CNLA Newsbrief - August/September 2007 by Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief

CNLA Newsbrief

August - Sept 2007

sponsored by:

Growing Associations, Working For You!

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) held their semi-annual Board of Directors meeting in St. John’s, NL at the Fairmont St. John’s from August 23 - 25. Aligning national priorities was the focus of these meetings. CNLA, a federation of nine provincial green industry associations, including: BC Landscape & Nursery Association, Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association, Saskatchewan Nursery Landscape Association, Landscape Manitoba, Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association, Association Québécoise des Producteurs en Pépinière, Landscape New Brunswick Horticultural Trades Association, Landscape Nova Scotia Horticultural Trades Association, and Landscape Newfoundland & Labrador. Each of these not-for-profit, trade associations report on the state of the industry within their province so that the CNLA Board of Directors may set a list of national priorities for the national association to work on.

Directors:

Harold Deenen, CLP - ON Jim Wotherspoon - AB Bill Hardy, CLP - BC Bruce Hunter, CHT, CLD, CLP - BC Vic Krahn, CHT - SK Gerald Boot, CLP - ON Doug Conrad, CHT, CLP - NS Yvette Forget - QC Bruce McTavish - BC Anthony O’Neill - NL Philip Ronald, Ph. D - MB Rene Thiebaud, CLP - ON Peter Levelton - BC Darrell Nameth, CLP - NB John Zaplatynsky - BC Phil Paxton, CHT, CLP - AB

After three days of in-depth meetings between the CNLA Board of Directors and provincial association Executive Directors four main priorities were identified: 1. Human resources issues 2. Environmental stewardship 3. Public education 4. Prosperity for industry CNLA has already began working on these national priorities in a variety of ways and will continue to put into action the leadership and direction from the national volunteer Board of Directors. CNLA extends a very big thank you to all Board members for their dedication and leadership. Volunteers are the backbone of associations.

2007 Garden Centre Symposium

Staff: Victor Santacruz, CAE

Lydia Couture-Comtois

victor@canadanursery.com

lydia@canadanursery.com

Executive Assistant

Joseph Salemi

Julia Ricottone

joseph@canadanursery.com

julia@canadanursery.com

Member Services Manager

Joel Beatson, CLP

Professional & Business Development Manager joel@canadanursery.com

Peter Isaacson, B.Sc., M. P.M.

Minor Use/IPM Co-ordinator

Certification Services

Rebecca Wetselaar

Atlantic Region Co-ordinator rebecca@canadanursery.com

Agnes Zawartka

Member Services Co-ordinator agnes@canadanursery.com

peter@canadanursery.com

Rita Weerdenburg Growers Manager

• • •

The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and Landscape Ontario will be holding the second annual Garden Centre Symposium on Monday October 15, 2007. All garden centre operators from around the country are invited to attend this full day of seminars just before the opening of the Garden Expo Tradeshow (held October 16 – 17) at the Congress Centre in Toronto, ON. The 2007 Garden Centre Symposium’s agenda is on adding value and benefiting your bottomline with topics that include: - Colour Matters – Terri Coldreck, Colour Results - Stretching the Dollar to Make Dynamic Displays – Leslie Groves, Interior Elements - Successful Buying Strategies – Terri Coldreck, Colour Results - Hidden Gems for Garden Centres – Denis Flanagan, CLD, Landscape Ontario - Hortus Mustus, The Plants You Gotta’ Get – Jim Nau, Ball Horticultural Company Special discounts apply to CNLA members. All registrants are automatically registered for Garden Expo. Visit www.gardenexpo.com for further information.

rita@canadanursery.com

Look Inside:

Vol. 17 Issue 6

Green Industry Meets in St. John’s, NL to Set National Priorities

Executive Board: Michael Murray - NL Christene LeVatte, CLP - NS Paul Olsen - ON Bill Stensson - ON Cary van Zanten - BC

Executive Director

August - September 2007

•

Update on IPM Research Project Strategic Planning: A Map to Future Success Saying ‘Goodbye’ to Milan Havlin

• •

Raising Horticulture Standards through certification Interior Landscaping Certification pruned for new growth Upcoming Certification Test Dates

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

• • •

Choosing the right Insurance Plan CNLA, creating value through active participation in industry meetings Industry Comes Together to Grant a Young Boy’s Wish

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CNLA News brief sponsored by: Update on IPM Research Project: Adaptation of Reduced Risk Pest Management Strategies for the Ornamental Nursery Industry in Canada Executive Summary Nursery growers have identified the lack of access to newer, environmentally friendly pesticide products as an impediment to adopting IPM strategies. While some reduced risk and microbial products are becoming available in the Canadian marketplace pest management is still predominantly dealt with culturally and chemically. This project was initiated to determine how to incorporate these products into nursery production practices and effectively deliver the technologies to growers. In addition efficacy and crop tolerance studies will be conducted in support of registration efforts. Recent Results The biofungicide portion of the project is focused on generating efficacy and crop tolerance on currently unregistered microbial products: PreStop, Rhapsody and RootShield (as a comparison product). Two key studies were undertaken in 2006/2007. Evaluation of biological fungicides for control of powdery mildew of hybrid rose in British Columbia, Canada: efficacy and crop tolerance. Research trials were done on container-grown hybrid roses in greenhouses and outdoors as preventative foliar sprays to control powdery mildew. In both environments preventative sprays every 14 days with any of the three biological fungicides had significantly less powdery mildew than untreated checks. Both Pre-Stop and Serenade Maxx controlled the disease comparable to the chemical standard, Nova 40W. No phytotoxicity was observed with any treatments. Evaluation of biological fungicides for control of Botrytis blight and grey mould of zonal geranium in British Columbia, Canada: efficacy and crop tolerance. Zonal geraniums treated preventatively and every 14 days with Pre-Stop had significantly less Botryits blight than the check plants or plants treated with the chemical standard, Captan. Pre-Stop reduced Botrytis lesion size, the number of lesions and number of diseased leaves. Serenade Maxx was more effective in the second later season trial than in the summer 2006 trial. Rootshield perfomed better in the summer 2006 trial than the later season trial. Research continues on the biofungicide

August - September 2007 rhododendron) and black spot (rose).

projects in addition to Metarhizium to control root weevils in 2007/2008. More updates to follow. Banner Maxx (propiconazole) PCP#27003 – Syngenta Crop Protection Originally on the old Banner 130EC, ornamentals were excluded when the new formulation of Banner Maxx was released. All of the old ornamental uses have now been added to the new formulation including controlling anthracnose (dogwood, maple), apple scab (apple, crabapple, pyracanthas), powdery mildew (rose, azalea,

Forbid 240SC (spiromecifen), PCP#28590 – Bayer CropScience A newly registered product for control of mites (two-spotted spider mite, broad mite) and whiteflies on outdoor ornamental plants, flowers and foliage plants. The product is effective on egg and nymphal stages of mites and whiteflies. Vendex 50W (fenbutatin oxide), PCP#16309 – Plant Products Co. Ornamental uses were lost on this label when PMRA began re-evaluation process on the active ingredient. Ornamentals have recently been re-added to the label including twospotted mites and spruce spider mites on CNLA Newsbrief ornamental plants and nursery stock.

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CNLA News brief

sponsored by:

August - September 2007

Strategic Planning: A Map to Future Success As our industry heads towards the ‘slow’ season it becomes a time to reflect on the past year and to look ahead to the upcoming year and beyond. Many small businesses believe they are too small for strategic planning. The truth is no matter how large or small your operation it can benefit from the strategic planning process. Classic strategic planning development covers the following key areas: - Vision - Mission - Values and beliefs - Strategic goals and objectives - Strategies to action plans The goal of strategic planning is to develop a long-term (3–5 years) plan that maximizes profits through building a sustainable, competitive advantage over other companies that serve the same market. Because the market and competitors constantly change, this plan should be reviewed and updated yearly — it is not something forever cast in stone. The strategy must be implementable and fit with the company’s organizational culture.

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“Strategy provides the overall foundation from which to develop the managerial capabilities of the firm. However, it is a part of a much larger set of managerial constructs that makes the strategy alive in the organization. These constructs are the organizational structure, which permits the orderly assignment of the critical tasks of the organization to its workforce; the business processes, which allow for a specific ordering of the work activities in an effective manner; the control and motivational systems, which carefully monitor the performance of the firm using relevant and contemporary measures; and the organizational culture, which establishes the set of values and beliefs of the firm and defines the rules of the organization’s individual behavior. The modern term to label these integrating capabilities is organizational architecture, which includes the formal structure, the design of work practices, the nature of the informal organization or operating style, and the process of selection, socialization, and development of people.”

Typically, there are two types of plans a company will use to map out its future, the first type flowing logically into the creation of the second. Strategic plans describe the overall direction required to achieve the company’s mission. These have a threeyear to five-year perspective. Tactical or business plans describe the overall activities, measurable outcomes, responsibilities, and targeted completion dates required to succeed during a relatively short period (usually one year). The body of this article was taken from the introduction to strategic planning from the Certified Landscape Professional (CLP) study series module of the same name. The chapter includes a much more detailed looked and the steps to strategic planning and the implementation of direction emerging from the process. For more information on this and other sections of the CLP study series please visit www.clp.canadanursery.com or call 1-888-446-3499. Arnoldo Hax and Nicolas Majluf. The Strategy Concept and Process: A Pragmatic Approach. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1996.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief

sponsored by:

August - September 2007

Certification Corner Congratulations to the following people who have successfully completed a certification program recently.

First Name

Last Name

Province

Kelly Glen Matthew Monti Michael Nick Guy Tim Joshua Andrew Dave Dana Douglas

Arnott, CHT Baumgarten, CHT Brewster, CHT Cantwell, CHT Cowan, CHT Doniere, CHT Dowhy, CLP Fry, CHT Leonard, CHT McCarty, CHT Milburn, CHT Sleigh, CHT Winkelaar, CHT

BC ON BC BC ON BC MB BC BC ON NB BC BC

Interior Landscaping Certification Pruned for New Growth By: Joel Beatson, CLP

August 9 - 10, Milton, ON – CNLA and Landscape Ontario acted as hosts for an international meeting of interior landscape technicians and managers to conduct an occupational analysis for the sector. A mixed group of 10 individuals, half from Canada and half from the US gathered for a day and a half to participate in the process. An occupational analysis, or job task analysis is a two part process that identifies the specific tasks required to be a competent individual in a given sector and position. The first part of the process is now complete as the focus group identified the various tasks and skills, knowledge and abilities that make up the job of an interior landscape technician and ranked them on scales of importance, criticality, and frequency. The next step is to survey a larger cross-section of the interior industry to validate the results, with a final report ready and circulated by mid-October.

This occupational analysis will allow CNLA and PLANET (Professional Landcare Network) the ability to revise the current CHT/CLT exams and produce the highest quality training materials. It also ensures that through this process the exam is based on real industry experience and needs. This will help set a more realistic standard for the interior landscape technician position and helps employers identify training gaps. At the same session the group of volunteers also identified the technical information that a manager in the interior landscaping sector would be required to perform competently. This data will aid CNLA and PLANET is redeveloping the CLP – Interior exam.

CNLA has produced a new training manual for CHT – Retail Garden Centre that is now available through your regional certification office. The new material addresses previous feedback and expands the book to nearly double the length and contains a wealth of great material for any garden centre employee. Chapters include: Plant Nomenclature, Plant Hardiness, Basic Plant Morphology, Basic Plant Needs, Soil & Soil Nutrients, Planting & Design Principles, Pruning Methods & Techniques, Lawn Installation & Maintenance, Pests & Diseases, The Garden Centre Environment, Customer Service & Etiquette, and Making the Sale.

This process identified several new areas for development and helped give structure to the job by breaking down the all the processes that are part of an interior technicians job. Over the next year, new materials will be developed and distributed that should allow the interior certifications to become more relevant to industry today. Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

At press time a final decision had not been made regarding price, but it is estimated to be no higher then $85 per copy. Please contact your local certification coordinator for exact pricing and to order.

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This following article was recently published in Communities in Bloom magazine as part of the ongoing efforts of CNLA to promote certified staff to decision makers in the horticulture industry, including landscape architects, property managers and in this case municipalities. As part of a larger educational marketing campaign for the CHT, CLD, and CLP program this article is the first of many you will see in the coming years. With horticultural activities emerging as an important part of both environmental and economic activities in many municipalities across Canada, it is becoming more important then ever to ensure high levels of standards. The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and the nine provincial associations that comprise the federation offer many ways to set and maintain standards for quality and safety. Some of these include the publication of national nursery standards, provincial landscape standards, and through individual certification programs. CHT, CLD, CLP – these are three acronyms that convey competence and professionalism through all sectors of the landscape industry. CNLA offers three certification programs that were developed to raise the standards of the industry, and identify those individuals with acceptable knowledge of principles and practices. Certified Horticultural Technicians (CHT), Certified Landscape Designers (CLD), or Certified Landscape Professionals (CLP) are part of an elite group of individuals who are continuously improving performance within the horticulture industry. The Certified Horticultural Technician program focuses on the tasks and responsibilities candidates would carry out in their day-to-day work in a wide range of activities. CHT designations are currently available for employees in the landscape installation, landscape maintenance, interior landscaping, and retail garden centre sectors. The CHT designation provides an individual with a way of validating their experience, and proving that they can safely and successfully perform specific tasks in a timely manner. CHT is unique in that it combines both theoretical and performance based testing – a combination of written and practical sections are involved in each test. By becoming certified, a landscape designer has a valid way to communicate their experience and qualifications to others. A CLD is an individual who has the theoretical knowledge required for landscape design and has demonstrated its application by submitting a portfolio to be judged by industry peers. This ensures that CLDs are producing quality designs that meet or exceed industry standards, an excellent asset for any landscape designer. Business owners and managers can become a Certified Landscape Professional (CLP), which provides them with a way of confirming their knowledge and ability to run a business successfully. Going through the CLP program will help strengthen the foundation of businesses, and make it a powerful tool within the industry. Certified individuals are part of an elite group of professionals that comprise part of the more than 200,000 employees in the horticulture industry. This group is respected and recognized by members of the industry for taking the next step to raise the standards and meet the expectations of their clients. CHT, CLD, and CLP designations are known across the country for requiring specific levels of experience, and essential technical, theoretical and practical abilities. CNLA’s certification programs are internationally recognized and nationally supported. Each program has been developed by industry, for industry, and is based on the specific knowledge and skill sets required for the profession. Being certified demonstrates that an individual is always looking to improve his or her skills, and sets themselves apart from others in the industry. Employers that employ certified staff are more likely to be stable, successful businesses with a stronger emphasis on safety and learning cultures throughout their companies. CNLA is continuously working with industry members to expand its certification programs and develop the best opportunities for all members of the industry.

August - September 2007

GROWING LANDSCAPES ONE BUSINESS AT A TIME

CNLA News brief sponsored by: Raising Horticulture Standards Through Certification

For business leaders in the horticulture industry

Now professionals in Canada’s landscape industry can earn designation as a Certified Landscape Professional.

Visit www.canadanursery.com for details on each program and the steps required to get professional and get certified! Distinguish yourself as a professional

clp.canadanursery.com

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

CLP third page colour ad.indd 3

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CNLA News brief sponsored by: Trends in Prices of Gasoline Across Canada

Average fuel prices have gone up considerably across all provinces in Canada. The numbers below illustrate the percentage increase over the previous 12 months. St. John’s, NL tops the list of the cities with the highest gas prices, followed by Montreal, Quebec, Regina, Prince George and Vancouver. The latest report shows that premium gasoline now costs more than $1 a litre in most Canadian cities. Pump prices depend on the market price for crude oil and on gasoline inventories.

REGULAR GASOLINE

July 2007

Vancouver, BC Victoria, BC Prince George, BC Calgary, AB Red Deer, AB Edmonton, AB Regina, SK Saskatoon, SK Prince Albert, SK Winnipeg, MB Toronto, ON Ottawa, ON Windsor, ON London, ON Hamilton, ON Montreal, QC Quebec City, QC Sherbrooke, QC Saint John, NB Fredericton, NB Halifax, NS Truro, NS St.Johns, NL

114.1 111.5 114.9 106.0 107.5 104.4 114.1 113.9 110.7 109.0 105.0 106.0 104.1 105.8 105.0 115.4 114.4 111.4 107.9 108.4 112.5 113.1 117.3

% Change from 12 months ago +0.5 -2.0 +5.9 +2.2 +5.0 +0.9 +5.7 +1.3 -1.9 +0.2 -0.8 +0.1 -3.6 +3.2 -0.5 +4.6 +7.5 +2.9 -4.1 -3.9 -1.7 -1.8 +2.7

August - September 2007

GM News... GM plans to launch new hybrid versions of the Silverado and Sierra in about 18 months, with a new, two-mode hybrid system that GM is developing with BMW and DaimlerChrysler. Sources say the new system provides electric drive and a big increase in fuel economy – up to 25 percent better than gasoline-powered models. Source: First Gear (August 2007). Hybrids on hold. Carguide, volume 36 (4), pg. 10.

The 2008 Purchase Plan list will be coming out soon, so if you are planning on purchasing 2008 GM vehicles, please keep that in mind. With CNLA membership, all members are entitled to GM discount program and you can save up to $6,500 on GM vehicles. Please call 1-888-446-3499 for more information.

Source: M. J. Ervin, Car & Truck Digest (Summer 2007). volume 8 (3), pg. 28.

It only makes sense to save with CNLA’s fuel discounts! Did you know that as a member of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, you are entitled to fuel discounts? You can save 2.4 cents per litre off the posted retail price on gasoline and diesel at all Petro-Canada retail locations. In addition, you can save 2.9 cents per litre off the posted retail price on gasoline and diesel at all ESSO locations throughout Canada. If you gas up at any Irving retail location you can save up to 2.5 cents per litre off the posted retail price. To save on fuel, please contact the CNLA office at 1-888-446-3499 and ask about the fuel discounts.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief The International Plant Propagators’ Society Conference! Sept16-19 Montreal,QC This year’s conference theme is brought together for a consideration of where plant propagation and production is today, and how the immense challenges looming before us in energy and labor will shape our future. There will be two days packed with tours of the best Quebec has to offer in gardens and nurseries, and more than 35 speakers, including well known Canadian and American horticulture personalities. Topics will range from global issues and the status of the major propagation methods, to cuttings, herbaceous plants, new plants and production. There will be an excellent poster session, banquet and auctions. Complete conference details including tour descriptions, educational program topics and speakers as well as hotel and registration information are available on the Eastern Region website: www.ipps.org/EasternNA Check it out!

sponsored by:

August - September 2007

Move rocks with a company that moves mountains.

Milan Havlin Will Be Missed

Political prisoner for 15 years and condemned to be hung, Milan Havlin escaped from Czechoslovakia, received two diplomas in landscape architecture, worked in construction and shared his vision… Whether you’re moving flagstone or trees, you can do it all with the experience of Caterpillar. With Multi

Milan Havlin arrived in the province of Terrain Loaders featuring the lightest footprints in the industry and a full line of work tools, Cat compact Québec on January 9th, 1969 with his equipment handles all the specific needs of landscapers. Be part of the legacy. See your Cat Dealer or visit cat. com/legacy to learn more. wife Vera and his 2 children; he was then 40 years old. His passion for horticulture dating back to his high school days brought him to teach for a period of 12 years at the Institut de technologie agroalimentaire ©2005 Caterpillar All rights reserved. (ITA) of St-Hyacinthe, QC. Among his many accomplishments, it is important to generosity brought to the landscape industry. is the only member that was given the title of mention that he drew the original plans for years. When, TheSngl.indd Milan Havlin award is given each year to honorary member for over 15 6/30/05 ROCKS 1 11:59:53 AM the Daniel A. Séguin garden. At the end13278 of the in 1992, the APPQ made the certification the garden that impressed the judges the most. eighties, he was also involved in the organization of Florexpo, a large horticulture tradeshow Until the end, he remained involved in program mandatory in its constitution, he and the following decade saw him involved in gardening projects for social causes. He was was also the ambassador of the program. the Salon Fleurs, Plants et Jardins of Montréal. and will continue to be a great inspiration Involved and passionate about everything Mr. Havlin was also well known for his for the landscapers of APPQ and always related to landscaping, he expertise in landscaping and for his great encouraged them to be proud of their never missed a Congress ability at teaching his science to others. For profession. He often said that over his many or an Awards Ceremony. the 7th edition of the APPQ Awards (which travel experiences, he saw many wonderful Last February, he was is now celebrating its 29h edition), the APPQ gardens but nothing like those produced by present at the Annual created the Milan Havlin Award in order to the landscapers in Québec – the creativity, the General Meeting of honor this great landscape architect, his vision designs and the diversity of the elements used the APPQ. Milan of our industry, his talent and all that his great make all the difference. To date, Mr. Havlin Havlin will be missed. ®

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief

sponsored by:

August - September 2007

CNLA, creating value through active participation in industry meetings.

This work will begin the process of addressing skill needs (new and existing) by determining the gaps in current programs. It will allow to create an inventory that can be transferred into a computerized relational database linking programs to skills (when core competencies are established). Victor plays a very active role with CAHRC and has been regarded to represent the horticulture industry on the national level through the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association. The Hiring Committee includes: Victor Santacruz, CNLA Executive Director; Myles Frosst, Senior Policy Analyst of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; and Connie Kehler, Executive

Director of Saskatchewan Herb and Spice Association. This project plays a vital role for the agriculture and horticulture industry as CAHRC works with industry leaders, governments and education stakeholders to develop and implement programs and initiatives that will deal with the most pressing challenges. At present, the evolving technologies and the changing demands of consumers have significantly changed the agriculture sector and the agriculture business needs to keep up with the trends – attracting and retaining skilled labour and providing workers with access to training programs. The results of this project will be available to the CNLA Certification Committee, which as a part of its strategic plan identified the need to implement the certification process in the curriculum to ensure quality of the skilled labour in order to remain competitive and continue to thrive in today’s global markets. Ottawa – July 12, 2007 - Victor Santacruz, CNLA Executive Director, attended Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC) round table discussions with industry partners regarding the seasonality workers issue. Victor presented a valid case that Service Canada needs to create Centres of Excellence for seasonal workers because the current rules applied towards hiring foreign workers are inadequate for the majority of the environmental horticulture industry for three main reasons: üü the application process is too long (1-3 months) üü application format is not really applicable to the seasonal nature of the workers (layoff as a consequence of seasonal work might be viewed as negative and lead to an unfavorable decisions) üü Service Canada and Human Resources and Social Development Canada need to respect the seasonal nature of different industries and instead of saying: ‘get a real job’, offer further education to the seasonal workers to make them more skilled and valued to compete in the global market. Stakeholders present at the meeting included: The Canadian Construction Association, Canadian Federation of Business, Hospitality Sector Council,

National Seafood Sector Council, Tourism Sector Council, Canadian Horticultural Council, Canadian Federation of Agriculture and Labour Unions. In addition, the Labour Unions discussions focused on the treatment of foreign workers and the fact that horticulture industry needs to be aware of equal opportunity employment, so we continue to offer fair, safe, and competitive employment opportunities for everyone. All of the leaders representing seasonal and related industries supported the CNLA position and further motion was made that seasonality is a way of life in Canada and that needs to be acknowledged and accepted.

www.canadanursery.com

Ottawa - August 14, 2007 - The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) organized a Hiring Committee meeting attended by CNLA’ Executive Director – Victor Santacruz to select a consultant to create an Inventory Database and Gap Analysis of Learning Programs for the Ornamental Horticulture Sector of Agriculture. The primary objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive, analytical report detailing a gap and needs assessment of training requirements on a regional basis that will illustrate various challenges within the agriculture sector. The project aims to create a more skilled agricultural workforce by addressing existing training program gaps. It has set out to: 1. produce an inventory database of training programs; 2. provide a blueprint for ensuring that any new training and recognition programs are integrated into existing programs for training; 3. help to establish effective partnership to address current deficits in learning opportunities; 4. provide the necessary background material, which will enable CAHRC to begin the next stage towards partnering with learning institutions, government and other organizations to establish common core skills and training in the sector; 5. provide the initial step towards a future project that will link specific sets of competency standards to available training resources and recognizing commonalities.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

Your source for timely industry news. Your source for all membership related information. Your source for all certification related information. Your source for industry event information. Find suppliers. Find plant material. Download the Canadian Standards for Nursery Stock. Get access to all of the discount programs available. This is your website!

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CNLA News brief sponsored Choosing the Right Insurance Plan

by:

August - September 2007

HortProtect is a comprehensive insurance plan that was designed to meet the needs of the horticulture industry. Every industry is different and therefore has it’s own individual risks, which is why the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association with the support of it’s provincial associations created the HortProtect plan to ensure quality coverages with competitive pricing. Although HortProtect is considered a group plan, it offers the flexibility of choosing coverages that are right for your business. HortProtect currently offers tailor made additional coverages not found in traditional policies. HortProtect will be introducing some timely new initiatives to broaden insurance protection for its members. Here are the newest coverages offered: 1. For claims-free and properly risk managed accounts, clients will see welcome decreases in their insurance rates. 2. We have introduced a single occurrence deductible for both auto and property. Previously, there were two separate deductibles. Now, for example, if a truck is stolen with tools and equipment in it or a truck is stolen with a snowplough, spreader or cutter attached, there will be one single deductible per claim. 3. We have also developed business interruption coverage for snow vehicles. When a client loses use of vehicles and has no means of clearing snow, our insurance allows you to rent equipment, hire a subcontractor or get paid for loss of contract. 4. 5 year replacement cost on equipment. 5. Errors and Omissions coverage. 6. Pollution and Accidental Overspray coverage. In today’s competitive market there is greater opportunity to shop around. However being an educated buyer can help make an informed decision when purchasing insurance. Here are some things to keep in mind when comparing insurance plans: Stability of Carrier – How long has an insurer underwritten the landscape trades? Experience of Broker – How much experience does your primary link to insurers have? Length of time and size of brokerage will also impact their negotiations with carriers. Underwriting philosophy – What is the level of specialization in this line of business? Is this one of many lines of business for a general carrier? Coverage terms and conditions – Read the fine print. How much coverage exactly are you buying for your premium? Are there certain underwriting restrictions in your insurance policy? Claims handling approach – Does the company take a hands-on approach to claims management or are claims outsourced to third parties? Loss prevention and risk management expertise – Does the company offer loss control seminars, bulletins or regular updates on claims trends?

HortProtect is uniquely developed for our industry. Customizable programs and exclusive coverages such as:

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It is encouraged to look beyond price. Although premiums are clearly important it’s just one part of the equation in a comprehensive insurance solution. HortProtect is the only association endorsed plan. For more information regarding the HortProtect plan please contact: Angela McKellar, HortProtect Marketing Coordinator Canadian Nursery Landscape Association 1.888.446.3499 x 8670 angela@canadanursery.com Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief

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August - September 2007

Industry Comes Together to Grant a Young Boy’s Wish. By: Joseph Salemi, CNLA Staff

Thursday July 19, 2007 -- He is just seven years old, and has spent most of his life in a wheelchair. Hayden MacIntyre lives in Port Perry, ON and he has SMA, or Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a rare genetic disorder. It is very difficult for him to leave his house, and up until now he has not even been able to venture out into his backyard. Hayden had a chance to make his biggest dream come true with the Make A Wish Foundation. What did he want? To be able to go out into his backyard and play for the first time in his life. And do you know what the first thing he wanted IN his backyard was? A slide for his fouryear-old sister who never gets the chance to go to playgrounds either. Through the co-ordination of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, Hayden’s wish for a place to play became a reality. Hundreds of labour hours were donated, over 100 tons of Armour Stone were donated for the retaining wall, the gazebo, plant material, asphalt pathways, full irrigation system, lighting system, dinosaur statues, sod, triple mix, playground, and use of CAT equipment all donated!

From left to right: Brigitte Tschinkel, Make-a-Wish Foundation; Joseph Salemi, CNLA; Jason Becker, Caterpillar; Lauren MacIntyre; Ian MacIntyre; Hayden MacIntyre; Tina MacIntyre

Hayden and Lauren checking things out for the very first time!

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief

sponsored by:

August - September 2007

The industry really came together to make Hayden’s wish a reality. A very special thank you to everyone that contributed to Hayden’s Wish Garden: All Seasons Gardening and Maintenance Townscaping Inc OGS Landscape Services Turf Care Products Canada Limited Dufferin Aggregate T. Arnts Loam Supply Ltd Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd Dutchmaster Nurseries Ltd Sheridan Nurseries Confer Plastics Lakeridge Contracting Ltd Orange Hill Construction & Restoration Inc. Nutri Lawn - Durham Vissers Nursery Hurt Electric Hard-Co Home Depot - Whitby, ON Creative Memories Caterpillar of Canada Jennifer Hayman Design Clintar Groundskeeping Miller Paving Tri-Son Paving Goodwood Garden Centre Battlefield Equipment Toromont Industries Clark Property Maintenance Gro-Bark (Ontario) Ltd.

Media of all sorts were on hand to document Hayden’s first real viewing of his finished garden, complete with winding asphalt pathways, plant material as far as the eye could see, a gazebo for shelter from the elements, wire frame mossed dinosaurs, and a play set for his sister Lauren. Hayden was a celebrity that day, red carpet and all.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

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CNLA News brief

sponsored by:

August - September 2007

Upcoming Certification Test Dates - September 2007 There are many test dates scheduled for the rest of the year. Visit www.canadanursery. com, or contact the CNLA office to find out test locations and more information. British Columbia CHT Installation, Maintenance, Retail, Interior Langley: October 20, 2007 CLD/CLP Langley: October 19, 2007 Alberta CLD/CLP Edmonton: November 15, 2007, February 5, 2008 Manitoba CLD/CLP Winnipeg: February 20, 2008 Ontario CHT Installation, Maintenance Ottawa: September 14-15, 2007; Niagara Parks: September 27-28, 2007 CHT Installation, Maintenance, Retail (Retest only) Milton: October 19th, 2007 CLP Milton: Nov 5th, 2007; Milton: Dec 3rd, 2007 Thinking of writing the CLP exam this fall? Start preparing yourself early and order your CLP Study Series today! Fill out the order form available online and fax it to the CNLA office.

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Canadian Nursery Landscape Association