The Scoop Online – December 2011 by Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association

THE

THER R O

MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION . . . SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES GROW HERE!

Insights and Information for Green Industry Professionals

VOLUME 34, NUMBER 12 December 2011

GR EN E

Start Your Year at Northern Green Expo 2012! January 4-6, 2012 Minneapolis Convention Center PAGE 18-33

Also in this issue: Obey the Laws on Product Labeling and Signage

The Power of the GardenMinnesota.com Brand for Members

New Energy for Foundation Research and Education EďŹ&#x20AC;orts

PAGE 14

PAGE 36

PAGE 40

O CE um w i Ne pos 0 2 m Sy age p

THE

From the Executive Director . . . . . . . 8-11 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Business Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Certiﬁcation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 19, 20 Northern Green Expo . . . . . . . . . 18, 21-33 Government Aﬀairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-35 Careers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 MDA Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 MNLA Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41 Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Annual Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43-45 Plant of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBEr 2011

ADVERTISER INDEX AgStar Financial Services ......................15 Allstate Peterbilt Group ........................12 Aspen Equipment .................................43 Baker Lake Nursery...............................47 Belgard Hardscapes - Northfield..............4 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ ProGreen Plus..................................28 Casualty Assurance ...............................33 Central Landscape Supply .....................27 Ceres Environmental.............................12 Cherokee Mfg.......................................32 COWSMO, INC........................................16 Crow River Greenhouse & Nursery..........33 Cushman Motor Co., Inc.........................15 Custom Truck Accessories ......................37 Evergreen Nursery Co., Inc.....................30 Fireside Hearth & Home........................37 Fury Motors..........................................11 Gardenworld Inc...................................34 Golden Valley Hardscapes/ Xylem, Ltd. ......................................36 Great Northern Equipment Distributing, Inc. .............................21

Hal Tiffany Agency................................45 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies ............................31 Hennepin Technical College...................34 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet.............................17 Johnson's Nursery, Inc...........................22 JRK Seed and Turf Supply......................44 L&M Products, Inc...................................5 Maguire Agency ...................................18 MN Equipment Solutions, Inc. ...............35 North Country Ford...............................44 Northern Christmas Trees & Nursery ......36 Out Back Nursery..................................34 Quality Insurance Service......................35 RDO Equipment Co................................11 The Tessman Company..........................13 Titan Machinery ...............................9, 48 Top Notch Equipment, Inc .....................46 Truck Utilities, Inc.................................32 United Label & Sales.............................23 Ziegler Cat .............................................3

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Upcoming Events December 12 – Lunch ‘n Learn: PGRs on Woody Plants. MNLA Oﬃce, Roseville. For more information, visit www.mnla.biz.

January 3– 3–

Super Tuesday. Minneapolis Convention Center. For more information, see page 19 or www.mnla.biz! MNLA CEO Symposium. Hyatt Regency Hotel, Minneapolis. For more information, see page 20 or www.mnla.biz.

4-6 – NORThERN GREEN ExPO. Minneapolis Convention Center. Registration now open at www.northerngreenexpo.org. Exhibit contracts available online at www.northerngreenexpo.org or call 651-633-4987. 16-18 - School of Turfgrass Management. Presented by the University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin at the eodore Wirth Golf Course in Minneapolis. More information is available at www.MTGF.org or by contacting Dr. Brian Horgan at 612624-0782 or bphorgan@umn.edu. 18-20 – Mid-Am Trade Show. Navy Pier, Chicago. More information available online at www.midam.org. 20 – MNLA Certiﬁcation Exam. Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Park. For more information, visit www.mnla.biz.

February 29 – Container Gardens through the Seasons. TIES Conference Center, St. Paul. For more information, visit www.mnla.biz.

March 7–

MNLA Day on the hill. Kelly Inn and State Capitol, St. Paul. For more information, see page 34 or visit www.MNLA.biz.

9–

MNLA Certiﬁcation Exam. Dakota County Technical College, Rosemount. For more information, visit www.mnla.biz.

13-14 or 21-22 – Pesticide Certiﬁcation: Workshop & Exam. MN Dept. of Agriculture, St. Paul. For more information, visit www.mnla.biz. 21 – Spring Greenhouse Tour. Northern Metro. For more information, visit www.mnla.biz. 27 – Pruning Seminar. TIES Conference Center, St. Paul. For more information, visit www.mnla.biz. 28 – Irrigation: Grounding & Surge Protection (PLT Relicensure). Roseville Skating Center/Oval, Roseville. For more information, visit www.mnla.biz.

May 8-10 – Minnesota health and Safety Conference. Minneapolis Convention Center. More information available online at www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org.

THE OR R

If interested in sponsoring, please call Betsy Pierre, 763-295-5420 / betsy@pierreproductions.com

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GR EN E 6

January 4-6, 2012

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBEr 2011

Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association 1813 Lexington Ave. N. Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-4987, fax 651-633-4986 Outside the metro area, toll free: 888-886-MNLA, fax 888-266-4986 www.MNLA.biz • GardenMinnesota.com

MNLA Mission The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help nursery and landscape related companies in Minnesota and the surrounding region operate their businesses more successfully.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bert Swanson, MNLA-CP, President Swanson’s Nursery Consulting, Inc. 218-732-3579 • btswanson@gmail.com Debbie Lonnee, MNLA-CP, Vice President Bailey Nurseries, Inc. 651-768-3375 debbie.lonnee@baileynursery.com Heidi Heiland, MNLA-CP, Secretary-Treasurer Heidi's Lifestyle Gardens 612-366-7766 • heidi@BloomOnMN.com Van Cooley, Past President Malmborg’s, Inc. 763-535-4695 van@geraniumsbygeorge.com Randy Berg, MNLA-CP Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 rberg@smig.net Scott Frampton Landscape renovations 651-769-0010 sframpton@landscaperenovations.com Tim Malooly, CID, CLIA, CIC Irrigation By Design Inc. 763-559-7771 • timm@ibdmn.com Bill Mielke Wilson’s Nursery, Inc. 952-445-3630 bill@wilsonsnurseryinc.com Herman Roerick Central Landscape Supply 320-252-1601 hermanr@centrallandscape.com Bob Fitch MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • bob@mnla.biz The Scoop is published 12 times per year by the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 1813 Lexington Ave. N., roseville, MN 55113. Address corrections should be sent to the above address. News and advertising deadlines are the 5th of the month preceding publication.

DECEMBEr 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

The Scoop | FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“Team Tomorrow” Looks Ahead By Bob Fitch, MNLA Executive Director he turning of the calendar from December to January always provides pause to reflect on the past year and look ahead to the next year. First, let’s look forward.

Bob Fitch

In 2012, the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is embarking on its most extensive strategic planning exercise ever. MNLA recognizes that traditional models of non-profit organizational success are today frequently being challenged, eliminated, or radically altered due to changes in how Americans gather information, how the Great Recession has changed society and the green industry, and what younger generations expect from their civic and community involvement. Specifically, we must respond to the convergence of the following trends which have exponentially increased the speed of change: ➢

Demographic Shifts. Association members are getting older. We need leadership and involvement opportunities for the younger generation.

➢

Technological Advances. Internet, social media, and mobile devices are radically changing the ways we communicate and gather information.

➢

Decentralized Networks. Upcoming generations network through new means, especially electronically, rather than the traditional in-person meeting.

➢

Changing Expectations from Volunteers. People are overwhelmed with personal and professional demands on their time. Upcoming generations are especially sensitive to time commitments, plus they don’t want to wait to be in leadership and make a difference. They want to contribute and have a meaningful experience now. www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBEr 2011

Will we let these trends and forces damage the relevance of MNLA and the MNLA Foundation to its members; or will we choose to modify or even throw aside the outdated portions of our traditional model so that we can build the value and relevance of MNLA and the MNLA Foundation for current and future generations of green industry companies and professionals?

Now, here is the look back at some of the association’s accomplishments in 2011:

To think MNLA is an exception to these trends is to fool ourselves with wishful thinking. Yes, MNLA has been successful for many years. But the writing is on the wall that the time for significant – perhaps even radical – change is upon us. Included in the strategic planning process will be a series of focus groups of members and non-members who are not currently involved in the association’s leadership structure (i.e. Boards, committees and staff ). These “Ideation” sessions will be led by the nationallyrecognized Kip Creel of The StandPoint Group, a market research firm which has done extensive work with green industry companies and organizations. If you’re asked to take part in one of the Ideation sessions, please say yes as a way to help your association become prepared to help your company in the future. The MNLA Board of Directors and the rest of “MNLA Team Tomorrow” are fully engaged in this process to position MNLA and the MNLA Foundation as vital and relevant to the needs of members for many years to come. The future of MNLA will be different than the past or the present – but it promises to be a future filled with excellence because of the ingenuity and commitment of industry leaders and members.

Northern Green Expo: Attendance at the 2011 Northern Green Expo was up 15%. Thanks to those committees who played a vital role in shaping the educational program: Commercial Arborists, Garden Center, Greenhouse & Herbaceous Growers, Irrigation Industry, Landscape Design, Landscape Education, and Nursery; as well as our partners in the member associations of the Minnesota Turf & Grounds Foundation. Further kudos to the Trade Show Committee which ensures that our exhibitors have a positive move-in and move-out experience.

• MNLA added to its ranks of Certified Professionals with exams in January and March. Thanks to the Certification Committee for their efforts to provide a quality training and exam program. Thanks also to the exam site hosts: Hennepin Technical College and Dakota County Technical College. • Your company’s interests were heard loud and clear during the annual Green Industry Day on the Hill.

MNLA hosted a tour of Summit Brewery on March 31st. Over 100 members took part in this fun event.

Continued on page 10

• Hundreds of volunteer members shared their horticultural and landscape expertise at the MNLA Landscape Garden at the Minnesota State Fair.

Continued from page 8 • Landscape award winners and other honorees were toasted at the MNLA Landscape Gala in March. The Gala has turned into an elegant and fun networking affair. • MNLA helped members get the necessary CEUs to retain their pesticide applicator licenses and power limited technician licenses. • The MNLA Foundation and 15 members pooled resources to present scholarships to 21 deserving college students. • The Sustainable Environment Committee continued to add environmental information resources to MNLA.biz, plus continued to promote the horticultural plastics recycling program. Thanks to all those suppliers, garden centers and landscape professionals who recycled!

• MNLA hosted a tour for U.S. Senator Al Franken. Thanks to Bachman’s in Lakeville/Farmington for providing the showcase. • Hundreds of ﬁfth grade students Thankfully, MNLA and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture agreed at just the right time to move Minnesota from a Japanese beetle category 2 state to being a category 3 state. If that change had not been made, dozens of nurseries and garden centers would likely have had “stop sale” orders put in place by MDA since this was the year when the JB population exploded in the state.

across Minnesota learned about trees during the annual Arbor Day Poster Contest. • MNLA hosted its first “Snow Day” educational day and mini-trade show. • The Irrigation Committee completed an update of the Landscape Irrigation Municipal Guidelines which can be found at MNLA.biz.

• The MNLA Foundation continued to press forward to involve members in promoting green industry careers to youth. This initiative is vital to the long-term interests of all members. • Circulation for Garden Minnesota Yearbook increased 40% thanks to a new distribution channel – targeted home delivery by the StarTribune. • MNLA worked with the Minnesota Business Immigration Coalition to host a series of forums highlighting the importance of immigrants to the economy. MNLA also worked with ANLA to lobby in Washington D.C. on this issue. • Member of the MNLA Stormwater Management Team took part in many meetings at the state level as the next wave of guidance on stormwater mitigation tools is determined. In addition, the Permeable Paver Systems Sub-Committee introduced a new educational tool for municipalities. • MNLA’s government affairs team secured victories on a variety of issues at the Minnesota state legislature: DNR nurseries; unemployment compensation; and Green Acres property taxes.

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBEr 2011

Over 50 companies planted trees all over the state as September 22 was proclaimed “Green for Life” Day in Minnesota.

• Wet weather in April and May crushed the optimistic outlook for retail garden centers in Minnesota. • MNLA received a Distinguished Service Award from the Minnesota Horticultural Society; a State Advocate of the Year Award from the Immigrant Law Center; an Award of Excellence for Public Service from the Midwest Society of Association Executives; and an Outstanding Friend Award from the University of Minnesota. • MNLA committee members willingly shared their wisdom and knowledge by writing dozens of articles for The Scoop. • The Widmer Golf Tournament raised nearly $10,000 for the MNLA Foundation’s research information efforts.

The Foundation’s Shootout Sporting Clays Tournament raised about $5,000 for the scholarship fund.

• The MNLA Foundation Board of Trustees completed a new work plan which includes the addition of a “research information director” who will gather, distill and disseminate pertinent research to help MNLA members operate their businesses more successfully. • The Commercial Arborists Committee worked with MDA to modify guidance for application of EAB treatments. • Despite a slow start, the 2011 landscape season seemed to gather steam all year and most reports were positive, despite lingering troubles in the local and national economy. q Bob Fitch is executive director of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association and can be reached at bob@mnla.biz.

DECEMBEr 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

The Scoop | SAFETY

Simplifying Respirator Protection Programs Resources to Perform Simple Air Monitoring By Adam Tripp, TBG Loss Control Representative SHA requires certain criteria be met when implementing a Respiratory Protection Program. The requirements include; Proper Selection of Respirators, Medical Evaluations, Fit Testing, Proper Use of Respirators, Maintenance and Care of respirators, Complete Training, Program Evaluation, Written Program, and Recordkeeping. The question needs to be raised: How does one know what contaminant levels are present on a jobsite? To answer this question and to make a program as thorough as possible atmospheric sampling should be conducted to accurately identify the hazards in the surrounding atmosphere. This ultimately leads to selecting the proper respirators for the job. Accurately identifying the hazards your employees face will greatly reduce an employer’s liability so long as they take appropriate corrective actions i.e. full program implementation. In the landscaping trades this can be relatively difficult due to the ever changing working conditions. Fortunately, there are options available. One such option is renting real-time equipment that tests for contaminants created on the jobsite. Pine Environmental Services is one such

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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | The Scoop

Voluntarily Reclassify Workers and Save Money By Patrick McGuiness, Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC f you have been reading my articles on even a semi-regular basis, you have probably read all about the differences between subcontractors and employees. Despite all I have written and said, I know there are still many green industry businesses treating workers as subs or independent contractors instead of as employees. Many Patrik McGuiness times this is due to not knowing how to make the switch or being afraid of getting caught making the switch. Now, thanks to a new IRS program, business owners can put misclassifications behind them. Voluntary Compliance to Save Money In September 2011, the IRS announced the new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program (VCSP). This program is a voluntary initiative which will allow businesses to change the classification of their workers and settle any possible past due tax debt at a low cost. The VCSP allows employers to correctly classify their independent contractors and other non-employee workers as employees so that they can be in compliance with employment tax liability and reporting requirements. On average, employers that are accepted into this program will only be liable for approximately 10% of the payroll taxes which would have been owed if the misclassification had been found during an audit. how to Qualify In order for a business/employer to be eligible for the VCSP, they must meet the following requirements: • The business must currently be treating the workers as nonemployee independent contractors or subcontractors; • The business must have treated the workers as nonemployees consistently for the past three years and filed IRS form 1099 for them for those years. • The business cannot currently be being audited by the IRS or the Department of Labor, or by another state agency for worker classification issues. how to Apply If a business is interested in participating in the VCSP, they must file IRS Form 8952 (Application for Voluntary Classification Settlement Program) at least 60 days before the business would like to begin classifying workers as employees. If the business is accepted for the program, an agreement showing the total amount to be paid will be reached with the IRS. Once the business pays the amount due, the matter will be closed with the IRS and those workers will not be the subject of future audits.

Going Forward After acceptance into the VCSP, that business must treat the workers in question as employees for future tax purposes. The number of employment audits is rising, especially in light of the recent worker classification audit program which sees federal and state cooperation on these issues. q This article provides general information on employment matters and should not be relied upon as legal advice. A qualified attorney must analyze all relevant facts and apply the applicable law to any matter before legal advice can be given. If you would like more information regarding employment law or other legal matters, please contact Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651-2063203 or pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com Patrick McGuiness is one of the founding partners of Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC. His law practice focuses on assisting contractors & other small business owners. He is also part owner of One Call Property Care, LLC a Minneapolis landscaping & property management company.

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DECEMBEr 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

The Scoop | CERTIFICATION

Certification Training: Magic from the Manual

Product Labeling and Signage is More Than Marketing – It's the Law ! By Terry Ferriss, Professor of Horticulture UW-River Falls Based on ANLA's "Industry Guide to Marketing Container plants". hat does a bottle of shampoo, a candle and a containerized plant have in common? When purchased at the retail level, the labels or Terry Ferriss sales signage for all of these products will contain uniform and consistent information to assist the consumer in comparing similar products by price and quantity. The national Uniform Weights and Measures Law and the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulations are the legal foundations for this required consumer information. The National Conference on Weights and Measures oversees the law and its implementation.

Ground Rules: Law applies only to retail sales of products to consumers and not to transactions between wholesale suppliers and retailers. Required information must be accurate and must be easily accessible and legible to the consumer. ree Kinds of Required Information: 1. The Declaration of Identity: The declaration must describe the product, for example the name of the plant. The common name or botanical name of the plant can be used. However, if there are more than one species in the container then they all must be listed or labeled as "mixed annuals" or mixed perennials" or something similar.

2. The Declaration of Net Contents: The contents must be described in terms of weight, measure, or count. The standard in the industry is to use the volume of the container as the method for declaring net content. Both U.S. (inch, pound, ounces) and metric (meter, grams, liter) must be included; for example: 6 fl oz (180 ml). For bedding plant packs or other multi-celled containers the net contents must include the total count and both the unit cell volume and the total volume of all cells; for example: 6 cell x 2 fl oz (60 ml) Total 12 fl oz (360 ml). If packs can be purchased individually, as well as by the entire flat, then the labeling or signage would refer to the count and volumes of units in each pack, not the flat. Signage for pricing would include both pack and flat pricing. 3. e Declaration of Responsibility: is declaration provides the consumer with the location of the vendor, distributor or retailer of a product. If the plant was grown at another location other than where it is being sold, then there must be a declaration of responsibility. e responsible business may be the grower, the distributor (e.g. plant brand/ marketer), or the retailer. e declaration must include the responsible business name, city, state, and ZIP code. e declaration may state the principal place of business in lieu of the actual place where the product was grown, distributed, or oﬀered for sale. Retail growers are required to have a declaration of responsibility for all material grown oﬀ-premises.

Retailers offering products grown offpremises must determine how to handle this declaration. Retailers may declare themselves responsible or they may use the names of growers or distributors on labels and signage. When a product is sold by someone other than the manufacturer, the declaration of responsibility will qualify that relationship with a phrase such as "grown by" or "distributed by." how is the Information to be Displayed? The declaration of identity and net contents must appear together in close proximity, on either signage or labeling. The declaration of net contents must be located in the bottom 30 percent of the label/sign. The declaration of responsibility may appear with the other declarations or by itself. Advertising a product with the price must include the net contents of the products offered at that price. For Further Information: The ANLA has published a guide for labeling and signage when selling packaged products and containerized plants that is a good additional reference on this topic and was used as a resource for this article. Handbook 130 is the federal publication containing the uniform law and regulations on packaging and labeling. The handbook can be downloaded from the web site: www.nist.gov or purchased at www.ncwm.net. Industry label suppliers may also be able to provide additional CERTIFIED Professional information. q Sample questions on Page 15

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBEr 2011

Sample Questions: 1.

T F The approved declaration of net contents on a label for a containerized plant is generally specified by the pot size based on the internal diameter of the pot.

T F The law on Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulations applies to retail sales of products to consumers and not to transactions between wholesale suppliers and retailers.

The Uniform Weights and Measures Law and the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulations are intended to assist consumers in comparing similar products by using uniform and consistent price and quantity information on the product package or in advertising and signage. Which of the following is the most accurate method of labeling a potted annual that has been produced by “Grower ABC” and is being sold by “Retailer XYZ”? a. Marigold (picture), 4” pot, $2.99 b. Marigold, 6fl oz (180 ml), Grown by ABC Producer, Sometown, MN c. Annual, 4” pot, Grown by ABC Producer for Retailer XYZ d. Marigold, Marigold picture, 4” pot, Grown for Retailer XYZ, $2.99

The Uniform Weights and Measures Law and the Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulations are intended to assist consumers in comparing similar products by using uniform and consistent price and quantity information on the product package or in advertising and signage. Which three pieces of information are required to be available at the point of sale when selling products including containerized plants? a. Declaration of Sales Price, Declaration of Identity, Declaration of Net Contents b. Declaration of Identity, Declaration of Net Contents, Declaration of Labeling c. Declaration of Identity, Declaration of Net Contents, Declaration of Responsibility d. Declaration of Identity, Declaration of Labeling, and Declaration of Sales Price

Answers: 1. False (Industry recommendation is to use the VOLUME of the container) 2. True 3. B 4. C

Terry Ferriss is a member of the MNLA Certification Committee and can be reached at terry.l.ferriss@uwrf.edu. DECEMBEr 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

The Scoop | EDUCATION

December Events/ Classes at the Arboretum Here's what's happening at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in December. Take an outdoor discovery class or enjoy the indoor holiday decor and live music that are part of the Making Spirits Bright celebration. For more information, call 952-443-1400 or visit arboretum.umn.edu. Hot Chocolate Walks Saturday, Dec. 17 & Wednesday, Dec. 28, 10-11:30 a.m. Explore the beauty of the winter landscape, search for animal tracks and learn about animal's survival techniques with an experienced Arboretum naturalist. $7.50 member/ $15 non-member. Call 952-443-1422 or visit arboretum.umn.edu/walksandﬁtness.aspx. Full Moon, Winter Light: Photographing Winter Wonders Saturday, Dec. 10, 1-6 p.m. Oswald Visitor Center Photographer John Pennoyer shares the joys of winter photography in this hands-on photo class. $60 member/ $70 non-member. Call 952-443-1422 or visit arboretum.umn.edu/photographyclasses.aspx.

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Family Holiday Breakfast Saturday, Dec. 10 Enjoy a lively holiday breakfast brunch. $13.99 member/ $16.99 non-member. Children 10 and under $6.99. Call (612) 626-3951 for reservations. Holiday Gourmet Dinner Friday, Dec. 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Snyder Building, $60/$70 Call 612-626-3951 or http://umnarboretum.catertrax.com. Holiday Teas Tea Room, Snyder Building Dec. 1-4, 7-11, 14-23 and 27-30; $23 member/ $26 nonmember Enjoy formal tea with friends and family. Call 612-626-3951 or visit http://umnarboretum.catertrax.com. Sunday Brunches 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sundays, Arboretum Restaurant Enjoy an ever-changing array of hot breakfast/brunch delights. No reservations required. Making Spirits Bright Now through Dec. 31 Oswald Visitor Center, Arboretum grounds Storybook trees, weekend visits with Santa, horse-drawn sleigh rides, gingerbread and more! Sing-along Messiah with Minnetonka Symphony Orchestra Saturday, Dec. 10, 2 p.m. MacMillan Auditorium Weekend Family Fun Saturdays & Sundays, noon-4 p.m. Learning Center What's the buzz about bees! Drop-in at the Learning Center to ﬁnd out. Ar-BRR-etum Day Saturday, Dec. 31, all day Free admission for anyone arriving with cross-country skis or snowshoes.

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The Scoop | NORTHERN GREEN EXPO

The Inside Scoop for MNLA Members on the 2012 Northern Green Expo By Bob Fitch, MNLA Executive Director KEEPING YOU ON YOUR TOES! For the 2012 Expo, we’re moving back to the west end of the Minneapolis Convention Center, which puts us closer to our hotels. Registration, badge holder pick-up, show information, Job Boards and the Landscape Awards will be in the Hall E lobby closest to the west skyway entrance. Morning coffee and the MNLA and MTGF association Community Center will be in the Hall D lobby. WHO SAID THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A FREE LUNCH? That's right, Expo is offering free tickets for lunch in the Green Expo Trade Show Cafe on Thursday to the first 2,000 attendees to pick up their ticket at the MNLA or MTGF desk in Lobby D on Thursday morning. Enjoy a hamburger or turkey burger basket at one of the two lunch lines which will be available in the trade show. Seating is available all along the south side of the exhibit hall.

9:18 PM

BRING 10 EMPLOYEES, GET 5 MORE REGISTRATIONS FREE! We know times are tight. Here’s a chance to bring a greater number of your employees. Free registrations must be of equal or lesser value. Use the printed registration form included with this issue of the Scoop or the form can be printed out from NorthernGreenExpo.org. WHAT? NO HANDOUTS?!? To be as green as possible and conserve natural resources, Expo no longer prints handouts. Praise for the change last year outnumbered complaints 50 to 1. If you want to print your own handouts, they will be available at NorthernGreenExpo.org before or after the Expo – there is no charge and no password is required. For the most current updates, check the website late this month. LOOK ON-LINE FOR SEMINAR DETAILS. Look on the left-hand side of NorthernGreenExpo.org to find the link to the on-line “flip-book” program which includes detailed information on all sessions and speakers. Also on the site, Page 1 preview the trade show and find information on hotels, directions, and Expo exhibitor show specials. SHUTTLE DOWN NICOLLET FROM THE RAIL LINES! Take the Hiawatha Light Rail line or the Northstar Commuter Rail to downtown Minneapolis and then take advantage of the FREE shuttle bus that will run you down Nicollet Avenue and right to the front door of the Convention Center. From 6 a.m.-7 p.m., the shuttle runs about every 10 minutes. From 7 p.m. to 1 a.m., it runs every 15-20 minutes. TRADE SHOW HOT SPOTS . . . Our great line-up of exhibiting companies makes it worth your time to visit the trade show. For a little something extra on the show floor, learn at the Education-on-the-Go sessions which will be on the far right wall. Nearby is the location for DOT Audits. The Minnesota Society of Arboriculture will present Tree Climbing Demos at the back of the 1500 aisle. The Northern Gardener Bookstore is now in the front right corner of the trade show. The Merchandising Mart will showcase examples of great retail displays in the 100 aisle. Preview the map of the show floor at NorthernGreenExpo.org.

and Nationwide Agribusiness

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

NO MORE PIGEONHOLES . . . Take time to read through the Expo schedule, time slot by time slot. We haven’t set up industry segment grids that pigeonhole what session is for you. Many sessions are applicable to many industry segments . . . read the titles and read the detailed descriptions online to choose from among the many options. q

super tuesday 4 color

DECEMBER 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

The MNLA CEO Symposium will provide insight into the economic challenges facing green industry companies and highlight strategies for positioning your business for success. Owners and senior management personnel from MNLA member companies will have the opportunity to connect with your peers to discuss tough issues and new approaches to problems.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 4:00-4:45 p.m. Networking Reception 4:45-5:45 Presentation by Dr. Charlie Hall 5:45-6:30 Q&A and additional networking time 7:00 p.m. Dinner

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 9:25 a.m. Expo Opening Keynote by Carr Hagerman, Convention Center Ballroom

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

Our speaker is Dr. Charlie Hall. Hall grew up in the industry on a nursery in western North Carolina. An economist by training, he is currently a professor in the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the Texas A&M University and also holder of the Ellison Chair in International Floriculture. His major areas of specialization include innovative management and marketing strategies, ﬁnancial analysis and benchmarking, and the situation/outlook for nursery and greenhouse crops. During this time of economic recovery, green industry firms are still feeling the financial pressures associated with consolidation and hypercompetitive conditions. This session will address the strategic decisions facing industry participants and how best to position their firms to enhance the likelihood of

future success. Special emphasis will be placed on value proposition development and what economic forensics are vital to being prepared for future downturns. At the MNLA CEO Symposium, you will: •

•

Learn Dr. Hall’s economic outlook for the U.S. and specifically for Green Industry businesses. Learn Dr. Hall’s strategies to position your business for success in this era of continued uncertainty. Connect with other CEOs to mutually exchange information on business operations, marketing, and cooperative ways to build your business.

This event is exclusively for chief executive oﬃcers or senior managers from MNLA-member companies. Available seats are limited. Take advantage of the “Gold Package” for discounted registration and hotel room—enhance your networking time!

NORTHERN GREEN EXPO | The Scoop

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Water Management and Irrigation Systems Seminar Highlights

•

Irrigation Basics – e Occasional Repair

Featured speakers include:

•

Time-Management Techniques for the Green Industry Get More Done in Less Time, and Still Have a Life

•

Winning the Price Wars - How to Sell Value and Win More Clients in the New Economy

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Irrigation Troubleshooting: 2 Wire

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Water Conservation and Eﬃciency in Irrigation

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Wire Locating/Tracking

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Weather Based Irrigation Controls

•

Crew Leader Idea Exchange

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Don't Be Scared - Web Tools Can Be Your Best Friend!

•

Reducing Runoﬀ Roundtables

•

How the Government Got in Your Backyard

•

Wetland Protection and Mitigation

•

Aquatics Recertiﬁcation (cat F)

•

Jeﬀ Latterell, Irrigation Consulting Group, Ham Lake, Minnesota Craig Otto, Irrigation Otto., Plymouth, Minnesota Steve Lawler, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, Rochester, Minnesota

Plus many more great seminars and speakers! To view the entire schedule-ata-glance and seminar descriptions, visit www.NorthernGreenExpo.org. q

Jeff Latterell

Craig Otto

DECEMBER 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

Plant Materials and Plant Care Seminar Highlights •

Plants: Finding the COOL Stuﬀ!

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Spring Flowering Shrubs

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Pros and Cons of Ash Replacement Options

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Tree Planting Installation Techniques

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Carpe Trendum---Plant Trends and Opportunities To Grab RIGHT NOW

•

Detective Dendro Strikes Again

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Coming to Know the Plants

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Conifers for the Northern Midwest

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Maintaining Natives

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Edible Ornamentals, Combinations, and Landscapes

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New Plant Forum

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Insecticide Options and Application Techniques for Management of Wood Boring Insects

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Bur Oak Blight: A Newly Recognized Disease on Bur Oak in Iowa and Minnesota

Evolving Echinacea - A Look at Recent Developments Within this Common Perennial

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Design Soils and Planting in Urban Streetscapes

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Horticultural Discoveries in the Czech Republic

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Compact Woodies for the Landscape

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Detective Dendro: e Early Years

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Perennial Plant Communities "e Know Maintenance Approach"

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Greenhouse: Plant Growth Regulators for Northern Growers . . . What Compounds Work Best for Which Plants?

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Nursery/Arborist: Pest Management Application Techniques for the Tree Care Professional

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Greenhouse: Best New Rotations for Diﬀerent Pest and Disease Problems in Ornamental Production

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Guy Meilleur

Lloyd Traven

Nursery/Arborist: Diseases of Deciduous and Conifer Trees

Featured speakers include: • • • • •

Roy Diblick, Northwind Perennial Farm, Burlington, Wisconsin Guy Meilleur, Better Tree Care Associates, New Hill, North Carolina Lloyd Traven, Peace Tree Farms, Kintnersville, Pennsylvania Dave Wanninger, Boerner Botanic Gardens, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries, Inc, St. Paul, Minnesota

Plus many more great seminars and speakers! To view the entire schedule-ata-glance and seminar descriptions, visit www.NorthernGreenExpo.org. q

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

Dale Wanninger

Debbie Lonnee

NORTHERN GREEN EXPO The Scoop

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Landscape & Hardscape Design-Build Seminar Highlights

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Time-Management Techniques for the Green Industry Get More Done in Less Time, and Still Have a Life

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No Fines Concrete as a Retaining Wall Backﬁll

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Pros and Cons of Ash Replacement Options

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Diagnosing & Correcting Nutritional Soil Disorders in Landscape Plants

Design Soils and Planting in Urban Streetscapes

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Winning the Price Wars - How to Sell Value and Win More Clients in the New Economy

How the Government Got in Your Backyard

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Compact Woodies for the Landscape

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Sales Tax Issues and the Green Industry

•

Carpe Trendum - Plant Trends and Opportunities To Grab RIGHT NOW

Stormwater Management: Reclamation & Re-Use - Target Field Case Study

•

Conifers for the Northern Midwest

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e Referral Advantage - A Contrarian Approach that will Grow Your Landscape Business Faster

Perennial Plant Communities "e Know Maintenance Approach"

•

Tree Planting Installation Techniques

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Award-Winning Landscapes: Design

•

Award Winning Landscapes: Installation & Management

•

Edible Ornamentals, Combinations, and Landscapes

Selling Design with Your Build: How is a Designed in Landscape Diﬀerent from an Added on Landscape?

•

Wetland Protection and Mitigation

•

Crew Leader Idea Exchange

•

Value-Added BioProducts for the Nursery and Landscape Industry

•

Coming to Know the Plants

•

New Plant Forum

•

Don't Be Scared - Web Tools Can Be Your Best Friend!

•

In-Depth: Natural Stone

•

Reducing Runoﬀ Roundtables

•

On-Demand Thermal Printers

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Featured speakers include:

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•

Jeﬀrey Scott, Jeﬀrey Scott Consulting, Trumbull, Connecticut Sarah Nettleton, Sarah Nettleton Architects, Minneapolis, Minnesota Scott Reynolds, Creative Habitats Inc./ HarmonyStone, Minnetonka, Minnesota Brad Tabke, Reliable Property Services, St. Paul, Minnesota

Brad Tabke

Plus many more great seminars and speakers! To view the entire schedule-at-a-glance and seminar descriptions, visit www.NorthernGreenExpo.org. q DECEMBER 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

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DECEMBER 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

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NORTHERN GREEN EXPO | The Scoop

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Lawn, Garden & Landscape Management Seminar Highlights

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Award Winning Landscapes: Installation & Management

•

Time-Management Techniques for the Green Industry - Get More Done in Less Time, and Still Have a Life

•

Turfgrass Research Update

•

Diagnosing & Correcting Nutritional Soil Disorders in Landscape Plants

•

Irrigation Basics – e Occasional Repair

•

Winning the Price Wars - How to Sell Value and Win More Clients in the New Economy

•

Sales Tax Issues and the Green Industry

•

Carpe Trendum - Plant Trends and Opportunities To Grab RIGHT NOW

•

Turf Weed Control: New Products

•

Raingarden Maintenance

•

e Referral Advantage - A Contrarian Approach that will Grow Your Landscape Business Faster

•

Edible Ornamentals, Combinations, and Landscapes

•

Small Engine Maintenance, Testing & Repair

•

Design Soils and Planting in Urban Streetscapes

•

How the Government Got in Your Backyard

•

Compact Woodies for the Landscape

•

Horticultural Discoveries in the Czech Republic

•

Stormwater Management: Reclamation & Re-Use Target Field Case Study

•

Perennial Plant Communities "e Know Maintenance Approach"

•

Tree Planting Installation Techniques

•

Wetland Protection and Mitigation

•

Crew Leader Idea Exchange

•

Coming to Know the Plants

•

Maintaining Natives

•

New Plant Forum

•

Don't Be Scared - Web Tools Can Be Your Best Friend!

•

Evolving Echinacea - A Look at Recent Developments Within this Common Perennial

•

Reducing Runoﬀ Roundtables

Featured speakers include: • • •

David Gardner, e Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio Justin Sykora, Prairie Restorations, Inc., Scandia, Minnesota Roy Diblick, Northwind Perennial Farm, Burlington, Wisconsin

Plus many more great seminars and speakers! To view the entire schedule-at-a-glance and seminar descriptions, visit www.NorthernGreenExpo.org. q

David Gardner

Justin Sykora

DECEMBER 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

The Scoop | NORTHERN GREEN EXPO

Business Management Seminar Highlights • • • • • • • • • • • •

Garden e v o r p Im ith Sales W r e t n e ! C isplays Better D

Featured speakers include: • • •

Jeﬀrey Scott, Jeﬀrey Scott Consulting, Trumbull, Connecticut Paul Erickson, RMSA Retail Solutions, Minneapolis, Minnesota Scott Nichols, McGladrey, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Keynote - Top Performer: A Bold Approach To Service and Life Time-Management Techniques for the Green Industry Get More Done in Less Time, and Still Have a Life Winning the Price Wars - How to Sell Value and Win More Clients in the New Economy Sales Tax Issues and the Green Industry e Referral Advantage - A Contrarian Approach that will Grow Your Landscape Business Faster Introduction to Human Resources - A How-To Guide to Hiring Employees Human Resources - How to Handle Problem Employees How the Government Got in Your Backyard Inventory is Your Retail Heart…Is It Healthy? Nine ings for Retailers to Start Doing to Survive and rive During the Recession Selling Design with Your Build: How is a Designed-in Landscape Diﬀerent from an Added-on Landscape? Don't Be Scared - Web Tools Can Be Your Best Friend! Garden Center Speed Networking Hands-On and In-Depth Training to Become an MNLA Certiﬁed Professional

•

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Plus many more great seminars and speakers! To view the entire schedule-at-a-glance and seminar descriptions, visit www.NorthernGreenExpo.org. q

Jeffrey Scott

Paul Erickson

Scott Nichols

Merchandising Mart See the drastic diﬀerence between a well-executed, shoppable display vs. a typically boring shelf full of product. See a mix of plants, hard goods and home decor "on the shelf" and the same product mix "merchandised." Professional merchandisers will set up the display to demonstrate how to increase sales with a creative display feature. See basic, better and best. e Merchandising Mart is in the 100 aisle of the Northern Green Expo trade show.

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Hundreds of varieties available! Reminder: Plug Days start on February 29 – April 18, 2012 www.plugday.com Call us or talk to your sales representative for more information. Outside Sales Representatives: Darren Kellar Adam Eull 612-597-9261 612-597-9613 dkellar@carlinsales.com aeull@carlinsales.com

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

651-487-8108 F: 651-487-3963 A family owned business proudly serving the “Green Industry” since 1972

Launch our website with this tag

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Presentations and Demonstrations All sessions to be held at the Education-on-the-Go Stage on the trade show floor unless otherwise indicated. Wednesday, January 4 7:30 am - 9:30 am

Tips for Submitting an MNLA Landscape Awards Entry MNLA Landscape Awards Committee Members (Lobby E)

10:45 am – 11:15 am

Pruning Trees in the Nursery, Mark Laberee

11:30 am - 12:30 pm

Tree Climbing Demo, MSA (back of the 1300 aisle)

11:45 am – 12:15 pm

Mock DOT Vehicle Inspection, The Builders Group

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Pruning Trees and Shrubs in the Garden Center, Mike Bender

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Tree Climbing Demo, MSA (back of the 1300 aisle)

4:45 pm – 5:15 pm

Tips for Troubleshooting Small Engine Problems in the Field, Paul Ocheltree

Thursday, January 5 19:30 am – 10:00 am

Pruning Trees & Shrubs in the Landscape, Craig Pinkalla

10:30 am - 11:30 am

Tips for Submitting an MNLA Landscape Awards Entry MNLA Landscape Awards Committee Members (Lobby E)

10:45 am - 11:15 am

Irrigation Scheduling in Relation to Soil Type Todd Cradit

11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Mock DOT Vehicle Inspection, The Builders Group

11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Tree Climbing Demo, MSA (back of the 1300 aisle)

12:15 pm - 12:45 pm

Helping Cities Understand the Role of Permeable Pavers in Stormwater Management, Tim Oberg

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Mock DOT Vehicle Inspection, The Builders Group

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tree Climbing Demo, MSA (back of the 1300 aisle)

Friday, January 6 11:30 am – 12:00 pm

Mock DOT Vehicle Inspection, The Builders Group

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

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Book Your Hotel Rooms NOW for Green Expo!

e hotel blocks at the Northern Green Expo hotels often sell out early, so don’t be left out in the cold. Book your hotel rooms now! e Hyatt Regency Hotel Minneapolis is the Northern Green Expo’s headquarters hotel. e Hyatt is home to Spike’s, Oceanaire, and the Regency Health Club and Spa. Discounted Room Rates Available! Room Rate: $97. Discounted rooms are limited, so make your reservations now by calling toll free 888-4211442. e Millennium Hotel is connected by skyway to the Hyatt Regency and the Minneapolis Convention Center. Discounted Room Rates Available! Room Rate: $97. Discounted rooms are limited so make your reservations now by calling toll free 866-866-8086.

JOB BOaRds at the 2012 Northern Green Expo If you are looking for a job or looking to ﬁll a position in your company, check the Job Boards while you are at this year's Expo.

Job Posting Instructions 1.

ere is no official form for job postings. Bring your own job posting (no larger than a 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper) to place on the boards any time after 7 am on Wednesday, January 4th. 2. NEW LOCATION: e Jobs Boards will be located in the Hall E Lobby. 3. Please list only one job description per posting. 4. Expo staff will place empty acrylic holders on the boards along with category headings at the beginning of the show. Feel free to bring several copies of the posting which will allow potential employees to take a copy of your posting with them for response after the Expo. Acrylic holders will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once they are full, a single posting can be tacked up to the board, but multiple copies cannot be left. 5. It is your responsibility to keep tabs on the job posting. If your copies run out, Expo staff will not be responsible for filling them. However, if you'd like to make additional copies, there is a Kinko's available onsite. 6. Note: Please do not include confidential information that you might not, for any reason, want available to the general public. Feel free to contact the Northern Green Expo Office at 651-6334987 for additional information.

DECEMBER 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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Higher Education Alumni Social Returns to Expo!

e Northern Green Expo oﬀers you the chance to reconnect with college friends and instructors!

Save the date for the 2012 Higher Education Alumni Social scheduled for:

• Wreath Rings • Specialty Rings • Wire Baskets • AND MORE!

ursday, Jan. 5 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm in the seasons Rotunda at the Minneapolis Convention Center. e event is hosted by: Dakota County Technical College Hennepin Technical College North Dakota State University South Dakota State University University of Minnesota Crookston University of Minnesota Twin Cities University of Wisconsin – River Falls

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www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

The Scoop | NORTHERN GREEN EXPO

How the Government Got in Your Backyard s members of the Green Industry, we are constantly faced with the task of adhering to rules instituted by one or another portion of our government. Sometimes these rules make sense, and Dr. Jeff Gillman sometimes they seem downright silly. At the 2012 Northern Green Expo Public Policy Forum, two old friends - one a political scientist and one a horticultural scientist will discuss how Dr. Eric Heberlig environmental policy came to be, how it affects us, and how we can try to change it for a variety of hot button topics including fertilizers, illegal plants, and genetic engineering. The seminar forum will be at 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 4.

“How the Government Got in Your Backyard” is a new book written by Dr. Jeff Gillman, a University of Minnesota professor of horticultural science and nursery management Extension specialist; and Dr. Eric Heberlig, University of North Carolina-Charlotte political science professor. Heberlig received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University. His research focuses on elections, Congress, and interest groups. “This book takes a non-partisan look at environmental policy,” said Gillman. “Many different topics are covered, from global warming and genetic engineering to plant patents.”

Gillman was raised in southeastern Pennsylvania, not too far from Longwood Gardens. He majored in biology at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Penn., and then got a master’s degree in entomology at the University of Georgia. At the University of Georgia, Gillman said, “I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Mike Dirr, one of the great plantsmen of our time. Dirr was an inspiration to me and so I left my work in entomology to pursue a degree in horticulture and never looked back.” Gillman has received widespread recognition and has appeared nationally on television with Martha Stewart for his horticultural myth-busting books. He said, “In 2004, I got fed up with some of the ridiculous suggestions that a certain TV personality was trying to pass off as garden cures and so I started to research those cures with my own experiments and a lot of time in the library. The result was a book, ‘The Truth About Garden Remedies’ which was amazingly well received. Encouraged by its success, I wrote a second book, ‘The Truth About Organic Gardening,’ which examined the good and bad practices in the modern organic garden.” His third book, “How Trees Die,” is about how trees in diﬀerent environments are treated and aﬀected by people, which ultimately leads to their deaths. q

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We have coverage for growing stock!

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2012 Day on the Hill Vital for Your Company’s Interests The Green Industry Day on the Hill continued to demonstrate its power for MNLA members during the last legislative session, with the event contributing to victories on issues such as government competition, workers compensation and Green Acres property tax provisions. “MNLA has always tried to be bipartisan in our approach. Our issues typically do not fall into one partisan political camp or another,” said MNLA Executive Director Bob Fitch. “What is important is building relationships with legislators so that as our issues arise, we have an open door and a listening ear at the House and Senate offices,” Fitch said. The Green Industry Day on the Hill on Wednesday, March 7th kicks off with breakfast and an orientation training session at the Kelly Inn across the street from the Capitol complex in St. Paul. Members then visit legislators in teams – with newcomers always paired with veterans. MNLA staff make all the appointments. Mark your calendar to take part in the March 7th event. Registration is free and will start in January.

Dynascape caD Training & skeTchup 8.0 class Friday aFternoons From 1 to 5pm starts 2/3/2012 to 4/13/12 Register online at: www.hennepintech.edu

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www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

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The Scoop | GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

Green Industry PAC Targets 2012 Election he new Minnesota Green Industry Political Action Committee has launched its operations and is beginning plans to raise funds so that contributions can be made to worthy candidates during the 2012 legislative elections. The mission of the Minnesota Green Industry Political Action Committee is to promote public policy that helps nursery and landscape companies operate their businesses more successfully. The MGI-PAC’s Board of Directors includes Chair Mick McGuire, McGuire Landscaping Inc.; Treasurer Jennifer Wilson, Wilson’s Nursery Inc.; Tim Malooly, Irrigation By Design Inc.; and Jeff Pilla, Bachman’s Inc. A PAC operates like a “political mutual fund,” pooling dollars from small investors to enhance their influence. However, a PAC is NOT about “buying votes.” It’s about gaining greater access to lawmakers to plead or defend our case. It’s the next step in sophistication of the green industry’s government affairs program. As legislators sort through the dozens of requests they receive every day, they are going to naturally gravitate to the organizations which have actively supported them in some fashion. While the mission of the MGI-PAC is parallel to the mission of MNLA’s government affairs efforts, no general fund revenues from the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA) are used for administration or promotion of the PAC. The PAC will reimburse the association for any administrative or promotional

expenses, including the value of space like this for articles in The Scoop. MNLA staff is logging any time spent on PAC affairs so that appropriate reimbursement may occur. MGI-PAC financial accounts and records are kept separate from MNLA records. Jennifer Wilson serves as the hands-on volunteer treasurer, keeping financial records and performing required financial reporting to the state. MGI-PAC will strive for a fair and appropriate balance in its contributions or endorsements to candidates of various political parties. The following criteria will take precedence over political party affiliation when legislative candidates are chosen to receive contributions or endorsements: (a) record of support for issues of importance to nursery and landscape companies; (b) strong past or present connections to the green industry; and/or (c) any other criteria developed by the PAC Board. The PAC will not contribute monies or provide endorsements to entities such as party caucus funds or party district funds. Contributions must be in the form of personal checks and can be sent to: Minnesota Green Industry PAC, PO Box 160, New Germany MN 55367. If you have questions, call Mick McGuire at 952-353-2175 or Jennifer Wilson at 612-919-3331. q

DECEMBER 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

at ion

Min n La

ota Nursery es

i scape Assoc

GEt a FREE FlasH dRIvE at ExPO! Stop by the MNLA Community Center at Expo and check out the Career Fair Kit that is available, free-of charge for members to use during school visits. The first 50 members to sign-up to Adopt a School at Expo will receive a free flash drive! There are so many ways to get involved…host a school visit to your garden center, teach a lesson in a local classroom, attend a career fair or mentor a student….the list goes on. If you’re already involved with a local school, let us know! We have resources available for you to use!

Amanda Clark of Malmborg’s talks with a student at the Shakopee Career Exploration Fair.

763-425-9656

Rebates range from $1,000 − $6,000 on your choice of Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler vehicles. Available to all MNLA members! Contact Mary at the MNLA oﬃce for more information 651-633-4987.

The Fireplace Experts Indoors and Out! DECEMBER 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

The Scoop | MDA UPDATE

The Minnesota Noxious Weed Advisory Committee and Plant Risk Assessment By Anthony Cortilet, MDA Noxious Weed Program n 2009, the Minnesota legislature made a significant overhaul to the 116 year old state noxious weed law. One of the more significant changes was the addition of an advisory group that would assist the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner with the duties of deciding what plant species would be listed or delisted as noxious in the state. Prior to the formation of the committee, weeds were petitioned to the MDA, and if approved by the commissioner, then had to go through a lengthy rule making process before they could be listed as noxious and enforced. In most cases, little or no risk assessment was ever performed on petitioned species, and more often than not, a species was listed based on pressures from local governments and groups.

perform a comparative analysis on species that were reviewed but not listed and have been taken-up by NWAC to be reviewed again at a future date, or for species that are listed and NWAC is considering delisting them. Therefore, the risk assessment process remains fluid for all species over time allowing NWAC flexibility with changing environmental, social, political, or economic phenomenon regarding particular species. The following diagram shows the basic decision making process for NWAC regarding plant risk assessment for potential noxious weed species.

Following the 2009 legislative changes to the noxious weed law and the creation of the MN Noxious Weed Advisory Committee (NWAC), listing species has become much different. Statute allows any county, citizen, organization, or association within the state to petition NWAC with plant species for consideration as noxious weeds. Petitions are then reviewed by NWAC and prioritized for a lengthy and in depth risk assessment process. The risk assessment protocol used by NWAC is the result of many years of work by a multi-disciplined group of MN researchers, land managers, citizens, farm and industry representatives, and state agency personnel, among others. The protocol was also shaped by reviewing many other state, national, and international plant risk assessment protocols. The final protocol allows NWAC to effectively review petitioned species in a scientific manner that also takes into account invasiveness, difficulty of control, cost of control, benefits of the species in question, and the amount of injury caused by the species. After the risk assessment process is completed, NWAC further discusses and debates the pros and cons for potentially listing a species, and a final vote is taken to determine what species (if any) that were reviewed should be listed. Any species that NWAC approves for listing are sent on to the MDA commissioner for final approval. The commissioner takes into account the information for each species provided by NWAC and makes the final decision on whether or not a species will be listed as a noxious weed in Minnesota. Regardless of listing a species or not, risk assessments for all species reviewed are preserved as a hard copy and within a database to be referenced in the future. This allows NWAC to 38

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

NWAC has created four categories for listing noxious weeds. The categories and current listed weeds follow. For more information regarding the MDA Noxious and Invasive Weed Program, NWAC, noxious weed risk assessment, or to view the current list of noxious weeds and definitions of their categories, visit: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/weedcontrol. Prohibited Noxious Weeds – Attempts must be made by all landowners to control or eradicate species on these lists. These species cannot be transported or sold in Minnesota. Eradicate List – These species must be eradicated meaning both the above and below ground growth of the plant are destroyed. 1. Yellow Star istle, Centaurea solstitialis L. 2. Grecian Foxglove, Digitalis lanata Ehrh. 3. Oriental Bittersweet, Celastrus orbiculatus unb.

Control List – These species must be controlled by destroying all or part of the aboveground growth by a lawful method and prevent the maturation and spread of any propagating parts from one area to another. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Leafy Spurge, Euphorbia esula (L.) Canada istle, Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. EXT Musk istle, Carduus nutans (L.) EXT Plumeless istle, Carduus acanthoides (L.) EXT Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata (Bieb.) EXT Purple Loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria, virgatum (L.), EXT Wild Parsnip, Pastinaca sativa L. EXT Common Tansy, Tanacetum vulgare (L.) Spotted Knapweed, Centaurea stoebe spp. micranthos Leafy Spurge

Purple Loosestrife

Restricted Noxious Weeds - These species may not be sold, transported, or intentionally planted in Minnesota. 1. Common or European Buckthorn, Rhamnus cathartica (L.) EXT 2. Glossy Buckthorn (and all cultivars), Frangula alnus Mill. Specially Regulated Plants – These species shall be controlled or eradicated according to specified regulations. 1. Poison ivy, Toxicodendron radicans (Ktze.) Must be eradicated or controlled for public safety along rights-ofways, trails, public accesses, business properties open to the public or on parts of lands where public access for business or commerce is granted. Must also be eradicated or controlled along property boarders when requested by adjoining landowners. q

Spotted Knapweed DECEMBER 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

The Scoop | MNLA FOUNDATION

MNLA Foundation’s New Work Plan Promises New Results Focus area #2. Career development.

By Bob Fitch, MNLA Executive Director he MNLA Foundation Board of Trustees recently adopted a new work plan which promises to deliver new results for the benefit of the environment and MNLA members.

The Foundation will be a conduit for educating youth in our region about green industry careers and the environmental benefits provided by these professions. This initiative will employ multiple tactics to strategically build upon TheLandLovers.org resource.

The mission of the MNLA Foundation is to improve the environment in the north central region by investing in research and education. The new work plan provides a strategic and operational roadmap for action in four focus areas in support of the mission.

Focus area #1. Research. The MNLA Foundation will be a conduit for compiling Minnesotapertinent environmental horticulture and landscape research from across North America and the world. The north central region has a short growing and landscaping season with a challenging climate of extremes. MNLA members and others in the green industry will be able to more successfully improve the environment if research information from various universities and other sources is compiled, distilled into a userfriendly format, and communicated to them in both traditional and web-based formats. Former University of Minnesota professor Jim Calkins has been contracted to be the foundation’s new “research information director.” Beginning Jim Calkins in January, Dr. Calkins will begin distributing researchbased information to MNLA members. 40

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Foundation Examples of research information to be compiled include new plant materials; plant hardiness trial information; nursery and greenhouse production information; plant viability in the landscape; plant insect/disease/weed control in both production and landscape settings; understanding consumer preferences for green industry products and services; understanding the best means to market green industry products and services to consumers; water management in the landscape; arboricultural best practices; labor-reducing technologies; sustainable landscape design; new landscape and garden maintenance practices; and more. Furthermore, the Foundation will retain the option of potentially funding directed, applied research that holds the possibility to benefit MNLA members and the environment.

The environment is enhanced by plants and other landscape improvements. However, these positive contributions to the environment are threatened because fewer young people are choosing nursery, greenhouse, landscape and related green industry careers. In the last several years, the MNLA Foundation and the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association have been national leaders in developing information and programs for green industry career development. This plan is a continuation and enhancement of those efforts. Targeted outcomes for this focus area include: 1. On-going relationships between 100 or more MNLA member ﬁrms and 100 or more grade schools, middle schools or high schools will be established. 2. Teachers in at least 50 Minnesota schools will utilize some part of the elementary or high school curriculums. 3. At least 4 area colleges will utilize eLandLovers.org resources in their recruitment of students. 4. At least 100 MNLA members will incorporate some part of the “career paths” information into their regular position descriptions. Continued on Page 41

Grassroots involvement by members will be critical for the success of this focus area. To learn how you can become involved, contact MNLA Foundation Program Director Jodi Larson or click on the schoolhouse icon on the bottom of any page of MNLA.biz.

Targeted outcomes for this focus area include: 1. Maintain at least 20 scholarships through 2014. 2. Ensure adequate recognition of scholarship winners and oﬀer an opportunity for sponsor-scholar interaction.

Focus Area #3. Scholarship Program.

Focus Area #4. Fundraising and Promotion.

The MNLA Foundation scholarship program will be preserved and potentially enhanced as an ongoing means of rewarding outstanding college students who have made horticulture or landscaping their career choice. Furthermore, the program will seek to enhance industry relationships with these students and their affiliated colleges.

To fulfill its mission, there is an imperative need for the MNLA Foundation to successfully promote its work and, in turn, re-energize its fundraising efforts. The members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees are taking personal and/or corporate responsibility for raising funds for at least one specific focus area. Any member interested in assisting in these fundraising efforts

should contact MNLA Executive Director Bob Fitch at bob@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987. Specific fundraising activities will include: •

Widmer Golf Tournament proceeds will benefit the Research Fund. Shootout Sporting Clays Tournament proceeds will benefit the Scholarship Fund. Proceeds from a new fundraising dinner will benefit the Career Development Fund. A new fundraiser targeted towards green industry women will be added. Efforts will be made to re-energize involvement in the Research Partners Fund ¼ of 1% collections. Assistance in fundraising will be sought from MNLA committees. q

•

Status of Funds.

MNLA Foundation - 2011-2012 Careers Fund $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

20,000 19,000 18,000 17,000 16,000 15,000 14,000 13,000 12,000 11,000 10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000

Research Fund

Scholarship Fund

Goal - $20,000

Goal - $12,500 Goal - $10,000 $9,500 from 2011 Widmer Golf Tournament $5,100 from Shootout

Green industry career promotion and youth education.

Dissemination of horticultural and landscape research information to green industry companies; and support of selected research.

Scholarships for outstanding college students majoring in horticulture or landscape studies.

DECEMBER 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

The Scoop | ANNUAL MEETING

Official Notice Annual Meeting on Jan. 4 At Millennium Hotel otice is hereby given that the annual membership meeting of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, on the top floor of the Millennium Hotel in Minneapolis. During the annual meeting, the results of the Board of Directors election will be announced. An electronic ballot was sent on December 1 to the primary contact provided to MNLA by each business member. Following is a short biography of those persons nominated to be on the ballot.

Debbie Lonnee

Debbie Lonnee is a candidate for president of MNLA. Debbie is the planning and administration manager at Bailey Nurseries Inc.

in St. Paul. She is a 1979 graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BS in horticulture. She started her career as the assistant garden center manager at The Park Nursery in Stillwater and moved up to manager in 1985. She joined Bailey Nurseries in 1993. Debbie is the past chair (and a current member) of the MNLA Publications Committee, is a member of the Greenhouse & Herbaceous Growers Committee; and is a past member of the Convention, Garden Center and Home & Garden Show Committees. She was first elected to the MNLA Board of Directors in 2000; and has served as both secretarytreasurer and vice president. Debbie received the MNLA Committee Member of the Year Award in 1999.

Heidi Heiland is a candidate for election as vice president of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. Since 1979, Heidi's Lifestyle Gardens of Heidi Heiland Plymouth has offered professional garden services for residential and commercial clients. Heidi has volunteered over the years for the Minnetonka Center for the Arts; Minnesota Landscape Arboretum; Nature Conservancy; and as a guest lecturer at area technical colleges. She is an MNLA Certified Professional, a Professional Master Gardener; graduate of Constance Spry Flower School of London; and has been recognized for excellence by a number of organizations.

DECEMBER 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

Heidi is a past chair (and current member) of the MNLA Public Relations Committee; and she also serves on the Sustainable Environment Committee. She has been instrumental in MNLA's efforts at the State Fair in recent years; and has received both MNLA's Committee Member of the Year Award and Special Service Award. She was first elected to the MNLA Board of Directors in 2006; and has served as secretary-treasurer. Herman Roerick is a candidate for secretary-treasurer of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. Herman is owner of Central Landscape Supply Inc. in St. Cloud. He is involved with the Central Minnesota Builders Association, the University of Minnesota-Crookston Advisory Committee, Herman Roerick and a number of outdoors groups. He graduated from the University of Minnesota-Crookston in 1984 with an AAS degree in natural resources conservation.He is a recipient of the Alumni of the Year Award from the University of Minnesota-Crookston. Herman has been involved with MNLA since the inception of Central Landscape Supply in 1991. He is a member of the MNLA Landscape Education Committee and the Stormwater Management Task Team. He is a past member of the Landscape Contractors and Hardscapes Committees. Herman was first elected to the MNLA Board of Directors in 2006. Scott Frampton is a candidate for reelection to the MNLA Board of Directors. He is the co-owner of Landscape Renovations, a landscape design-build firm in Afton that he started in 2000 with his business partner Bob Palmer. The company specializes in residential design and construction and is known for their Scott Frampton natural stone capabilities. Landscape Renovations also grows some of its own shade and ornamental trees. He previously worked for Holm & Olson, his family's greenhouse and landscape business. Scott received a degree in landscape technology from Anoka-Hennepin Technical College in 1989; and in marine and power equipment from Century College in 1986. Scott is chair of the MNLA Landscape Professional Advancement Committee and a member of the Government Affairs and Landscape Awards Committees. He is a past member of the Landscape Contractors and Hardscapes Committees. He was first elected to the MNLA Board of Directors in 2007. Bill Mielke is a candidate for re-election to the MNLA Board of Directors. He is currently the sales manager at Wilson's Nursery Inc., a 250-acre growing range in New Germany, with a re-wholesale yard in Chanhassen. He served honorably as a medic with the U.S. Army Calvary Division and the 6th Air Cav. Bill Mielke He has been continuously involved in the nursery/landscape industry since starting with Natural Green in 1977. He owned and operated his own rewholesale company in the 1980s, and since has been a key person for three large Minnesota landscape/nursery firms prior to joining Wilson's. Bill is chair of the Northern Green Expo Trade Show 44

www.MNLA.biz | DECEMBER 2011

Committee. He has served on the Nursery and Public Relations Committee; and is the driving force in MNLA's Landscape Garden at the Minnesota State Fair. He has been awarded both the Committee Member of the Year Award and a Special Service Award. He has served on the boards of Minnesota Ag in the Classroom and the Minnesota Grown Promotion Group. He was first elected to the MNLA Board of Directors in 2010. Mike McNamara is a candidate for election to the MNLA Board of Directors. He is the owner and president of Hoffman and McNamara, a landscape contracting and wholesale nursery operation based out of Hastings. Mike purchased Hoffman and McNamara from Gary Hoffman and Denny Mike McNamara McNamara in 2004. The company specializes in public sector, transportation oriented, landscaping, planting freeway intersections, streetscape projects, and parkways. Their wholesale nursery grows B&B and container shade, ornamental, and evergreen trees on 120 acres and sells to rewholesalers, other contractors, government groups, and for their own use. Mike has a degree in entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas. Mike is a member of the MNLA Foundation Board of Trustees and the MNLA Landscape Education committee. He is a past member of the Landscape Contractors Committee. Also at the annual meeting, members will consider the following proposed change to the association bylaws:

SECTION 3. Chairman of the Board. Trustees shall elect a chairman of the board from among the non-academic members of the Board of Trustees. The term of office shall be two years, with no more than two consecutive terms as chairman. The immediate past president of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association shall be the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the MNLA Foundation. His or her term will be concurrent with the term of the MNLA president who succeeds him in that position. In the event the immediate MNLA past president cannot serve, one of the preceding MNLA past presidents, in the order of succession, will assume the Chairmanship position. SECTION 4. Treasurer. Trustees shall elect a treasurer from among the nonacademic members of the Board of Trustees. The term of office shall be two years, with no more than two consecutive terms as treasurer. The Vice President of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association shall serve as Treasurer of the MNLA Foundation. ARTICLE VI – DUTIES OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS SECTION 3. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall indicate, in writing and in advance, his or her approval of payments drawn against the funds of the foundation; and, furthermore shall ensure that a financial report of each fiscal year is prepared and presented at each annual membership meeting; have charge of the Foundation treasury, receiving and keeping monies of the corporation, disbursing Foundation funds as authorized, and; furthermore, shall have all the powers and duties normally belonging to the treasurer of a Minnesota non-profit corporation. SECTION 4. Executive Committee. To provide for the transaction of business and decision-making that may become necessary at a time impractical to convene the Board of Trustees, authority for these matters shall be vested in an Executive Committee consisting of the Chairman of the Board, the Treasurer, the MNLA Past President, and one other member appointed annually by the Chairman of the Board, as well as the Executive Secretary as a non-voting member.

ARTICLE VII. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. SECTION 3. The Executive Director shall keep all records of the association, handle all funds and carry on all business of the association, with all activities under the supervision of the Board of Directors. Speciﬁcally under the supervision of the Secretary-Treasurer, these duties will include the taking and keeping of minutes of all meetings of the association and the Board of Directors and receiving and having custody over all monies and securities belonging to the association which shall be deposited in such bank or banks as the Board of Directors shall, by resolution, designate. The Executive Director shall sign or authorize all payments, in addition to the signature of the Secretary-Treasurer or one other oﬃcer, all checks drawn against the funds of the association. The Secretary-Treasurer shall indicate, in writing and in advance, his or her approval of these payments. The Executive Director may be required to give bond for such amount with the cost of such surety bond to be paid by the association. Finally, at the annual meeting, appointments to the MNLA Foundation Board of Trustees will be confirmed; and the following bylaws change for the foundation will be considered:

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ARTICLE V - BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS MEETINGS, APPOINTMENT, ELECTIONS & TERMS SECTION 1. Board of Trustees. The Trustees of the Foundation shall consist of eleven (11) nine (9) voting members, or such other number as determined from time to time by resolution of the sole Member. Three (3) One (1) of these Trustees shall be the past president, president and vice president of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. Two (2) Trustees be appointed to represent academia, i.e. colleges or universities which oﬀer an accredited program in horticulture or landscape education. Six (6) at-large Trustees shall be chosen from among the members of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association.

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The Scoop | PLANT OF THE MONTH

WHITE FIR ABIES CONCOLOR By Cory J. Whitmer, MNLA C.P., The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center bies concolor, commonly known as Concolor or White Fir, is native to the Rocky Mountain Range of North America. Although this species is native to another part of our country, Concolor Fir performs well in Minnesota landscapes. This evergreen’s adaptability to different soil types, along with its tolerance to different amounts of light and overall shape, make this a great selection for the landscape or for use as a Christmas tree.

Plant of the Month

Concolor Fir is very adaptable to many planting situations. One condition that they do need is a well-drained location. This evergreen is naturally found growing in areas of volcanic rock, limestone, sandstone, and in cracks of granite. Despite all of these different parent soil types and pH differences, Concolor Fir still grows well. Although this species occurs naturally in these diverse locations, this evergreen prefers sandy-loam to clay-loam soils in cultivated landscapes. Concolor Fir grows well in areas with low availability of nutrients. It is also one of the few evergreens that performs nicely in part shade. Concolor Fir is an excellent choice for both urban and rural locations if you have the space for this large evergreen. It will tolerate a wide variety of planting sites without needing a lot of special care. With all of these considerations and its overall appearance, Concolor Fir is a great choice for any Minnesota Landscape. q Cory Whitmer is the chair of the MNLA Nursery Committee and can be reached at coryw@themustardseedinc.com.

Concolor Fir can grow to a mature height of 80-180’ tall and have a trunk diameter of up to 6’. This large conifer produces flattened needles that are about 3-6 cm long and 2 cm wide. These needles are green-blue on the upper surface. The lower or underside of the needles show two bands of white stomata and this creates an overall white effect to the undersides. The needle arrangement on the shoots is spiraled, but twisted at the base to lay more or less flat on each side of the shoot. This gives Concolor Fir a flatter branching look than Spruce or Pine. DECEMBER 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association 1813 Lexington Avenue North Roseville, MN 55113-0003

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