always important. But we also want to be mindful of the environment and what we are doing.

The distribution center at New Germany with full selection of all products available. anything is possible. We are very open to working with our customers in our flexible business model.

Q. What are the values that form the foundation of your business?

A. We have been able to build our company on a foundation of solid customer service and quality plant material. Now, if you ask any nursery why they are successful they will probably give you those two things, but it’s the truth. We don’t have someone sitting in the office brainstorming our next marketing campaign. That’s part of my job, but I’m out in the field making sure the work is getting done.

But I also have to start making time to make sure the second generation of this business is keeping up with the changing times. We work hard and we get the job that needs to be done, done first. We are a small business and I have to make sure the people we have on staff are being taken care of and that we give them the opportunity to accomplish the needed tasks. We are very open and there is not much of a hierarchy and we all work together to get the job done. We all get our hands dirty, work hard, and hope that our employees and customers can come

Freshly potted perennials happily growing during spring 2017.

together and be part of our family. So customer service, good plant material, and good employees have helped us stay in this market for 30-plus years.

Q. How important is your staff in helping to make Wilson’s Nursery successful?

A. We would be nothing here without our employees. We cherish every single hand we have out here. I don’t like titles because we all wear a lot of hats out here.

We have employees that have been with us for more than 20 years. And it’s a big family effort out here. I have six siblings and every one of us worked here. As the years go on, we’ve seen our employee’s families grow up with us and come to work in our business in various capacities.

There’s some consistency there as far as the values we have for how we treat our customers, how we get work done, our work ethic here on the farm. It’s a consistency that’s hard to acquire unless you have something very special like these long-term employees we’ve been able to maintain.

I grew up working in the business and have done a lot of the jobs our employees do. It’s amazing to me how genuine our

employees are. They make sure everything is taken care of and it’s not like you are just the next customer. Our employees act as if they are truly thankful to be employed here and I think that that makes it easy to genuinely service our customers without feeling like it’s a huge burden to them.

Q. Tell us more about your recent move.

A. With this transition comes some major changes for our operation and our customers and we are excited about it.

Back in the 80s the company opened a distribution yard in the metro area and that put us on the map. For years we had been operating out of that distribution yard in Chanhassen. Every day we would ship a truckload or two into that spot from our larger, 200-acre production facility in New Germany. What we found is that we outgrew the Chanhassen lot. We would only have room for 50 of this perennial, 25 of this shrub and 100 of this most popular perennial, for example, because we carry thousands of different plants. So if someone came in and said, “I want 50 of that,” you’d be out of that for the day until the next truck would arrive. It was not efficient (continued on page 54)

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SEEING THE UNSEEN Technology that allows us to look within the tree.

Brandon M. Gallagher Watson | Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements

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➾ T R E E DECAY

Arborist Ben Cooper uses a Resistograph to determine the presence of decay in an ash tree.

O

n July 5, 2013 a woman walking her dog in a Minnesota park was tragically killed when a large branch from a linden tree fell on her. The branch failure happened not during a violent thunderstorm, but during the middle of a sunny day. It was windy — weather records show gusts that day up to 25 mph, but hardly the type of wind that would rip apart an otherwise healthy tree.

Inspections on the tree revealed extensive decay through the trunk and into several of the main canopy limbs, including the one that failed. This terrible tragedy led many of the local media outlets to run, “How safe are our city trees?” stories and several reached out to our company to get the ‘experts’ opinion on the matter. I, by either good or bad fortune depending on your feelings about the media, was one of the arborists interviewed for the local news. During the interview, the reporter asked me, “Well, why is decay so hard to detect? Don’t we have scanners or something that can tell you?” My answer was something like, “Um, well, yeah…kinda, but probably not like you are thinking.”

While my answer made a weak sound bite that, needless to say, did not make the news that night, it is a fairly accurate response.

While there may not be Star Trek-style tricorder scanners that diagnose and prescribe at the touch of a button, there are technologies that allow us to get a look at what’s going on under the bark. In fact, there are several different types of devices available that utilize a wide range of techniques to achieve the goal of assessing the pres-

ence or severity of decay. The different techniques have their own advantages and disadvantages and all of them must be performed on an individual tree. Thus the ‘decay scanner’ the reporter asked about really does exist, but someone would have to have been looking for it already for these tools to be useful. Much like an MRI can detect a brain tumor, yet one has to get into an MRI machine to obtain the data. Using decay-sensing technology on every tree in the urban forest is simply not feasible, but there are times where having this information would be useful.

Using decay-sensing technology on every tree in the urban forest is simply not feasible, but there are times where having this information would be useful.

Even though we look at trees everyday as professional arborists, decay remains difficult to accurately assess. Unless there is an exposed cavity where you can peer in, much of the decay occurs out of sight under the bark. That’s where these various tools come in. The decision of which technology is the best will depend on a number of factors, from cost to the type of data you require. If you just need to know that a cavity exists then tapping with a plastic mallet may suffice. If you need to know the proportion of sound wood to decay june 17

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➾ T R E E DECAY

a tree with a known cavity and a tree with known solid wood you can start to hear the differences. It may not tell you much about the specifics of the decay, but for $15 or less, it is maybe the best starting place you should consider.

PROS: Low cost and low tech. Can be used in any weather and be used quickly.

CONS: Gives only a yes or no answer about decay and can be deceiving when used on larger diameter trees.

Ultrasonic

Dr. Alex Shigo demonstrates the Shigometer at 1991 workshop as Rainbow Treecare founder, Tom Prosser, looks on.

then more sophisticated measurements may be warranted. The U.S. Forest Service’s ‘rule of thumb’ is that 25 mm ring of sound wood is required for every 150 mm of stem diameter at any point on the stem. If the proportion of decay to sound wood is higher than that, steps should be taken to mitigate the hazard.

So what are some situations where bringing in decay-sensing technology might be justified? Often times, they are brought in to confirm or refute an existing assessment. I naively assumed that it was more common for this technology to be employed to condemn a tree by showing that the sound wood ratio justified its removal, but talking with arborists and researchers from around the country, I learned it was the exact opposite. For example, a private golf course in California had a massive coast live oak in front of the clubhouse.

The club managers notified the members that the tree would be removed soon because the extensive decay had created a hazard. The members, who were enamored with the iconic tree, brought in a consulting arborist who utilized one of these technologies to show the decay had not yet reached the threshold that warranted removal.

The tree will be closely monitored going forward but the use of this technology likely extended the tree’s service life by a decade or more.

Let’s take a look at types of decay-sensing technologies that are currently available and look at the pros and cons of each type.

Plastic Mallet

Easily the lowest low-tech technology on this list, but that doesn’t mean it’s not valuable. A few raps on the bark with a plastic mallet can often tell you just what you need to know. It takes a little experience to know what to listen for, but with a few practice taps on

There are several types of ultrasonic sensing devices available that give varying degrees of detail on the shape and extent of decay.

Ultrasonic devices use sound waves produced on one side of the tree and a receiver on the other end. Sound waves travel faster through sound wood than through air, thus by measuring the time it takes a sound wave to travel from one side of the tree to another one can put together a conclusion about the ratio of sound-wood-to-cavity. Some devices are only able to measure one reading at a time, so a complete picture requires measuring, then moving the monitors to a new site, and measuring again. Some devices, such as the PiCUS Sonic Tomograph, combine up to a dozen sensors at the same time. When this data is brought into a software program that can analyze the speed of sound through all the combinations of sensors it can provide an image, known as a tomograph. The tomograph gives you a sense of what the tree looks like in cross-section from the point at which it was measured. Measurements can be taken from the image to calculate the sound wood/cavity ratio to determine the extent of the decay.

PROS: When multiple measurements are combined, ultrasonic devices can give an image of decay that is easy to translate to a layman and the results are reliable.

CONS: Cannot be used on trees larger than 32" DBH. A bark plug must be removed to get an accurate reading.

Stress Wave Timer

Stress wave timer (SWT) devices utilize sound waves similar to the ultrasonic devices, but by using lower frequency waves they can be used on larger diameter trees. Just like their ultrasonic cousins, SWT measurements can be combined to create a two-dimensional image of the tree’s decay column.

PROS: Can provide a tomograph cross-sectional image of the tree.

Can be used on larger diameter trees.

CONS: They are not as accurate for detecting early stages of decay in trees. Some devices use screws that must penetrate the bark for measuring the sound waves.

Radar

Similar to the sonic-based devices above, radar-based technology utilizes waves and the time it takes for them to travel through different mediums to assess changes in the structure. In radar, high-frequency electromagnetic waves are sent out and then reflected off an object back to the source. Arborists can utilize radar in both decay sensing in woody material as well as in ground-penetrating radar devices that can determine the location of root systems.

PROS: Radar can provide a tomographic image of the shape and june 17

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➾ T R E E DECAY

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) image, left, of a black acacia. Blue indicates solid wood; red indicates a cavity. Crosssection of the decayed black acacia (right) shows the EIT image to be fairly accurate.

(Photo and EIT image courtesy of Tim Ellis.)

extent of a decay column without the need to penetrate the bark at all. Setup and scans take just minutes to perform.

CONS: Bumpy or thick bark can cause inaccurate readings. Can be difficult to determine the extent of early decay symptoms.

Microdrill

Microdrill devices measure variances in the amount of effort it takes for a small diameter drill bit to penetrate wood. Handheld devices, such as IML’s Resistograph, use a rechargeable electric drill with a specialized drill bit that can be up to a meter long. At the point of suspected decay, the operator drills into the wood and applies even pressure. The device provides a readout in the form of a line graph that sort of resembles a human heart’s EKG reading. The jumps in the squiggly line indicate changes in the wood’s density as the drill bit was moving through. Often, multiple measurements are made around the tree. Looking at the readout and the depth the changes in density occurred at, one can put together a sense of the amount of the tree’s decay compared to sound wood.

PROS: These can sense early stages of decay better than sound wave technology can. Readings can be taken fairly quickly with limited setup time.

CONS: Drilling is an invasive process and should be used sparingly. The accuracy of the measurements can be dependent on the operator’s ability to apply even pressure and drill speed. The long drill bits can be fragile and break easily.

Electrical Resistance

When wood begins to decay, the tree’s damaged cells release metal ions. This changes the speed at which an electrical current will flow through the wood, thus by measuring the electrical resistance between two nodes, the presence or absence of decay can be determined. The Father of CODIT himself, Alex Shigo, developed one of the first devices of this kind. The aptly named Shigometer used a drill to make two holes in the area of suspected decay. A probe with two prongs is inserted into the holes and an electrical current is emitted and measured at 1 cm increments along the probes. As decayed wood has a lower electrical resistance than sound wood, differences in measurements could be attributed to decay. More accurate technologies, known as electrical impedance tomography (EIT), 20

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have been developed that utilize the same concept of measuring the electrical resistance difference between decay and sound wood that generate tomographic images from multiple readings.

PROS: Better at determining the extent of early decay than other methods. EIT images can be created for larger diameter trees than ultrasonic devices.

CONS: The Shigometer is only capable of giving information from where the probes are inserted. All methods that utilize electrical resistance can produce inconsistent readings when the wood’s moisture content is low, such as during prolonged dry periods.

Technology is grand and always moving forward to give us better data to base our decision-making on. The thing to remember with all of these devices and measuring techniques is that they are providing just one piece of information. An assessment of a tree’s structural integrity or hazard level cannot be simply ascertained by the push of a button, but this single data point can be very useful in certain situations. The cost of these devices and the time required to use them is a key roadblock to their use by the general arborist. Basically, many of these devices are expensive to purchase and time consuming to use.

Due to this, they are often only employed in cases of high profile trees, trees with a legal case around them, or trees with passionate advocates for either their removal or protection.

So, to better answer the reporter’s question on whether decay scanning technology exists that could have prevented a tragic death — the answer is still, “Sort of.” Yes, the technology currently exists to determine the extent of decay but it still requires a person looking for the possibility of a risk, using one of the technologies we discussed to measure it, then taking that information along with their skills and experience as an arborist to take steps to mitigate that risk. The truth doesn’t always make a great sound bite.

I would like to thank Tim Ellis from Deborah Ellis Consulting Arborist and Horticulturist (http://www.decah.com) and Dr. E. Thomas Smiley from Bartlett Tree Labs for taking the time to discuss these technologies with me.

is the Director of Communication at Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements and can be reached at bgallagher@treecarescience.com.

BRANDON M. GALLAGHER WATSON

T

he Benchmark Report clocks in at nearly 60 pages and contains a wealth of information. Below is our “Cliff’s Notes version” of some of the key findings from the 2017 Green Industry Benchmark Report:

#1

The Green Industry Believes in the Trump Economy

It’s difficult to separate what’s happening politically in the United States from the outlook for a typical green industry business. Our first lesson reinforces that: respondents are optimistic about the Trump economy. Consider that 55% expect the economy to moderately improve, 13% expect great improvement, and 25% expect the economy to stay the same, which means just 7% of respondents expect the economy to worsen this year. Last year we found 46% expected the economy to moderately improve — and just 2% expected it to greatly improve. 12% thought it would worsen. So, economic optimism has increased.

Politics does play a slight role in this. When we look at the economic expectations by region, it shows that conservative strongholds in the south were much more optimistic than their liberal counterparts in New England.

Still, optimism is up, regardless of political leanings. It’s likely that you’re going to continue to be busy. This report confirms what a lot of other surveys have shown — that businesses and consumers are generally optimistic about the economic improvement in the United States.

#2

Greatly improve

13%

Moderately improve

55%

Stay the same

25%

Get moderately worse

6%

Get significantly worse

6%

ECONOMY EXPECTATIONS BY REGION: 100% 90%

80% 70%

60% 50%

40% 30%

20% 10%

0%

2016 Was a Good Year

Part of the reason green businesses may be optimistic is because 2016 was such a good year. 80% of respondents saw revenue growth in 2016, roughly the same as 2015.

Even though the high-end 20+% growth was down slightly from a year ago, it was still generally a good year for most green industry businesses.

#3

IN 2017, I EXPECT THE ECONOMY WILL:

Get Significantly Worse

Stay the Same

Get Moderately Worse

Moderately Improve

Greatly Improve

IN 2016, MY REVENUE:

There seems to be strong demand for green industry services.

Anecdotally, I’ve heard from many of our customers that there’s enough work out there for everyone. They’re no longer worried about not finding enough work, but now they’re worried about finding enough people to do the work.

Grew by 20% +

19%

Grew by 11–20%

20%

Grew by 6–10%

21%

There’s a Labor Shortage

Grew by 1–5%

20%

Stayed the same

10%

Which brings me to the third lesson from the Green Industry Benchmark Report: The bad news is that though all that work is out there, finding employees to do the work is becoming increasingly difficult. This was apparent throughout the Benchmark Report: Attracting and retaining employees was the #1 issue cited by green industry businesses, with 27% saying it was their biggest issue.

Decreased by 1–5%

6%

Decreased by 6–10%

3%

Decreased by 11–20%

1%

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➾ B E NC HMARK REPORT

49% said it was somewhat difficult finding good employees, while 38% said it was very difficult finding employees.

Combined, that’s a whopping 87% of respondents! Just 13% said it was somewhat or very easy. Last year, 79% said it was somewhat or very difficult, so it’s up 8% year-over-year. And if the economy does improve and we experience job growth, expect it to become increasingly more difficult to find employees.

IF I COULD IMPROVE ONE AREA OF MY BUSINESS, IT WOULD BE: Attracting / retaining employees

27%

Marketing to acquire new customers

21%

Inefficient operations

18%

The even scarier part — 75% expect to grow their staff in 2017. In a competitive marketplace, that’s going to be very difficult.

No free time /doing much of the work myself 14% Low margins Difficulty getting capital / financing

So how do you overcome a labor shortage?

11%

Always be hiring. Don’t wait until you need the staff to

be looking for staff. I’d keep “help wanted” information on your trucks, in your storefront, on your website, and even on customer facing documents like invoices and estimates.

Build the infrastructure to hire before needing a body is a requirement.

3%

Other 3% Retaining customers

2%

Regulatory compliance

1%

Find ways to be more productive without hiring staff. That

may mean investing in equipment that enables you get more work done. If you own a lawn maintenance business, it may be a lawn mower with a better production rate. If it’s an irrigation business, maybe a trencher that can save you time

HOW HARD IS IT FOR YOU TO FIND GOOD EMPLOYEES? Somewhat difficult

49%

Very difficult

38%

Somewhat easy

10%

Very easy

But equipment isn’t the only way to improve productivity.

HindSite is a software company, so it won’t surprise you if I tell you software can also help. We’ve talked to irrigation businesses that were thinking of hiring another office manager to handle the load, but instead installed HindSite and found that not only did they not have to hire more office help, but they also freed their existing office staff to work on other projects. There are tons of little ways software can save you time that add up to big savings. It’s a relatively small expense — and in most cases a lot less expensive than hiring someone.

3%

IN 2017, MY BUSINESS EXPECTS OUR STAFF TO:

24

Grow by 1–5%

27%

Grow by 6–10%

25%

Stay the same

23%

Grow by 11–20%

12%

Grow by 20+

11%

Decrease by 6–10%

1%

Decrease by 1–5%

1%

Decrease by 20%+

0%

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Examine your training. We’ll talk a bit about this later, but

frequent training can not only make your team more productive, but it can also help you retain employees. So consider how you train your employees. Ask your staff how they felt training went. What could have been improved?

Figure out what they struggled to do in their first days, weeks, and months on the job, and put together a plan to improve your training.

#4

Training Matters

When I examined the data, I found that about a quarter of businesses do weekly training, which is great, but almost 20% don’t do any training at all.

This got me thinking — does the frequency of training matter? It sure seems like it does. Those whose profitability was in excess of 20% were generally training more frequently.

And those who saw low profitability — especially those that

Online advertising can be turned on and off relatively easily, so if you’re struggling to generate new leads, turn it on for a few months. If you find that you have an overabundance of leads, turn it off. It’s a great way to level out the peaks and valleys in your lead flow.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE FORMAL STAFF TRAINING? Weekly 25.6% Monthly 25% Annually 20.4% Quarterly 17.4%

weren’t profitable — generally were less likely to offer training, and more likely to be less frequent in their training.

Never 12.6%

This shouldn’t really surprise you. Businesses that invest in their employee training generally outperform those that don’t. Some tips to help you improve your training: Training doesn’t have to be formal. A simple weekly 15-minute meeting where you discuss issues from the previous week — and how to solve them — is a great way to improve your employees’ performance.

Think about doing quality control checks. A number of our customers use what we call assessments to perform quality control checks. This is especially effective in maintenance businesses. Simply send a manager to a property once a month for a review. Arm your manager with a checklist or document with a series of questions that rate the quality of the work. Collecting that data gives you information you can use at your weekly training sessions to teach your employees how to do the job.

You don’t always need to be the one training. Have your employees teach each other. It’s a great way to get them involved in the training.

Bi-annually 8.4%

FORMAL STAFF TRAINING BY PROFITABILITY 100% 90% 80% 70%

60% 50% 40% 30%

20% 10%

#5

Goal Setting Spurs Growth

At HindSite, we’ve been practitioners of the Entrepreneurial Operating System outlined in the book Traction for a couple years. One of the first things it teaches is the importance of goal setting. Though they use slightly different terminology, you’re basically setting quarterly, annual, three-year and tenyear goals. So goal setting is deeply ingrained in our business.

And, judging by the evidence, it should be in yours, too.

Generally, most green industry businesses are setting annual goals, but very few are setting three, five or ten-year goals.

Does it matter? The answer seems to be yes. Of the businesses that grew more than 10%, each one of them set goals.

They were also much more likely to set quarterly goals.

So, set goals. Short-term goals are great, but you also need long-term goals. Setting a ten-year goal is the first thing any business should do. Then, break that ten-year goal down into shorter and shorter segments. So your quarterly goals should roll up into your annual goals. Your annual goals should roll up into your three and five-year goals. This should all help you achieve your ten-year goal.

0%

I wasn't profitable 1–10%

11–20% 21–30% % of revenue

Never Quarterly

Annually Monthly

31–40%

41–50%

Bi-annually Weekly

DO YOU SET GOALS FOR YOUR BUSINESS? Yes, I set annual goals

69%

Yes, I set quarterly goals

33%

No 14% Yes, I set three-year goals

13%

Yes, I set five-year goals

12%

Yes, I set ten-year goals

4% june 17

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➾ B E NC HMARK REPORT

My other piece of advice: In addition to setting a numerical goal, also set activity goals. For example, if you want to increase your revenue by 10%, what activities do you need to do to make that happen? Is there a marketing activity that needs to happen? Do you need to hire a sales rep? Do you need to do some referral or upselling campaigns to customers? Setting a target to increase revenue by 10% year-overyear is a great goal, but make sure your quarterly goals include activities that help you achieve your annual goal.

Focus matters. That’s why I think setting short-term and long-term goals are important — they help you focus on what you want to achieve long-term and then set short-term goals that incrementally help you get there.

GOAL SETTING BY REVENUE GROWTH 100% 90%

80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Grew by 20%+ Grew by 11- Grew by 6-10% Grew by 1-5% Stayed the 20% same

Yes, I set ten year goals

No

Yes, I set three year goals

Decreased by Decreased by Decreased by Decreased by 1-5% 6-10% 11-20% 20%+

Yes, I set five year goals

Yes, I set annual goals

Yes, I set quarterly goals

Online Advertising Can Boost Your Growth

Another way to boost your growth is by using online advertising. Businesses that grew by more than 5% seemed to be more likely to indicate that they used online advertising. Which makes sense - online advertising can be a good way to generate more leads and thus more sales.

Some channels to consider:

BEST MARKETING TACTIC BY GROWTH

Angie’s List — We have a customer who swears by Angie’s

100%

List. He says he gets all the leads he needs to grow his business by paying for a top ranked Angie’s List listing. He said it consistently shows strong ROI.

90%

80%

70%

Google Adwords — I talked to another customer recently

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0% Grew by 20%+

Grew by 11-20%

Other (please specify) Direct Mail

Grew by 6-10%

Truck Signage Social media

Grew by 1-5%

Stayed the same

Online advertising Email

Yes 43% No 57%

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Decreased

Print advertising My website

I USE FIELD SERVICE SOFTWARE:

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#6

who found that he could spend 10 cents per click for Google Adwords and he’d rank #2 or #3 for targeted keywords that drive a lot of revenue. He said for $3 to $4 a month, he could get more than 100 leads, many of which converted to sales. Why? Because he wasn’t concerned with ranking #1 for these keywords. The manufacturers were #1, but if he was #2 he could get all the traffic from people searching for an actual contractor. Your mileage may vary depending on the competition in your market, but if you can find the right keywords, you could generate some new leads and sales at a minimal cost.

Social Media Advertising — Facebook makes it easy to target specific groups of people. You can target neighborhoods that you’re already in, so every lead is as profitable as possible.

HomeAdvisor — I’ve heard conflicting results on HomeAdvisor. Some people say it’s great, some don’t. A lot of your success may be based on whether your local area generates a lot of new requests. Your primary service may also play a role.

Online advertising can be turned on and off relatively easily, so if you’re struggling to generate new leads, turn it on for a few months. If you find that you have an overabundance of leads, turn it off. It’s a great way to level out the peaks and valleys in your lead flow.

Online advertising can be turned on and off WHAT’S THE BIGGEST BENEFIT TO USING FIELD SERVICE SOFTWARE? relatively easily, so if you’re struggling to generate new leads, turn it on for a few months.

#7

More efficient operations

37%

Software is Your Biggest Competitive Advantage

Easier billing / better cash flow

11%

The last lesson is probably the most important one: Software matters.

Improved productivity

10%

Other (please specify)

8%

Improved communication with my field

8%

Eliminate paperwork

8%

We found that 43% of respondents are using software, and generally, if you have more than 20 employees you’re likely using software.

More importantly, those that grow fastest are more likely to have software than those who don’t. Why? The number one benefit of software according to survey respondents is that it delivers a more efficient business, which is probably obvious.

But responses also included reasons such as easier billing, improved productivity, improved communication, better customer service, etc. There are a lot of benefits to using software.

We’ve conducted this green industry benchmark report for five years. For the past three, I’ve analyzed how HindSite compares to other software, and every year I’ve found that our customers outperform everyone else.

Enables me to deliver better customer service 7% Better visibility into my business

5%

Improved profitability

4%

None

2%

So if you’re not using software, you’re at a competitive disadvantage.

I’ll close with an illustrative story: We recently talked to a prospect in Florida who called us to learn more about what we do. They asked if we had any customers in their area and we gave them the name of one of our customers. We could see the light bulb go off. They told us that they’d always wondered how that competitor was able to undercut their prices. They realized it was because of software. The prospect had one manager for every three field employees because of all the paperwork that was generated during their typical operation. Our customer had one department manager for 11 field staff. They were more efficient, were able to pass on those efficiencies to their customers, which in turn generated more business.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2017 GREEN INDUSTRY BENCHMARK REPORT? Download it at: http://info.hindsitesoftware.com/2017-green-industrybenchmark-report or watch a free webinar, 10 Lessons from the 2017 Green Industry Benchmark Report at http://info.hindsitesoftware. com/10-lessons-from-the-2017-green-industry-benchmark-report.

is the Marketing Manager with HindSite Software. You can reach him at chadr@hindsitesoftware.com.

CHAD REINHOLZ

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➾ MDA UPDATE

MDA UPDATE FLOWER SAMPLING REMINDER Mark Schreiber

MDA

AS PART OF THE Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) ongoing effort to protect pollinators that may be affected by systemic insecticides, nursery inspectors will again collect flower samples at retail sites where nursery operators advertise plants as pollinator-friendly.

There is no change from 2016; advertising includes signs, labels or symbols showing butterflies or bees or text stating the plants are attractive or friendly to pollinators. A person selling at retail or providing plant material to the end user may not label or advertise a plant as beneficial to pollinators if the annual plant, bedding plant, plant material, or nursery stock has been treated with, and has a detectable level of systemic insecticide that:

(1) has a pollinator protection box on the label; or (2) has a pollinator, bee, or honey bee precautionary statement in the environmental hazards section of the insecticide product label; (Complete text is included below.) and, (3) a concentration in its flowers greater than the no observed adverse effect level of a systemic insecticide as established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for acute oral toxicity for adult honeybees.

A person that advertises plants as beneficial (including the term attracts) to pollinators will be expected to provide documentation on all insecticides used in the production of those plants. In addition, the MDA may initiate sampling of the plant to determine if there is a concentration in its flowers greater than the no observed adverse effects level established by the USEPA for acute oral toxicity for adult honeybees.

In response to this pollinator labeling requirement, some firms have dropped signage and labeling plants as attractive to pollinators; others now clearly label plants treated with neonicotinoid insecticides; and other companies have sought to advertise their plants as “free of systemic insecticides,” “grown free of systemic insecticides,” or “neonicotinoid-free.” Part of the Nursery Law, Chapter 18H.14 (c), allows certified nurseries to use these special-claim programs “provided the program is reviewed and approved by the Commissioner of Agriculture before implementation.”

A Compliance Agreement (CA) will define conditions for certification and will be developed on a case-by-case

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THE BOTTOM LINE IS… if you are confident that the plants you are selling have no chemical residue as described, you may advertise plants as beneficial to pollinators. Plants so labeled will be subject to testing to determine if a violation has occurred. Currently MDA is testing for the following: acetamiprid, chlothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. Additional chemicals may be added at any time. basis to be approved by the Commissioner. In the CA, the nursery agrees to label only the plants or types of plants listed in the agreement that are treated in a manner that is acceptable to the MDA to attain the particular “free-from” or advertised claim. Plants included in the CA are subject to MDA inspection and testing for pesticides (dependent on the CA) at any time.

The CA documents the responsibilities of the firm that enable the firm to make and maintain the specific plant claim(s) advertised. Through this process, a nursery documents how plants are produced from propagation to the point of sale. Insecticide treatments must be documented and records available for review. All plants, produced on site under the direct control of the nursery “AND all imported plants a firm wants to include in a special program are subject to this documentation and review process by the MDA prior to sales approval.”

The compliance agreement is a tool to facilitate the issuance of certification documents. There is a fee of $25 for each certificate. This certificate can be copied as needed and sent to customers as needed. Inspection and certification time needed to administer the agreement is currently $50/hour for inspection and travel time + IRS mileage rate (currently 54 cents/mi). Flower samples will also be collected at random and tested for chemical residue. Laboratory costs, at this time not determined, will be paid by the applicant. These fees are established to recover the costs involved in these supplemental, company requested certification services.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS about the compliance agreement process or are interested in developing a compliance agreement contact Mark Schreiber at mark.schreiber@ state.mn.us or 651-201-6388.

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âž¾ NAT I VE GRASSES

NATIVE GRASSES AS

FOOD FOR POLLIN

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Diane M. Narem and Mary H. Meyer, University of Minnesota Department of Horticulture

NATORS Native grasses can soften a garden by adding a natural component or liven up a planting with their interesting shapes and colors that change with the season. Not only are they great for the landscape aesthetic, but they also provide many benefits as landscape plants. Native grasses are low maintenance.

They need little to no fertilizer or watering once established, being drought tolerant, and they require no pesticides. Grasses minimize soil erosion and increase organic matter, improving soil conditions. They provide habitat for wildlife, including food and cover for birds during the winter.

Photos on this spread and on cover courtesy of Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

june 17

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âžž N AT I V E G RA S S E S

I

* WAC. See store associate for details. Š The Grasshopper Company

www.edneyco.com • 888.443.3639

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n addition to those benefits; grasses provide food for numerous species of native butterflies and moths during their larval stage. Lepidoptera (the order that includes butterflies and moths) go through a complete transformation during their life cycle, from caterpillars to adults. While most adults feed on nectar, most caterpillars feed on vegetation, and some feed on grasses and sedges. Interest in pollinatorfriendly yards and gardens has grown as the public has become aware of the declines in beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.

Native wildflowers have proven a good way to attract and provide nectar to bees and butterflies. However, the benefits of native grasses are not typically known to horticulturalists or the general public.

At the University of Minnesota, we are working on a project to promote native grasses for the benefits they provide to the environment and specifically to pollinators. To address this knowledge gap, we compiled records of butterfly and moth larvae noted to use native Minnesota prairie grasses from journal articles, guide books, and state and federal publications. Until this information is fully published, we are unable to share all of the specifics, but the following is a general explanation of the relationships we found between native grasses and butterflies and moths.

Native Grass Host Plant Relationships with Butterflies and Moths

The relationships between native grasses and the butterflies and moths that feed on them varies from species to species. Some caterpillars are specialists, feeding on only one or two species, and others are generalists, feeding on numerous. Different species feed on grasses using different methods. Many moths are concealed feeders, boring inside stems and leaves or rolling up leaves and using them as nests. The grass skippers, a subfamily of native butterflies that contains many of Minnesota’s rare butterflies, build shelters in their grass hosts. They do this as soon as they hatch, crawling to their preferred native grass host plant to begin construction.

Different species make different kinds of shelters. The larvae of the Ottoe skipper make aerial nests, weaving grass leaves together above the soil surface, using larger bunch grass species like little bluestem and big bluestem. The larvae of the Dakota skipper build shelters at the bases of bunch grasses. One of the more complex shelter types is made by the larvae of the Arogos skipper, whose leaf tube nests are supported by grass leaves that have been chewed down to their midrib to create “stilts” that make it difficult for predators, like ants, to reach the vulnerable larvae inside. Depending on how their shelter is constructed, skippers will initially feed from inside it, cutting off grass leaves and returning to their shelter to eat. As larvae get older, they will leave their shelter to forage at night. Other grassfeeding species don’t make shelters. Some simply hide at the base of bunch grasses during the day and feed at night. Others rest on leaves during the day but go unnoticed by predators because they are camouflaged.

Some native grasses are important for numerous species of Lepidoptera while others provide food for little or no species. Little bluestem, blue grama, and big bluestem, serve as food for over ten butterfly and moth species each, while needleandthread and porcupine grass serve as food for only two species each. Native grasses alone may not attract butterflies and moths to your garden. These grass-feeding Lepidoptera are much more mobile during their adult butterfly stage than their caterpillar stage, and during their adult stage they are looking for nectar. To best benefit Lepidoptera, pair native grasses with native wildflowers or add them to an existing flower planting.

Many of these butterflies overwinter as larvae at or just below the soil surface near the bases of these native bunchgrasses. This makes them vulnerable to fire management. Prescribed burns can kill overwintering larvae by direct contact or by dehydration caused by the heat from the fire. If you suspect that you have overwintering larvae in your native grasses or prairie, cut back or mow your grasses instead of burning. Another strategy is to only burn a portion of your grass planting, leaving other areas as refuges safe from fire.

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Promotion of Native Grasses

As part of our project at the University of Minnesota, we have made promotional materials for garden centers and other retailers that sell native grasses. Many gardeners and homeowners do not plant native grasses because they are not aware of their positive impact on the landscape. The promotional materials address this lack of june 17

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A downloadable pdf of the poster can be found on our website, grasses.cfans.umn. edu, on the “Resources” page along with information on how to order more labels. We recommend placing the poster by your grass display and attaching the labels individually to grass containers to advertise the benefits of grasses to customers at the point of sale.

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In Conclusion

Native grasses have grown in popularity due to their natural aesthetic, low maintenance needs, and soil stabilizing properties. Their benefits to native pollinators is an added bonus that is generally unknown. Although most native grasses and sedges serve as food for some type of butterfly or moth species, little bluestem, big bluestem, blue grama, switch grass, side-oats grama, lake sedge, and prairie dropseed have found to benefit the highest number of native butterflies and moth species. More information will become available on the website grasses.cfans. umn.edu as the year progresses.

DIANE NAREM is a staff researcher in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Minnesota with a research background in native prairie plant communities.

is a professor and extension horticulturalist in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Minnesota. She is the horticulture extension program leader and manages the North American Plant Collections Consortium Ornamental Grass Collection at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

DR. MARY HOCKENBERRY MEYER

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➾ D.C. UPDATE

D.C. UPDATE J UN E 2 0 1 7

Alicia Munson

Government Affairs Director

One of the primary goals of MNLA’s government affairs program is to share information from our state Capitol in St. Paul and our nation’s capital in Washington D.C. when policy impacts green industry professionals like you.

That’s why we’re excited to introduce a new monthly feature in The Scoop — D.C. Update!

The updates shared here will highlight bills we’re tracking, showcase relationships with members of Minnesota’s Congressional delegation, provide the latest news from our national trade association partners like the National Association of Landscape Professionals and AmericanHort, and much more.

We hope D.C. Update will help you feel informed and engaged in our efforts to grow results in government affairs locally, statewide, and on a national scale!

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The EPA recently denied a petition to ban the most commonly used insecticide worldwide, chlorpyrifos. Jill Calabro at AmericanHort notes that chlorpyrifos “is still a recognized regulatory treatment for various nursery stock quarantines like Japanese beetle and imported fire ant.”

With the denial of this petition, green industry professionals will have the capacity to keep chlorpyrifos as a

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tool in the toolbox in dealing with some of the challenging plant pest issues we face.

Farm Bill Work on the next Farm Bill has begun! Our cohorts at AmericanHort met with Senate and House Agriculture Committee staffers — representing both Republicans in the majority and Democrats in the minority — earlier this spring to talk about ongoing policy development.

“How does this apply to the green industry,” you ask?

The Farm Bill has a big impact on nursery growers and greenhouses specifically, outlining programs for specialty crops, funding to mitigate plant pests and disease, providing regulatory guidance for quarantines, and more!

Temporary Worker Visa programs (H-2A, H-2B) Trade association representatives from AmericanHort and NALP are leading advocacy efforts to advance several pieces of bipartisan legislation aimed at reforming temporary worker visa programs H-2A and H-2B. Paul Mendelsohn of NALP notes that the “Save our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act” (S. 792) in the Senate — as well as the “Small Business Assistance Act of 2017” (H.R. 1627) and the “Strengthen Employment and Seasonal Opportunities Now Act” (H.R. 2004) in the House — were crafted to provide “long term fixes for the program and would make the returning worker exemption a permanent feature of the H-2B program.”

Help us represent Minnesota’s green industry in D.C.!

Both the Farm Bill and proposals aimed at reforming temporary worker visa programs will be high priorities

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MNLA staff will be attending AmericanHort’s “Impact Washington” conference September 11–13, and hope you’ll consider joining us! Traveling to our nation’s capital to participate in advocacy events like this is one of the most effective ways to build or strengthen relationships with Minnesota’s members of the U.S. House and Senate, and to convey the importance of issues impacting our industry like those mentioned here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT “IMPACT WASH-

and the issues highlighted above, contact MNLA’s Government Affairs Director Alicia Munson at alicia@mnla.biz.

INGTON”

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d v c w y c i o h y t

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JOINING THE CONVERSATION In the age of social media, misinformation spreads quickly, but proactive outreach can neutralize its effects.

Curt Kipp | This article was originally published in Digger Magazine, published by the Oregon Association of Nurseries

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Helping YOU grow your: BUSINESS BOTTOM LINE EMPLOYEES KNOWLEDGE CONNECTIONS PLANTS PRODUCTS SALES

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➾ JOI NIN G THE CON VER SATI O N

Y

ou’ve seen the memes.

Bee-killing flowers treated with neonicotinoids. Unsafe, GMO-tainted food. An illegal workforce that burdens public resources while also stealing jobs.

In 1710, the Anglo-Irish satirist Jonathan Swift wrote, “Falsehood flies, and the truth comes limping after it.” But Swift never had to contend with the Internet age, where questionable information can circumscribe the globe in the blink of an eye.

“People are forming strong opinions with soundbites and 140-character Tweets,” said one industry veteran who has worked in sales and as a broker. “How do we combat misinformation that directly influences our industry?”

He has seen the negative effects on the nursery industry firsthand.

“Last year, we had a customer cancel their entire spring order because we said, yes, we do neonics,” he said. “Our reasons for doing so were justified. The other options available to do the same job are less safe. A neonic has a 12-hour re-entry. Everything else is 24 or 48 hours. You’re dealing with something that’s not only more toxic to the environment, but more toxic to the workers.”

The company applied the chemical after dark, when bees weren’t flying. They coordinated with a neighboring beekeeper to make sure the insects weren’t harmed. And they read research indicating that while neonics may contribute to bee deaths, the current science strongly suggests other causes at play, such as hive movement, lack of forage, and the Varroa mite.

No matter.

“When you say pesticide, that’s what sticks in everyone’s mind, and it becomes the target,” he said. “It’s fear driven.”

The José they know

Fear is the number one culprit that Ali Noorani confronts on a daily basis.

American-born son of Pakistani parents, Noorani serves as executive director of the National Immigration Forum in Washington D.C.,

an advocacy organization for the important role immigrants play in the American economy.

As with the use of pesticides, the role of immigrants in communities and the economy is more complex than can be captured in 140 characters. That’s why Noorani wrote a new book, There Goes the Neighborhood: How Communities Overcome Prejudice and Meet the Challenge of American Immigration, which will be published this month.

“The immigration debate really is more about culture and values than politics and policy,” Noorani said. “Your normal American, if you will, knows, respects and loves the José they know, but they’re terrified with the José they don’t know. And you can replace José with Mohammed, or any other immigrant.”

It’s commonly held by some that farm workers, if Hispanic, came to the United States illegally and are likely being paid under the table. They are often portrayed as violent criminals. Studies indicate that the born-here population is actually more likely to offend, but emotion often gets in the way of delivering the message.

“Those of us who care about immigration or immigrants are always making the mistake of having a policy debate when the rest of the country is having a cultural debate,” Noorani said. “It takes a strategy to cut through the misinformation. We have to be flexible and innovative.”

Noorani is best known for pulling together unlikely coalitions, including the Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform network, which combines faith, law enforcement and employers.

The coalition has advocated for solutions that are compassionate, respect the rule of law, and help grow the economy.

“We’ve done a good job of telling the story of an immigrant working at a nursery and what they’ve done to make a life,” Noorani said.

“I think the story we’re not telling yet is the story of the (nativeborn) guy who delivers the plants in the morning. How does he view the guy that he works with? He’s a voice that people will trust because he is not one of the immigrants themselves.” june 17

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➾ JOI NIN G THE CON VER SATI O N

Turning down the volume on Internet posts, as well as responses, can help. Listening is vital.

“I think it’s very important to acknowledge the fear that people are feeling, then go from there,” Noorani said. “Social media has a tendency to jump right to the debate and forget there’s a person on the other side of the screen who really just wants to be heard.”

Debugging the myths

Karen Reardon serves as the vice president for public affairs at RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment).

RISE created a consumer-facing website called www.DebugTheMyths.com, which provides information on pesticides as well as fertilizers. “We are simply making sure we occupy all the spaces we can in the conversation,” she said.

RISE worked with the OAN (Oregon Association of Nurseries) to create a palm card that’s available to OAN members for distribution to their retail or wholesale customers. It provides basic facts on neonicotinoids. The organization also uses blogging and social media to provide factual information in plain language.

“When you’re looking at social media, there’s a proactive way to look at this,” Reardon said. “If you’re in the industry, you should be in the conversation and sharing good information, not responding in a reactive way. The goal is not to convince people who will not be convinced, but to share the good information that you have as a grower, because you’re the expert.”

Which is key.

“Take the time to have conversations with customers on social media or your Facebook page, so you become a trusted resource,” she said. “People are curious. They are not opposed to what you do.

People are smart. They are just looking for good, balanced information to make a decision.”

Like Noorani, Reardon has created innovative partnerships to help spread positive and factual information. A recent example came on last year, when fear of the mosquito-borne Zika virus was spreading.

“There was enormous interest in clear information about pesticides,” she said.

“There’s no barrier to entry to share positive information,” she said. “We have to become very comfortable with the equalizing effects of the social media space. Everyone has an equal voice. There’s no reason not to be out there in a positive way.”

Reardon knew that merely tapping into industry audiences she’d already cultivated wouldn’t allow her to reach the people she needed to reach. So, she began outreach to parenting blogs.

“We actually organized a Twitter party and were taking questions,” she said. “Parents had a lot of questions about it. No negative questions came up.”

Reardon sees great value in social media as a tool, even though it can be a double-edged sword.

“There’s no barrier to entry to share positive information,” she said. “We have to become very comfortable with the equalizing effects of the social media space. Everyone has an equal voice. There’s no reason not to be out there in a positive way.”

A modified understanding

The industry veteran mentioned earlier remembers a late-night skit on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that appeared a few years ago on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (It’s on YouTube at http://tinyurl.com/gmo-skit.)

“They did a survey of people at a farmer’s market,” he said. “Everyone said ‘Yes, GMOs are bad.’ But when they asked what GMOs actually are, people didn’t have a clue.”

It’s an issue that Craig Regelbrugge follows closely in his role as vice president of AmericanHort, the national green industry association. He said that while nurseries don’t currently make extensive use of GMOs, they might in the future.

“It’s in our strong interest to ensure that we have all the tools in the toolkit,” he said. “If you consider the challenges facing humanjune 17

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➾ J O I N I N G T H E CO N V E RS AT I O N

The principle holds true whether you are talking about pesticides, immigration, breeding or any other issue that might acquire a negative perception. kind, with climate change, and you look at our cities, our cities possess anything but a native, nurturing environment. Plants are part of the solution to many of the ills that our society is struggling with.”

Why do GMOs matter in this?

“There are limits in terms of how effective traditional breeding can be at getting to a specific intended outcome,” he said. “We’re going to be talking about plants that have very specific attributes, such as pest resistance, or doing well in impacted soils, or salt tolerance. As techniques become faster and cheaper, we’re going to see a lot more interest.”

It makes sense for nurseries to take a proactive role in the discussion.

“So much of the debate has been forged around food, and stoking people’s fears about frankenfood and whatnot,” Regelbrugge said.

“We go beyond food, and when you get beyond food, some of people’s perceptions are a little bit less troublesome.”

Joining the conversation

The principle holds true whether you are talking about pesticides, immigration, breeding or any other issue that might acquire a negative perception.

“You’ve got to be engaged in the conversation,” Reardon said. “If you’re not talking about what you do as a grower, someone else is, and they are filling that space without you. You’ve got a great story to tell. There is a vacuum out there created if you are not out there telling it.”

Regelbrugge recalled being asked by a friend to talk to a Tea Party group about immigration. He agreed as a favor.

“It was a great conversation,” he said. “We started with five or 10 farmers in the room who understood, five or 10 hard-liners who weren’t open to a conversation, and 60 people who had legitimate concerns and were willing to talk about solutions.”

Regelbrugge recognizes that immigration opponents have been successful at tapping into some of people’s worst fears and instincts.

It is not a majority, but it’s been enough.

“The majority of people are supportive of reform, but they’re apprehensive about the details and they will never light the phones up,” he said.

His solution is to engage people in the great middle. That’s where the solutions are.

“I think the greatest success we’ve ultimately had is when people are willing to turn down the rhetoric and engage, listen and learn.

I recognize that this is old school and maybe the world comes full circle, or maybe it doesn’t, but that’s where we’ve enjoyed the most of our success.” serves as the editor of Digger, and director of publications and communications at the Oregon Association of Nurseries.

CURT KIPP

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VOLUNTEER VOICES CORY WHITM ER , TH E M USTAR D SEED L A N D S CA P I N G & G A RD E N CE N T E R

Alicia Munson

MNLA Government Affairs Director

Over the course of nearly thirty years, Cory Whitmer’s passion for the green industry has taken him through three states and nearly 1,000 miles — from his hometown of Molina, Illinois, to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Chaska, Minnesota.

In that time, Cory has worked at a nursery, headed up field crews and sales teams, and managed landscape design — the focus of his current role at The Mustard Seed.

VO L UN TEER SN APSH O T

Company Name: The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center Company Role: Design Manager Awards: “Best Landscape Designer/Architect 2016”, Southwest Metro Magazine; “2011 Partnership of the Year Award”, Minnesota Environmental Initiative Years in the green industry: 26 MNLA Service: Government Affairs volunteer

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Cory started his journey after getting a degree in botany and outdoor biology, and has prioritized ongoing education ever since; as soon as he arrived in the state, Cory studied to become an MNLA Certified Professional and passed the test on his first try (a feat many of you know to be challenging)!

Gaining industry-relevant knowledge and sharing that information is what compelled Cory to get involved in the MNLA, and drives his ongoing participation in our Government Affairs Committee.

I recently sat down with Cory to discuss his active engagement in our legislative, regulatory, and advocacy efforts:

So many things happening at the legislature affect our industry, and the biggest reason to get involved is the knowledge you’ll gain.

Q. How long have you been a member of MNLA’s Government Affairs Committee?

A. I joined the Committee in 2002, for the simple fact that I always want to know what’s going on in this industry that I care so much about. I saw it as an opportunity to not only learn, but to have a voice — influencing different issues that impact us.

Q. Did you feel at all nervous or intimidated by government affairs prior to getting involved and, if so, what helped you overcome your apprehension?

A. The biggest fear I had was the different terminology… “House File this” and “Senate File that.” Sometimes I still take a step back and ask, “what does that mean?!”

It can be challenging to understand how the entire system works as well — a bill has to be heard in a certain committee by a certain date… it’s complicated! But I overcame that fear by just doing it — just getting involved. After first starting, I signed up for a lot of advocacy newsletters, updates, and Action Alerts; they’re actually worth reading, and I always learn something.

Q. What has been your most meaningful experience as a Government Affairs Committee member thus far?

my neighborhood, like the grocery store, we stop and talk for ten or fifteen minutes.

It’s the personal relationship that means the most to me. I know that I can call and talk to them about any issues that might come up, and they’ll listen.

Q. From your perspective, how has the Committee’s work benefitted you, your company, and/or the greater green industry?

A. My participation in the Government Affairs Committee has really benefitted my entire company, because I make a big effort to share information with my employees.

Everyone on the team needs to have knowledge of what’s coming down the pipeline. Whether it’s something that is going to have a negative effect or something that will benefit the industry, we all need to know about it! Especially on topics that our customers might ask questions about, we want our employees to have the answers and to know how to talk about it.

Q. Why do you think it’s important for other green industry professionals to join our advocacy efforts?

A. Getting to know my Senators and Representatives as well as I do has been the most meaningful part of my overall experience. Now I’m on a first-name basis with them! If I run into them somewhere in

A. This is really important stuff! I mean, how can you run your business if you don’t know about the issues that impact you?!

So many things happening at the legislature affect our industry, and the biggest reason to get involved is the knowledge you’ll gain.

F UN FACT

WANT TO JOIN CORY

Cory is a shareholder in Broken Clock Brewing, a “completely member-owned and operated cooperative democratically run by local Minnesota residents”* — the first-of-its-kind in our state. Their most famous beer to-date is the Lavender IPA, which has won multiple home-brew awards. Cory is looking forward to the grand opening of Broken Clock’s brewpub in Northeast Minneapolis this year! *https://brokenclockbrew.com/our-story/

in MNLA’s advocacy efforts? Contact Government Affairs Director Alicia Munson at 651-633-4987 or alicia@mnla.biz.

WE WANT TO CONTINUE TO PROFILE our amazing MNLA volunteers. If you’re willing to be profiled in The Scoop, let us know.

We’re always looking for a good story.

Email jon@mnla.biz and we’ll discuss the next steps.

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17-4581-MKTG The Scoop - June.pdf

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ARE YOU PREPARED FOR

IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS? Protect your business with this 10-point plan in the event of an ICE inspection.

Steve Shropshire | This article was originally published in Digger Magazine, published by the Oregon Association of Nurseries.

O

ver the last few months, there has been an increase in enforcement activities by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This coincides with several Trump administration announcements indicating that it intends to significantly increase the number of ICE field agents and ratchet up enforcement activities.

In Oregon, we’ve begun to see this shift in policy play out in the form of enhanced ICE agent activity and arrests. On January 30, for instance, ICE agents arrested 64 foreign nationals in Oregon and Southwest Washington, including five persons at or near courthouses in Multnomah County. In late February, ICE agents stopped two vans carrying workers headed to pick ornamental shrubs and detained 10 of them.

In light of the increase in ICE enforcement activity, now is a good time for nursery businesses to make sure that they are prepared for an immigration inspection. ICE agents are most likely to come to your business for one of two reasons. The first is to conduct an inspection of your I-9 Employment Authorization Verification records. The second is to conduct an immigration enforcement raid to find and detain undocumented workers. This article focuses on I-9 inspection actions.

Conduct a self-audit of your I-9 records

The best thing a business can do to be prepared for an I-9 records inspection is to conduct a self-audit of those documents and the

company’s procedures. The purpose of a self-audit is to identify deficiencies in I-9 processes and paperwork and then take legal steps to correct them. A self-audit not only helps with compliance, but also is considered part of an employer’s good faith defense in the event ICE finds I-9 violations.

Learn more about how to perform an I-9 self-audit at http://jordanramis.com/resources/articles/internal-i-9-audit-and-correctioninstructions/view/. We recommend contacting legal counsel or a

knowledgeable human resources consultant with I-9 audit experience to assist you in the process.

I-9 inspections

If ICE agents arrive at your business to conduct an I-9 document inspection, there are several things that you should know and do. Be aware that this is often the first step of a criminal investigation, so you should contact legal counsel immediately.

ICE inspections can take two forms. The first is a raid, which does not require any advance notice to the business, but which requires a search warrant. The second is an I-9 audit, for which a business is entitled to three days’ advance notice, but for which a warrant is not required. The U.S. Department of Labor is also authorized to perform I-9 audits, so it is important to understand which agency is seeking to review your records and under what circumstances.

Following are a list of 10 tips to prepare your business for immigration enforcement actions: june 17

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➾ I MMI GRATION

Try to remain calm and professional in your interactions with ICE agents. You are entitled to federal constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

ICE is required to follow procedures designed to protect those rights, including the use of warrants and subpoenas before accessing any records or any portion of your business premises.

• Understand that you are protected by your constitutional rights. Try to remain calm and professional in your interactions with ICE agents. You are entitled to federal constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. ICE is required to follow procedures designed to protect those rights, including the use of warrants and subpoenas before accessing any records or any portion of your business premises. Make sure your front-line employees know they must not give permission to ICE agents to access any portion of the property. They should instead immediately notify a manager who should ask whether the agents have a warrant or subpoena.

• If you are served with a warrant or a subpoena, ask for identification (a business card) from the agent presenting the warrant or subpoena. Ask whether the purpose of the visit is a raid (requiring a warrant) or an I-9 document audit. Ask to review any warrant or subpoena and take your time to understand it. Call your attorney immediately and get him or her a copy of any document(s) presented. ICE must have a judicially issued warrant to search your premises. An administrative order issued by the agency itself is not sufficient grounds to search your premises or your records.

• If the purpose of the visit is an I-9 audit and the agent does not have a warrant, you are legally entitled to three days’ advance notice before the inspection may commence. This is true even if the agent has a subpoena. Agents are required by law to notify an employer of the right to a three-day notice prior to review. You should exercise this legal right and decline immediate review. Then, contact legal counsel immediately.

• Understand that an ICE inspection is often the first step in a criminal investigation.

Once ICE agents appear on your premises, you should inform your managers and human resources staff of the investigation and remind them of their rights and obligations. All of your employees have a right to legal counsel and may assert that right at any time to decline an interview or other questioning by ICE agents. None of the company’s management should consent to an interview without first speaking to the company’s legal counsel.

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• Follow all verbal instructions given by ICE or other law enforcement personnel, even if the instructions appear to conflict with the advice of your attorney.

• Don’t attempt to interfere with the process or you may be subject to criminal charges. Do not take any steps to notify non-management personnel or help employees hide or leave the premises.

• Observe the investigation process. Company management may (and should) accompany ICE agents during the search. Take notes as to what occurs: what

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➾ ME MBER PROFILE

➾ I M M I G RAT I O N

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documents are inspected, who is contacted by the agent(s), whether the agents seem to be badgering or singling out any specific employees or class of employees.

But again, do not interfere in any manner.

• Advise legal counsel if the agents seek to expand the investigation beyond the scope of the warrant or subpoena. ICE or U.S. Department of Labor agents are

limited by the scope of a warrant or subpoena. They may not expand the search beyond what is in the four corners of the document. If you observe that occurring, you should contact legal counsel immediately. Remember, no subpoena is required for a routine I-9 document audit, provided that the three-day notice period is observed.

However, in that case, you are only required to produce the I-9 forms for inspection.

Nursery Manager Steve Mielke has been with Wilson’s for nearly 25 years.

We operate in an industry where no two companies are alike, and it’s good to network to ask questions of others who are doing what you are doing. It’s very interesting to be in an organization like MNLA and have access to all those resources. for us nor our customers. We were getting squeezed by surrounding development and it was time to move and think about the future. And in this industry it is not uncommon to see companies like ours have to relocate over the years.

This has been a pretty significant move for us. We were operating on ten acres in Chanhassen, and while we are further out from the Twin Cities now, every product in my inventory is sitting here. Before, customers were only seeing about 20 percent of our inventory, so now there’s more out here to choose from on a beautiful farm. Plus we have more staff on hand and it helps that our management team is now out here at the farm so we can put our heads together each day.

Q. How has being a part of MNLA benefited your business?

A. Years ago, my father was the president of the MNLA and I currently work with several committees and initiatives within the MNLA. This is a very friendly business and the networking involved is crucial in this industry. We’ve been able to sit down with competitors as we make decisions about the future of our company. We’ve met wonderful people through MNLA. We operate in an industry where no two companies are alike, and it’s good to network to ask questions of others who are doing what you are doing. It’s very interesting to be in an organization like MNLA and have access to all those resources.

Our writer is always looking for a good story. Email jon@mnla.biz and we’ll discuss the next steps.

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• In the worst-case scenario, members of your organization may be arrested. Should that happen, you should instruct your employees to immediately invoke their right to speak to an attorney. Under no circumstances should the person respond to any questions after invoking the right to speak to an attorney. If possible, find out where the person will be taken.

• Recognize that your employees may be traumatized, including those whose work authorization status is not in question. You should prepare a message to your employees in advance of an ICE investigation rather than waiting until it happens. You should also provide employees with an opportunity to ask questions and be prepared to direct them to outside resources that may help inform them as to their rights. If you have an employee assistance program (EAP), you should notify your EAP provider about the ICE action so they are prepared for phone calls from your employees. Remind your employees about the EAP benefit available to them and provide them with the phone number.

The best way to prepare for an I-9 inspection is to establish protocols and to train your management staff on how to implement the protocols. If your management staff is prepared, they will understand how to handle unannounced government visits in a professional and appropriate manner.

Each business is unique, so the list of tips above is not intended to be comprehensive or tailored to your situation. But if you apply these tips and create your own crisis management plan, you will have taken an important step toward protecting your business.

This article is intended to inform the reader of general legal principles applicable to the subject area. It is not intended to provide legal advice regarding specific problems or circumstances.

Readers should consult with competent counsel with regard to specific situations.

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➾ LE GA L ISSUES

4 Quick Tips for Parting Ways with Employees in Minnesota If no employment contract exists, employees in Minnesota are considered “at will” employees.

Patrick McGuiness

Attorney at Law Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC

This means they can quit for any reason at any time. It also means that an employer can terminate an employee for any legal reason. Provided the termination is not for a discriminatory reason (race, creed, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or marital status), employers have a lot of leeway in deciding who to terminate and when to terminate them.

benefits have payout options, they must be paid within 30 days of when they become due. If an employee was partially paid on commission, they retain the right to commissions which were earned before they were terminated. For example, if a salesperson receives 10% of the total sale amount for a project and is terminated after the sale takes place but before construction begins, they are still likely entitled to their sales commission even after termination takes place.

No Two Week Notice

Under Minnesota law there is no such thing as a “two week notice.” Industry customs and courtesies often lead to such notices being provided, but they are not required. Employers can request advance notice that an employee plans to leave their position by including the request in the employee handbook, but once again, any notice given is simply a courtesy not required by law.

But Why Was I Fired?

Employees often want to know why they were terminated. Minnesota law requires that employers must give a truthful answer if an employee inquires in writing.

The employee has 15 days from separation to make such a request, and then the employer has another 10 days from the receipt of the request to provide a truthful response.

Paying Wages at Termination

If an employee quits, they must be paid within the next pay period after the employee quit. If an employee is terminated, they must be paid within 24 hours of a demand for payment. However, if the employee was entrusted with company money or property during the course of their employment, then the employer may have an additional 10 calendar days following the date of the employee’s separation, during which time the employer may audit the accounts of the employee. If you are planning to terminate an employee, it is often best to be ready to hand them their final paycheck when the notice of termination is given to them.

Commissions and Benefits Payments

Beyond what is required by law, each business can determine what benefits employees are offered. If any of these 56

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THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES GENERAL INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT LAW and should not be relied upon as legal advice for every situation. 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 651-206-3203 or pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com.

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➾ C E RT IFIED PROFESS I O N AL S

MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM 2 0 1 7 M N L A C ERTI FI ED PRO F E S S I O N A L S

Congratulations to the following MNLA Certified Professionals who passed the exam in the Spring of 2017. To become a MNLA Certified Professional, the following individuals passed a basic horticulture knowledge examination and an exam in a specialization of their choosing: Garden Center, Grower or Landscape. Congratulations to all of you for taking that extra step to set yourself apart as professionals and leaders in the green industry!

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Stephanie Anderson Sargent’s Nursery, Inc. Landscape Specialty

Abigail Endert Gertens Landscape Specialty

Kellie Baker Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Landscape Specialty

Todd Engelbert Todd’s Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. Landscape Specialty

Allyson Burcham S & S Landscaping Garden Center Specialty

Jodi Gehrke Otten Bros. Garden Center & Landscaping Landscape Specialty

Joshua Conner Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape Landscape Specialty

Kayla Goehring Gertens Landscape Specialty

Bernadete Emery Knecht’s Nurseries & Landscaping, Inc. Landscape Specialty

Justin Goodroad Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Garden Center Specialty

june 17

Jennifer Hundt Green Oasis Landscape Specialty

Dominic Misplon Landscape Renovations, Inc. Landscape Specialty

Brian Johnson Brian Johnson Landscaping LLC Landscape Specialty

Nicolaas Nelson Woods End Landscaping Landscape Specialty

Chris Lambert Knecht’s Nurseries & Landscaping, Inc. Landscape Specialty

Cayla Olson Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Landscape Specialty

Brady Lux Smith Lawn & Landscape Landscape Specialty

Lara Vermilion Pashalek Bachman’s Garden Center Garden Center Specialty

Lori McCabe Landscape Renovations Landscape Specialty

Todd Schumacher Landscape Renovations, Inc. Landscape Specialty

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âž¾ C E RT IFIED PROFESS I O N AL S

MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM 2 0 1 7 M N L A C ERTI FI ED PRO F E S S I O N A L S

Steven Slama Green Oasis Landscape Specialty

Sharon Wynne biota Landscape Design + Build Landscape Specialty

Aaron Smith Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape Grower Specialty

Malinda Ylitalo Aaron Ylitalo Law & Snow, Inc. Landscape Specialty

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FE

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Brianna Wenner Curbside Landscape & Irrigation Landscape Specialty

TIFIE R E

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Nicholas Wagner biota Landscape Design + Build Landscape Specialty

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Scott Stanley Artisan Greenery Landscape Specialty

SSIO

Grab Your Camera and Capture the Big Changes Begin preparing your Landscape Awards entry now!

Quality photographs are a crucial component of a winning MNLA Landscape Awards entry.

Effective images show a project at several stages, and to properly capture the transformation of your project site, take some shots before and during your work. If you want to put your project’s best foot forward, you’ll need to enter well-composed, eye-catching photographs.

Submission You may want to consider investing in a professional photographer, as these images will be Deadline: useful in any marketing you’ll do in the future. However, if you’re taking the photos yourself, here Nov. 15 are five tips to follow: 1. Tidy up. Take care of neglected pruning, snip off bad leaves, edge the lawn, sweep paved areas, straighten blinds and curtains, and make sure to pull visible weeds. Show off your attention to detail!

2. Make your picture suggest that there is much more “just around the corner,” such as a wall that disappears around a corner, foliage from an invisible tree, or light from an unseen opening.

3. Include people discreetly to show scale of important elements.

4. Accessorize completely to give the view a “lived-in” feeling.

5. Show the details of hardscape construction, both in the structures and rest of the landscape.

Be sure to take your photos now and when the landscape looks its best!

DID YOU KNOW? Entries are not judged against each other; rather each entry is judged against the standards of excellence. In any given year, ALL entries could win an award, or NO entries could win an award.

ABOUT The MNLA Landscape Awards is a program of recognition for installed landscapes. Submitting companies must be MNLA members who offer design, installation, design/build, bid/build, or other landscape specialty to their clients.

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Accelerate repeat visits with your own app by offering rewards for your most loyal customers - all they need is their phone!

Plus, your branded app can easily promote upcoming events and sales. Sign up today to set up an online demo. Contact Jon Horsman at 651-633-4987 or jon@mnla.biz to get started.

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2017 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is preparing for the Census of Agriculture, a huge undertaking with the goal of including every farm operation in the United States and publishing detailed county, state, and national agricultural statistics.

Dan Lofthus | USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service

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➾ C E NS US

T

he Census of Agriculture is conducted every five years and provides a snap shot of agriculture data across many different industries. The Minnesota horticultural industry, for example, is important to include in the Census of Agriculture. In 2012, the Census of Agriculture report tallied 939 operations with nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod sales totaling $213 million. More recently, the 2014 Horticulture Specialty Studies report, which concentrates on operations with sales over $10,000, showed total sales of $245 million, including nursery stock with $91.5 million and annual bedding and garden plants with $54.7 million. By comparison, these sales volumes rival or surpass several of the cash grain or oilseed crops grown in the state.

students about agriculture. One geography lesson plan in particular is used by approximately 150 teachers and reaches more than 7,000 Minnesota students each school year.

There are many more examples all around the state of Census of Agriculture data making a difference.

Is My Business A Farm?

Census Data Are Valuable

The Census of Agriculture provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agricultural data for every county in the nation. Through the Census of Agriculture, producers can show the nation the value and importance of agriculture, and they can help influence the decisions that will shape the future of American agriculture for years to come.

Census data are used to administer many programs at the national, state and local levels to decide how and where funding is distributed. Producer groups and trade associations use census data to describe the economic impact of their industry when working on issues important to their members. Agricultural input suppliers use the census county data to measure the potential customer base and locate near those customers.

Census data help educate Americans about agriculture. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s “Agriculture in the Classroom“ program uses census data in lesson plans designed to teach K–12

You might not necessarily consider your business a farm, but Minnesota farms come in all types and sizes. In 2012, 40 percent of the 74,582 Minnesota farms reported sales of less than $10,000 in that year. By comparison, for nursery, greenhouse, floriculture and sod, 23 percent of operations reported sales less than $10,000. The number of farms across sales categories from $10,000–$250,000 are fairly evenly distributed.

The Census of Agriculture includes any operation that produces and sells, or normally would sell at least $1,000 of agricultural products in the census year. That includes all types of operations, june 17

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➾ C E NS US

NASS will mail out census forms in December to collect data for the 2017 calendar year.

Producers will be able to fill out the census online via a secure website or return their form by mail. The secure online instrument has been redesigned to make reporting much easier. including those producing nursery stock, annual bedding and garden plants, potted flowering plants, potted herbaceous perennials, cut flowers, and other horticultural commodities. So, in addition to being a nursery, garden center, or greenhouse, your business is also likely a farm.

Sign up to Be Counted in 2017

One of the challenges of conducting a Census of Agriculture is to give every farmer an opportunity to be included. In 2012, NASS mailed out around 3 million forms across the U.S. so the majority of farmers were included then and are scheduled to receive the upcoming census questionnaire. However, if you are new to the industry within the last five years or if you don’t remember filling out a census before, sign up and give yourself an opportunity to be included in 2017. You can do that by going to www.agcensus.gov and clicking on this web icon link by June 30, 2017.

NASS will mail out census forms in December to collect data for the 2017 calendar year. Producers will be able to fill out the census online via a secure website or return their form by mail. The secure online instrument has been redesigned to make reporting much easier. Improvements include an online questionnaire that is: • Accessible on any electronic device, • Will calculate totals automatically, and • Skips questions not applicable to the operation.

Your responses will be kept confidential. Any person who willfully discloses ANY identifiable information about you or your operation is subject to a jail term, a fine, or both. This survey is conducted in accordance with the Confidential Information Protection provisions of Title V, Subtitle A, Public Law 107-347. For more information on how your information is protected please visit: www.nass.usda. gov/confidentiality.

Help NASS accurately represent Minnesota agriculture and be an advocate for your industry by participating. The Census of Agriculture is your voice, your future, your opportunity.

For more information on the Census of Agriculture or to view the results from all NASS reports, visit www.nass.usda.gov. is the State Statistician in the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Minnesota Field Office and can be reached at Dan. Lofthus@nass.usda.gov.

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SCOOP CLASSIFIEDS TREE FARM — Established successful retail tree farm for sale in Southeast Metro. Complete information at www. buymytreefarm.com. Contact Jerry at 651-245-7978.

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➾ T I M E T O RE N E W

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RENEW TODAY!

It’s that time of year — keep an eye out for your 2017–2018 membership dues renewal email notices. In order to save the association printing and mailing costs, please return your renewal promptly.

NEW THIS YEAR!

MNLA now offers a “Delayed Payment Option.” Provide your credit card information today and you won't be charged before August 15th (you must select option on renewal form).

S O C I A L M E D I A C A M PA I G N :

#PlantingForPollinators This month, let’s show each other the healthy bee habitats we’re creating and maintaining! By choosing plants that pollinators love and keeping those plants thriving, you’re making a difference for our local pollinators. Take a photo of the plantings pollinators are loving and share it on social media with the hashtag #PlantingForPollinators. We’ll repost the top photos on our pages online and in The Scoop during June and in the coming months. Start snapping pics and posting now!

With summer approaching, we encourage you to take a minute to reassess your business needs. Don’t pay more than you have to! Please take a moment to review the MNLA Member-Only Exclusive Benefits at www.mnla.biz. Sign in, and take a look under the “MEMBERS ONLY” menu.

Let us help you save on your bottom line! Feel free to contact the MNLA office if we can be of any assistance to you during the renewal process or for any of our products and services offered. We are available at 651-6334987 or mnla@mnla.biz.

Your continued support and involvement as a member of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is greatly appreciated.

Providing you with education, legislative representation, networking, and other member services is why MNLA exists.

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➾ MNLA FOUN DATION

SPONSOR AN MNLA SCHOLARSHIP DEMONSTR ATE C O M M I TM EN T TO T H E F U T U RE

THE MNLA FOUNDATION is happy to announce the 2017–2018 Academic Awards program to benefit college and high school students. The MNLA Foundation is pleased to partner with members to provide the industry’s future leaders with monetary support for their education.

Since the program began in 1996, over $300,000 has been awarded to deserving students.

The goal of the MNLA Foundation Academic Awards program is to honor the academic achievements of students who have chosen the nursery and landscape industry as their profession. Furthermore, the program aims to encourage students to stay in this career path and to help them make connections with nursery and landscape employers who are MNLA members. By partnering with interested member companies, over 20 scholarships are awarded every year to deserving students.

Have you considered sponsoring a student scholarship? Giving to a student will not only provide you the satisfaction of knowing you made a lasting difference in a young person’s life and the future of the green industry, but there are additional charitable tax deduction benefits to you, as well. Consult your tax advisor with regard to your own situation.

Sponsoring companies are asked to make a $500 commitment for a college scholarship or $250 for a high school scholarship, and the MNLA Foundation will match up to $500 or $250, respectively. Companies can sponsor more than one scholarship per year if they choose.

MNLA will provide the following to sponsors: Press releases to various media, including the company’s local paper, and the student’s hometown and college publications Company recognition in the Scoop and on the MNLA website Recognition at Northern Green Opportunities to be introduced to your sponsored student

ACT NOW! Demonstrate your commitment to the future of the region’s green industry by co-sponsoring a student scholarship. The deadline for 2017–2018 participation is September 1, 2017.

Complete the application at www.MNLA.biz/scholarships and return it to MNLA today. Your generosity will be cherished by the student winners — the future of our industry. Contact MNLA Foundation Program Coordinator Paulette Sorenson at paulette@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987 with questions or for additional details.

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For more than 90 years, we’ve delivered the features you need.

That’s why those in the industry choose Borgert.

Crafting your vision.

Visit our showroom at: IMS, Suite 12C | For more information or for a FREE Borgert catalog call 800.622.4952 | borgertproducts.com

➾ ME MBER N EWS

WELCOME NEW MNLA MEMBERS! Anderson Plumbing Scott Anderson Bemidji, MN, 218-556-5814

Groundtech Mike Henslin North St. Paul, MN, 651-964-0006

Lynch’s Landscaping and Lawn Care LLC Ryan Lynch Hamel, MN, 612-226-2326

BK Lawn Service Kathleen Drellack Fosston, MN, 218-435-6150

Grumpy John’s John Wichman Shakopee, MN, 952-402-0872

Metro Auto Salvage Vickie Anderson Lakeville, MN, 952-461-2186

BrightView Landscape Services Paul James Minneapolis, MN, 612-529-4348

Jacobsen Trucking Monte Jacobsen Grundy Center, IA, 319-243-5149

Mikes Landscaping Mike Hamman Anoka, MN, 763-434-5994

Capital City Landscapes,Inc. Tyler Ciolkosz Maplewood, MN, 651-726-4218

Jamie Lundberg Company Jamie Lundberg Princeton, MN, 763-286-3677

Perry Lawn & Landscape William Perry New Brighton, MN, 651-261-5199

Carver Performance Mike Carver St. Hilaire, MN, 218-686-1051

John Lamanette Company John Lamenette Madisonville, LA, 504-650-6465

Precision Yard Services, Co Bruce Nelson Jordan, MN, 612-363-8711

Duerr Installation Brandon Duerr Elk River, MN, 612-875-6849

Lohmiller Enterprises, Inc. John (Chip) Lohmiller Cross Lake, MN, 612-868-6744

Rettmann Lawn Service, Inc. Leon Rettmann Bloomington, MN, 952-893-1969

Gene’s Water and Sewer Eric Peterson Minneapolis, MN, 612-781-3737

Lolkus Plumbing Heating Ralo Lolkus Chandler, MN, 507-920-8047

Truax Company, Inc. Mary Ann Workman New Hope, MN, 763-537-6639

IN MEMORIAM THE MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO EXPRESS ITS DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF RONALD WAYLAND SWENSON AND JOHN “JACK” FRANCIS KELLY. RONALD WAS AN IRRIGATION CONSULTANT FOR MTI FOR 40 YEARS, WHILE JACK FOUNDED KELLY GREEN IRRIGATION OVER 40 YEARS AGO. JOHN “JACK” FRANCIS KELLY of Bloomington, MN passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 23, 2017.

Jack was born on July 28, 1935 in Devils Lake, ND. He attended the University of North Dakota where he earned degrees in Chemistry and Biology, and was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Following college, he was a Lieutenant Air Officer in the U.S. Navy and attended Air Intelligence School at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. Completing his time in the Navy, he went on to become a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He was authentic, practical, supportive, an avid outdoorsman, and had unbelievable Irish wit. His faith and love in Jesus Christ was unwavering.

Preceded in death by parents Frank and Clara (Rutten), former wife Gale, and infant son John Patrick. Jack was a devoted spouse of 37 years to his beloved Marie, loving father, friend, and neighbor. He will also be dearly missed by sons John (Jessica), Duggan (Debi), Devan, Patrick (Mari), and Tim Mehner;

grandchildren Ashleigh, Heather, Devan, Keegan, Kaitlin, Irelyn, Isabella, Tegan and Avery; 6 great-grandchildren Destinee, Jayden, Taylin, Mariah, Charlie, and Avion; many nieces and nephews.

RONALD WAYLAND SWENSON

Swenson, Ronald Wayland Age 70, passed on 3/31/17. A wonderful son, husband, brother, uncle and friend to many.

Fought a courageous battle through numerous diseases.

Vietnam Sergeant, 4th Infantry 5th Battalion 16th Artillery.

Graduated Roosevelt High School 1964. Attended U of M. Taught Irrigation at U of M. Irrigation consultant for MTI for 40 years. He loved golf, oldies and rock and roll. Preceded in death by parents Maurice and Mildred Swenson, in-laws Harold & Vi Halldorson and brother-in-law Jerry Halldorson. Survived by loving wife Lynda of 43 years; sister Judi Swenson, brother-in-law Jeff Halldorson (Gwen), sister-in-law Judy Aikin (Ron), sister-in-law Beryl Halldorson, and many loving nieces and nephews.

june 17

MNLA .biz

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âž¾ LA S T WORD

LAST WORD Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Member Appreciation Day Mem ber

Donuts in the morning! (FREE) Ice cream in the afternoon! (FREE) A summer buffet and baseball in the evening! ($25)

Day At MNLA Headquarters 1813 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

7:00-10:00 am

12:30-3:00 pm

(FREE, NO RSVP REQUIRED!)

(FREE, NO RSVP REQUIRED!)

Stop by for soft-serve!

Drive-in for donuts & coffee!

At CHS Field

360 N Broadway St, St Paul, MN 55101

5:30 pm

Kick back with a cold brew and a baseball game! $25 gets you a summer buffet and a great spot to watch the Saints game with MNLA friends! Bring your co-workers, friends, and family for this fun outing! Seats are limited and registration is required.

Visit www.MNLA.biz or call Sue Flynn at 651-633-4987 to secure your spots now!

Thank you to our sponsors:

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MNLA .biz

june 17

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!

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER

Research for the Real World

Career Development & Promotion

TM

L A N D S C A P E + M A S O N RY

Scholarships

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