The Growing Concern June 2021

Growing Concern

The

JU N E 2 0 2 1

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E O H I O L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

Snow & Ice Management Clinic July 22, 2021 / Broadview Heights, Ohio / PAGES 32-33

Plant I.D Clinic

July 27, 2021 / Central Ohio & July 29, 2021 / Northeast Ohio / PAGE 7

OLA Scholarship Golf Classic

August 5, 2021 / Mallard Creek Golf Club / PAGES 16-17

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PR ES I DEN T’S COLUM N

JAMES FUNAI, Ph.D. Cuyahoga Community College

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT! Have you heard, or possibly said, “Kids… they just don’t want to work these days.” If so, perhaps you just know the wrong kids.

Ask most of our members with 20-plus years of industry experience what makes someone a great addition to their crew and they’ll likely answer with something along the lines of, “They know their way around a shovel, are hardworking and are willing to put in 60-plus hour weeks throughout the season.”

Having been in this industry since the age of fifteen, I can certainly relate. I was raised to work my tail off. In fact, twenty-six years after taking my first job in the industry, I still relate, yet now I question everything else when it comes to our “old way” of thinking.

Being on the education-side of things, I now have the benefit of seeing who’s REALLY interested in our industry – and let me tell you – it looks a lot different than it did 10 years ago. There are far fewer young, white males, and a serious increase in young minorities and young females, most of whom have a passion for building a better earth. In the 12 years I’ve been teaching, I’ve learned just as much from them as they have from me and would like to share some of those lessons. Hopefully, they will help you adapt and build your companies stronger by changing the way you think about workforce development.

CLIMATE CHANGE IS REAL. BE PART OF THE SOLUTION. You need to accept the fact that our climate is changing at an unprecedented pace and that, as an industry, we are uniquely positioned to help fight back (and make great money doing so). Denying the impacts of global climate change is just denying profit at this point, as well as an educated workforce.

Our younger workers have grown up in a world of climate change and are aware of its impacts. They are strongly motivated to combat the negative impacts of industrializing our world, and instantly turned off by those who vehemently deny they exist. I have witnessed this time and time again.

Companies come to recruit our students, have no clear vision of how their company aims to become more sustainable and/ or combat climate change, and they immediately lose an opportunity to recruit these students.

I distinctly remember a student inquiring about one recruiter’s vision to fight climate change. The recruiter simply answered, “We don’t have one.” When that poor recruiter left, the students tore into that company, swearing never to work for them. Personally, while I know this company to be a very good company to work for, their inability to address topics that are important to these students – and believing in them – killed their ability to attract the best of the best. continued on page 6 The Growing Concern | June 2021 | 3

TAB LE OF CON TEN TS J U N E 2 0 2 1 W WW. OH I OLA N D SCA P E R S. OR G OH I O’ S P R OF E SSI ON A L G REEN I N D U ST R Y A SSOCI AT I O N OHIO LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION 9240 Broadview Road Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 Phone: 440.717.0002, or 1.800.335.6521 Fax: 440.717.0004 Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org and www.myohiolandscape.com DESIGNER / EDITOR Rick Doll, Jr. REGULAR WRITERS Michael J. Donnellan, King Financial, Inc. Dr. Jim Funai, PhD., Cuyahoga Community College Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb COVER: 2020 Landscape Ohio! Awards submission, courtesy of Lifestyle Landscaping.

FEATURES

3 8 12 18 22 26 34 34 35

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

The Kids Are Alright!

PERENNIAL FOCUS

Calmintha Nepeta Subsp. Nepeta: Calamint, Lesser Calamint

FISCAL FITNESS

Stock Market Indexes

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Submission deadline: 10th of the month, prior to the month of publication. For advertising rates and ad specs, please call 440.717.0002, 1.800.335.6521, or email Rick Doll Jr. at rick@ohiolandscapers.org.

DISCLAIMER The Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attests to the validity of any statements made about products mentioned in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Similarly, the opinions expressed in The Growing Concern are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Landscape Association.

FOR SAFETY SAKE

OFFICERS President James Funai, PhD.

OLA STAFF Executive Director Sandy Munley

PLANT OF THE MONTH

President – Elect Brian Maurer, LIC

Communications & Events Manager Rick Doll, Jr.

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Quercus dentata ‘Pinnatifida’: Cut-leaf Japanese Emperor Oak

FEATURE ARTICLE

5 Red Flags to Help You Identify Tire Kickers

DIRECTIONS WELCOME NEW MEMBERS ADVERTISING INDEX

4 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Treasurer Stephanie Gray, LIC Immediate Past President Domenic Lauria DIRECTORS Brandon Barker Keith Clapper Ryan Drake Cameron Maneri Rob Morel Jeff Rupp

C AL ENDAR OF EVENTS U P CO M I N G O L A MEETINGS , EDUC ATION SE MI N A R S, A ND O TH ER GREEN INDUS TR Y EVE N T S

JUNE JUNE 24, 2021 OLA LANDSCAPE OHIO! AWARDS GALA This year’s Landscape Ohio! Awards Gala has been rescheduled from our normal March date to June 24th, in effort to conform with current Covid-19 social distancing guidelines. Until further notice, this event will be limited to those companies – and their employees – who entered the program, along with sponsors of the event. If this changes, we will notify all of our members, as soon as possible.

Winners will be featured in the July 2021 issue of The Growing Concern and posted to our website at Ohiolandscapers.org.

JULY JULY 22, 2021 OLA ANNUAL SNOW & ICE MANAGEMENT CLINIC The OLA is happy to announce the return of our Annual Snow & Ice Management Clinic. Whether you’re an owner, operations manager, dispatcher, or anyone in between, this is a can’t miss event for any company focused on improving how they handle the “white side” of their business. This year’s event will focus on Chemical & Salt Applications, as well as Site Engineering & Planning. Call the OLA at 800-335-6521 for available booth/sponsorship opportunities.

See pages 32-33 for more details. Register at Ohiolandscapers.org.

JULY 27, 2021 (CENTRAL OHIO) JULY 29, 2021 (NORTHEAST OHIO) OLA PLANT I.D. CLINIC These clinics are a hands-on training opportunity for you and your crews, covering the basics of Plant ID for plants typically used in Ohio. Many of the plants that will be covered are on the plant list for the Landscape Industry Certified Technician’s Test. Sponsored & hosted by Davis Tree Farm & Nursery (NEO) and Premier Plant Solutions (Central Ohio).

See page 7 for more details. Register at Ohiolandscapers.org.

AUGUST AUGUST 5, 2021 OLA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC Join us at Mallard Creek Golf Club for the OLA Scholarship Golf Classic! Our golf outing was created to help generate funding for our scholarship program, targeting qualified students interested in a vocation within the green profession. Call the OLA at 800-3356521 for available sponsorship opportunities.

See pages 16-17 for more details. Register at Ohiolandscapers.org.

The Growing Concern | June 2021 | 5

PR ES I DEN T’S COLUM N continued from page 3 UNDERSTAND “NEW MOTIVATION” I find more and more students aren’t simply motivated by the concept of “busting their butt.” They grew up in a very different world than you and I. More often than not, most are motivated by protecting and preserving nature, helping others live better lives, and doing the right thing – in comparison to focusing strictly on profit. There are studies showing younger workers are motivated to work harder when helping others, versus trying to climb some corporate ladder. What kind of messaging and motivation are you communicating to your workers?

Positive feedback is crucial as well. You may have grown up super hard core, never needed anyone’s approval, but younger workers respond well to immediate feedback. A simple “thank you” goes a long way. Remembering that you didn’t know everything when you were their age – rather than immediately getting frustrated with them – helps, too. Try to provide some positive feedback, a quick lesson, and encouragement to motivate them to work harder. Yelling, or becoming angry, is the quickest way to get them to shut down and you lose them from that point forward. Shut the negative rage down across all your crews and you’ll see a major increase in morale, work ethic, and teamwork.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE IS CRUCIAL. Sixty-hour work weeks are not motivating anyone! Some of the most successful recruiters I’ve seen offer flexible work hours, with the most successful offering four 10-hour shifts, with three full days off. Paid holidays without repercussions (i.e. You have the 4th of July off, but will need to work the weekend to make up for it) are important. Paid vacation is critical, as well. Most important, as the younger workers are attempting to build a life, get married, buy a house, see friends, etc., they need a balance of work and life. Companies that brag about working 50 and 60 hours a week shut down their recruiting potential immediately. It isn’t a badge of pride anymore and word of mouth travels.

work hard for two straight years and then comes the reward.

Keep in mind, anyone born after 2000 grew up in a world of instant results (fast food, Google, TV on demand) and their brains are wired for instant gratification.

Think about breaking down a career progression into smaller parts. For instance, instead of going from crew member to crew leader, and then onto some middle management spot, try breaking each into more levels, with small pay raises for each.

Motivate them with small, simple goals (education/training, some production goal, showing up so many days on time, etc.) and watch how they respond positively to them.

Finally, lay out a plan for them and hold yourself accountable to it. If they obtain goals x, y, z then they are promoted on this day, to that position, with this raise. Be specific, not just, “work hard and in two years you can be where I am!”

I’m inspired by the interest I see our youth have in the careers we offer. We must open our arms to youth, minorities, and women in a way that makes sense to them. Trust me, they are awesome and this will only benefit our companies and industry.

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I know this is difficult to hear, and far from what we are used to, but if you want the best, you’ll have to change your company’s work policy, or you’ll end up chasing the good ones away. They just aren’t interested in working themselves to death… how strange.

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6 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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PLANT I.D. CLINIC

JULY 29, 2021 DAVIS TREE FARM & NURSERY 6126 NEFF RD. VALLEY CITY, OHIO 44280 (30 PERSON CAP)

Those who should attend are plant installation staff, maintenance staff, garden center staff, foreman, and anyone studying to take the Landscape Industry Certified Technician’s Test.

AGENDA STAGGERED STARTING TIMES 8AM TILL 9:45AM (REGISTRANTS WILL BE ASSIGNED START TIMES ONCE REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED.)

This Plant ID Clinic is a hands-on training opportunity for you and your crews that will cover the basics of Plant ID for plants typically used in Ohio. Many of the plants that will be covered are on the plant list for the Landscape Industry Certified Technician’s Test, including: perennials, groundcovers, ornamental grasses, as well as trees and shrubs – both evergreen and deciduous.

GENERAL INFORMATION: This seminar is hands-on training with live plant material. Attendees will need their own notepad and pen, and will need to dress appropriately for outdoor practical training. Due to current social distancing requirements, class/group sizes are limited and will be deligated starting times on a first come, first serve basis.

INSTRUCTED BY

STAGGERED ENDING TIMES 1:45PM TILL 3:30PM CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST & LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED COST OLA MEMBERS - $79 NON MEMBERS - $109

Wendy Moore Davis Tree Farm

Marie McConnell Lake County Nursery

Robin Knaup Premier Plant Solutions

Jason Veil Secrest Arboretum

Jim Funai, Ph.D. Cuyahoga Community College

Instructor TBD Premier Plant Solutions

Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full. Register early as class size is limited and will sell out quickly.

2021 PLANT I.D. CLINIC / REGISTRATION CLOSES 07/20/21

(Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147)

Company Contact Address City State Phone (______)

Zip

Fax (______) Email

NAME OF ATTENDEE

FEE

 July 27th, Hilliard, OH

 July 29th, Valley City, OH

$

 July 27th, Hilliard, OH

 July 29th, Valley City, OH

$

 July 27th, Hilliard, OH

 July 29th, Valley City, OH

$

 July 27th, Hilliard, OH

 July 29th, Valley City, OH

$

 Check No. (Enclosed)

Charge to my:

Acct. No. Name on Card

Exp. Date

Security Code

Signature

Billing Address + Zipcode for Card 4.5 CEU’S

 MasterCard  Visa  AMEX  Discover

REGISTER ONLINE AT OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG/EDUCATION

PEREN N I AL FOCUS

BOBBIE SCHWARTZ, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb Calamintha nepeta subsp nepeta Calamint, Echinacea pallida Pale Coneflower, Eryngium yuccifolium Rattlesnake Master and Allium ‘SummerBeauty’ as seen at Lurie Gardens at Millenium Park in Chicago.

CALAMINTHA NEPETA SUBSP. NEPETA CALAMINT, LESSER CALAMINT

Most landscapers and landscape designers are familiar with Nepeta (Catmint) and its lavender-blue flowers but few know Calamintha. I probably wouldn’t be familiar with it either, but in the past five to ten years, I have encountered it in numerous plantings while on garden tours. I think that is why it was voted as the Perennial Plant of the Year for 2021. In addition, perennials chosen for this honor are suitable for a wide range of growing climates, require low maintenance, have multiple-season interest and are relatively pest/ disease-free.

Like a cloud of confetti, tiny white flowers (sometimes touched with pale blue) appear from early summer to fall.

Undemanding and dependable, Calamint provides the perfect foil for other summer bloomers and foliage. This full-

8 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

sun perennial has a low mounding or bushy habit, ideal for the front of the border, rock gardens, and more. It also works well as a weaver with ornamental grasses. continued on page 10

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PEREN N I AL FOCUS

continued from page 8 While durable and pest-free, Calamint also is an important perennial for the ecologically oriented gardener. Bees and other pollinators visit the flowers throughout the summer and the aromatic foliage is deer and rabbit resistant.

Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta is a favorite low-growing component in stylized meadows, matrix plantings, and other modern perennial designs. If so inclined, designers can create a lovely monochromatic garden with more time-tested perennials including past PPOYs such as Anemone xhybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’, Leucanthemum ‘Becky’, and Phlox paniculata ‘David’, or complement the white garden with steel blue ornamental grasses such as Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ (Switchgrass) or Schyzacharium scoparium (Little Bluestem).

if desired to create a neater habit or refresh spent blooming stems but I rarely do so, loving its effervescent look.

Many websites says that it blooms in late summer and fall but in my garden, it starts blooming in June and lasts well into October. I have several different cultivars and the species may be slightly different. ‘Montrose White’ is shorter and looser, more of a groundcover at the very front of my south-facing bed than ‘White Cloud’ which is bushier and a bit taller (tall is relative, eighteen inches as opposed to six inches).

Calamintha nepeta subsp. Nepeta is a perennial that you need to start using in your designs.

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts.,

Hardy in zones 5 to 9, Calamintha requires full sun and good drainage. It is quite drought tolerant once established but I find that it also performs quite well in average garden soil and irrigation. At maturity, it will grow eighteen inches tall and wide. I frequently use it in low-maintenance designs. It also looks great when massed and could be sheared back lightly

10 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, freelance writer, and lecturer whose specialties are perennial gardens and four season landscapes. In addition to being an Ohio Landscape Association (OLA) member, she is an active member of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) and Perennial Plant Association (PPA). Bobbie is a Past President of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD).

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F I SCAL FI TN ESS

MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN M3 Wealth Management

STOCK MARKET INDEXES Most investors know the names of the major stock market indexes, such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Nasdaq or S&P 500, but what are they really? All are based on different stock pools and vary greatly in the size and number of companies as well as how they are weighted.

There are other U.S. indexes as well as hundreds of global, country and region-specific indexes including MSCI World, Russell 2000, Wilshire 5000, Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Financial Times Stock Exchange 100 Index, etc.

The Standard & Poors 500 index consists of the top 500 companies on the New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq.

Stocks in the S&P 500 index are weighted by market capitalization – the stock price multiplied by the number of outstanding shares – with a higher weight given to larger companies. The higher the market cap, the greater percentage a company will have in the S&P 500.

That means a 1 percent move in Apple, which is currently the world’s largest tech company, affects the index far more than a 1 percent move in Under Armor or Alaska Air, which are among the smallest members of the S&P 500 index.

12 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

The Nasdaq composite includes more than 2,500 stocks traded on the Nasdaq exchange. Generally hosting more speculative companies, although many have turned out to be high performers and leaders of the future. Examples include technology companies such as Amazon and Facebook or biotech firms Amgen and Gilead Sciences. These companies may grow fast and usually have more volatility.

Unlike the S&P 500, which draws from the largest companies in 11 sectors, the less diversified Nasdaq is about half technology companies. Like the S&P 500, the Nasdaq composite is weighted by market capitalization.

By contrast, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is limited to the 30 largest companies believed to have the greatest impact on the U.S. economy. continued on page 14

The Growing Concern |

June 2021 | 13

F ISCAL FI TN ESS

continued from page 12 Charles Dow, founder of The Wall Street Journal, created the index to track what he considered the 12 most important industrial sectors of the U.S. economy in the 1890s, including sugar, tobacco, gas, electric, coal, iron, leather, rubber, cattle and consumer foods and goods.

Unlike the other two indexes, the Dow is price-weighted, giving higher-priced stocks more weight and influence. So, in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a company with a $100 share price will have twice the effect on the index as a stock that is priced at $50.

Investing in the S&P 500 index offers such broad exposure, with most of the money going to well-known large companies with reliable revenue and ready access to credit. The S&P 500, with 500 companies represented, accounts for less than 10% of the 6000 major publicly traded companies. But it contains approximately 75% of the total of the US market capitalization (or total worth of all those companies).

The largest companies dominate these indexes, so it is important to find broader diversification. Owning the Dow Jones Industrials, Nasdaq Composite and the S&P 500 may not provide proper diversification because smaller companies will have very little weighting. Investing in specific sectors Scenarios illustrated are hypothetical in nature, results may vary.

Investing is subject to risk which may involve loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

14 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

or indexes focused on small or mid-cap companies, international, growth or value, fixed income or commodities might be appropriate.

Have a plan for investing, diversify, assess your risk and rebalance on a regular basis. If you start with the premise that you are an investing failure unless you beat the market, you might be looking at your portfolio incorrectly. Investors have different risk tolerances, goals and time frames.

Talk to your financial professional to help with your specific needs.

The M3 Wealth Management Office does not provide legal or tax advice. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice.

Michael J. Donnellan specializes in stock selection and retirement planning. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments at the M3 Wealth Management office at 17601 W. 130th Street – Suite 1 in North Royalton, Ohio.

Phone number (440) 652-6370 Email: donnellan@m3wealthmanagement.com Securities & advisory services offered through L.M. Kohn & Co. Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA/SIPC/MSRB 10151 Carver Rd. Suite 100 – Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 (800) 478-0788

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REGISTRATION PL ANT GOLFER OF TH E M ON TH

August 5, 2021

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21st Annual OLA Scholarship Golf Classic 2021 OLA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC / REGISTRATION CLOSES 07/22/2021

(Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147)

Firm _______________________________________________________ Contact ____________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip _______________ Phone (______)____________________ Fax (______)____________________ Email ___________________________________________

NAME OF GOLFER (Correct Name is Mandatory or Forfeit Shall Occur)

COMPANY

1

____________________________________________

___________________________________________________

2

____________________________________________

___________________________________________________

3

____________________________________________

___________________________________________________

4

____________________________________________

___________________________________________________

wName of Team Captain _____________________________

Email Address of Team Captain __________________________________

PAYMENT INFORMATION



Register Today!

...

On or Before July 15 - $105 per person After July 15 - $115 per person

Number of Golfers

____

X $ ___

= $ ______



Don’t Golf? Join us for dinner!

...

$30 each

Number of Dinner Only

____

X $30

= $ ______



Tee Sponsorship (includes signage)

...

$100

Number of Tees

____

X $100

= $ ______

TOTAL

 Check No. (Enclosed)

Charge to my:

Acct. No.

Name on Card

Exp. Date

 MasterCard  Visa  AMEX  Discover Security Code

Signature

Billing Address + Zipcode for Card

REGISTER, OR BECOME A SPONSOR OF THIS EVENT ONLINE AT OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG/GOLF-OUTING

$ ______

GOLF SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THIS YEAR’S SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC SPONSORS DINNER SPONSOR

TROPHIES SPONSOR

CLOSEST TO THE PIN SPONSOR

LUNCH SPONSOR

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST SPONSOR

LONG PUTT CONTEST SPONSOR

COMMEMORATIVE GIFT SPONSOR

HOLE-IN-ONE SPONSOR

AVAILABLE PHOTO SPONSOR

BEVERAGE CART SPONSORS

DRIVING RANGE

AVAILABLE LONG DRIVE CONTEST SPONSOR

Thank You

TO OUR MAJOR AND CONTEST SPONSORS Sponsorship Opportunities We are excited to be holding our 21st annual golf outing at Mallard Creek Golf Club on August 5, 2021. But, we need your help to make it a success! This event helps to generate funding for our scholarship program, targeting qualified students interested in a vocation within the green industry. Call us to find out more about sponsorship features and benefits.

Tee Sponsorships

(Your company name will appear on a sign at your designated tee)

Door Prize(s) Please Specify: Item(s) will be:  shipped to OLA

$100

 dropped off at OLA

Cash Donation $ Let us shop for you!

The OLA has two major sponsorship opportunities left to fill for our 2021 Scholarship Golf Classic. Both the Commemorative Gift Sponsorship and the Hole-in-One Sponsorship are still currently available. If you are interested in supporting this event and would like to hear more about either of these opportunities, please call the OLA office at 440.717.0002. Thank you!

CONTACT INFORMATION Name Company Address City State

Zip Code

Phone Email Address

Payment Information

 Check No. (Enclosed)

Charge to my:

Acct. No. Name on Card

Exp. Date

 MasterCard  Visa  AMEX  Discover Security Code

Signature

Billing Address + Zipcode for Card

OLA SCHOLARSHIP GOLF CLASSIC Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147 Register online, by mail, by phone, or by fax: Phone 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 • Fax 440-717-0004 • www.ohiolandscapers.org

F OR SAFETY SAK E

SHOULD WORKERS BE ALLOWED TO WEAR EARBUDS? OSHA HAS ISSUED NO SPECIFIC RULES AROUND THIS, BUT THERE ARE GUIDELINES.

The use of earbuds and similar devices to listen to music, books and podcasts, and conduct phone conversations has grown rapidly in recent years – particularly among millennials and post-millennials. For example, wireless AirPods now seem to be everywhere.

The concern for employers with these devices, particularly in safety-sensitive industries like landscaping, is how occupational safety is impacted by their use—and could the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) even regard their use in such an environment to be illegal?

OSHA has issued no rules specifically regulating the use of earbuds or similar devices in the workplace. Yet the U.S. Department of Labor explicitly recognized that “workers of

all ages [working with dangerous equipment] are at risk when … using earphones or ear buds to listen to electronic devices.”

Additionally, in that rule making, the DOL expressed concerns that these devices make it “very hard” to hear emergency alerts and difficult for workers to remain “aware of their surroundings” and “maintain an appropriate level of safety consciousness.”

While not adopting binding regulations for earbud use in the workplace, OSHA has issued guidance that should give any continued on page 20

18 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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SETTING GROUND RULES There is no doubt that OSHA recognizes that in some work environments, the wearing of audio devices potentially could place the employee in serious danger. For instance, in considering vehicle and other equipment backup risks, OSHA has directed in its guidance that workers should “[n]ever wear earbuds or headphones” when working near vehicles or equipment. Of course, in a landscape setting, even with employees who are not directly operating heavy equipment, there is almost always energized equipment located somewhere nearby, such as mowers, skidsteers, etc.

Given these risks and the federal government’s guidance, a landscaping employer would be well advised to adopt the following measures.

1. All employees in any operational area of your facility should be prohibited from using earbuds, or similar items.

2. Those individuals who work in an office setting, away from any operational sectors may use earbuds—but should be prohibited from using the devices while walking around.

continued from page 18 responsible employer pause when considering permitting their use in any safety-sensitive environment.

SOME HISTORY OSHA’s consideration of hazards associated with these types of devices began in the 1980s with the burgeoning popularity of the Sony Walkman. In a 1987 letter, OSHA directed that the use of earphones constituted a violation of OSHA hearing protection standards when:

3. Employees must be prohibited from using these devices in place of required hearing protection.

4. Employees must be prohibited from wearing these devices under, or over, hearing protection.

5. Further, even without earbuds, workers must not be on their smartphones while performing work on, or near, any operating equipment. When using phones, they must be clear of any transit paths for vehicles and machinery.

1. Noise is at levels requiring hearing protection – 85 decibels or more for an eight-hour day.

2. Earphones are worn under/over hearing protection devices.

While some companies would prefer to ban headphones altogether, they also recognize that workers see nothing wrong with them and may resist workplace policy. Top reasons include a desire to increase productivity and cancel background noise.

Very significantly, OSHA also instructed that allowing the use of such devices when hearing protection is not otherwise required is up to management’s discretion, unless its use causes a serious safety hazard, under the general duty clause of the OSHA Act. That clause requires an employer to act reasonably to maintain a safe work environment for its employees, even when OSHA has not promulgated a specific safety standard regarding the hazard at issue.

Finding a middle ground when writing a policy is the best strategy. Employee compliance may be enhanced by stressing the importance of protecting workers from injury and hearing loss. A policy that places reasonable limits on headphone use can pacify workers and ward off serious OSHA fines.

20 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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The Growing Concern | June 2021 | 21

PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH

JIM FUNAI, Ph.D

Cuyahoga Community College

SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

QUERCUS DENTATA ‘PINNATIFIDA’ CUT-LEAF JAPANESE EMPEROR OAK

We were hoping this one would be on the Hendrick’s Experience album! Track 6 – June – is a great time to feature this unique Oak which should be planted more often – not just by us nerdy plant collectors. What sets this Oak apart from any other you have seen are its leaves. As Bill points out, “The foliage (of this plant) is so unique that I often ask people to give me the genus, as they fail to see an Oak when looking at the tree.”

The straight species of Emperor Oak (Q. dentata) has a beautiful, broad leaf which resembles our native Chestnut Oak (Q. montana). They are much longer though, checking in at a little over 12 inches. The cultivar ‘Pinnatifida’ takes this giant leaf and cuts the sinuses to nearly the mid-rib, creating an very dissected-looking leaf which looks like nothing seen in the typical garden. Fat, light-brown buds (during winter) burst open in spring, emerging into fuzzy, soft leaves. We actually love the early spring Oak leaves, as they are cute, miniature versions of the mature leaf.

22 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Bill is sure to point out that you should not confuse Japanese Emperor Oak with a typical oak when it comes to its mature size. This tree is nothing like our Ohio-native shade Oaks.

With a very slow growth rate, the Cut-leaf Emperor Oak is going to mature to around 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, max. And, trust us; it will not set any speed records getting there. This is by all accounts an accent tree, meant for a conspicuous place in your design where it can be appreciated, up close. continued on page 24

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PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH

continued from page 22 Expect each tree to develop its own character in branching, often with lower branches reaching out to the crown and building an upright, oval-habit, overall. Plant it in full sun to encourage the best leaf development, which is the precise reason you would choose this tree, to begin with. It seems to do best in acidic soils that do not dry out over summer, so we’d be extremely cautious in recommending it as a street tree – though we wish we could – as the mature size is just right under power lines.

Bill shared with us an observation he made while visiting Barbara Bailey, a resident of Tipp City, Ohio. Barbara is a plant collector herself, in her mid-80s, and refers to her garden as the “Barbaretum.” She also travels the world as a professional photographer. Barbara sounds awesome, but we digress…

Barbara not only owns this cultivar, but a closely related species, as well. What Bill took particular interest in was the fact that, on this visit, it was the only time he could remember seeing an acorn on a Cut-leaf. If you think about it, this observation makes complete sense, as most Oak species are self-infertile and require another tree of the same – or very closely related

24 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

species – nearby, in order to produce acorns. Judging by the wicked cupule (the “hat”) on these acorns, which feature long, spiky scales that extend out like an exaggerated Sawtooth Oak (Q. accutissima), it would probably be worth planting two of these species in a garden to get this horticultural oddity to show up on each tree! We once heard someone describe the acorns of this species as “woody sea anemones,” which is a hilarious, but useful description.

As we have written before, Oaks are split into two major groups; Red and White. Red Oaks have pins at the tips of leaf lobes, acorns with flat scales on the cupule, and hairs inside, which take two years to mature. They germinate in the spring, following drop. White Oaks, on the other hand, tend to have rounded lobes and acorns with bumpy or spiky scales, with very little hair inside the cupule and mature in one season. They sprout in the fall, as they drop.

Another fun difference associated with White Oaks is their ability to form tyloses, which is basically the ability to seal off xylem tissue better than Red Oaks. Why would that matter to us? White Oak group trees are usually better at fighting

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As you enjoy this plant through the spring and summer as a great accent with unique foliage, you will be rewarded in fall with deep, rusty-orange fall color, Some years, you may even see them highlighted with yellows. As with many Oaks, there will be some marcescence (mar-SESS-ents), which is the name of the phenomenon of Oaks (Beeches, Hornbeams) to hold on to some leaves through the winter months. With the weirdly beautiful, dissected leaves on the cultivar, we welcome the leaves as winter attraction on the stout knobby stems.

Jim Funai, PhD., is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a NALP

This is a hard to come by tree as demand is not where it should be. Everyone keeps planting the same accent trees as everyone else rendering them into boring everyday plants.

This is a tree that will set your work apart and improve diversity in your landscapes.

accredited associate of applied science in hoticulture degree program. He has a PhD in Landscape Engineering and Forestry and is a Licensed Arborist. Shelley Funai is Grounds Manager at Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio, which offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. She is Landscape Industry Certified in Ornamental Plant Care.

The Growing Concern | June 2021 | 25

F EATURE ARTI CLE

5 RED FLAGS TO HELP YOU IDENTIFY TIRE KICKERS Ah, the tire kicker — one of a salesperson’s worst nightmares. For those who don’t know, a tire kicker is someone who will drag the sales cycle on... and on... while hogging your time and resources without ever actually buying anything. The term comes from car dealerships. Sales professionals spend time with prospective clients on the showroom floor while the customer tests the product (kicks the tires) of the particular car they want to buy.

That’s the problem, though. Tire kickers don’t actually make a buying decision. Instead, they happily steal your time to ask questions, raise objections, and instill you with the false hope that they’re going to buy — but they never do.

Even if your pipeline isn’t at capacity, you’re better off using your time on more profitable pursuits than entertaining these chatty Kathies. The key is to get to a hard ‘yes’ or ‘no’ as quickly as possible. Here are 5 red flags that will help you identify tire kickers and some sales tips that can help you move on with the rest of your day.

1. THEY’RE BROKE It’s not easy trying to figure out whether your prospect has the budget to dedicate to your product or service, but you’ve got to get there ASAP, or you’ll risk spending time on someone who can’t afford what you’re selling. If your potential client is waiting for a big payday that never seems to come, or if their budget approval is always “just around the corner,” that’s a warning sign to look for. Or, maybe your prospect has the money, but not the authority to make the purchase.

Unfortunately, for one reason or another, the decision-maker never arrives to push the deal forward.

26 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Solution: Immediately ask about their budget.

Most sales training manuals will tell you to ask open-ended questions and treat a sales experience as an opportunity to explore your client’s needs. When you’re dealing with a tire kicker though, all of that goes out the window because they never have the means, or a real intention to purchase.

During your initial conversation with them, ask your prospect what their budget is for their purchase. If they can’t give you a reasonable range (or any range at all) then you could be dealing with someone who has no intention to make a deal with you.

The problem with this group, specifically, is that they may not actually know that they’re tire kickers.

A prospect lacking the authority to purchase isn’t an immediate disqualifier. Many times, especially when you are dealing with couples, only one of them is tasked with doing purchasing research. If one of them has decided to strike out on their own in searching for a solution, and they’re planning to convince the other one to spend money, you’ve got a problem. Questions about their budget and how they ended up talking to you in the first place can tell you whether you’re facing a difficult (or continued on page 28 impossible) sale.

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F EATURE ARTI CLE

continued from page 26 2. THEY LOVE TO SCHMOOZE These guys (and gals) will steal as much of your time as humanly possible. They’ll ask tons of questions about your product or service, and want to hear about every feature. They also want to know about you, your kids, your golf handicap, and your alma mater. It will seem like they’ve got opinion on everything.

But, in sales, schmoozers can be losers. If your prospect isn’t taking actions to move the sale forward, or if they’re not responding to your attempts to keep the conversation focused, it’s a bright red flag that your deal is going nowhere fast.

Solution: Stay firm and keep them on track.

A lot of people love small talk, and the line between ice breakers and TMI can vary when it comes to a sales conversation. Some prospects care about personality when buying. Others just want to close the deal and get on with their day. Time wasters and tire kickers are almost always in the first category. While there’s nothing wrong with being friendly and personable, if your sales conversations with a specific prospect are constantly wandering off-topic, trust your gut and take action. Do your best to close off all avenues of conversation that aren’t related to the product or the sale, and politely push the conversation back on track when your prospect starts to wander.

This approach can help you isolate serious buyers because it deprives schmoozers of your time and attention. While it can be a hard stance to take, especially if you enjoy talking to people, it may be necessary to protect your time and profits.

3. THEY’VE GOT ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD For serious buyers, time is money, and projects usually run on a deadline. Most buyers are looking for something to solve a problem that they’re dealing with right now, or one that’s just down the road. Ideally, you want to talk to someone with a desperate, burning, urgent need or problem they need to solve.

But even if you don’t hear that, a buyer who means business has usually already taken the time to budget for a solution and consider its impact on their finances. They may be shopping around, but they have some idea of how and when they want to implement your product or service.

28 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

As with a budget, if someone can’t give you an idea of their time line to purchase, there’s a good chance they aren’t serious about closing. If you aren’t seeing signs that groundwork is already done, you could be looking at a tire kicker.

Solution: Probe for buyer preparedness.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with checking to see whether your buyer is ready to purchase. Not only will this waylay tire kickers by throwing external obstacles in their path; it also stops serious buyers from having a poor experience with your product or service.

Here’s an example: Would you feel comfortable selling a car to a prospect who has never been behind the wheel? They can’t test drive it. You’ll have a hard time uncovering their needs. Even if they buy it, they can’t drive it off the lot. The starting point for this conversation has nothing to do with the car and everything to do with whether or not your prospect is in a place where they should be buying a car right now!

If your buyer isn’t prepared, they’re likely to be a tire kicker by default — and it’s not your job to prepare them. Recommend them to service providers and non-competitive solutions so that they can get the help they need, then step away from the deal and move on.

4. THEY DON’T FIT THE PROFILE We’ve all been there: A prospect initiates contact, and they just don’t seem to fit your buyer profile. Maybe they don’t respond in the right way to your standard template of questions. Or, perhaps you look them up on social media, and their profiles seem questionable. Either way, something about them just feels off, even if you’re not exactly sure what it is. You’re not sure if this person is in the right place, or if you’re even the right person to help them.

Confusion about the quality of the buyer and whether or not you’re a good fit leads to a lot of tire kicking. Ironically, this happens in both directions before the prospect moves on to continued on page 30 greener pastures.

F EATURE ARTI CLE

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F EATURE ARTI CLE continued from page 28 Solution: Build an airtight qualification process.

By itself, a break in the standard buyer profile isn’t a deal breaker. How many stories have you heard about millionaires who dress like and act like normal people when they’re out of the office? But, when the prospect you’re talking to doesn’t align with your typical buyer profile, it’s okay to raise an eyebrow and ask a few extra questions to make sure that you can help them.

Take the time to reinforce who fits into your standard buyer profile. If you have established, validated customer personas then you’ll be able to spot when someone you don’t recognize comes strolling into your pipeline. When it’s time to do some heavy qualification, have a plan in place to help you and your prospect uncover whether you’ll be able to assist them.

5. THEY WANT FREE LUNCH Everyone loves free stuff. Free services, free designs, free product samples, etc. These can go a long way when it comes to closing the deal. Most buyers won’t say no to something free, which includes all the time and effort that you’re investing in conversations, follow-ups, and every other aspect of the sales process. But free ‘stuff’ is designed to serve as an enhancer in the sales process that show off your product or service and give you the leverage you need to close the deal.

That can’t happen if the buyer never intended to purchase your product in the first place.

If they’re pushing for free, but you don’t get the impression that it will move the sale along, you might be working with a time waster who just wants a test drive before they pack up and move on. Weed out the tire kickers by enabling a better end-to-end sales process.

Solution: Analyze buyer intent.

You’ve probably heard all of the top sales and marketing folks hawking the “consultative approach” to selling for a while now. It’s not just a trending topic — it actually works! The caveat is that you have to make sure you’re not just giving away consulting time to someone who will never, ever convert.

Before you start offering free and personalized commitments, make sure that your prospect is receptive to your pitch and that you’re not just wasting your time. It helps if they have some kind of skin in the game, or if their intent to buy is clear and obvious. Lacking those clear touch points, it might be best to withhold any free options that require major time commitments on your end.

30 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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BUYANSKYMATERIALS.COM WEED OUT YOUR TIRE KICKERS BY IMPLEMENTING A BETTER END-TO-END SALES PROCESS Tire kickers don’t advertise their presence on a full screen display for everyone to see. Salespeople need to keep an eye on every prospect to make sure that they aren’t chasing deals that will never close. Creating a better end-to-end sales process is a great way to ensure that reps have the tools and documentation that they need to move deals forward and eject tire kickers from the pipeline.

Not all prospective clients are created equal, and top sales reps have to do everything they can to guard their time. Keep a close eye out for these red flags, and kick your tire-kickers to the curb.

This article was written by Kathleen Smith, a marketing and sales consultant for high growth startups. She provides strategies, tactical planning, and content for startups, SMB and enterprise companies. It was originally featured on the PandaDoc blog located at https://blog.pandadoc.com. PandaDoc empowers teams to easily communicate with customers through personalized documents that can be created in minutes, build meaningful relationships, and save more time.

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SN OW & ICE M A NAG E M E N T

SP O N S O R S HI P EVENT SPONSORSHIP AG-PRO COMPANIES INFORMATION

SPONSORSHIP/EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES

TO REGISTER BAKER VEHICLE SYSTEMS

It’s Back! The OLA is happy to announce the return of our Annual Snow & Ice Management Clinic!

Our Snow & Ice Management Clinic is a can’t miss event for anyone in, or thinking about being in the snow and ice business. Designed for both business owners and employees, the clinic will include group discussions and great information from snow and ice industry experts.

BOTSON INSURANCE GROUP 440.717.0002

SPONSORSHIP/EXHIBIT INFORMATION

CALL THE OLA OFFICE

BURNS OHIO EMAIL JCB THEOF OLA OFFICE INFO@ CLASSIC AUTO GROUP OHIOLANDSCAPERS. ORG KRYSTOWSKI TRACTOR VISIT US ONLINE AT: LEPPO RENTS/BOBCAT WWW.

OHIO CAT OHIOLANDSCAPERS. ORG/EDUCATION

O’REILLY EQUIPMENT SIMA SOUTHEASTERN EQUIPMENT VERMEER MIDATLANTIC WINTER EQUIPMENT

Sponsorship/Exhibit opportunities are available to ALL Green Industry suppliers, including non snow and ice related businesses. All Sponsorship/Exhibit opportunities include:

• • • • • •

Your choice of exhibit size. (Subject to availability. See below for more details.)

Your company name displayed on signage at the event.

Your company logo, linked to your company’s website, on all email communications promoting the event.

Your company logo, linked to your company’s website, on the Snow & Ice Clinic landing page of our industry website.

Your company will be recognized at the event and will have the opportunity to pass out marketing materials to attendees.

A complimentary copy of the event attendee list, including attendee’s company name, contact person, mailing address & phone number.

BOOTH/EXHIBIT SIZES

Booths will be sold on a first-come, first serve basis, once last year’s sponsors have had the opportunity to renew. Exhibitors may set up their booths beginning July 22 at 7:00am. and have until 8:15am to complete set-up. All exhibit spaces will be located outdoors on pavement and should be interactive for attendees. Booths will need to be vacated by 2:00pm.

OPTION #1 10 x 10 BOOTH OLA Member - $400 Non Member - $600

OPTION #2 20 x 30 BOOTH OLA Member - $500 Non Member - $700

OPTION #3 30x40 or 20x60 BOOTH OLA Member - $600 Non Member - $800

Includes: • 10 x 10 Exhibit Space • 2 Exhibitor passes • Breakfast and Lunch

Includes: • 20 x 30 Exhibit Space • 3 Exhibitor passes • Breakfast and Lunch

Includes: • 30 x 40 or 20 x 60 Exhibit Space • 3 Exhibitor passes • Breakfast and Lunch

PLEASE NOTE: 10 x 10 booths are for TABLETOP DISPLAYS ONLY. Absolutely no equipment will be permited in a 10 x 10 booth. 20 x 60 booths will be created by combining (2) 20 x 30 booths. The same can be done for extra 30 x 40 booths.

BOOTH SIZE REQUESTED

 10x10 Outdoor Exhibit Space

 20x30 Outdoor Exhibit Space

 30x40 Outdoor Exhibit Space  20x60 Outdoor Exhibit Space

CONTACT INFORMATION

Sponsor Company Contact Address City State Phone (______)

Zip

Fax (______) Email

PAYMENT INFORMATION

 Check No. (Enclosed)

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Acct. No. Name on Card

Exp. Date

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Signature

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SNOW & ICE MANAGEMENT CLINIC Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147 Register online, by mail, by phone, or by fax: Phone 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 • Fax 440-717-0004 • www.ohiolandscapers.org

SN OW & IC E M A NAG E M E NT

R EG IS T R ATI O N SNOW BUSINESS SUCCESS

EVENT INFORMATION JULY 22, 2021 The OLA is happy to announce the return of our Annual Snow & Ice Management Clinic. Whether 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM you’re an owner, operations manager, dispatcher, or anyone in between, this is a can’t miss event for any company focused on improving how they handle the “white side” of their business. This year’s focus will be on Chemical & Salt Applications and Site Engineering & Planning.

PRESENTERS Diana Clonch / DW Clonch, LLC

LOCATION ST. MICHAEL’S WOODSIDE 5025 EAST MILL ROAD BROADVIEW HEIGHTS, OH 44147 AGENDA 8:30AM - 9:00AM REGISTRATION / BREAKFAST

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She will be covering the science behind snow and ice chemicals, how deicers work, and perhaps more importantly – how and when they don’t work.

9:00AM - 3:50PM CLINIC / LUNCH

Phill Sexton / WIT Advisors (A Division of WIT Companies, LLC)

COST MEMBERS BEFORE 07/08/21 - $89 AFTER 07/08/21 - $119

Phill Sexton is also 30-year veteran in the winter & landscape management industries. As a former technician, manager, executive & company owner, he’s developed a growing concern about the environmental impacts of his trade.

He will be discussing sustainable winter management guidelines (SWiM), including assessing unique snow events & how to use less materials while still being effective.

NON MEMBERS

Speaker TBD / Local Industry Expert Experts will walk you through the process of planning & implementing a site engineering strategy to increase safety & efficiency, identify key obstacles, priorities, and hazards prior to the snow season.

BEFORE 07/08/21 - $139 AFTER 07/08/21 - $169

ALSO FEATURING Salt Spreader Calibration Demonstration: Outdoor demonstration featuring equipment & detailed ‘how to’ info.

Mini Trade Show: Visit industry vendors. See what’s new. Displayed equipment, products & services.

Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds or credits will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full. FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR GUESTS, ALL APPLICABLE COVID-19 RULES & REGULATIONS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.

2021 SNOW & ICE CLINIC / REGISTRATION CLOSES 07/15/21

(Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147)

Company Contact Address City State Phone (______)

Zip

Fax (______) Email

NAME OF ATTENDEE (S)

FEE

$

$

$

$

TOTAL DUE

 Check No. (Enclosed)

Charge to my:

Acct. No. Name on Card

Exp. Date

Security Code

Signature

Billing Address + Zipcode for Card 4 CEU’S

 MasterCard  Visa  AMEX  Discover

REGISTER ONLINE AT OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG/EDUCATION

D I RECTI ON S

STAFFING SHORTAGES It seems that it gets more difficult each year to find employees, especially field staff. That being said, we need to work on making our industry more attractive to the workforce of tomorrow.

Specifically, we need to get involved with horticulture programs at the high school level to help them become more successful. In turn, this will feed our college programs which provide our green industry companies with top-notched, excited talent!

All of us know that what we do, day-in and day-out, increases property values and makes our homes, workplaces, and communities more enjoyable. We should be touting the care our industry provides to the environment. Yet, while simply doing both these things will surely help us ramp up our domestic labor force, I still firmly believe we’re going to need additional employees.

This is why the H2B Visa program is so important to the landscape industry (as well as the H2A program for nurseries).

Most years, we have been successful in attaining some sort of temporary “patch” to the H2B program, in order to provide more visas, because the demand is far greater than the 66,000 allowed for the entire United States. Keep in mind though; this is for ALL of the industries that qualify to use this program.

The problem continues to be that it is always too little, too late, which doesn’t allow our businesses to plan ahead, due to the uncertainty.

This year was no different, with demand almost 3 times the allowable amount for the starting date of April 1. After much pushing and prodding, the administration finally announced they will release 22,000 supplemental visas. (Congress passed a temporary measure in December of 2020 that would allow the administration to release up to almost 69,000.) Of these 22,000 visas, 6,000 will be reserved for nationals of the Northern Triangle countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.

As of this writing, we are still waiting for the rule to be published in the Federal Register that will outline all of the details associated with gaining access to these visas. This is expected to take place around Memorial Day, give or take a week. So, by the time you read this, the details will more than likely have been announced.

We are pretty confident that the rule will contain the following requirements. There will be a new lottery to allocate the existing

34 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

SANDY MUNLEY

Executive Director / OLA

supplemental visas. These visas will be limited to returning workers, except for the 6,000 from the Northern Triangle countries. Companies will need to re-post their job order and contact any furloughed employees to see if they would like to return to work. Companies will also need to sign an attestation stating that, without getting supplement workers, their companies will suffer irreparable harm. Finally, there is likely to be a clause allowing some portability, meaning workers may be able to leave for a better opportunity with another employer.

The Ohio Landscape Association will continue to work with national groups, such as NALP, SEA, and the H2B Workforce Coalition, to find a permanent solution to our labor shortage.

In this regard, we plan on participating in the virtual NALP Legislative Days the week of June 14th. If you are interested in participating and speaking to your federal legislators, please contact me ASAP. Working together is the only way we can develop our workforce with both local and foreign talent.

OLA’s NEW MEMBERS The Ohio Landscape Association is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association:

REGULAR

STUDENT

Jrock Landscaping, LLC 43073 Richmond Rd. Richmond Hts., OH 44143 (216) 544-9052 Jeremiah Jackson

Ohio State University Gillian Marquardt

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29

A-1 Power Equipment

11

Abraxus / Royalton Landscape Supply

15

Acme Fence & Lumber

31

Botson Insurance Group, Inc.

30

Buyansky Brothers Landscape Materials

11

Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc.

36

Ditch Witch Mid States

35

Fairlawn Medina Supply

29

Frank Brothers Landscape Supply

27

Green Velvet Sod Farms

9

Independent Tree

13

Kurtz Bros., Inc.

25

Lakeside Sand & Gravel

35

Millcreek Gardens

21

MRLM Landscape Materials, JTO, Inc.

15

O’Reilly Equipment

6 23 2

Oliger Seed, Co. Premier Plant Solutions Sintsirmas & Mueller Co., LPA

21

Sohar’s / RCPW, Inc.

15

Three-Z Supply

19

VanCuren Tree Services, Inc.

5

Zoresco Equipment Company The Growing Concern | June 2021 | 35

9240 Broadview Road Broadview Hts., OH 44147-2517

06/21

Mid-States

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Cincinnati, OH Satellite Service Phone 513-672-3060

Cleveland, OH Satellite Service Phone 330-220-6585

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