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MINNESOTA PARK & SPORTS TURF MANAGERS ASSOCIATION

MPSTMA NEWS VOLUME 11, NO. 3

FALL 2021

Magic Turf prepared the field early for the 2021 MPSTMA Community Service Project

MPSTMA Community Service Project in Circle Pines Benefits State Little League Championships in 2022 MPSTMA Fall Workshop Set for Nov.17 At Brackett’s Crossing CC in Lakeville Northern Green Takes Place Jan. 11-14 At Minneapolis Convention Center

FALL FA LL WORK RKSHOP Wed., November 17 7:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Brackett’s Crossing Country Club 17976 Judicial Road, Lakeville, MN 55044

AGENDA 6:00 am 7:00 am 8:00 am

Vendor Setup Registration, Networking and Vendor Time Introductions and Announcements

8:15 am

Main Room:

Sam Bauer, Ramy Turf Joe Churchill, Reinders, Inc. (Industry Supply Impacts & Potential Alternatives)

Pearl Room:

Fred Kolkmann, Tennis and Sport Surfaces (Court Maintenance)

9:15 am

Main Room:

Maggie Reiter & Ryan Schwab University of Minnesota (Growing Season Update, Irrigation Management)

Pearl Room:

KIT WELCHLIN Keynote Speaker Laugh, Grow and Learn!

Roundtable - New Technology

10:00 am

Network Time with Vendors and Peers

11:15 am

Lunch

12:00 pm

Keynote Speaker:

Kit Welchlin, Motivational Speaker

1:00 pm

Main Room:

Networking with the MPSTMA Board and Members

----------------------------------------- PLEASE REGISTER BELOW ----------------------------------------q q

$40 MPSTMA Member $25 Each Additional Person from Same Facility

$______________ AMOUNT PAID

PLEASE REGISTER _____ PEOPLE FOR A TOTAL OF $_______________________ Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Facility/Institution: _____________________________________________ E-mail: ________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ___________________

PAYMENT METHOD:

q q

Check (Make check payable to MPSTMA) On-line payment: Send names of registrants to jeff.turtinen@mpstma.org and an invoice will be emailed that can be paid electronically.

MAIL REGISTRATION & PAYMENT TO: MPSTMA, P. O. Box 617, Wayzata, MN 55391 or contact jeff.turtinen@mpstma.org to pay and register online QUESTIONS: 763-703-4983

PLAN TO ATTEND THIS EDUCATION AND NETWORKING EVENT

MPSTMA FALL WORKSHOP SET NOVEMBER 17 AT BRACKETT’S CROSSING CC IN LAKEVILLE The MPSTMA Fall Workshop is set for Wed., November 17 at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club in Lakeville, MN. Sam Bauer, Ramy Turf, and Joe Churchill, Reinders Inc. will lead things off in the Main Room and talk about industry supply impacts and potential alternatives. (See related article on Page 9) At the same time, in the Pearl Room, Fred Kolkmann, Tennis & Sports Surfaces, will give

WORKSHOP AGENDA 7:00 am Registration, Networking and Vendor Time 8:00 am Introductions and Announcements

his presentation on “court maintenance.” Following those presentations in the Main Room will be Maggie Reiter and Ryan Schwab from the University of Minnesota. They will offer an update on the growing season and also focus on irrigation management. A roundtable is also offered in the same timeslot in the Pearl Room. The roundtable topic is “New Technology.” The rest of the morning will be time to network with the participating table sponsors and other members. Lunch will be provided at 11:15 and our Keynote Speaker, Kit Welchlin will energize the audience with his style.

8:15 am Main Room Sam Bauer, Ramy Turf Joe Churchill, Reinders, Inc. (Industry Supply Impacts & Potential Alternatives) Pearl Room Fred KolkmannTennis & Sport Surfaces (Court Maintenance) 9:15 am Main Room Maggie Reiter & Ryan Schwab University of Minnesota (Growing Season Update, Irrigation Management) Pearl Room Roundtable : New Technology 10:00 am Network with Vendors and Peers 11:15 am Lunch 12:00 pm Keynote Speaker: Kit Welchlin 1:00 pm Main Room Network Time

FALL 2021

MPSTMA NEWS 3

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President’s Update By Reid Johnson, CSFM MPSTMA President Grounds Specialist, Saint Paul Academy and Summit School

Despite Covid-19 and a summer drought the MPSTMA had successful summer & fall events. The 2nd Annual MPSTMA Golf Scramble at Royal Golf Club on August 5th in Lake Elmo and the September 15 Community Service Project in Circle Pines both had excellent participation from membership and were a lot of fun to take part in. So, why not keep the fun coming? FALL WORKSHOP IN LAKEVILLE Our MPSTMA Fall Workshop will take place on November 17th at Brackett’s Crossing C.C. in Lakeville. MTGF MASTER CLASS The Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation will hold its annual Master Class on Tuesday, January 11 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. (See Page 13)

MPSTMA EVENT SCHEDULE NOVEMBER 17 IN PERSON - MPSTMA FALL WORKSHOP Brackett’s Crossing Country Club, Lakeville A day of education, networking and quality speakers. JANUARY 11 MTGF MASTER CLASS Minneapolis Convention Center 8:00 am JANUARY 11-13 NORTHERN GREEN Minneapolis Convention Center JANUARY 13, 2022 MPSTMA ANNUAL MEETING Minneapolis Convention Center 10:45 am JANUARY 17-20 STMA CONFERENCE Savannah, Georgia

NORTHERN GREEN IN MINNEAPOLIS In mid-January there is the Northern Green at the Minneapolis Convention Center from Jan. 11-13, 2002 which includes the MPSTMA Annual Meeting on January 13. STMA IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA The STMA National Conference takes place in Savannah, GA. from Jan. 17-20, 2022. Try your best to make it out to some or all of these events if you're able to. Nothing better to break up the dreary fall/winter weather than an educational booster shot in the arm to peak your interest in your work. It’s too easy to get caught in a cycle of seasonal depression when the daylight gets limited and the cold, windy weather makes you want to hibernate. Get out of the shop and interact with your peers in the industry. I find myself more engaged throughout the “hurry up and wait” period of the year when I participate in professional development. If all you're thinking about is the next storm, you will miss out on learning the great new ideas coming from the sharpest minds of our industry. So, please make an investment in yourself and escape the workplace for a day to learn something new and schmooze with like minded people.

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Sincerely,

Reid Johnson

Reid Johnson, CSFM President Minnesota Park and Sports Turf Managers Association

FALL 2021

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MPSTMA NEWS 5

2021 MPSTMA COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT

Two Circle Pines Little League Fields Renovated By MPSTMA Volunteers For the 13th time and led by retired sports turf manager Mike McDonald, CSFM, MPSTMA members renovated two adjacent Little League Fields in Circle Pines. The two fields, Carl Eck Field and Lion Field, were in dire need of renovation as the fields will host the Little League State Championships in 2022 for 8-9 year-olds. McDonald who made sure all volunteers were busy. The Mound and Home Plate areas were renovated and the infield grass on both fields were replaced. McDonald has been the driving force of all 13 renovations. “Those who participate in the CSP’s know how valuable McDonald’s knowledge, work ethic and managing abilities are to MPSTMA’s annual project,” said Reid Johnson, CSFM, current president of

the MPSTMA. Magic Turf’s Jerrod Brunelle and Mike Brunelle did prep work on the renovation prior to the September 15 project. MagicTurf also provided equipment and supplies and labor for this year’s CSP. The scope of MPSTMA’s involvement consisted of the building of two little league mounds with clay bricks/ag-lime; installation of rubber mats in both home plate areas; installing base anchors on both fields, and the sodding and grooming of both infields. Special thanks to our commercial members who supplied equipment and product for the project. These vendors include: HLS Outdoor: 20 bags of Dura

Edge Pro Drying Agent; Minnesota Twins: 1 case of I-25 irrigation heads and some field rakes; City of Lakeville: 2 pallets of a 28-0-0 100% UMAXX fertilizer; Ramy Turf: 1 Bag of Athletic Grass Seed Mix, 70% blue 30% rye; MTI Distributing: One Workman Utility Vehicle; The Tessman Company: 1 pallet turface clay bricks and 2 bags of athletic grass seed mix, and MagicTurf: Assisted with Ag-lime areas and pre-CSP work. Close to 30 MPSTMA members and about 25 local volunteers worked together on the project and proved that numbers make the job go faster. Both fields were completed in just five hours plus lunchtime. (Continued on Page 9)

Mike Hoffman, City of Lino Lakes, helps the City of Circle Pines take care of its baseball fields and recommended the MPSTMA consider two adjacent little league fields as its 2021 Community Service Project. Close to 30 MPSTMA volunteers helped renovate the fields which are now in great shape to host the 8-9 year old State Little League Baseball Championships in 2022. Circle Pines was picked from four applications. MPSTMA representatives traveled to the four sites to gain a feel for each project.

FALL 2021

MPSTMA NEWS 7

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Community Service Project (Continued from Page 5) MPSTMA Volunteers: + Mike McDonald, CSFM, Retired + Jerrod Brunelle, MagicTurf + Mike Brunelle, MagicTurf + Nick Balistrieri, HLS Outdoor + Michael Friederichs, HLS Outdoor + Reid Johnson, CSFM, Saint Paul Academy + Roger Weinbrenner, CSFM, Minnesota Sodding Co. + Derek Hollanitsch, City of St. Paul + Sam Bauer, Ramy Turf + Josh Gerth, CSFM, Bethel University + Ben Plattes, Bethel University + Mike Zwisler, The Tessman Company + Mike Hoffman, City of Lino Lakes + Taylor Drahota, City of Lino Lakes + Jack Leuning, City of Saint Louis Park + Josh Nelson, City of Saint Louis Park + Brian Swartzer, City of Plymouth + Jesse Belair, City of Plymouth + Trevor Waldoch, City of Plymouth + Steve Frankhouser, City of Plymouth + Tom Kuefler, City of Woodbury + Matt Grosjean, CSFM, ISD #173 + Ben Kelsey, Home Field Advantage + Al Hentges, Kromer Co. + Larry Gorman, MTI Distributing Inc. + Bob Frank, MTI Distributing Inc. + Jeff Turtinen, MPSTMA, MTGF

Sam Bauer, Ramy Turf, made sure the first roll of sod was straight.

Local volunteers helped the sodding go quickly.

For the past few years, Luke Whittrock, turf manager at the University of St. Thomas, kneeling on the left, has taken control of rebuilding the mounds. As you can see, these mounds are for Little Leaguers and smaller in size.

FALL 2021

MPSTMA NEWS 9

Joshua Gerth, a certified sports field manager at Bethel University - standing in the middle, rebuilt the home plate area with the help of many others. Gerth serves on the MPSTMA Board of Directors as a Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation representative and served as President of MPSTMA.

Al Hentges, Kromer Co., groomed the fields as the work on the CSP was about to be complete.

Shout out to Magic Turf for all of their pre-work and CSP day work at the Carl Eck and Lions Little League Fields in Circle Pines on September 15.

Parents of children involved in the Circle Pines and surrounding area baseball programs came to the CSP ready to work and helped tremendously.

Sam Bauer, Ramy Turf; Ben Plattes and Josh Gerth, CSFM, Bethel Unviersity, and Roger Weinbrenner, CSFM, Minnesota Sodding Company finishing up the home plate area.

Mike McDonald, CSFM, left, has been the driving force of all the annual MPSTMA Community Service Projects including this year at Circle Pines

Don’t Let Supply Chain Challenges Hold You Hostage By JOE CHURCHILL Reinders, Inc.

Last January, we began feeling the as a real dilemma less than a year ago your business fully staffed has perhaps pinch associated with increased prodhas now become commonplace. We eclipsed any challenges around supply uct costs and availability on everything just shrug our shoulders and accept it. chain issues. from copy paper and office furniture to But now, as if matters weren’t bad And what about the supply fleet vehicles and fertilizer. Initially, it enough, labor shortages have made chain outlook? Pretty much more of created significant angst the same forecasted well and frustration as we into 2022. As the U.S. tried to sustain a noreconomy rebounds from mal work environment. almost two years of pan“There is no better time We were told these demic shutdown, manuthan now to rethink the way “novel” supply chain isfacturers, distribution you run your business sues would begin workcompanies and logistic or do your job. This is a ing themselves out by providers are having a difthe end of the Second ficult time keeping up. “When life gives you lemons, Quarter. There’s still a lot of cargo make lemonade” moment.” Here we are almost a ships filled with containers year later and product bobbing of the California availability continues to coast waiting for their turn affect our businesses and prices conthings even worse. Whether you’re try- to get unloaded. The goods have artinue to skyrocket. In some cases, ing to make a reservation at a favorite rived and consumers are poised to buy products just aren’t available. A 6 to restaurant or attempting to keep your as we approach the holiday season. 12-month wait on big-ticket items has clients happy as you ask your skeletal (Continued on Page 13) become the norm. What was perceived staff to do more with less, keeping

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FALL 2021

Supply Chain (Continued from Page 12) So if neither supply nor demand is an issue, where’s the problem? The fly in the ointment is in the logistics. Dockworker shortages and an anemic transportation system hobbled by not enough truck drivers and an inefficient rail system unable to get the product from seaports to distributors and retailers in a timely fashion are the weak links in the supply chain. Is this the new normal? How long will this continue? As a friend of mine says, “Some days chicken salad. Some days chicken doo-doo” [she actually used a more colorful descriptor here]. So, what then do we do-do? There are ways you can manage challenges associated with supply chain issues. Some of these suggestions may fall into the common sense category but bear with me. · Get your mind right. Focus on managing those things in which you have control. Some things simply are not, like what you pay for something or how quickly you receive a product or service you purchased. And the big one- you can’t control other people. They will show up as their authentic self. People are judged by their actions, not by what they tell you. Connect with someone you feel you can trust rather than someone who is elusive and not forthcoming. Work with those who under-promise and overdeliver rather than the other way around. · Look for alternative ways of doing things. We are all creatures of habit. Now is not the time to get stuck in a comfortable routine. That won’t serve you well during bizarre times

FALL 2021

like these. Look for creative ways of doing things or alternative products that are easier, quicker to get and cheaper to use. And remember, sometimes products that cost more will save you money somewhere else. Don’t get stuck on price. Taking these steps may

not be your first choice, but they may bridge the gap as you wait for relief. · Look for ways to save labor. Consider outsourcing some services if possible. You may discover a new business partner in doing so. Plan ahead! Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase consumables and other products you need to run your business. We have all been lulled into “justin-time” thinking. We purchase something on Monday and expect to have it on Wednesday. That has worked in the past and hopefully, we’ll get back to that. But right now, you better project ahead. · Look at what you need in 8 to 10 weeks and plan some of those purchases now. · For those of us in the Green Industry, start taking Integrated Pest Management (IPM) more seriously. Embrace cultural practices and reduce inputs when doing so will not compromise results or expectations. Focus your efforts on sustainability. Look at water management,

using less fertilizer and fewer pesticides, carefully select plant material and turfgrass species that need less of everything. Go green by converting combustible engine machinery to battery-powered where it makes sense. If you haven’t already, go paperless. · Make a few concessions. Temporarily lower some expectations and increase thresholds around what is acceptable. Downplay perfection and embrace “that’s good enough this time.” Practice patience and empathy. Your personal and business health will thank you. And your customers & clients will understand. There’s a silver lining to this ugly pandemic and the supply chain quandary it has created. It has forced us to do things differently. It has grudgingly made us change the way we operate our businesses. These are changes we would have never thought about unless we hadn’t been backed into a corner. We have discovered that some of these new ways have now become the right way. The smart way. There is no better time than now to rethink the way you run your business or do your job. This is a “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” moment. Embrace it. Collaborate with your peers, business partners and suppliers to find ways to do things differently. Not just in the moment, but for years to come. The holidays are approaching, Amazon is ready. Are you? (Editor’s Note: Joe Churchill has been involved in the Minnesota turfgrass industry since the 1980s and has served on the Boards of MGCSA, MPSTMA and MTGF throughout many of those years. Joe is a representative of Reinders, Inc.)

MPSTMA NEWS 13

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2ND ANNUAL MPSTMA GOLF TOURNAMENT

MTI’s Frank, Gorman, Fleegle and Pannhoff Win MPSTMA Golf Scramble at Royal GC The 2nd Annual MPSTMA Scramble took place on Thurs., August 5 at Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo. Tee times for the 4-person Scramble event began at 9am. Cost was $60 per person which included green fees, cart, range balls, lunch on the course and a tee prize. Head Golf Pro Kent Blaschko’s pro shop and Golf Course Superintendent Mike Sonnek ensured MPSTMA members were treated to a first-class day on a beautiful course. Special thanks to this year’s sponsors: + MTI Distributing Inc.; Frost Inc.; HLS Outdoor; Ramy Turf; EC Grow; Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply, and SiteOne Landscape Supply The MTI foursome of Bob Frank, Larry Gorman, Tim

GOLF TOURNAMENT RESULTS

Bob Frank, left, with Larry Gorman. Two of MTI’s golfers on August 5.

Fleegle and Ryan Pannhoff won the event with an 11-under par 61. Finishing one shot behind was a foursome made up of: Nick Balestreiri, HLS Outdoor; Trent Waters, City of Roseville; Jared Alley, Minnesota Twins/Target Field, and Marcus Campbell, Saint Paul Saints/CHS Field. The front nine, or the Queen’s Nine, was designed by Annika Sorenstam, her first U.S. project. While the back nine, known as the King’s Nine, was Arnold Palmer’s last. Make plans to play in this event in August 2022!

Bob Frank + Larry Gorman + Tim Fleegle + Ryan Pannhoff MTI Distributing Inc.

Nick Balestreiri + Trent Watters + Jare d Alley + Marcus Campbell HLS Outdoor, City of Roseville, Minnesota Twins, Saint Paul Saints

Matt Leonard + Andy Nauer + Joe Ulrich + Ryan Parks City of Robbinsdale

Sam Bauer + Joel Chambers + Andy Hopko + Adam Miller Ramy Turf, Professional Turf & Renovation

Jim O'Neill + Steve Makowski + Doug Daniel + Dan Ament EcoWorks Supply, Centerbrook Golf Course, Hiawatha Golf Course

Bruce Leivermann + Seth Langager + Ben Wallin + Cody Gustafson Minnesota State University, Saint Francis Schools, Field Turf

Ryan Crowley + Andrew Brennan + Jason Evazich + Jarrett Krensing City of Mendota Heights

Ben Boeding + Tom Redmann + Dan Sidle + Kyle Larson MSC, Minnesota Turf & Grounds Foundation, Minnesota Vikings

Al Hentges + Tracy Closson + Chase Hentges + Dylan Thomas Kromer Co., Northfield Schools

Brandon Young + Chet VanSloun + Mike Keran + Shawn Anderson SiteOne Landscape Supply

Mark Sullivan + Joe Churchill + Paul Griffin + Greg Brodd Trugreen, Reinders Inc., City of Woodbury, Turfco Manufacturing

Nate Mezera + Theo Lenneman + Matt Krey + Andy Vick EC Grow, Southview Design, Gertens Wholesale & Pro Turf Supply

Jay Stadler + Roger Weinbrenner + Reid Johnson + Jeff Turtinen Carleton College, MSC, Saint Paul Academy, MPSTMA / MTGF

Derek Hollantisch + Ron Krey + Joey Fitzgerald + Greg Hoag City of Saint Paul, MSC, City of Brooklyn Park

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FALL 2021

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MPSTMA NEWS 15

MTGF MASTER CLASS - JANUARY 11, 2021 @ NORTHERN GREEN

DOING MORE WITH LESS The 2022 MTGF Master Class will take place on Tuesday, January 11 from 9am-4pm with a focus on “doing more with less.” Turf and grounds managers are constantly faced with the challenge of providing a high quality product with the least amount of resource and labor inputs. As the price of fertilizer, plant health products, labor, and irrigation (to name a few) continue to increase, a focus must be placed on "Doing More with Less." In this master class, attendees will learn about some of the most important maintenance practices for tree and turf care. Attendees will leave with a list of strategies that they can implement to improve their bottom line, while improving plant health and playability. The agenda is as follows:

12:00 pm Lunch 1:00 pm "Minimal Maintenance Woody Plants; Selection and Maintenance Practices" John Ball SDSU

9:00 am "Soil and Fertility Programming; What You Need and Don't Need" Dr. Doug Soldat, UW-Madison 10:00 am "IPM Programs and Pesticide Use Reduction in Horticulture" Marissa Schuh, UMN Extension 11:00 am "Getting the Most from Your Staff" Matt Cavanaugh, Rush Creek GC

2:00 pm "Irrigation in the Land of 10,000 Lakes; Drought of 2021, Efforts to Change Consumer Habits," Shane Evans, UMN Turf 3:00 pm "Practical Applications For Low Maintenance Turf” Ross Braun, Purdue (Editor’s Note: Registration for the MTGF Master Class will be available at www.mtgf.org and www.northern green.org)

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MPSTMA NEWS 17

Rain Holds Off for MPSTMA Outdoor Demo Day At Henry Sibley High School Fields this Summer This year’s MPSTMA Demo Day took place on July 14 at Henry Sibley High School. The host turf manager was former MPSTMA president Matt Grosjean, CSFM. Natural grass and synthetic turf fields were both available for equipment demonstrations that Commercial members brought for members to try for themselves and ask questions about. This annual free event for MPSTMA general members was well-attended considering the day consisted of a threatening sky and a great chance for rain. More than 120 people were on hand for the event. Fortunately, the anticipated rain held off long enough to get through the morning and lunch. A shout out to the 18 companies who participated in the 2021 Demo Day.

The participating MPSTMA member companies were: + Frost Inc. + Sema Equipment + Olson Power & Equipment + HLS Outdoor + MTI Distributing Inc. + Ramy Turf + MTD Products + Pioneer Athletics + Turfwerks + MSC + Berg Turf + Field Turf + Premier Polysteel + Site One Landscape Supply + Eco Works Supply + Portolite Products + Minnesota Equipment + Superior Tech Products

We feature these products and many more to help you provide the highest quality athletic ﬁeld for your end user.

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EcoWorks Supply Booth at Demo Day. Jim O’Neill, left, and Geoff Jordan, right are greeted by MPSTMA president Reid Johnson, CSFM, St. Paul Academy & Summit School.

Former MPSTMA president and turf grass manager Steve Berg, CSFM, now has his own company near Rochester, MN.

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The HLS Outdoor booth had Nick Baliestrieri, right, with Mike Friederichs on hand at the 2021 MPSTMA Demo Day.

FALL 2021

MTGF/MNLA Pesticide Recertification Workshop Set November 19 at Roseville’s John Rose Oval The MGTF/MNLA Pesticide Recertification Workshop on November 19 meets MDA’s Commercial Pesticide Applicator Requirements For: Category A (Core), E (Turf and Ornamentals), and L (Mosquito, Black Fly, Tick Control) The workshop will take place at the John Rose Oval Skating Center located at 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville. Registration is available online at www.mnla.biz This is the last opportunity to renew your Pesticide Applicator License in 2021. Licensed pesticide applicators who attend a workshop in their needed category fulfill their recertification requirement. If you are not sure you need to recertify, check the “recertify by date” on your applicator’s ID card. Two Registration Options: Choose the category needed to fulfill recertification requirements. 1) Category A & E: 8:00 AM—2:30 PM 2) Category A, E & L: 8:00 AM—4:15 PM By attending the Pesticide Recertification Workshop and

20 MPSTMA NEWS

checking in and out with MDA, applicators will obtain recertification credit. Applicators MUST bring their license identification card with them. 8:00 AM—2:30 PM | Sessions 1-9 Category A (Core) and E (Turf & Ornamentals) Session 1. MDA General Session Session 2. MDA Regulatory Topic Session 3. Sprayer Calibration Session 4. Pesticides and Groundwater: Applicator BMPs Session 5. Top 10 Turf Weeds Session 6: Natural/Organic Weed Control in Turfgrass Session 7. Glyphosate Alternatives Session 8. Top Tree & Shrub Diseases Session 9. Top 10 Invasive Insects 2:45 PM—4:15 PM | Session 10 Category L (Mosquito, Black Fly, Tick Control) Go to: www.mnla.biz

FALL 2021

Recap of the 2021 UMN Turfgrass Field Day By Maggie Reiter University of Minnesota Our UMN Turfgrass Field Day for grounds and parks audiences took place on September 10 at the Turfgrass Research and Outreach Education Center in St. Paul. The 2-hour event featured research projects and a lineup of UMN speakers including: Summary of turfgrass cultivar evaluations—Eric Watkins Managing turfgrass under shade stress—Dominic Petrella Performance of turfgrasses subjected to drought—Florence Sessoms Rhizome formation in fine fescues—Nicole Mihelich Selecting turfgrass for roadside environments—Dominic Christensen Crabgrass control with natural and organic products—Maggie Reiter Allelopathy and weed suppression in fine fescues—Florence Sessoms Social science discussion of artificial turfgrass use—Michael Barnes

We hosted 30 attendees; the group consisted of turfgrass managers from city, college, and cemetery groups, sales and manufacturing representatives, and lawn care operators. Post-event survey respondents said the event was efficient, informative, and enjoyable. Over 94% of respondents said they increased their understanding of maintaining turfgrass during drought, selecting the right grass species, and managing turfgrass in shade. Several said they would change their management practices to select better grasses for drought or shade, reduce inputs of fertilizer and

Dr. Eric Watkins discussing turfgrass species and cultivar evaluations.

mowing, and communicate the latest information to their clientele. We will do this again next year, so keep an eye on MTGF channels for announcements about turfgrass field days. In the future we will showcase research related to fine fescue grasses, technology for irrigation management, natural and organic weed control, and ways to reduce pesticide use. Thank you to everyone who attended, and to all our supporters and funders over the years!

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*Requires Wednesday Registration, plus paid upgrade.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 12

HEARTSAVER® CPR AED TRAINING Training provided by CPR Professionals CPR training is important. It can save your life, a loved-one’s life, a co-worker’s life, or even a stranger’s life. CPR training helps people learn the skills and develop the con昀dence to provide CPR when encountering a cardiac arrest victim. And while AEDs can be used by the public regardless of whether the responder has been trained, even minimal training improves performance, timeliness, and e cacy. This interactive, hands-on training is intended for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for job, regulatory (e.g., OSHA), or other requirements. This training can also be taken by anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting. Everyone completing the training will receive a two-year certi昀cation.

THERE’S NO “I” IN TEAM:

USING CULTURE, HR STRATEGY, AND PEOPLE PRACTICES TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BUSINESS Kristen Ireland and Erin Mies, People Spark Consulting Businesses typically approach HR in one of two ways. Many look at human resources responsibilities as compliance o cers, a necessary evil, a have-to-do…. These businesses are looking for the safe routes, the ones that keep them out of legal trouble. They are not truly leveraging the power of their employees: their team. They are playing NOT to lose. Other businesses know that their success depends on their team. They know that whether customers return depends on the interactions with their employees. They work with their employees to drive business success, they are an employer of choice and they are able to retain their high performing employees, even in a tight labor market. These are the businesses that are taking aim for their target. They are playing to WIN. Playing to WIN doesn’t have to be hard or take a lot of resources. It’s not about trendy perks or game rooms. It’s having employees who know what is expected of them, managers that provide direction, clarity, and coaching, and having goals and rewards aligned to drive business results – and they do exactly that. In our interactive, 2-part session, we will share a variety of simple and practical tools business owners and managers can put to work in organizations of any size, and discuss the important role they play in making things stick. In doing this, leaders develop the culture and reputation that not only attracts great talent, but that keeps it, too. • Session 1 - Culture, Compliance Basics, and Recruiting & interviewing • Session 2 - Hiring/Onboarding, Managing Performance, Engaging & Retaining Your Employees By the end of the workshop, attendees will better understand and know how to: 1. More clearly set your business direction, clarify your team’s goals, and get your team going in the same direction. 2. Reduce your organization’s risk for preventable lawsuits and other third-party actions using practical tools and guidance. 3. Minimize avoidable HR issues like bad hiring decisions. 4. Con昀dently address performance concerns with employees. 5. Improve employee communications to increase high-performing employee retention. When it comes to human resources, are you playing to WIN or are you playing NOT to lose?

Kristen Ireland

Erin Mies

REGISTRATION OPTIONS G R O U P 3-Day (Tue–Th)

2-Day

D I S C O U NT

2-Day

(Tue/Wed) (Wed/Thur) (Tue/Thur)

AVA I L A B L E *

1-Day

(Tue)

(Wed)

(Thur)

Tues. + Trade Student Trade Show Show Only (Wed/Thur) (Tue–Th) (Wed/Thur)

Student 3-Day (Tue–Th)

(ON OR BEFORE JAN. 4, 20221)

PRE-REGISTER MEMBER

$327

$248

$178

$248

$169

$109

$204

$35

$40

$199

PRE-REG. NON-MEMBER

$347

$268

$198

$268

$189

$129

$224

$40

$199

$348

$278

$348

$269

$209

$304

$35

$50

$299

REG. NON-MEMBER ONSITE

$447

$368

$298

$368

$289

$229

$324

$40

$50

$299

Choice of 1 Tuesday Master Class

Wednesday Educational Sessions in Seminar Rooms

Thursday Educational Sessions in Seminar Rooms

Thursday's Trade Show Casino Party

Access to all exhibits on the Trade Show 昀oor

Access to Wednesday's Free Lunch on the Trade Show 昀oor2

Access to Camp昀re mini-sessions

Access to Hardscape Live! and Grow the Garden Center

Access to mini-sessions in the Innovation & Inspiration Theater

(JAN. 11-13, 2022)

+ UPGRADES & EXTRAS

PRE-REGISTRATION PRICE

ON-SITE PRICE

$70

$80**

GREEN INDUSTRY AWARDS GALA TICKET (Tuesday) PREMIUM WEDNESDAY UPGRADE: INTERACTIVE TRACK - Heartsaver® CPR AED Training - Requires Wednesday Registration Above

Member: $89

Non-Member: $109

Member: $99

Non-Member: $119

PREMIUM THURSDAY UPGRADE: CEO & MGMT TRACK - There’s No “I” in Team Requires Thurs. Registration Above - Includes exclusive access to CEO & MGMT Lounge!

Member: $89

Non-Member: $109

Member: $99

Non-Member: $119

NORTHERN GREEN

RATE LOCK

Attention Snow & Ice Management Companies: Worried about snow on the day of the show? Try our new "Snow Insurance" Rate Lock. This non-refundable $20-per-person ticket quali昀es the ticket holder for pre-registration rates onsite. Plus, your $20 advance payment will be applied to the onsite registration fee.

NE W in 2022!

Offer only available during pre-registration dates. If ticket holder cannot attend show, $20 payment is non-refundable.

1 Register on or before Dec. 20 to receive badges in the mail. The deadline for pre-registration is Jan. 4 and all who pre-register between Dec. 21 and Jan. 4 have the option of printing a name badge at the Self Check-In Kiosk onsite. 2 Available to the 昀rst 1,800 attendees on Wednesday. *Group Discount: A 10% discount is available to an individual company registering 10 or more people for a 1-day educational pass or greater. Not valid for student or trade show only passes. Valid only for pre-registration completed online with all registrants entered in one registration. Not valid with other discounts/promotions. **A limited number of Green Industry Awards Gala tickets are available onsite.

JANUARY 11-13, 2022

IT’S TIME TO RECONNECT.

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

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Your Trusted Partner

MASTER 1

CLASSES

PLT RELICENSURE

Pending Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry approval, this class satisfies eight hours of continuing education requirements for the Power Limited Training Licensure, including 2 hours of code and 6 hours of technical training oriented specifically toward the landscape industry.

PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION WORKSHOP

Pending approval by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), this workshop meets Commercial Pesticide Applicator Requirements for Category A (Core) and Category E (Turf and Ornamentals). Licensed applicators with Categories A and E who last attended a recertification workshop in 2020, and newly-licensed pesticide applicators in 2021, must attend an MDA-approved workshop by December 31, 2022. By attending the Pesticide Recertification track and scanning in and out onsite with staff of the Department of Agriculture, applicators will obtain recertification credit.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN CHALLENGE

Design Leaders: Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces; Alyson Landmark, Southview Design, and Michael Keenan, Urban Ecosystems Inc. Coordinator: Julie Weisenhorn, University of Minnesota Time for some design fun! The Landscape Design Challenge brings MNLA designers together to flex their creative muscles! Design leaders will offer up a series of diverse design challenges, and teams will be putting marker to paper to develop and present their solutions. Leaders will share the real-life solution that was implemented. This is an opportunity to stretch your design skills, learn how challenging problems can be solved, and have some fun with fellow designers!

IT’S TIME TO RECONNECT

JANUARY 11-13, 2022

Generously supported by:

Attend a full-day Master Class at Northern Green, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022. CREATING A CULTURE OF SERVICE AND ENGAGEMENT

Facilitator: John Kennedy, John Kennedy Consulting Join international speaker, strategist, and author John Kennedy as he explores the right ingredients needed to build a workplace culture that supports the needs of the customer and the wants of its employees. John’s morning session will address the four stages of building a strong service culture and the systems needed to drive that culture each and every day. From vision, values and volition to rewards, recognition and respect, John will set the right balance of both to drive alignment and engagement into 2022 and beyond. The afternoon will take a deeper dive into creating standards of excellence for an exceptional customer experience. Topics will include the four reasons customer’s buy, the top expectations of your green industry clients, how to deal with difficult customers, and the six steps to delivering a consistent customer experience.

NCMA SEGMENTAL RETAINING WALLS INSTALLER COURSE – LEVEL I/BASIC

Presented by: Frank Bourque, Landscape and Hardscape Business Consultant The one-day classroom Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Installer Course teaches installers fundamental SRW installation guidelines, material and system component properties, soils and compaction, the effect of water, and site practices. The SRW basic installer course is intended for contractors new to the business and for new employees of established installer companies who want to become NCMA certified. Those who successfully complete the classroom training and pass a written examination become certified as a Certified SRW Installer (CSRWI). This credential is highly valued by consumers, and the program includes a wealth of valuable course information and reference material which attendees take back to work for implementation as money-saving and profit-making ideas.

DOING MORE WITH LESS

Turf and grounds managers are constantly faced with the challenge of providing a high quality product with the least amount of resource and labor inputs. As the price of fertilizer, plant health products, labor, and irrigation (to name a few) continue to increase, a focus must be placed on “Doing More with Less.” In this Master Class, attendees will learn about some of the most important maintenance practices for tree and turf care. Attendees will leave with a list of strategies that they can implement to improve their bottom line, while improving plant health and playability.

P. O. Box 617 Wayzata, MN 55391

Covers That Make the Difference Our lightweight EVERGREEN™Turf Covers produce a greenhouse type effect that allows your turf to breathe and retain the right amount of heat and moisture. MASTER BRANDING

RAINCOVERS, from our supreme lightweight ones right to the classic vinyl types, there are models and accessories to meet your specific needs.

FOOTBALL FIELD COVERS are made of superior strength material, providing protection from rain or snow.

TARPMATE™ AIR roller is a revolutionary An INFLATABLE FIELD COVER allows storage and handling system for field for ongoing field maintenance during covers. 2-3 people can roll out or roll up a inclement and extreme cold weather. 100ʼ wide cover. 100 Westmore Dr., 11D, Rexdale, ON M9V 5C3 3909 Witmer Rd., Niagara Falls, NY 14305

1-800-387-5808 Tel: +1-416-745-1811 • Fax: +1-416-742-6837 www.covermaster.com • info@covermaster.com