CNLA Spring Newsbrief by Canadian Nursery Landscape Association

North American Garden Tourism Conference

Garden Days Happening in June

Social Media Contest

Green Industry News Spring 2015 Vol. 24 Issue 2

What’s inside: • Canada amends Plant Breeders’ Rights Act • Kubota, ECHO and Shindaiwa join CNLA Member Savings programs • The biggest hurdles facing apprenticeship • Updated stats for garden retailers • Not-to-miss events coming up in 2015

NLA, in partnership with the provincial associations, is pleased to provide you with the results of the recent wage survey. Six percent (245 members) of our 3,800 members completed the wage survey and CNLA is encouraging businesses that have not completed the survey to do so. Why? It is a huge opportunity for the industry to: • Raise the level of professionalism in the sector • Benchmark wages against industry gathered data • Promote the sector by providing educators and government agencies Labour Market Information (LMI) The information has been compiled online at www.wagesurvey.ca and allows users to search by

region, province, company size, years employed and job category. Add your own regional data by visiting the website and completing the survey. As more respondents take part, the wage information on the website will be updated. We greatly appreciate and thank the provincial volunteers who assisted in developing the wage survey and all the respondents who took their time to complete the survey. A special thank you to Colleen Hardie from Bylands Nurseries Ltd.; Jeanette Baziuk from Alpha Better Group of Companies; Harold Deenen from Hank Deenen Landscaping Ltd.; Alan White from Turf Systems; Kevin Nauss from Price Landscaping and Michael Murray from Murray’s Horticultural & Landscape Services.

landscape saskatchewan

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

ASSOCIATION NEWS EXECUTIVE BOARD:

President Past President First Vice President Second Vice President

Landscape Canada Chair

Member Services & Insurance Chair

Rene Thiebaud, CLP - ON Christene LeVatte, BBA, CLP - NS Bruce Hunter, CLT, CLD, CLP - BC Gerald Boot, CLP - ON

Treasurer Phil Paxton, CLT, CLP - AB

DIRECTORS: BCLNA Representative Michael Kato - BC Landscape AB Representative Anita Heuver - AB Landscape SK Representative Aaron Krahn - SK MBNLA Representative David Hinton, CLP - MB Landscape ON Representative Alan White - ON Landscape NL Representative Krista Russell - NL Landscape NS Representative Robin Godfrey - NS Landscape NB/PEI Kevin Nauss, CLP - NB Representative Human Resources Chair Harold Deenen, CLP - ON Public Relations Chair Bill Hardy, CLP - BC Research Chair Vic Krahn, CLT - SK Government Relations Chair Michael Murray - NL Garden Centres Canada Chair Anthony O’Neill - NL Certification Chair Jeff Foley, CLT, CLP - BC Growers Canada Chair John Byland - BC

STAFF: Executive Director Victor Santacruz, CAE, CLP victor@cnla-acpp.ca Executive Assistant Cheryl Gall cheryl@cnla-acpp.ca Growers Manager Rita Weerdenburg rita@cnla-acpp.ca Professional Development & Julia Ricottone, EP Commodities Manager julia@cnla-acpp.ca Member Services & Rebecca Doutre, CAE Government Relations Manager rebecca@cnla-acpp.ca Director of Human Resource Sally Harvey, CLT, CLP Strategy sally@cnla-acpp.ca Industry Human Resource Stacey Porter Coordinator stacey@cnla-acpp.ca Certification Coordinator (East) Claudia Santos & Commodities Coordinator claudia@cnla-acpp.ca Certification Coordinator (West) Colin Vince & Apprenticeship Coordinator colin@cnla-acpp.ca Member Programs Coordinator & Christine Finn Landscape NL Executive Director christine@cnla-acpp.ca Member Services & Chelsea Ten Broeck Commodities Coordinator chelsea@cnla-acpp.ca Communications Specialist Anne Bowering anne@cnla-acpp.ca Minor Use/IPM Coordinator Peter Isaacson, B.Sc., MPM peter@cnla-acpp.ca

Tactical Priorities Update

his January, the CNLA Executive Committee, reviewed the association’s tactical plan and updated the priorities. CNLA is dedicated to keeping members upto-date on the deliverables set by its board of directors. Below is a brief update on each priority: Training A funding application has been submitted requesting funds over three years to increase participation in apprenticeship and certification, harmonize both, and develop more flexible training. The Professional Development Committee is having a strategic planning meeting this June, which will confirm priorities, finalize the terms of reference and outline new positions for the committee. Human Resources CNLA continues to be a strong supporter of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council with recent meetings in Ottawa. Staff are involved with the National Agricultural Occupational Framework Advisory Group and volunteer for the Agriculture and Agri-Food Workforce Action Plan; Labour Task Force; Programs and Policy Working Group and Labour Market Information Advisory Group. Technical briefings led by ESDC so far have included: EI reform, International Experience Canada, and the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Upcoming briefings include the Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Program. Revenue Generation CNLA staff continue to work diligently on securing sponsors and advertisers for the association in order to support the amazing work being done across all sectors. Caterpillar, DynaSCAPE Software and Kubota continue to be committed sponsors supporting the association. A

new commercial webinar opportunity is available as both a revenue generation tool, but also a valuable information resource for members. Public Relations The committee has completed a Communications Audit Report that outlines all of the branding, marketing and PR activities currently used by the association. This report will be used at the Summer Board of Directors meetings to refine the focus and priorities of the committee. The National Awards of Landscape Excellence continue to be a strong focus, with a few new awards in process. Government Relations The CNLA House Book continues to be updated with current issues relevant to the ornamental horticulture sector. A Grass Roots Guide has been created and distributed to the provincial association offices. Staff continue to monitor updates on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and work with industry partners through the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance.

Update on COHA staff meeting

ey CNLA staff met with staff from Flowers Canada Growers and Fédération Interdisciplinaire de l’Horticulture Ornementale this April. The three associations make up the Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance (COHA). Staff were streamlined into working groups, which include the Technical Working Group, Research Cluster Working Group, Promotion and Communication Working Group, Human Resources Working Group and the Government Relations Working Group. Staff from each group will meet regularly (via conference call) to ensure that their tasks and priorities are being met. COHA is excited about the new structure and looks forward to the results from each group.

LOOKING FOR THE NEVER ALONE ROSE? This exquisite, made-in-Canada rose is now available at select garden centres and nurseries around the country! Find a distributor near you by visiting www.neveralonefoundation.ca/never-alone-rose

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca| www.cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

ASSOCIATION NEWS Ontario nurtures new talent

resh energy is supporting horticultural scholarships for Ontario’s green industry. Thanks to recent significant donations, the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation now offers more than $60,000 each year to students in green industry educational programs. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $6,000, and apply to the full spectrum of horticultural education. The OHTF’s endowment dates from 1979; it is made up entirely of funds from industry donations and initiatives, as well as income from investments. The Foundation’s board is responsible for funding horticultural research alongside its scholarship mandate. In addition to helping young talent pursue rewarding careers in horticulture, the program is an important opportunity for industry members to leave a legacy that reflects their appreciation for the trade. Dedicated scholarship funds include those named after or donated by Casey van Maris; Tony DiGiovanni; Horst Dickert; LO’s Waterloo, Upper Canada and Ottawa Chapters; Russel and Karen Loney; Bob and Ruby Allen; John and Ruth Wright; Unilock; and Mark Cullen. Other funds support students in apprenticeship, post-secondary and post-graduate programs. Complete information is available at www.horttrades.com/scholarship.

Karl Stensson presented Alumnus Award

OHTF chair John Wright recognizes the latest group of scholarship winners at Congress 2015.

navigate sales

streamline jobs

GROW profit

ongratulations to Karl Stensson of Sheridan Nurseries for his recent receipt of the Alumnus of Honour award at the University of Guelph Alumni Awards of Excellence. Karl is the president of Sheridan Nurseries and a pastpresident of CNLA. He is recognized as a committed volunteer, community supporter and mentor. His dedicated years of service to CNLA, Landscape Ontario and numerous other associations and causes are just some of the reasons behind this award. He is truly an inspiration to the entire industry.

Proud Endorsed Supplier of CNLA!

dynascape.com 1.800.710.1900 Save 10% with promo code: CNLA10

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

INDUSTRY NEWS Express Entry launched in January 2015

n January 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) launched a new electronic system called Express Entry to manage applications for permanent residence under certain economic programs. Those programs include: • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) • A portion of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

What has changed? • Skilled foreign nationals must register with the National Job Bank as a requirement of the Express Entry program. • Express Entry candidates with a valid job offer or provincial/territorial nomination will quickly receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. • When an employer is unable to fill a position with a Canadian or Permanent Resident they will have access to a pool of candidates who fit current labour market needs. • The new and improved Job Bank will coordinate the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. • Job Bank will connect Canadian employers and Express Entry candidates at no cost. • There will be no LMIA fee for permanent residence applications. • 80% of permanent residence applications will take six months or less to process, from receipt of a completed application to the final decision. The changes coming with this program will not affect individual hiring protocols. Businesses will continue to recruit, interview and perform background checks on applicants as per their prescribed human resource practices. This program will streamline the immigration process for highly skilled workers and reduce the wait times for residency applications. For more information on this program please visit the Government of Canada Express Entry website.

Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens in NS., took home Garden of the Year. Presenters included: Alexander Reford, Chair of the Canadian Garden Council; Bill Hardy, Chair of CNLA’s PR Committee; and the Honourable Peter Kent, Member of Parliament.

North American Garden Tourism Conference

Big tax cut for small business in federal budget

NLA returned as presenting sponsor for this year’s North American Garden Tourism Conference. Over 100 delegates from 11 countries, gathered in Toronto to hear dynamic speakers address the theme, ‘Gardens and Tourism: Making a Difference’, witness the presentation of the 2015 Garden Tourism Awards, attend association meetings and visit Canada Blooms. The energy during the conference was contagious. Meeting like-minded individuals from around the world never fails to inspire and encourage. The conference workshops outlined beautiful garden projects from Japan to Italy to our neighbours in the USA. CNLA’s Public Relations Chair, Bill Hardy, attended the event and helped present the Canadian Garden Tourism Awards. The Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens in Nova Scotia won ‘Garden of the Year’, while the UBC Botanical Garden Greenheart Canopy Walk in British Columbia took home ‘New Garden Experience of the Year’. Brian Minter, of BCLNA member Minter Country Garden, won ‘Person of the Year’. These are just some of the highlights from a well deserving group of gardens and individuals recognized for their excellence in the garden tourism industry.

ccording to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), small business owners across the country will be thrilled to see several small business friendly measures in the 2015 budget, particularly the 18 percent reduction in the small business corporate tax rate over the next four years. This builds on earlier announcements of Employment Insurance premium relief, new measures to address credit card fees and balanced budget legislation. “CFIB applauds the government for lowering the tax burden on Canada’s small businesses now that the budget has been balanced,” said Dan Kelly, president of CFIB. “Reducing the small business corporate tax rate was viewed by CFIB members as the most effective measure the federal government could take to strengthen the performance of small firms.” Several of CFIB’s recommendations were included in the 2015 budget. Visit cfib.ca for more information on the 2015 budget. CFIB is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized businesses with 109,000 members across every sector and region. CNLA members save $26 per employee when they sign up for a CFIB membership.

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

NEVER LET WEATHER SLOW YOU DOWN. YOUR BUSINESS IS YOUR LIVELIHOOD. That’s why Caterpillar is built to help businesses like yours succeed every day – by supplying the right machine for the job, making parts available, offering up versatile work tool attachments and providing responsive service.

As a CNLA member, you get to take advantage of bundling the exclusive member discount on Cat® machines and attachments, along with the industry’s best financing:

» Save up to $2,000 on qualifying machines* » 0% financing for 60 months, with zero down** » $250 off select new Cat attachments*** To take advantage of this exclusive offer, go to www.CatResourceCenter.com/CNLA.

©2015 Caterpillar. All Rights Reserved. CAT, CATERPILLAR, BUILT FOR IT, their respective logos, “Caterpillar Yellow,” the “Power Edge” trade dress, as well as corporate and product identity used herein, are trademarks of Caterpillar and may not be used without permission. Offer valid from February 1, 2015 to June 30, 2015 on select new models of machines manufactured by Caterpillar Inc. Building Construction Products Division: Backhoe Loader, Wheel Loader, Hydraulic Excavator, Multi Terrain Loader, Skid Steer Loader, Compact Track Loader, Telehandler and Small Dozer. To redeem your credit: Mention this ad to your local Cat dealer at time of purchase or lease quote. *The purchase or lease offer applies to new Cat machines and select new Cat attachments purchased or leased by Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) members before December 31, 2015. Limit of one machine purchase or lease credit per member. **For offer details, visit www.CatResourceCenter.com/special-offers.asp. **$250 off select new Cat attachments. Limit of one credit per new attachment purchased. Machine and attachment offers available on new quotes only and may be combined with published Caterpillar Inc. Building Construction Products Division U.S. and Canadian offers only. Contact your local dealer for details and to see the complete discount pricing available per model. Subject to credit approval. Valid only at Cat dealer locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 | Toll Free: 1-888-446-3499 | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca | www.cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

Growers Canada

Canada amends the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act Article provided courtesy of Brenda Cole, BioFlora Ltd. brenda@bioflora.ca

he long awaited amendments to the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act (Bill C-18), part of the Agricultural Growth Act, received Royal Assent on February 25, 2015, and came into force on Friday, February 27, 2015. The Bill amends several statutes and brings Canada’s PBR laws into conformance with the 1991 Act of the UPOV Convention (UPOV 1991, International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants) significantly strengthening variety rights for plant breeders. As of February 27, 2015, a new application filed with the PBR Office will be treated under the new PBR legislation with all the benefits of the UPOV 91 regime. All pending applications, should they meet the requirements under the Act, will be issued rights under the new PBR legislation and benefit from the provisions under UPOV 91. In the short term all PBR Office fees will remain unchanged. In the upcoming months, the PBR Office will begin consultations on updating the PBR Regulations that will include a review of the current PBR Office fee schedule. The new Canadian PBR ACT includes the key features of UPOV 1991: ELIGIBILITY Introduction of a domestic “grace period” such that sale of the variety in Canada by the breeder, or with the concurrence of the breeder or the breeder’s legal representative, is a bar to the grant of plant breeders’ rights if the sale occurred more than one year before the Canadian filing date. • In Canada, one year of sales are permitted prior to filing • Outside of Canada, six years of prior sales permitted for trees and vines (grape) • Outside of Canada, four years of prior sales permitted for any other category STRONGER PROTECTION Introduction of new exclusive rights of the holder of plant breeders’ rights: • To reproduce propagating material of

the plant variety;

• Conditioning for the purposes of propagating the variety;

• To export or import propagating material of the variety;

• To stock propagating material of the

variety for any of the aforementioned acts.

EXTENDED OPPORTUNITY TO EXERCISE RIGHTS Expanded enforcement activities • Rights may be extended to harvested material (e.g. fruit) if the breeder has not had a reasonable opportunity to exercise rights (including a royalty payment). ESSENTIALLY DERIVED VARIETIES (EDV) Rights extended to include EDV’s. • An EDV is defined as a variety that is predominantly derived through an ‘initial’ variety via a variety of methods such as: a natural or induced mutant, a somaclonal variant, backcrossing methodology, or transformation by genetic engineering PROVISIONAL PROTECTION Will automatically apply to new applications. • Provisional Protection provides applicants with the same rights to a pending application as would apply when rights are granted. Enforcement action can only take place retroactively once rights are granted. LONGER PROTECTION The duration of protection currently is 18 years and has been extended to up to 20 years for all species except trees and vines (and prescribed categories) for which the duration of protection has been extended to 25 years. EXCEPTIONS TO THE BREEDERS’ RIGHTS Exceptions are maintained. Breeders’ rights do not apply to acts done: • Privately and for non-commercial purposes; • For experimental purposes; • Or for the purpose of breeding other plant varieties. FARMERS’ PRIVILEGE CODIFIED The new PBR legislation codifies Farmers’ Privilege, where the exclusive rights of

the breeder does not apply to harvested material grown by a farmer on the farmer’s holdings and used by the farmer on those holdings and includes the right to store and stock seeds as well as produce, reproduce and condition seeds for and used by the farmer on those holdings. The full text of the Amendments can be viewed at: http://www.parl.gc.ca/ HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Lan guage=E&Mode=1&DocId=7862202&Fi le=35#2

Turfgrass added to Advance Payments Program

urf Producers are now able to apply to the Advance Payments Program (APP) administered through the Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC). Note, producers must be enrolled in Agri-Stability to be eligible. Turfgrass has been added to the product listing for APP making turf producers eligible to access up to 50 percent of expected market price annually. Applications for an advance can be made every 12 months, with the potential to apply for additional advances throughout the year. Growers then repay the advance using a pre-authorized schedule where they determine the amount and dates they wish to repay the advance according to their sales cycles. Vist the CNLA website for the latest news from ACC.

Notice to importers and exporters of nursery stock

NLA has been made aware of a number of changes to import and export procedures of which importers and exporters of nursery stock should be aware. Our conversations with related officials at CFIA and/or AAFC indicate that these matters should have little impact, if any, on the movement of nursery stock this season. If you learn otherwise, or if you encounter other border crossing issues that should be brought to the attention of the sector, please contact CNLA (rita@cnla-acpp.ca). Check out the Growers’ News section online for more information on the changes.

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

Landscape Canada Connecting with APLD

NLA’s National Landscape Designer Subcommittee is working to share information between the Association for Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) and CNLA. This includes details on upcoming conferences, meetings and other events. Keep an eye out in CNLA communications about what APLD events you may want to participate in.

Save the Date for the 2016 International Green City Conference

n 2014, representatives from Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador developed a presentation for municipalities and mayors in the province, emphasizing the merits of training and landscape horticulture apprenticeships. We all know the benefits of hiring professionals when we want work done properly and in a safe manner, but do you know about the available incentives and the different types of training that are out there? There are three ways to improve your credentials: achieve Landscape Industry Certification, undertake apprenticeship training, and complete the Red Seal. Landscape Industry Certification recognizes professionals across North America who have undergone practical and written components of an examination process, that are designed to demonstrate their competency and skill in the designation of their choice. All designations, which include landscape designers, retail horticulturists, managers and landscape technicians, must go through a recertification process every two years to ensure that the individuals holding those certifications are keeping current with industry standards and knowledge. Apprenticeships are catered to individuals who learn their trade on the job, with periods of technical training, under the supervision and mentorship of a certified journeyperson. A journeyperson is someone who has acquired the knowledge and skills in a trade, in this case landscape horticulture, and have been issued a

Certificate of Qualification by their provincial or territorial authority. The Certificate of Qualification confirms that the journeyperson has demonstrated their competence in their trade and has met all of the requirements for the journeyperson certification. Finally, the Red Seal program is recognized as the interprovincial standard of excellence in the skilled trades. This means greater mobility for skilled workers across Canada, it is an acknowledged standard of excellence by employers, and recognizes the partnership between the Canadian government and the Provinces and Territories. What does all of this mean for employers? Return on training investment of course. Every dollar invested in training an apprentice receives an average return of $1.47 for employers. You can count on a higher quality of work, improved safety and an enhanced company reputation. Financial incentives like the Federal Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit, the Provincial Journeyperson Mentorship Program, Employee Insurance Benefits and Tradeperson’s Tool Deduction are all available for you to reap the benefits of having quality-trained staff on hand.

elegates from around the world are gathering in Vancouver next March for the International Green City Conference, hosted in partnership with CNLA and AIPH. Keep an eye on www.cnla-acpp.ca/greencity for more information as it becomes available. Highlights Monday, March 14 • Full-day Meetings for AIPH and ELCA delegates Tuesday, March 15 • AIPH Spring Meeting • Landscape Canada Summit Wednesday, March 16 • Learn from knowledgeable speakers during the full-day Green Cities Conference • Stakeholder trade show Thursday, March 17 • Green Cities Conference and trade show continues (morning) • Explore innovative green city projects during a half-day walking tour of the Vancouver area Friday, March 18 • Visit more green city sites during a fullday bus tour

If you would like to learn more about training and certification opportunities and programs you can contact CNLA staff Stacey Porter at stacey@cnla-acpp.ca or Colin Vince at colin@cnla-acpp.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

Member Services Do I need critical illness insurance?

specialized commercial and professional gardening tools and accessories. Proof of membership will be required at point of purchase, so bring along your CNLA Membership Certificate.

he question of need can only be answered by you. Medical advances have dramatically improved life expectancy, but we are all vulnerable to possible illness. The average age of people who make a claim on critical illness insurance is 49*. The good news is that survival is more likely than ever before. The bad news is, survival is often more expensive than you may think. Costs associated with critical illness can include:

• Lost work days for both the patient and the caregiver

• Medical equipment and prescription drugs • Home renovations • In-home health care • Hospital parking • Family care, travel, accommodation, etc.

Consider the effects of financial stress at a time when you should be 100% devoted to recovering from your illness. Do you think removing this stress would be a good thing? Critical Illness Insurance helps cover the gap between disability benefits and CI expenses, providing a lump sum tax-free payment – you decide how to spend the money. The CNLA HortProtect Group Insurance plan provides a wide range of coverage designed to protect you and your dependents from unforeseen medical emergencies; as well as offering income replacement, travel insurance, dental coverage, and more. Visit www.hortprotect.com to review the coverage available to CNLA members or call us at 1-800-459-8990 or email info@ hortprotect.com. We would be happy to provide a quote for your review. *Source: Munich Reinsurance Co., 2005.

MEMBER SERVICES TEAM memberservices@cnla-acpp.ca 1-888-446-3499 Christine Finn, x8655 - christine@cnla-acpp.ca Chelsea Ten Broeck, x8730 - chelsea@cnla-acpp.ca Rebecca Doutre, x8680 - rebecca@cnla-acpp.ca Anne Bowering, x8690 - anne@cnla-acpp.ca

Discount Cards

Buying a new phone?

ational Wireless, part of Bell, has teamed up with CNLA to offer members a $25 discount on hardware purchases for new medium or corporate accounts. Contact Mike Nasreddin for more information (details on next page).

Large Equipment

ubota Canada is now offering CNLA members 18-22% off the suggested list price for select equipment and accessories. There are also discounts of 11-15% off purchases made with 0% financing for 36 months (OAC. All applicable taxes CEA, freight, set-up, environmental fees, dealers adminstration fees, PDI and delivery are paid by the member). More financing options available. Visit the CNLA website for more information.

Small Equipment

s of this April, members can save 20% off the MSRP on ECHO and Shindaiwa units and accessories. With over 1,000 dealers coast-to-coast, members will benefit from a discount on power equipment,

he Member Services Team has been receiving lots of calls for Mark’s and Work Authority discount cards. If you haven’t received your 2015 savings cards, give the office a call or send us an email and we will send it within minutes. Members receive a 15% discount at both stores. CNLA also has discount cards with Choice Hotels and CLC Lodging, offering you savings on your next hotel stay. Contact us to receive all of the discount cards for you and your staff, and start saving!

Merchant Processing

hrough our partnership with the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), members not only receive a free membership with RCC, but also receive significant rate discounts with Chase Paymentech merchant processing. Offering some of the best rates available , it’s worth the switch! See the current rates at www.cnla-acpp.ca/ chasepaymentech. There is no application fee and Chase also offers a full line-up of POS devices and live 24/7 multilingual customer support.

Uniquely developed to protect the green industry HortProtect is a great mix of quality, service, and value that is customized for the horticulture industry. Get a quote from a service team that works for you and your company. Gerald Boot, CLP - Boots Landscaping & Maintenance

HortProtect provides risk protection specifically designed for the horticulture industry. Let us show you how tailored coverages can better serve your business needs. Dan Winstanley, Property and Casualty Insurance Specialist Marsh Canada Limited

Customizable programs and exclusive coverage: Commercial and general liability, including snow removal operations; Automobile fleet coverage; Group of “ONE” flexibility; Employee Assistance Program; Group RRSP and Critical Illness; Group Life, Health and Disability Insurance programs brokered by:

For All Your Insurance Needs

The Investment Guild is a People Corporation company

1-800-459-8990 Group Life, Health and Disability

Marsh Canada Limited 1-888-949-4360 Property and Casualty

For more information on HortProtect, please visit: www.HortProtect.com

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

Choose from an amazing selection of phones at Bell. Stay productive on the go with a smartphone on Canada’s largest LTE network.1

Samsung Galaxy Note® Edge

Samsung Galaxy S5 Active™

BlackBerry® Classic

Already have a Bell business service? Switch your mobile business to Bell, and you can save $10 per month for every mobility line you add to your Bell Business account.2

productivity just got better

For a complimentary consultation, contact the following Bell Business Expert:

Mike Nasreddin • Corporate Account Manager mnasreddin@natcel.com • 905 517-9466 Available within network coverage areas available from Bell Mobility where technology permits; see bell.ca/coverage. One-time connection charge ($15) applies. Taxes extra. Other conditions apply. If you end your Commitment Period early, a Cancellation Fee applies; see your Agreement for details. Subject to change without notice. (1) Based on total sq kms of coverage on the shared LTE network available from Bell vs. Rogers’ LTE network. See bell.ca/LTE for details. (2) Available to Bell Business Market customers in Ontario and Québec with new activation on a 2-yr. term Bell Mobility Voice, Voice & Data Lite, Voice & Data Plus or Shareable small business plans with a min. value of $40/mo. (min. of 2 lines, max. 15 lines). Cannot be combined with port-in credits. Samsung Galaxy Note Edge and Samsung Galaxy S5 Active are trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., used in Canada under license. BlackBerry® and related trademarks, names and logos are the property of Research In Motion Limited and are registered and/or used Line in theSouth, U.S. and countries Used1-888-446-3499 under license from Research In Motion Limited. 7856 Fifth Milton, ON around L9T 2X8the|world. Toll Free: | Toll Free Fax: 1-866-833-8603 | Email: info@cnla-acpp.ca | www.cnla-acpp.ca

Canadian Nursery Landscape Association / Association Canadienne des Pépiniéristes et des Paysagistes

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

Garden Centres Canada Garden Centres Canada Gift Cards Why you should participate ith over 50 percent of Canadians owning smartphones (and even higher percentage of millennials), connecting to those devices is becoming more important. The Garden Centres Canada Gift Card enables your customers to make purchases right from their phones. It is a perfect way for the tech-savvy consumer to shop.

Benefits to you, the merchant: By accepting the gift cards, you have another option to offer to your customers. Why wouldn’t you accept them? You don’t want to turn away a customer who wants to pay using this gift card. Get to know your customers. You can track what these customers buy, how much they spent at your store, when they shopped, if they received another gift card, etc. You know who they are, and you can invite them to come back to your store after they made their first purchase with the card. Use it as a thank you for your top customers. Want to give them $10 off their next purchase? Send a gift to their smart phone. You can allow the cards to be redeemed at your store only. Be part of a program that supports members of Garden Centres Canada, and your provincial association. Let everyone know the benefits of shopping at a member garden centre! The details: You must opt-in to accept the gift cards. This program is only available to association members, and is optional. Your terminal is set up over the phone. You do not require any additional hardware. Customers can purchase gift cards online at www.gardengiftcard.ca, or through a link you can add to your website. If you include a link on your website, there will be an option for the customer to make the card redeemable at your store only.

You can create custom cards with your store’s logo, special events (Birthdays, Mother’s Day, etc.). A detailed training video is available to show you and your staff how it works.

re we reaching the right people at your garden centre? Send us your updated contact info to avoid missing out on key communication. Send to: Claudia Santos at claudia@cnla-acpp.ca

Common questions and comments: I have my own gifting program, I don’t need to participate. True, this program is not intended to replace your own gift card/voucher program. Instead, it can be an additional feature you can offer. How much does it cost? Merchants will be charged a processing fee when they redeem a card. This fee is 0.5 percent lower than your normal credit card processing rate and is verified when you sign up. What is the downside? You are signing up to a program that allows customers to shop at any participating garden centre. Although that can be seen as a negative, the positive is that you have the potential to bring in a new customer who may not otherwise shop at your store. So while you are promoting other independent garden centres, they are promoting you! Can customers buy the card from my store? Technically, no. There is no physical card to sell. All cards are purchased online from www. gardengiftcard.ca, or from your own garden centre’s website. The purchase goes through Paywith (no funds go to your store until a card is redeemed). Some stores using this program have opted to include a tablet or computer near the cash where customers can purchase a gift card online while in the store.

HANDS ON TEACHING

How will this be promoted? Garden Centres Canada (GCC) has created some point of sale materials free to download and use at your store to let your customers know how to buy the cards and that you accept them. Once we can say we have national participation, GCC will look at options for more large-scale marketing. Questions? Contact Julia Ricottone at the CNLA office: 1-888-446-3499 x 8615

Opt-in today at

www.gardengiftcard.ca

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

Know your numbers

ach year, Garden Centres Canada asks you to participate in a survey to let us know a bit about your operations. We do this because it is important for you, a business owner, to have something to benchmark your numbers against. The information from our survey can show you the average pay rates for garden centre staff, training regimens, trends for marketing and how many garden centres in Canada are getting involved in online sales. As a member of the International Garden Centre Association, you also have access to international statistics from 16 other countries. This information is shared at each IGCA Congress and details are also communicated in the monthly Garden Centres Canada Retail News. Here are a few examples of the information that has been gathered from our surveys: Wages: In our annual survey, Garden Centres Canada has collected wage information for various positions at a garden centre. Over the last three years, the averages are: Garden Centre Manager: $19.85 Full Time Senior Staff: $13.98 Full Time Junior Staff: $11.60 Compare these numbers to the average minimum wage for garden centre staff across IGCA’s 16 member countries, which is $12.81. Internationally, the average staff costs as a percentage of turnover are 20.74%, and the average sale per customer is 25.35 euros (about $33.30). Sales by Season: When does your store experience the highest sales volumes? From 2012 to 2013, sales by season have slightly changed, with higher sales in the summer. There are likely many factors that can be attributed to this. A later spring in 2013 could have resulted in more spending in the summer months. Or, it is possible that more people are buying plants throughout the summer. Did your store follow the same trend? Many European countries see the Christmas season as their second highest for sales.

Get ready to celebrate Canada’s gardens!

tarting with National Garden Day, always the Friday before Father’s Day, Garden Days is a three-day celebration that takes place over the Father’s Day weekend. The program’s objective is to draw attention to our cultural garden landscape, history and innovations and to underscore the importance of public and private gardens, the value of home gardening and the promotion of environmental stewardship.

As soon as you register your activity on www.gardendays.ca, you will receive the official Garden Days logo, which you can use in promotions. As well, you will be included on the website and the national media releases.

To celebrate Garden Days, we invite you to organize something special at your garden centre or in your community. It could be as simple as a 15% discount in your store, a complimentary cup of coffee at your café, or a special event you would like to hold over the Father’s Day weekend.

Garden Days is a joyful country-wide celebration of the vital role that gardens and gardening play in our communities and our lives. We hope you’ll get involved!

Finally, make sure that you connect with your provincial Garden Days spokesperson to let them know all about your event. You can find your rep by visiting the Garden Days website.

Please send any questions to Carol Cowan, Director of Operations and Marketing at the Canadian Garden Council: zebra@passport.ca

INTERNATIONAL AVERAGE $12.81

CDN Wage Information

MANAGER

FULL-TIME FULL-TIME SENIOR STAFF JUNIOR STAFF

20.74% TURNOVER

$19.85 $13.98 $11.60

$33.3 AVERAGE SALE

PERCENT ANNUAL SALES 58.8

Help keep our information accurate by filling out the survey for the 2014 year.

34.1 20.6 5.5

40.2

23.94 11.8

5.1

Now open for responses at www.cnla-acpp.ca/GCCsurvey winter 2013

spring 2013

summer 2013

fall 2013

winter 2012

spring 2012

summer 2012

fall 2012

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

Professional Development What is the biggest hurdle you face in hiring apprentices?

e have been asking members this question and here is what we heard: I can’t afford to! A great deal of research has been done to support that there is a strong return on investment when you hire an apprentice. $1.47 to be exact! (http:// apprenticeshippays.com/english_flash/ PDFeng/CAF-Roti.pdf)

Testimonials from members using the Apprenticeship Program “Great tax breaks as an employer!” “Love the program!” “Weighty process at the beginning with Provincial and Federal government involved, though they are looking at streamlining this. Very committed to the Apprenticeship program to keep it moving.” “Want to use the program, but my staff are year-round, so it’s difficult to send them away for training. I want to learn more.”

As they grow with your company your productivity is increasing and you are eligible for tax credits! (http://www. esdc.gc.ca/en/support_apprentices/tax_ deductions_apprentices.page)

“Everyone is always worried about training an employee and have them leave; when you should be more worried about not training an employee and have them stay.”

The value of an apprentice exceeds the training costs by the end of the second year if not earlier!

“I feel Red Seal is important and should be promoted; I will be encouraging all my apprentices to get their Red Seal.”

“Home-grown” journeypersons are more productive relative to an externally trained journeyperson.

There isn’t enough work here for an apprentice!

Is it wiser to wait until you are busy? It might be too late, by then you may have to hire the wrong people. Like your business, look into the future and plan ahead for the skills you may need.

I don’t have the time for the paperwork!

Support is here for you. Local Apprenticeship branches can provide you with assistance and up-to-date learning materials including step-by-step task lists for your journeyperson and apprentice to follow.

Why train someone who will get ‘poached’?

Is it better to have an employee who isn’t trained? Training allows for a twoway development of skills. Mentoring apprentices renews a journeyperson’s skills leading to great productivity! It’s win-win.

Do you have questions about the Apprenticeship Program? Please contact Stacey Porter at stacey @cnla-acpp.ca for further information and visit the CNLA HR Website for more documentation: www.cnla-acpp.ca/industryhr

ince 2006, our government has recognized the importance of apprentices to Canada’s economy and has made significant investments to help them and the employers that hire them.

Canada Apprentice Loan To help apprentices in Red Seal trades with the costs of their training and to encourage more Canadians to consider a career in the skilled trades, the Canada Apprentice Loan offers interest-free loans of up to $4,000 per period of technical training. The loans are interest-free until recipients complete or leave their apprenticeship training program,

up to a maximum of six years. Recipients are not required to make their first payment for another six months from the day their interest begins to accrue. It is estimated that at least 26,000 apprentices per year will apply for the loans. Reducing non-financial barriers for apprentices The Flexibility and Innovation in Apprenticeship Technical Training pilot project, an initiative of Economic Action Plan 2014, will help reduce non-financial barriers to completing training and obtaining certification by using new learning tools such as in-class simulators, e-learning modules, remote learning sites and video conferencing. This will help apprentices continue working and earning while fulfilling the technical training requirements of their study program. This project could potentially support up to 12 multi-year projects through reallocations of $13 million over four years, starting in 2014–15. Apprenticeship grants The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant and Apprenticeship Completion Grant are taxable cash grants that encourage Canadians to pursue and complete apprenticeship training in designated Red Seal trades. As a result of these grants, apprentices could be eligible to receive up to $4,000, which can be used to pay for tuition, tools or other expenses. Since 2007, the Government has issued over 530,000 apprenticeship grants. The Government of Canada also offers a tax credit to employers to encourage them to hire apprentices and a tax deduction for apprentices and tradesmen to help cover the cost of new tools. The Government will ensure increased awareness of existing financial supports available through Employment Insurance so apprentices can start to receive benefits more quickly while on technical training. Through the Employment Insurance Supplemental Unemployment Benefit plan, employers can also invest more in apprenticeship training by choosing to top up an apprentice’s benefits by up to 95 percent of his or her normal wage.

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

landscape industry

certified

Social media contest

ave you achieved Landscape Industry Certification as a Certified Landscape Designer, Technician, Manager or Retail Horticulturist? Would you like to be eligible for a $500 cash prize? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to both of those questions, our new certification social media contest is for you. CNLA is offering certified individuals the opportunity to create a one to three minute video explaining why you decided to take part in certification, and the value it has provided you in the industry. How do you stand out from competitors? How has your certification had an impact on your professional experience?

Manager who doesn’t want to challenge all seven modules of your written testing at the same time, then this is the option for you. BCLNA, Landscape Alberta, and Landscape New Brunswick have opportunities on the last Wednesday of every month, while the Manitoba Nursery Landscape Association offers written tests on the third Friday of every month. For those in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, staff can accommodate your written testing as requested. If you would like to learn more or schedule a written exam, feel free to email us at certification@cnla-acpp.ca or call Colin Vince at 888-446-3499 ext. 8625 for Western Canada, and Claudia Santos at 888-446-3499 ext. 8635 for the Atlantic region and Ontario.

Upload your videos to Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #whyigotcertified, or email your videos to certification@cnla-acpp.ca.

Hands-on certification testing

The contest started on April 13th, and will wrap-up on July 13th. We’ll give our followers the power to vote on their favourite video, and the winner will receive a $500 cash prize from CNLA. Enter as a company, a group or on your own, and feel free to get as creative as you like. Just remember, we want to know why certification has been important to you. What are you waiting for? Enter today!

Written testing opportunities

NLA and your provincial association have teamed up to offer you more opportunities to challenge the written sections of all of the certifications exams. Whether you are interested in the technician, lawn care, retail horticulturist, designer or manager modules, you have more dates to choose from to get yourself one step closer to certification. We know that summer is busy and the dates we originally set aside may not work with your schedule. That is why we are offering more written testing opportunities. If you are a technician who doesn’t want to challenge both the written and practical portions of the exam at the same time, or if you are a prospective Certified Landscape

ow that the snow has started melting, and the last few signs of winter are melting along with it, we can finally start welcoming the start of the spring and summer seasons. Along with them, come brand new hands-on testing opportunities for individuals interested in becoming Landscape Industry Certified. Despite the snow, the Atlantic Region Certification Committee is offering a later spring testing opportunity in Nova Scotia on May 23. British Columbia is kicking testing off in the summer on July 12-13th at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Langley, while Ontario is following right after on July 23rd in Milton at the Landscape Ontario head office. If you are interested in challenging the Certified Landscape Technician designation, you have the option of choosing Ornamental or Turf Maintenance, Softscape or Hardscape Installation, and Irrigation in British Columbia. All written exams are also being offered at both test sites. If you would like to learn more, or schedule an exam, feel free to email us at certification@cnla-acpp.ca or call Colin Vince at 888-446-3499 ext. 8625 for British Columbia, and Claudia Santos at 888-4463499 ext. 8635 for Ontario. The earlier you register, the sooner you can take advantage of early bird pricing.

Recently Awarded Landscape Industry Certifications Manager Siamak Bay Sharra Hinton

ON MB

Designer Paul Brydges Mayumi Onda

ON BC

Technician - Ornamental Maintenance Anina Frick ON Vida Hale ON Sara Hopkins ON Chadwick Huggett ON Stacey Kirkbride ON Michael Masson ON Robert Rochon ON Technician - Softscape Installation Keely Runnalls AB Technician - Hardscape Installation Sarah Parker AB *as of April 1, 2015

CERTIFICATION TEST DATES May 15

Winnipeg, MB (written)

May 27

Surrey, BC (written)

May 27

Edmonton, AB (written)

May 27

Sussex, NB (written)

June 19

Winnipeg, MB (written)

June 24

Surrey, BC (written)

June 24

Sussex, NB (written)

June 24

Edmonton, AB (written)

VERIFY YOUR INFORMATION Ensure that CNLA has your up-to-date contact details so that you do not miss out on important information regarding your certification. If you have moved, switched companies or updated your contact information recently, email certification@cnla-acpp.ca with the best way to contact you and we will update our records.

@ldscpcertified

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

Upcoming Events • Strengths-Based Leadership by Leslie Boomer, Gallup Certified Strengths Coach • Professional Selling & Sales Accountability by Neal Glatt, CSP • Managing Growth & Common Mistakes by Dana Davis, Senior Consultant • Preparing to Transition & Exit by Kent Kohn, Certified Exit Planning Advisor • Hot Topics by Dennis Kostrzewa, Senior Consultant • Factory-led sessions at the Ventrac facility

July 22-24, Amish Country, OH www.MySnoMotion.com

emember when the snow business was simply a seasonal add-on? Today, it’s a serious year-round business with renewals in May, SIMA Symposium in June, equipment purchases to be made, materials to be procured, and many other critical activities occurring throughout the summer in preparation for next winter. Increasingly there is almost no downtime for snow and ice professionals. At the same time, snow and ice professionals need to take a break, refresh themselves, and recharge their batteries. Sno-Motion 2015 was designed for the snow and ice professional, combining outstanding networking opportunities with a full day of collaborative educational sessions, great food, wine-tasting at an

A number of corporate sponsors have been secured to offset costs in an effort to make Sno-Motion as affordable and accessible as possible. Sponsors include Ventrac, SIMA, Caterpillar, BOSSlm Software, Ice B-Gone Magic, Progressive Insurance, ETS Equipment Tracking Solutions, Landscape Management Magazine, Meyer, and ProTech. SIMA members in good standing qualify for a reduced registration rate.

September 15-17, Jerseyville, ON www.lothrive.com award winning winery, a factory tour of the state-of-the-art Ventrac manufacturing facility, and the leisurely surroundings of Ohio’s Amish Country, the largest Amish community in the U.S. This event, held every other year by ProMotion Consulting, is not exclusively for owners and executives. Anyone involved in the snow industry will benefit from attending, as there is something for everyone. Even families will enjoy the unique shopping, antiques, old-world shops, horse-drawn buggies, home-cooked meals, and historical sites of Amish Country. Educational sessions include: • The Importance of Developing Leaders by Tim Troyer, keynote speaker • Becoming a Magnet for Talent by Phil Harwood, CSP, Managing Partner

New event expands Garden Expo and embraces more sectors

andscape Ontario once again inspires the industry it serves by creativity — and changing with the times. Thrive ‘15, merging several popular green industry events, takes place Sept. 15-17 at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, Jerseyville, Ont. Its anchor is Garden Expo, Canada’s fall buying show for the retail garden centre industry. Moving Garden Expo from October to September offers the industry key advantages. “September works much better for placing my merchandise orders,” says retailer Michael Van Dongen of Van Dongen’s Landscaping and Nurseries, Hornby.

to ‘show off’ our product. We welcome the change and look forward to seeing all of our customers and friends at the exciting new location and a new time.” The re-imagined Thrive event will also feature: • Chicken Roast and preview reception: LO’s Golden Horseshoe Chapter tradition moves to the next level; this popular annual social event pairs with a highly anticipated auction preview • Awards of Excellence Growers Program: Premium stock competes for recognition — by the skid • Landscape Ontario’s Industry Auction: The province’s growers donate their best nursery stock; proceeds fund research and scholarships • Snowposium 2015: Equipment, supplies and education for snow and ice fighters — Snowposium has it all “Our idea for Thrive sparked excitement every time we presented it,” says show manager Heather MacRae. “This new event, in a sharp venue, offers opportunity for both indoor and outdoor activity. We understand our events are all about the face-to-face experience; plans for networking, food and social time at Thrive fit the bill.” Marritt Hall at the Ancaster Fairgrounds is a modern exhibition facility, an ideal venue for Garden Expo. The Fairgrounds’ support facilities, parking and easy access are sure to be welcomed by green industry buyers and exhibitors alike. Thrive has something for every green industry sector: retailers, contractors, growers and more. Exhibitors can look forward to connecting with successful, engaged and progressive delegates. Mark your calendar for Thrive ‘15, Sept. 15-17.

Nursery growers are a key exhibitor segment. “We are excited about the new Thrive show,” says Tom Intven of Canadale Nurseries, St. Thomas. “For us as growers, it provides a much more timely opportunity

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

September 9 & 10, Abbotsford, BC www.canwesthortshow.com

New location! Earlier Dates! Expansion! he buzz is building for CanWest 2015! A new location, earlier dates and an expansion. After 34 years of hosting CanWest in downtown Vancouver, the show is moving 60 minutes East to Abbotsford, BC. The show’s new home is Tradex Exhibition Centre, situated in the heart of British Columbia’s picturesque Fraser Valley. This location was selected as it resides closest to the hub of BC’s horticultural industry; it is a large facility that is easy to access, it has the space that allows the show to grow both indoor and outdoor, and is immediately adjacent to the Abbotsford International Airport.

Exhibitors are excited about this move and this is evident as booth sales are up 20 percent when compared to the same time last year (April). Attendees are equally excited. When combined, there are over 1,000 landscape and garden centre businesses located within a 65 km stretch from Surrey to Chilliwack – and Tradex, located in Abbotsford, is right in the middle. This area is also home to the majority of BC’s greenhouse grower operations. We anticipate a great attendance at this year’s show. CanWest is expanding to include an outdoor equipment demonstration zone. Both small and large equipment will be showcased in this professionally designed space that will feature visibility, lift and suspension tests, loads of dirt piles, and a Rodeo Challenge. You’ll also find lots of green space for the small equipment and tools. Quick Highlights: This year’s show theme is Backyard Barbeque. The Tailgate Party is taking place Wednesday September 8 at 6:00 pm in the ‘Backyard Lounge’. The education program will feature an Urban Foresters Symposium, Landscape Designers Symposium, halfday power clinics, hands on workshops and a number of savvy sessions geared

to greenhouse growers, landscapers and garden centre retailers. Food trucks will be onsite. Participate in the Plant ID contest and a chance to win $250. Vote on the Best New Product! And check out this year’s Container Competition entries. Interested in Exhibiting? Booths are selling fast! Reserve yours now. Contact Suvan Breen to reserve your space: 604.575.3516 or sbreen@bclna.com. For More Information: All exhibitor information, hotel details and special travel offers with West Jet can be found on the event website. The details for the education program will be available online in June.

August 19, Winnipeg, MB www.cnla-acpp.ca/awards

ou are invited to the 12th Annual National Awards of Landscape Excellence gala and ceremony. Taking place at the Radisson Hotel in the heart of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the awards gala is a night to attend. Guests will include local government, industry stakeholders from across the country, the CNLA Board of Directors and other distinguished guests. The Manitoba Nursery Landscape Association will be holding its provincial awards ceremony in conjunction with the national event. Awards will be given for excellence in landscape maintenace, construction, design and other special categories. CNLA received 34 entries into the landscape awards categories from across the provinces. Each company entered must have won an award at the previous year’s provincial awards ceremony. Come and celebrate the best of the best and enjoy an evening networking with other professionals. Tickets will be available soon. Thank you to our current event sponsors: Caterpillar, DynaSCAPE, FCA Canada (Chrysler) and HortProtect!

Communities in Bloom Symposium and Awards www.communitiesinbloom.ca

ommunities in Bloom, a not-for-profit committed to community involvement for enhancing green spaces in communities, is holding its annual Symposium and Awards in Kamloops, BC. Held in conjunction with the annual national and international awards ceremonies, this event is a unique opportunity for elected officials, parks and grounds professionals and community volunteers to learn and share about current issues, trends and challenges not only in horticulture and gardening, but in community tourism and projects, environmental awareness, and much more. Not only will you get a chance to celebrate exceptional community projects across the country, but you will also hear from knowledgeable speakers on a wide variety of topics. You can view past Symposium presentations at http://lin.ca/conferencepapers.

oin over 150 delegates from around the world in Denmark this August to see how Danish garden centres succeed. From August 9-14, 2015, Denmark will showcase the best and most interesting garden centres in their country – and they will also include a stop at Legoland! It is going to be a fantastic week that will not only showcase the industry, but also Danish culture and lifestyle. Register today at www.igccdenmark2015.org

CNLA Newsbrief

Spring 2015

Industry events NORTH AMERICA May 19-23: Skills Canada National Competition: Saskatoon, SK www.skillscompetencescanada.com May 21-24: Leading with Landscape Conference: Toronto, ON www.tclf.org June 19-21: Garden Days www.gardendays.ca Displacement 24.1 cc Power Output 0.9 kW Weight 4.6 kg/10.1 lb

STIHL FS 94 R Brushcutter Dependable performance meets variable speed control. The STIHL FS 94 R 2-stroke brushcutter delivers one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class, weighing just over 10 pounds - great for manoeuvering around hills, landscaping stones and other terrain. Its innovative control handle features an ECOSPEED throttle set wheel, allowing you to set the most effective throttle speed for a specific application, such as low throttle around delicate plants. Combined with a high-powered, low exhaust emission engine and anti-vibration system, this brushcutter is a great everyday landscaping tool for professionals.

July 11-14: Cultivate: Columbus, OH www.cultivate15.org

STIHL’S LIGHTEST 2-STROKE BRUSHCUTTER FOR THE PROS • Mid-range brushcutter for demanding professional landscapers

• Fleece air filter offers extended life and long replacement intervals

• Powered by a low emission 2-stroke engine with excellent power-toweight ratio

• Lightweight and compact design for comfortable operation over long periods

• Equipped with a variable speed control ECOSPEED throttle, which allows precise control of cutting speed

• For use with nylon line heads and metal grass blades, STIHL PolyCut™ 20-3 and DuroCut 20-2

• Features a simplified starting procedure - semi-automatic choke lever; hit the throttle and the lever returns to normal operating position

July 23: MNLA/MFGA Summer Conference and Trade Show: Topsfield, MS www.mnla.com July 27 to August 1: 33rd Perennial Plant Symposium: Baltimore, ML www.perennialplant.org August 8-12: ISA Annual Conference: Orlando, FL www.isa-arbor.com August 18-20: Independent Garden Center Show: Chicago, IL www.igcshow.com

QUALITY AT WORK. For 89 years, STIHL has been a world-class innovator in outdoor power equipment. German engineered products featuring the latest pioneering technologies make STIHL the market leader. STIHL products are only available at independent STIHL Dealers who provide expert advice and on-site service. Thank you for supporting the leading team and for making STIHL the Number 1 Selling Brand in Canada.

July 22-24: Snow-Motion: Amish Country, OH www.mysnowmotion.com

August 27-29: Farwest: Portland, OR www.farwestshow.com *

INTERNATIONAL May 19-23: Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show, London, UK www.rhs.org.uk

* “#1 Selling Brand in Canada” is based on an independent market share analysis of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment from 2014. Source: TraQline Canada.

May 28 to June 1: Bloom: Dublin, IR www.bloominthepark.com

STIHLCanada

06232_FS94R_Ad_EN_v01.indd 1

JOIN THE CLUB that everyone is talking about! www.STIHLCLUB.ca

www.stihl.ca 2015-02-18 2:17 PM

June 17-19: Hortitec: Holambra, Brazil www.hortitec.com.br August 9-14: IGCA Congress Denmark: Denmark www.igccdenmark2015.org Printed on recycled paper using vegetable based inks by: Harmony Printing, 50 Woodbine Downs Boulevard, Toronto, ON M9W 5R2

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