The Scoop Online - December 2019 by Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association

OUT & ABOUT

NEW REGULATIONS

SENSITIVE FERNS

TIME TO WORK

ON YOUR BUSINESS

ALSO INSIDE:

INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION PLUS:

USING CULTURE TO DRIVE PERFORMANCE

dec 2019 n v42 n12

T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E M I N N E S OTA N U R S E RY & L A N DS C A P E A SS OC I AT I ON

YOUR ICE MELT

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Winter Tools

• Spreaders • Driveway markers • Shovels

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WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

A YEAR IN PICTURES!

VISIT US AT NORTHERN GREEN JANUARY 14-16 BOOTH 1201

Thank you to our customers for a memorable and success-filled 2019! Through training events, teaching moments and celebration, our team strives to help you be more successful.

Stop by Hedberg today for Salt and Sand! Hedberg West - Plymouth (763) 545-4400

Hedberg East - Stillwater (651) 748-3158

www.hedbergsupply.com

dec 2019 n v42 n12

TIFIE

O PR

N O R A RY

SSIO

8 Events 33

10 Start the Year of Right: Northern Green 2020 Executive Director Larson explains why Northern Green should be your first stop in 2020.

13 Out & About Photos from the MNLA networking event at Topgolf.

Reduce Snow and Ice Liability Mark Bradley of LMN explains the importance of understanding contracts and following standards.  

Sensitive Ferns Faith Appelquist celebrates the diversity that ferns offer.    

Lost in Translation Insights on bridging the generation gap when communicating, creating an appealing workplace, and boosting interest in the industry. 

H-2B Workers in the Landscape An overview of common violations and citations associated with use of the H-2B program. 

Using Culture to Drive Performance Chad Halderman defines culture and explains how you can use it drive growth. 

New Regulations Starting Jan. 1 Want to learn what’s next? Review the regulations starting Jan. 1 with Bryan Zlimen of Zlimen and McGuiness, PLLC. 

 Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design  Garden Services & Landscape Mgmt  Garden Centers  Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse  Irrigation & Water Mgmt  Arborists & Tree Services  All

18 Northern Green 2020 Master Classes, app details, registration options, upgrade tracks, keynote speakers, and member service providers at the show!

28 News & Notes A year end reminder from MDA to renew your Nursery Stock Dealer or Grower Certificate.

39 Honorary MNLA Certified Professional Learn about a new status being offered by the MNLA Certification Program.

44 MNLA Board of Directors Election Review the bios of the candidates up for election to the MNLA Board of Directors.

46 Last Word: Learn About Lora Meet the newest member of the MNLA staff.

47 New - MNLA Mentor Program Looking for professional advancement? Check out a new program from MNLA coming in 2020!

Cover photo: iStock.com/Hollygraphic. Table of Contents Images: Top Left: Faith Appelquist. Middle: iStock.com/AndreyPopov. Bottom: iStock.com/Rawpixel.

december 19 MNLA.BIZ

DIRECTORY

dec 2019 n v42 n12

MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION Successful Businesses Grow Here! 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 • www.NorthernGreen.org Mission: The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help members grow successful businesses. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Scott Frampton, President Landscape Renovations 651-769-0010 • sframpton@landscaperenovations.com Tim Malooly, CID, CLIA, CIC, Vice-President Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com Randy Berg, MNLA-CP, Secretary-Treasurer Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • randy@bergsnursery.com Faith Appelquist, MNLA-CP Tree Quality LLC 612-618-5244 • faith@treequality.com Matt Mallas Hedberg Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@hedbergaggregates.com Mike McNamara Hoffman & McNamara Nursery & Landscaping 651-437-9463 • mike.mcnamara@hoffmanandmcnamara.com John O’Reilly Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping 952-473-5425 • j.oreilly@ottenbros.com Jeff Pilla, MNLA-CP Professional Turf, Inc. (Proturf) 952-469-8680 • jeff@professionalturf.com Nick Sargent, MNLA-CP Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com Cassie Larson, CAE MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz STAFF DIRECTORY Executive Director: Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz Membership Director & Trade Show Manager: Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@mnla.biz Communications Dir.: Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz Education/Cert. Manager: Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz Government Affairs Dir: Forrest Cyr • forrest@mnla.biz Regulatory Affairs Manager: Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz Accountant: Kris Peterson • kris@mnla.biz Foundation Program Coordinator: Paulette Sorenson • paulette@mnla.biz Administrative Assistant: Lora Sondrol • lora@mnla.biz Advertising Sales: 952-934-2891 / 763-295-5420 Faith Jensen, Advertising Rep • faith@pierreproductions.com Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com Legislative Affairs Consultant: Doug Carnival

MNLA.BIZ december 19

Anderson Nurseries, Inc. ................................................................... 17 Aspen Equipment ................................................................................ 32 Bachman's Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes ............................... 3 Central Landscape Supply ................................................................ 32 Cushman Motor Co. Inc ...................................................................... 30 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................... 45 Frost Inc ................................................................................................. 39 Fury Motors ............................................................................................. 9 Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply ............................. 2 Glacial Ridge Growers ......................................................................... 11 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies ....................................... 4 Hennepin Technical College ............................................................. 35 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet ..................................................................... 24–25 Lano Equipment, Inc. .......................................................................... 43 Maguire Agency .................................................................................... 32 McKay Nursery Co. ............................................................................... 35 Minnesota Propane Association ...................................................... 12 Monroe Truck Equipment .................................................................. 21 Northern Salt Inc ................................................................................. 35 Out Back Nursery ................................................................................. 43 Plaisted Companies .............................................................................. 7 Rock Hard Landscape Supply ............................................................ 11 SMSC Organics Recycling Facility .................................................... 17 The Resultants ..................................................................................... 30 The Tessman Company ....................................................................... 12 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. .......................................................................... 41 Truck Utilities, Inc. ............................................................................... 17 Versa-Lok Midwest .............................................................................. 36 Ziegler CAT ............................................................................. Back Cover

UPCOMING

JAN

14 –16

NORTHERN GREEN 2020 Register now for the green industry experience where you browse + do business, learn + let loose, and connect + grow. Tuesday: Take advantage of one of the 6 full-day Master Classes. Attend the Trade Show Preview Party (free with registration). Includes a keg crawl and poker run. Wednesday: Don’t miss the opening keynote: Embracing Change with Paul Douglas. Upgrade your registration to attend the CEO track (How to Grow Your Company from the Inside Out) to help take your business to the next level. Thursday: Spend the day experiencing the dynamic tradeshow floor, attending education sessions and networking with industry colleagues. Upgrade your registration to include the Interactive Track — a more in-depth hands-on educational experience. This year’s topic is: Diagnosing Tree and Shrub Problems: A Stepwise Approach. Minneapolis Convention Center ➽NorthernGreen.org

JAN

29 –31 FEB



ILANDSCAPE ILandscape serves the Illinois and eastern Wisconsin area with a tradeshow and educational program. Schamburg, IL ➽ Ilandscapeshow.com

MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2020. Additional dates: February 14th, & 21st. MNLA Office, Roseville ➽ MNLA.biz

FEB

20 MAR



GERTENS SPRING EXPO The Gerten’s Expo offers a day filled with education, demos and discounts. ➽Gertens.com

GREEN INDUSTRY DAY ON THE HILL The Day on the Hill is a critical opportunity for YOU to build relationships with elected officials and raise awareness about issues impacting your business, workforce, and the industry as a whole. St. Paul ➽ MNLA.biz

MAR

iStock.com/malerapaso



MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2020. Additional dates: March 20th, & 27th. MNLA Office, Roseville ➽ MNLA.biz

MAR



The Scoop, December 2019, Issue 12, is issued monthly,

MASTERING FOREMANSHIP TRAINING In this dynamic seminar, foreman learn how to more effectively handle tight deadlines, tight margins and increase customer satisfaction. ➽MNLA.biz

12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery &

MAR

Landscape Association, 2019, and may not be used without written permission of MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Subscription price is $99 for one

BACHMAN’S SPRING OPEN HOUSE The annual open house offers free seminars, food, savings and prizes! Cedar Acres Garden & Hardscapes Center, Farmington ➽ Bachmans.com

year, which is included with member dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113.

2019 MNLA seminars

Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your

generously supported by:

expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific experiences. When submitting an article, please contact

Business

 Skills Training

 Networking

Leadership Development

General

the publisher at jon@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987. MNLA



reserves the right to edit all Scoop content.

➽Information on industry events: MNLA.biz/events. Free member-only videos: MNLA.biz/OnlineEducation.

MNLA.BIZ december 19



THINK AHEAD and let the tax code work as hard for you as our

TRUCKS AND VANS DO!

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Commercial Dealer in Minnesota

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WE DELIVER! Contact Matt Spangenberg for estimates:

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Start the Year off Right at Northern Green: Jan. 14–16, 2020 Cassie Larson

MNLA Executive Director

What gives you a professional recharge in the off-season? Is it sitting down to finally work on your business instead of just in it? Is it learning more about the technical ins and outs of your position? Is it interacting with others in the green industry? You can find all of these things and more at Northern Green which will again bring green industry leaders from five states to the Minneapolis Convention Center from January 14–16, 2020. The event is the largest trade show and educational conference in the north central region dedicated exclusively to green industry professionals. The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA) and the Minnesota Turf & Grounds Foundation (MTGF) partner each year to put on this event. The show provides opportunities for green industry pros to browse and do business, learn and let loose, and above all connect and grow. This year, attendees will enjoy a keynote address from Paul Douglas, Total Weather LLC entitled “Embracing Change.” Additional featured speakers include: • Daniel Arabella, Arabella Stone • Steve Bailey, Steve Bailey Consulting, Inc. • Michelle DaCosta, University of Massachusetts • Richard Hartlage, Land Morphology • Brent Heath, Brent & Becky’s Bulbs • Nick McCullough, McCullough’s Landscape & Nursery, LLC ➽CASSIE LARSON can be reached at: cassie@mnla.biz.

MNLA.BIZ december 19

• Kelly Norris, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden • Christina Salwitz, The Personal Garden Coach • Claudia West, Phyto Studio; and many more! Visit www.NorthernGreen.org for a complete listing of speakers and seminars that will be featured this year. Or, download the app and start charting your course by favoriting sessions and exhibitors you’d like to visit. While we have outstanding educational sessions planned, don’t forget that networking opportunities are also a huge emphasis. Connecting with professionals who do what you do day in and day out offers the opportunity to problem solve together and exchange best practices. Finally, the opportunity to visit with vendors of both triedand-true and brand-new products are aplenty. If you’re looking to make a purchase or compare products and services you can do it all at one time, all in one place on the trade show floor. Northern Green serves all aspects of the marketplace, including nursery and greenhouse growers; garden center operators; landscape and irrigation contractors; landscape designers; lawn, tree and gardening professionals; golf course and park superintendents; school and cemetery grounds supervisors; sports turf managers; and arborists. You don’t want to miss this gathering of green industry professionals! Register and learn more today at www.NorthernGreen.org.

nativE Plants MN Dept of Ag. approved plant production “pollinator friendly”

Wildflowers, Grasses, Sedges, Rushes & Ferns

Wholesale native plants in 4” pots or economy plugs for larger projects.

NeW! Some of our natives will now be available in jumbo square pots throughout the growing season. All native plants are tagged and bar-coded for retail sales.

WHOlEsalE

BEdding Plants

Annuals, Baskets, Herbs, Vegetable Plants & Certified Organic Plants also available. Wholesale Minnesota hardy perennials in 18 count trays.

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Special order perennial 32 count trays are also available. All plants are individually tagged for resale with color photo tags.

All of our plants are produced with sustainable, bee-friendly practices. Greenhouse 25132 250th Ave. Glenwood, MN 56334 Phone: 320.634.0136 Fax: 320.634.3931 email: glacridgegrowers@aol.com Website: www.glacialridgegrowers.com

Early OrdEr discOunts cOntact us fOr a frEE catalOg

Develop the Next Leader in Your Business in 2020 This learning experience cultivates leadership skills in your key staff by incorporating highly interactive exercises, discussions, lecturestyle learning, and project-based activities and sessions. Using these multiple learning methods creates a rich adult-learning environment and increases takeaways for each person. The sessions focus on personal APPLICATION development through key soft skill DEADLINE: JANUARY 23 topics. Plus, irreplaceable “from the trenches” experience comes from green industry personnel QUESTIONS? and other subject matter Contact Jon Horsman experts. More information 651-633-4987 and an application form is jon@MNLA.biz at MNLA.biz/leadership.

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4375 170th St. W Farmington, MN 55024 952-207-4456

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Bulk Salt Treated Salt Bagged Salt Salt Spreaders Shovels + We Deliver We have Snow Event Hours. Call the Salt Hotline!

952-895-7408

Visit MNLA member service companies in their booths at Northern Green 2020! Booth 310: Holiday Stationstores Booth 316: Kwik Trip Booth 1541: Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC - Attorneys at Law

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OUT & ABOUT

It was a beautiful October evening for the MNLA Networking event at Topgolf. A special thanks to Belgard, Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply, Ostvig Tree Care, Plaisted Companies, Purple Wave Auction, and Reinders for their support of the event!

The buffet kept everyone fueled up for some friendly competition.

Networking at Topgolf

LCI Landscapes brought many employees to enjoy the night out together.

John Hopkins and Steve Martens from Rivard Stone, Inc. sure can swing the clubs!

Each pod can accommodate up to six golfers each.

Topgolf provides an enjoyable environment for golfers of all levels.

december 19 MNLA.BIZ

LIABILITY

MNLA.BIZ december 19

SNOW Reduce

AND ICE LIABILITY THIS SEASON

Mark Bradley LMN Software

This article was originally published in Landscape Trades (Canada’s Premier Horticultural Trade Publication), and thus reflects a Canadian perspective on this North American-wide issue.

iStock.com/iNueng

SUCCESS IN SNOW AND ICE is typically survival of the fittest. In an industry where one slip and fall claim can bankrupt a business, and insurance coverage is often unavailable or unaffordable, today’s operators have to use every tool at their disposal in order to stay in business. Snow and ice can be lucrative if you take the right steps to reduce your liability. To succeed in snow, smart owners need to adhere to industry standards, understand contract law and document just about everything. Justice Is Coming Kevin Gilbride is a familiar name in the snow and ice industry. He has been a vocal advocate on behalf of snow and ice business owners in the U.S. for changes to laws that make it nearly impossible to run profitable businesses. As the Executive Director of the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA), he actively lobbies each state to pass the Snow Removal Liability Limitations Act. This legislation makes it illegal for property owners to pass all liability for accidents resulting from snow and ice onto contractors — a huge step forward for the industry. Connecticut, Illinois and Colorado have already passed the legislation december 19 MNLA.BIZ

LIABILITY

and more states are expected to follow. The impact of the ASCA’s work is being felt in Canada and the lessons learned can be applied across borders to dramatically reduce liability.

Reducing Salt Use, Rewarding Certified Smart-Salter Contractors The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association leads the snow and ice

You Have Standards “The ASCA established the first ever industry standard for the snow and ice industry, and it’s the foundation for effective risk management in both the U.S. and Canada,” said Gilbride. “In fact, the Canadian court system has recognized ASCA standards in litigation cases.” ASCA standards outline all the policies and procedures snow and ice contractors must meet in order to run risk-averse businesses. Holding an ASCA certification significantly increases a company’s chance of successfully defending itself in a case. According to the ASCA’s data, 70 percent of claims against ASCA-certified companies are dismissed. While adhering to these standards can keep you out of the courtroom, they are designed to improve the industry as a whole. Ensuring your business implements and abides by the ASCA standards reduces the potential for accidents and promotes workplace safety. As a result, you will also attract better clients who are looking — and paying premium fees — for certified service providers.

liability reform efforts at the Minnesota Legislature, focusing on

Devil in the Details In a highly competitive and risky industry, some contractors take work when they can get it, even if it means putting their business at risk. They quote too low and sign bad contracts from property owners just to land commercial jobs. Even in states that have already passed the Snow Removal Liability Limitations Act, it is important for all business owners to read contracts over carefully to understand both their liability and the scope of work. Avoid contracts that pass on 100 percent liability (through a hold harmless and/or an indemnity clause) to the contractor in the event of an accident. They are the reason most snow and ice businesses shut their doors, and the reason many landscape businesses refuse to take on this work in winter months. “Top contractors won’t sign these contracts and will simply walk away from the work,” said Gilbride. “Even these smart contractors can get into trouble when they don’t pay attention to the scope of work section of the contract.” In cases where the scope of work states, for example, ‘You will commence plowing only when there are three inches of snow on the ground and only salt when directed to do so,’ a contractor can still be liable if someone slips and falls at 1.5 inches with no salt, depending on how the contract is worded. It pays to know the laws specific to your province (state). Call your local association or reference their website for updates on legislation. When in doubt, run the contract past a lawyer before potentially signing your business away.

Forrest Cyr, MNLA Director of Government Affairs, with any questions on

Leave a Paper Trail Or better yet, leave a digital trail. Unless an owner can prove his plow operator salted at 2 a.m., it didn’t happen. Unfortunately, too many business owners don’t keep accurate records of everything happening in their business, and this lack of documentation results in lost liability cases. From the time Steve clocks in for his shift, to the amount of salt he put down at each job site, to his precise location at 2 a.m. on Dec. 15, every activity should be accounted for. Paper logs and timesheets are certainly better than nothing, but they can easily be lost, inaccurate, incomplete or altered. “Using business management software will centralize all the information you need to protect yourself, your company, your clients and your insurance carrier from costly litigation,” said Gilbride. “The 16

MNLA.BIZ december 19

contractor liability efforts from business, environmental, and safety perspectives, with one approach described in detail below. We’re thrilled to work with a wide range of stakeholders on these issues and continue to work diligently to provide much-needed reform to how snow and ice liability is handled in Minnesota. In 2019, MNLA’s government affairs team strongly advocated for legislation limiting the liability of salt applicators who are trained and certified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and implement the snow and ice best management practices (BMPs) enumerated as part of that certification. This effort was aimed at reducing salt use and business and insurance costs. While the bill did not become law in 2019, MNLA continues to work with legislative stakeholders to find innovative methods of reducing salt use and rewarding those who use best management practices. In 2020, MNLA will continue to work with legislative stakeholders to reform snow contractor liability to ensure that snow removal contractors are not unfairly burdened by the transfer of liability, as outlined in the article below. Contact how to get involved in this effort at forrest@mnla.biz or 651.633.4987.

best defense is evidence and that’s the reason disputes don’t make it to court, are dismissed altogether, or are judged in favor of the contractor.” Investment in software that has features like time tracking, GPS verification, and photo collection capabilities will pay for itself in the event you are faced with a lawsuit. The ability to provide accurate records and service updates also improves the customer experience and increases your chances for repeat business next season. Change Is Happening “We all have a shared responsibility to educate our local government, the insurance industry, clients, and the general public on the snow and ice business,” said Gilbride. “Changes in legislation are already having a positive impact on everyone, from lower insurance premiums to a safer society.” According to the ASCA, insurance rates in Illinois are down 25 percent after two seasons of the Snow Removal Liability Limitations Act. In states with shared liability legislation in effect, property owners are now beginning to insist on ASCA certification, which is resulting in more quality contractors and safer conditions for everyone. Case in point: an ASCA member reported that slip and falls for one of its customer’s store locations were down from 21 in the 2017/2018 season to zero this past season. “It won’t be long before our Canadian members see similar laws enacted to better protect their businesses and revitalize the industry,” said Gilbride. “In the meantime, it’s important for snow and ice businesses to understand the full scope of steps they need to take daily to reduce liability.”

➽ MARK BRADLEY is the CEO of LMN Software, and former CEO of TBG Environmental, both based in Ontario, Canada.

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ACCEPTING GREEN INDUSTRY AWARDS

CELEBRATI0N PRESENTED BY:

TUESDAY, JAN. 14, 6:00 P.M. | TICKETS: $40/$50 ONSITE A joint effort by MNLA and MTGF, this event utilizes the Innovation & Inspiration Theater on the trade show floor, which includes an outstanding visual display. There will be fantastic food, cash bars, and lots to celebrate! We’ll recognize a number of deserving individuals and companies for service, research, excellence in landscape and sports field work, receiving and sponsoring scholarships, and for completion of the Green Industry Leadership Institute. Special thanks to our sponsors:

1. ONLINE – Visit NorthernGreen.org to register at your convenience (online reg. closes January 7).

2020 Northern Green

2. MAIL – Use the badge lanyards generously supported by: registration form in the Advance Program (or download from NorthernGreen. org) and send your registration and payment by mail to the address listed.

COMPANY RECOGNITION

Contact: paulette@mnla.biz

DON’T MISS IT!

Items accepted until January 6, 2020.

EXTRA VISIBILITY

Your logo will be displayed with your donation to all attendees!

We are looking for an interesting mix of items that are attractive to all attendees of Northern Green. It could be an item in your booth, plants from your nursery next spring, or items unrelated to the green industry, such as tickets to sporting events, concerts, or a theater event. Gift baskets, jewelry, or gift certificates are welcome, too.

BENEFITING

Invest in the future of the green industry by donating an auction item. Auction funds will provide scholarships to high school and college students pursuing careers in horticulture.

Silent-Auction-2020-quarter-page.indd 1

11/5/2019 5:48:55 PM

2020 Northern Green registration badges generously supported by:

WHEN Jan. 15-16, 2020 at Northern Green • Donate an item (min. value $25) • Offer a week at your cabin or timeshare • Ask a business to donate a gift card

Your Trusted Partner

Promote your company. Drive attendees to your booth on the trade show floor!

SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN HELP

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

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HELP CREATE A MOVEMENT IN THE GREEN INDUSTRY!

DONATIONS

R E C O G N I Z I N G E X C E L L E N C E I N M I N N E S O TA’ S G R E E N I N D U S T R Y

BUY YOUR TICKETS AT NORTHERNGREEN.ORG!

SILENT AUCTION

WWW.MNLA.BIZ

9/5/2019 2:25:42 PM

Download the NG 2020 App! It’s easy, free, and will help you make the most of your time at Northern Green!

3. FAX – Use the registration form in the Advance Program (or download from NorthernGreen.org) and fax back to 651.633.4986 with payment. Receive a discount on registration when you register by January 7! Plus, members of the following associations receive a $20 discount: MNLA, MGCSA, MPSTMA, MAC, MASMS, MSA, MTA, and MTSC. Don’t forget that when you register by December 20th, your badge will be mailed to you in advance. If you register between December 21 - January 7, you will be able to utilize Self-Check-In onsite. Questions? Contact the Northern Green office for assistance at 651.633.4987.

Plus, follow us on Twitter with the hashtag #NorthernGreen

MASTER

CLASSES TUESDAY, JANUARY 14 TUESDAY, JANUARY 14

Tuesday Registrations include one of the below Tuesday Master Classes. Tuesday the Registrations onewith of the below Tuesday Master Classes. Indicate number ofinclude the class your attendee registration. Indicate the number of the class with your attendee registration. 1. PLT RELICENSURE – ADVANCED LANDSCAPE 1. PLT RELICENSURE ADVANCED LANDSCAPE LIGHTING CONCEPTS –AND TROUBLESHOOTING LIGHTING CONCEPTS AND TROUBLESHOOTING

Pending Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry Pending Minnesota of Labor & Industry approval, this class Dept. satisfies eight hours of approval, this class satisfi es eight hours of Power continuing education requirements for the continuing education requirements for2the Power Limited Training Licensure, including hours of Limited including hours of code andTraining 6 hoursLicensure, of technical training2oriented code and 6 toward hours ofthe technical training oriented specifi cally landscape industry. specifically toward the landscape industry.

4. A PLANT OUT OF PLACE with Gary Johnson, Johnson, 4. A PLANT OUT OFBauer, PLACE& with Dave Hanson, Sam MaryGary Meyer

2. PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION WORKSHOP 2. PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION WORKSHOP

This workshop meets the Minnesota Department of This workshop meets the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commercial Pesticide Applicator Agriculture (MDA) Commercial Pesticide Applicator Requirements for Category A (Core) and Category E Requirements for Category A (Core) and Category E (Turf and Ornamentals). Recertification for optional (Turf and Ornamentals). Recertification for optional Categories F (Aquatics) and P (Vertebrate Pest) will Categories F (Aquatics) and P (Vertebrate Pest) will also be offered as part of this workshop. also be offered as part of this workshop.

Known for her passionate advocacy of plant-driven Known for her passionate advocacy of plant-driven design, Claudia West is a leading voice in the design, Claudia West is a leading voice in the emerging field of ecological planting design. She emerging field of ecological planting design. She will introduce you to an innovative form of planting will introduce you to an innovative form of planting design that works with natural principles and marries design that works with natural principles and marries horticulture with ecology. horticulture with ecology.

C E O

TRACK

6.KEYS KEYSTO TOSUCCE$$ SUCCE$$IN INTHE THEHARDSCAPING HARDSCAPING 6. with Pat McCrindle BUSINESSwith Pat McCrindle BUSINESS

Join hardscape guru, Pat McCrindle, for a fastJoin hardscape guru, Pat McCrindle, for a fastmoving class that will outline the keys to success in moving class that will outline the keys to success in hardscaping. McCrindle will discuss: hardscaping. McCrindle will discuss: • Adding Hardscape Install to Your Business • Adding Hardscape Install to Your Business • Paver Best Practices • Paver Best Practices • The Right Equipment to Increase Production • The Right Equipment to Increase Production

Presented Presented by by The The Resultants Resultants This workshop offers methodology and and tools tools to to This workshop offers a a proven proven methodology help teams make make the the most most help owners owners and and their their leadership leadership teams of gain real real traction traction toward toward of their their time time and and talents, talents, and and gain achieving be engaged engaged by by business business achieving their their vision. vision. You You will will be advisors have been been in in your your shoes. shoes. advisors and and industry industry peers peers who who have ® ® ® ® (EOS ) is a The Entrepreneurial Operating System The Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS ) is a complete simple concepts concepts and and tools tools complete set set of of time time tested, tested, simple that business owners owners and and that have have helped helped thousands thousands of of business entrepreneurs want from from their their businesses. businesses. entrepreneurs get get what what they they want

INTERACTIVE INTERACTIVE TRACK TRACK

THURSDAY || ROOM ROOM101 101AB AB THURSDAY

HOW COMPANY HOW TO TO GROW GROW YOUR YOUR COMPANY FROM FROM THE THE INSIDE INSIDE OUT OUT

CEO Track & CEO Lounge generously supported by:

Marquart, Zac O’Connor & Joe Baer If you are a retail garden center owner, manager or If you are a retail garden center owner, manager or employee looking for just-in-time information, new employee looking for just-in-time information, new skills, and new ideas to grow your business, this skills, and new ideas to grow your business, this Master Class is for you! This workshop will provide Master Class is for you! This workshop will provide an opportunity to learn, connect, and discuss an opportunity to learn, connect, and discuss challenges unique to independent garden centers. challenges unique to independent garden centers.

CEO Track Track requires requires Wednesday WednesdayRegistration, Registration, CEO plus paid premium upgrade (includes plus paid premium upgrade (includes access to to the the CEO CEO Lounge). Lounge).Interactive Interactive access Track requires requires Thursday Thursday Registration, Registration,plus plus Track paid premium premium upgrade. upgrade.To To register, register,select select paid appropriate check check box box on on registration registrationform. form. appropriate

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY || ROOM ROOM 101 101 AB AB

The The presentation presentation will be especially helpful ifif you you and/or your business: 1. 1. Has Has outgrown the capacities of the people, people, processes, and/or resources 2. 2. Are Are looking for the discipline and structure to to change, change, adapt and grow 3. 3. Are Are currently self-implementing EOS®® and and want to achieve greater results

Dave Hanson, Sam Bauer, & Mary Meyer This workshop will take a look at the landscapes This workshop take a look atincluding the landscapes green industrywill pros encounter, true green industry pros encounter, including weeds, plus the plants you may be usingtrue correctly or weeds, plus the plants you may be using correctly or incorrectly. We’ll discuss the many different versions incorrectly. We’ll discuss the many different versions of “plant out of place,” from trees, to herbaceous of “planttoout of place,” trees, to herbaceous plants, turfgrass, to from an invasive buckthorn mass. plants, to turfgrass, to an invasive buckthorn mass.

with Petra 5. UP YOUR RETAIL GAMEwith Petra 5. UP YOUR RETAIL GAME Marquart, Zac O’Connor & Joe Baer

3. PLANT COMMUNITIES COMMUNITIES 3. DESIGNING DESIGNINGwith PLANT Claudia West WORKSHOP WORKSHOP with Claudia West

Generously supported by: Generously supported by:

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Jerry Jerry Olson Olson

Peter Peter Beaumont Beaumont

Steve Steve Wilcox Wilcox

Terri Terri Wilcox Wilcox

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Tom Tom Creswell Creswell

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NORTH E RN G RE E N 2020 K E YNOTE S Opening Keynote

Closing Keynote

Embracing Change

The Champion’s Code

WEDNESDAY 8:30–9:45 AM | MAIN AUDITORIUM

Building Relationships Through Life Lessons of Integrity and Accountability

Paul Douglas

The only predictable thing about the future is change. All of us have a fear of the unknown. But to be successful, every individual and company will need to embrace change. Experts estimate half of all current jobs may be disrupted by an inevitable tsunami of change: automation, outsourcing, robotics and artiﬁcial intelligence. We’re just now witnessing the tip of the iceberg of what promises to be a fundamental restructuring of the U.S. economy – and all of us need to pay attention. Today’s graduate may have to navigate as many as four different careers and S KEYNOTE two dozen jobs. Like it or not, we are all members of the “Gig Economy.” WITH ALL This calls for a mindset of lifelong PASSES learning and retraining; to be ready (in some cases) for jobs that don’t even exist today. We are all entrepreneurs now, but tools are becoming available to ease this rocky transition into the near future. A willingness to fail, iterate and reinvent is no longer optional. How do we get to a place of embracing change and building ﬂexibility into our career plans as well as business plans? One thing seems certain: what worked in 1995 probably won’t work in 2025. Paul explores the challenges and potential solutions as America charges headlong into a new Information Economy.

FREE

Paul Douglas is a 32-year broadcast television veteran and Minnesota’s first Certified Broadcast Meteorologist. He’s lived in Minnesota for 26 years, where he taught Broadcast Meteorology at St. Cloud State University, and authored two books, “Prairie Skies, the Minnesota Weather Book”, and “Restless Paul Skies, The Ultimate Weather Book.” Douglas Douglas has always been fascinated by the intersection of weather and technology and has launched six companies into this space. His company’s products have been used in movies by Steven Spielberg, became the first weather app for a smart phone, and provide weather content for a 24/7 national cable weather channel.

Ross Bernstein

THURSDAY 3:10–4:00 PM | INNOVATION THEATER

The best-selling author of nearly 50 sports books, Ross Bernstein has keynoted conferences for Fortune 500 companies on all seven continents and has been featured on CNN, ESPN, Fox News, and “CBS This Morning,” as well as in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today. Ross’ program is based on a series of interviews of more than 1,000 professional athletes and coaches that all had one thing in common — they were all members of championship teams. In his research, he concluded that the same metrics and characteristics that were common Ross among champions in sports Bernstein were also common among peak performers in business. There are reasons certain teams win consistently, whereas others don’t… and Ross explains why. In an engaging, provocative, and visually entertaining style, Ross uses inspirational stories and poignant life lessons from the world of sports to show attendees how to: S • Create a “culture of excellence” by KEYNOTE giving extraordinary customer service. • Generate momentum by utilizing WITH ALL the “currency of karma.” PASSES • Follow their moral compasses to win “the right way,” with respect, ethics, and integrity. CODE • Be better leaders and create more “buyin” by embracing change and failure. • Evolve from “order takers” to “trusted partners” by enhancing the quality of their relationships.

FREE

THE CHAMPION’S

THE CHAMPION’S CODE

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH LIFE-LESSONS OF INTEGRITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM THE SPORTS WORLD TO THE BUSINESS WORLD

Keynotes Supported by:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

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FERNS

SENSITIVE

ferns

Faith Appelquist, Tree Quality LLC

MNLA.BIZ december 19

Faith Appelquist.

Faith Appelquist. iStock.com/asmina007

Fern bed under a forest canopy. Mt. Hood National Forest, Washington.

Epiphytic ferns such as this huge basket fern clings to a tree trunk. Cairns Australia.

As supreme survivors, ferns still flourish 325 million years after their first appearance on Earth. Along with cycads, horsetails and conifers, ferns dominated the flora of an era long before the advent of flowering plants, making a major contribution to the world’s coal reserves along the way. Coal forests were once the vast swaths of wetlands that covered much of the Earth’s tropical lands during the Paleozoic era. As vegetation from these forests died, they did not completely decay but were turned into organic material or peat. Eventually, heat and pressure transformed peat into the coal we use today. Ferns differ from seed-producing plants in a number of ways. Their reproductive system is primitive, reproducing by spores, the equivalent of seeds in modern flowering plants. Spore cases, in which millions of individual dust-like spores are produced, form on the backs of leaflets. When the spores ripen and are released, they float on the breeze. If a spore lands in a moist area, germination takes place and a tiny leaflet grows. Later, male and female cells form on the back of the young leaflet. It is at this stage that fertilization takes place. Water, which allows the cells to make contact, is vital for fertilization. Probably no other group of plants display such diversity. Ferns are found under the cool shade of trees and in tropical areas of

Faith Appelquist.

Ferns have no true leaves — their leaf like expansions are termed fronds.

Faith Appelquist.

Spore cases are usually small and collected into clusters or patches on the underside of fertile fronds. Amazon rain forest, Peru.

Ferns exhibit tremendous variation in size, ranging from tiny delicate ferns to the Giant King Fern, the largest fern in the world, with fronds 16 feet in length and a base 3 feet in diameter. Port Douglas, Australia.

heavy rainfall. Ferns fill many niches. They grow as vines, ascending tree trunks; as epiphytes on trunks and branches of trees; as lithophytes clinging to rocks and cliff faces, and sometimes as aquatic plants. There are just over 10,000 different species of ferns. Knowing about ferns and how they grow in nature may explain why I’ve never had any luck keeping them alive as a houseplant. Room temperatures that are comfortable for us are too warm for many ferns. Ferns don’t like it too hot during the day, preferably below 72°F. Ferns prefer nighttime temperatures 60°F or below. Humidity levels of 30 percent are about as low as most ferns will tolerate. Forty to 50 percent humidity is better. A soil mixture for ferns must hold adequate but not excessive moisture, contain organic matter and be well aerated so air can move through the soil. Over-or under-watering your fern is extremely easy to do. Even though I would love to bring a fern home, I now know it’s best to enjoy them just where they are in the forest’s shade.

➽ FAITH APPELQUIST is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, an ISA Municipal Specialist MN, and an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist®. Faith can be reached at faith@treequality.com. december 19 MNLA.BIZ

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Business Choice is designed for business owners who rely on their vehicles Business is designed for business owners who on their vehicles for their Choice day-to-day operations. It’s available withrely eligible Chevrolet Business Choice is designed for business owners who on their vehicles for their and day-to-day operations. It’ssuch available withrely eligible Chevrolet vehicles offers great incentives as valuable upfit equipment. for theirand day-to-day operations. It’ssuch available with eligible Chevrolet vehicles offers great incentives as valuable upfit equipment. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify. vehicles and offers great incentives such as valuable Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify. upfit equipment. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify. 1 1 1

To qualify, vehicles must be used in day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. To qualify, vehicles must be used in day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Take delivery by 9/30/12. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Take delivery by 9/30/12. To qualify, vehicles must be used in day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. ©2012 General Motors Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Take delivery by 9/30/12. ©2012 General Motors ©2012 General Motors

Business Choice is designed for business owners who rely on their vehicles for their day-to-day operations. It’s available with eligible Chevrolet vehicles and offers great incentives such as valuable upfit equipment. Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify. 302 302 302

www.jeffbelzerchevy.com Version # 4 Version # 4 Version # 4

Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.indd Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.inddLinked Graphics Art Director Control Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.indd 12KTFLCHEV032.tif Linked GraphicsRGB

Retail Planning Flyer Control Art Jarret Petsch •Mechjpetsch@jeffbelzer.com Scale 100 8.75”952-469-7063 x 11.25” Bleed Chevy CopyDirector Writer TBD

RGB

12KTFLCHEV032.tif RGB HD CC with Dump_psd.psd Linked GraphicsRGB Control Art Director 11CHSL00054.jpg RGB Mech TBD Copy Print Scale Scale 100 12KTFLCHEV032.tif RGB None BusinessCentral_KO.ai ProjWriter Mgr csenn HD CC with Dump_psd.psd RGB 11CHSL00054.jpg RGB Scale Please 100 GM_business_choice.ai TBD Copy Writer Jeff Belzer Lakeville,Mech MN. call the Commercial Department at 952-469-4444. Print Scale None BusinessCentral_KO.ai csenn Proj Stock None HD CC with Dump_psd.psd RGB Acct Mgr Svc kdenmark cube_0758.jpg RGB GM_business_choice.ai Print Scale Trim None 8.5” x 11” BusinessCentral_KO.ai csenn Proj Mgr Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB All Rebates & incentives to dealer, must qualify for same, prices subject to change. Stock None Live None 8.25” x 10.75” kdenmark Acct Mgr Svc afinnan cube_0758.jpg RGB Folded Size Prod GM_business_choice.ai RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB Stock Live None 8.25” x 10.75” kdenmark Acct Svc cube_0758.jpg RGB Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB Folded Size None afinnan Mgr TBD 1 RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB Finishing Buyer To qualify, vehicles must be None used in day-to-day operations of your business and notArtProd solely for transportation purposes. Must provide Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB Family_Option_a3.tif RGB Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB None Folded Size None afinnan ProdBuyer Mgr TBD RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB 4320G_cs.tif CMYK Finishing Art Family_Option_a3.tif RGB Colors Spec’d 4C TBD Copy Edit Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB 4320Gss.tif CMYK 4320G_cs.tif CMYK Finishing None TBD Art Buyer Colors Spec’d Family_Option_a3.tif RGB 4C TBD 1PROCS.tif CMYK Copy Edit nminieri/pm Mac with Business Central Special Instr. 4320Gss.tif CMYK 4320G_cs.tif CMYK 1PROSS.tif CMYK Colors Spec’d 1PROCS.tif CMYK 4C Business Central TBD CopyMac Edit nminieri/pm Special Instr. with 4320Gss.tif CMYK BasePkg_ss.tif CMYK Publications None 1PROSS.tif CMYK 1PROCS.tif CMYK 12KTFLCHEV021.tif RGB Mac nminieri/pm with Business Central Special Instr. None BasePkg_ss.tif CMYK Publications

CONTENT CONTENT CONTENT

Job Description 8.75” Chevy Retail Planning Flyer 11.25” Bleed Trim 8.5” x x11” 8.75” x 11.25” Chevrolet, 50Bleed & Cedar, Box 965, Trim Live 8.5” 8.25”x x11” 10.75”

Publications None

Colors In-Use Cyan Colors In-Use

Last Modified 4-17-2012 3:37 PM 4-17-2012 3:37 PMDate Last Modified Printer Output 4-17-2012 3:37 PMDate Last Modified TITAN 4-20-2012 1:48 PM Printer Output

User ma-klane User

John Zadurski 952-469-6818 • User jzadurski@jeffbelzer.com 4-20-2012 1:48Date PM Colors In-Use Printer Output

11CHSL00054.jpg

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CMYK RGB RGB CMYK RGB RGB RGB

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proof of business.

ma-klane Mechd By: nminieri ma-klane Mechd By: nminieri

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BY SIGNING YOUR INITIALS ABOVE, YOU ARE STATING THAT YOU HAVE READ AND APPRO ACCT SERVICE PROD COPY EDIT VED THIS WORK. BY SIGNING YOUR INITIALS ABOVE, YOU ARE STATING THAT YOU HAVE READ AND APPRO ACCT SERVICE PROD COPY EDIT VED THIS WORK. BY SIGNING YOUR INITIALS ABOVE, YOU ARE STATING THAT YOU HAVE READ AND APPRO VED THIS WORK.

4-20-2012 1:48 PM4-20-2012 1:48 PM 4-20-2012 1:48 PM

Job # GMC1-12-03178 Job # GMC1-12-03178 Job Description Chevy Retail Planning Flyer JobJob #Description GMC1-12-03178

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John Zadurski 952-469-6818 jzadurski@jeffbelzer.com

INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION

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MNLA.BIZ december 19

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december 19 MNLA.BIZ

INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION

n our previous article in the October issue we explored a few misconceptions surrounding hiring members of the younger generations, as well as the mistakes many employers make when incorporating them into their company culture. This month we focus on what you as a leader in your landscaping company can do to create an inviting company culture, initiate effective communication methods, and boost more interest in the green industry at large. Appealing Environment Regardless of age and work experience, employees desire to work in an environment that’s inviting, supportive and enjoyable, and for the younger generations it even goes a little deeper than that. “Younger employees want to share their ideas and feel like they are heard and respected,” says Caitlin Clineff, recruiting specialist and company ambassador with Myatt Landscaping Concepts. “Having a culture of communication and open-mindedness about trying new things may not be the reason young people decide to apply to your company, but it may well be the reason they decide to stay.” Clineff says that companies can help build this culture of communicating by encouraging questions, implementing employee surveys, offering anonymous suggestion boxes, and finding ways to incorporate this feedback into the company’s culture. According to Sarah Anderson, senior manager in the Tree Equity Program of American Forests, it’s also important to keep in mind when hiring that like attracts like; exposure is

NEWS & NOTES

MNLA.BIZ december 19

important, but it’s all about making the case to the right audience. “If you’re going to get people to stay, you have to make sure you’re going after the people who have the highest propensity to want to stay and build their careers,” says Anderson. “These jobs are hard, and these people are out in the elements.” When targeting a specific demographic for hiring purposes, Anderson says to focus on looking in places where people already have an interest in the green industry, such as local community garden clubs, the local Chamber of Commerce, or formal and informal green industry organizations in the community. She also recommends taking time to build relationships with people who run both community and professional organizations, but keep in mind that these relationships won’t happen overnight.

Nursery Inspection and Certification Year-end reminders

renewal applications

Because nursery

nursery stock is offered

at a cost. To

and proper payments

certification is an

for sale year-round.

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December 31 are

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spring sales and those

at the time an

and Nursery Stock

assessed a 10% late

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filling orders for spring

inspector shows up,

Grower Certificate

penalty. That penalty

growing season

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certification to be

penalty for operating

are sent out in early

February and 30% in

inspection the

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November. Don’t forget

March. Why is it so

following year. Even

compliant. Operating

dealer or grower

to renew your

important to send in

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without the required

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if you owe $250, the

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prove to be the most productive and will start taking care of things without being told at all. Clineff also notes that millennials and Gen Z-ers will desire more frequent communication with their higher-ups and work associates, and she encourages those in charge to not wait until the end of the year to provide younger employees with performance reviews and feedback. While Clineff agrees that everyone in the workplace wants to be treated with respect, younger workers also come into the job knowing they have a wide variety of options ahead of them when it comes to employment. “They don’t want to wait around for years and years to earn respect based on seniority, whereas older generations may have had to develop more patience because they had fewer options,” Clineff says. “In this competitive job market, why should anyone put up with being treated poorly just because they’re new? They can easily go find another company who will treat them as a valued team member.”

Effective (and Ineffective) Communication Methods Communication is instrumental when it comes to the success of a business. Knowing how to effectively communicate across generations is vital. Some may think that communication is communication regardless of how it’s done, but Clineff and Anderson agree that younger generations require a different approach when it comes to corporate expectations and accomplishing tasks. “The younger generations need to know why they are doing something and how it fits into the larger picture,” Clineff says. “I’ve noticed that older-generation workers tend to pride themselves on being good at ‘following orders’ and being loyal to their supervisors. Younger workers may balk at being ordered around, which is often interpreted as not listening, being lazy or being insubordinate.” Clineff says if employers will take a little extra time to explain the big picture and what needs to happen to the younger members of their team, those same young workers could

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Smith Winter Products

free from injurious

retail sites provides a

consumers.

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first line of defense for

Minnesota Department

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New MNLA Members!

Minnesota-grown

emerging plant pests.

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Timber Products, Inc.;

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FiberStock, Inc.;

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industry and the

Shimek, Program

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costly insect and

regional inspector.

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Stop by to say hello at

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december 19 MNLA.BIZ

“

INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNICATION

YOUR ONE TRACTOR SOLUTION Mow Slopes

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AS A GREEN INDUSTRY EMPLOYER, THE BALL IS NOW IN YOUR COURT. WITH THIS INFORMATION ON HAND, CLINEFF AND ANDERSON URGE THOSE IN CHARGE TO REVITALIZE THE WAY THEY MARKET THEIR JOBS, TO WHOM THEY ARE TARGETED AND HOW COMMUNICATION IS EXPRESSED IN THE WORKPLACE.

”

Anderson has seen many times in her career where ineffective communication caused issues and division in companies, and she says that not understanding how to properly engage with your fellow employees across age barriers could sink a company. “The basis of poor communication, to me, is disconnectedness,” Anderson says. “When we as people look at somebody else or a group of people that we’re trying to communicate with as ‘the other,’ that means that something is going to be lost in translation. Even though your goal is to reach out and say, ‘Join us,’ you’re putting them in a category that’s not aligned with you.” In her experience, the basis for solid communication comes from the speakers taking the approach of “I am you, and you are me.” She also notes that it’s important to make sure that the people you are trying to attract are already represented in your company so these new employees will easily be able to see themselves represented in that work environment. “That’s the most powerful and effective form of communication,” Anderson says. “You’re not having to talk the talk; you just walk the walk and people will come.” What They Have to Offer Taking a specific look at millennials and Gen Z, Clineff says both groups bring very unique and powerful attributes to the table that could ultimately help boost the green industry. Millennials, she says, bring perspective to the table. As the generation that experienced both 9/11 and the Great Recession while growing up, Clineff believes that this group will be able to reimagine customer service, utilize new technology and find new ways to market environmental responsibility to the green industry. As a millennial herself, Clineff says that when she began her current position, she fully understood the value of utilizing popular online job boards, keeping

MNLA.BIZ december 19

social media accounts updated and active and revamping the company’s website. “We know that our children will not have the same childhoods we did,” Clineff says. “This gives us a unique perspective that could help companies modernize and adapt to the changing times, while still understanding and respecting the history that has come before.” Gen Z, she says, will be the change-makers, as she believes they are outspoken and unafraid of change. “Gen Z employees can give companies the push to change things that are long overdue or re-evaluate what’s important to the company and its employees,” Clineff says. “Inaction on important issues will drive away Gen Z employees. Getting Gen Z employees involved in the industry, truly listening to what they have to say and then making real changes is the only way our industry will survive in the future.” Now, It’s Your Turn As a green industry employer, the ball is now in your court. With this information on hand, Clineff and Anderson urge those in charge to revitalize the way they market their jobs, to whom they are targeted and how communication is expressed in the workplace. “Technology and social media are other ways to get younger people interested,” Clineff says. “Showing that you aren’t afraid to embrace technology and modern best practices and that you keep up with relevant research to the industry will go a long way toward making your company more attractive to young people.” Another important aspect both experts agree on is really showcasing the green impact your landscaping company has on the environment, as more and more members of the younger generations are eco-friendly and eco-conscious. Anderson adds that another thing to highlight is the fact that interested applicants don’t have to have a college degree to become successful in the green industry, as long as the work ethic and interest is there. “No other field offers the pathway to be able to sustain yourself and sustain your family without having to have all of the education before,” Anderson says. “You can go right into this work, you can grow in the field and you can become a job creator for others, all without having to go to school. You may need certifications along the way, but it’s not the same as having to go to school.”

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➽ BETH HYATT is Associate Editor for Total Landscape Care. Find more

coverage of green industry issues on www.totallandscapecare.com. december 19 MNLA.BIZ MS-Fuel-Savings-two-thirds-vertical.indd 1

8/15/2019 1:29:26 PM

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WORKERS H-2B

IN THE

LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY

iStock.com/AndreyPopov

United States Dept. of Labor, Wage and Hour Division

december 19 MNLA.BIZ

iStock.com/mattjeacock

H-2B

SINCE 2009, THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR’S WAGE AND HOUR DIVISION (WHD) HAS BEEN CONDUCTING INVESTIGATIONS OF BUSINESSES THAT EMPLOY H-2B WORKERS. H-2B VIOLATIONS CAN RESULT IN EMPLOYERS HAVING TO PAY BACK WAGES AND/OR CIVIL MONEY PENALTIES. Violations may also result in debarment, which means the employer is disqualified from participating in the H-2B program for a period of up to three years. The landscape industry uses more H-2B workers than any other industry. WHD is interested in helping H- 2B employers in the landscape industry understand their obligations under the H-2B program, as well as the other laws enforced by the Division, so that violations can be prevented. In addition to H-2B, the WHD also enforces the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA generally requires that workers be paid for all hours of work at not less than the minimum wage. In addition, overtime pay — time and one half of the regular rate of pay for hours over 40 in a workweek — is required. In the landscape industry, some investigations have found that workers were not paid for all hours of work. This may occur when workers report to the place of business and then are not paid for preliminary work activities, such as loading tools and equipment onto a truck or receiving instructions, or for traveling to and from worksites at the beginning or end of the work day. The most common FLSA violation results from workers not being paid time and one half for hours over forty in each workweek. 34

MNLA.BIZ december 19

FLSA violations generally result in employers having to pay back wages to workers. WHD may also seek liquidated damages, which, in effect, doubles the back wages. In addition, civil money penalties may be assessed. Employers who have a temporary or seasonal need for non-agricultural workers that cannot be met by the U.S. workforce may apply for foreign workers through the H-2B provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Businesses that use workers with H-2B visas are required to comply with requirements specific to the program. In applying for H-2B workers, an employer must attest that it will offer terms and working conditions that are normal to U.S. workers similarly employed and will offer workers a bona fide full time job opportunity. The H-2B workers may not displace U.S. workers or replace workers who are involved in a labor dispute. Prospective H-2B employers must actively recruit and hire qualified U.S. workers for the H-2B job opportunity. A recruitment log must be maintained with information on all job applicants and reasons why any applicants were not hired. H-2B workers and U.S. workers hired in response to the recruitment efforts have to be paid not less than a prevailing rate, which will be noted on the approved application. There are restrictions regarding deductions from workers’ pay. For example, workers cannot be made to pay for application, agent, or attorney fees, whether directly or through an agent. Nor can they be made to pay for an employer’s recruitment or other business costs. H-2B workers cannot be relocated to work in another area unless the employer obtains a new certification. If an H-2B worker quits or is fired early, the employer is obligated to promptly notify both the Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security that the H-2B visa holder is no longer employed. If a worker is dismissed prior to the end of the

employment period, the employer is liable for the full cost of return transportation home. Under the FLSA, an H-2B employer generally must pay for transportation costs incurred by H-2B workers traveling between their homes and the U.S. work locations to the extent that these costs would result in the workers earning less than the FLSA minimum wage in their first or last week of work. An employer must accurately advertise and state on the application the actual rate (or range of rates) to be paid to the H-2B workers as well as any perks to the job, such as the possibility of earning bonuses. Investigations have found that it is not unusual for H-2B employers to pay some or all H-2B workers more than the rate shown on the application. This is a violation because the failure to disclose the higher rate of pay, bonuses, etc. means that potential U.S. workers were offered less favorable terms than the H-2B workers, which may result in U.S. workers not applying for the job. Other matters which must be accurately specified on the application include the reasons for and the dates of temporary need and the number of workers needed. Many employers use attorneys or agents to prepare H-2B applications. Even when an application is prepared by an attorney or agent, the employer is still responsible for the accuracy of all information contained in the application. The above is a very brief overview which we hope will be helpful to landscape industry employers. More detailed information can be found on our website at www.dol.gov/whd. ➽ Although an enforcement agency, the Wage and Hour Division is committed to assisting employers in complying with the laws that we enforce. Please contact your local WHD office if you have any questions or if you would like us to provide a presentation for your business association meeting.

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CULTURE USING

TO DRIVE PERFORMANCE Chad Haldeman

iStock.com/marchmeena29

The Resultants

december 19 MNLA.BIZ

CULTURE

IT WAS A CLASSIC DAVID VS. GOLIATH SITUATION. We were part of a larger company; however, in our market, we were a distant second in terms of organizational size and market share. Our competitor had dominated the market for many years with legacy brands and tenured sales and operations teams. As we evaluated our options during strategic planning, becoming number one seemed daunting. Fast forward two years and we’d taken an additional 2.5% in market share out of an approximately $165M market, much of that at the expense of Goliath. We began to attract some of their key talent, winning head-tohead competitions for some key customers — and not because of price. So, how did we accomplish all of that in just two years? One word: Culture!

iStock.com/Rawpixel

Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch Peter Drucker, often thought of as the founder of modern management, is credited for coining the phrase, “Culture eats strategy for lunch.” One of the main insights Drucker uncovered was that the foundation of a strong or weak culture has a much greater impact on company performance than the quality of a strategy. My experience would give this a hearty “YES!” I’ve seen both sides of this coin, good and bad. I’ve seen an engaged team of people drive great results by embracing and executing a strategy that was, in my opinion, good but not great. Conversely, I have seen a strategy created by some of the brighter business minds in the corporate world fall flat because leadership failed to nurture a healthy business. In both cases, the center of how a culture impacts performance is people.

MNLA.BIZ december 19

Culture Defined In business, people often talk about culture as this nebulous, mystical thing that is tough to wrap our arms around. However, once we clarify and simplify, we can start using culture as a tool for driving performance. Merriam-Webster describes culture as “the set of shared attitudes, values, goals and practices that characterizes an institution or organization.” Even with a very clear definition, a certain level of ambiguity can still exist. I tend ➽CONTINUED on page 40

MNLA NEWS

TIFIE R E

AL N

O PR

HONORARY CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION COMING IN 2020!

N O R A RY

SSIO

The Honorary MNLA Certified Professional status has no expiration date and there are no recertification fees. The Honorary status will be listed on the Certified Professional’s record in the online directory. Honorary Certified Professionals will no longer be required to submit recertification credits to

Beginning January 2020, the Minnesota Nursery

These longstanding nursery and landscape

MNLA; however, they are encouraged to continue

& Landscape Association will institute a new

professionals are recognized as industry

on-going professional improvement through

Certified Professional designation. There will

leaders. Their commitment to uphold, improve,

education and service, and act as ambassadors

now be an Honorary Certified Professional

and promote standards of professional

of the nursery and landscape profession.

designation for MNLA Certified Professionals

excellence, and participate consistently in

Those interested in the designation may submit

who are in good standing (e.g., not lapsed or

professional development activities and service

an application (found on MNLA.biz). When the

expired) and have maintained their status as

to the green industry is being recognized with

designation is approved, they will receive an

an MNLA Certified Professional for at least 20

this Honorary status.

email notification, a congratulatory letter and certificate.

consecutive years.

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9/12/2019 1:09:41 PM

CULTURE

➽CONTINUED from page 38

to take it a step further by identifying five very specific elements of a business. • Core values are an enduring set of beliefs that define who we are as an organization. They are arguably the most important element. • The mission or purpose of an organization defines what the organization believes. • Process, or how we engage with our people and our customers as well as how we do the work that we do. • Goals, including specific and measurable performance outcomes as well as the… • Strategy around how to achieve those goals. What Can I Do? Implementing an operating model can significantly help an organization define its culture and drive its performance forward. An operating model is the structure and language of your business and is different than a business model, which is how your organization makes money. The Entrepreneurial Operating System® (EOS®) is a great example of a simple but powerful operating model that has helped hundreds of small businesses connect the dots between culture and strategy. In his best-selling book, Good to Great, Jim Collins writes about a commonality found in his research of companies that were able to transition from good organizations to great organizations. He found these businesses employed an engaged group of people with shared values and beliefs. Company leaders not only focused on finding and attracting the right people but were proactive in moving the wrong people out. Tough employee management decisions take courage and they are not easy. Many companies are stuck in a bad place because of an inability to get beyond this. Driving Performance It’s no simple task to build a strong, healthy culture and it’s definitely not something that can be accomplished overnight. It takes a commitment from leadership, and resources — both time and money. With that said, it is not an impossible mountain to climb. Many companies have accomplished this and many more will in the future. These organizations have and will continue to face the same constraints as others. Nevertheless, they manage to find a way to get it done. It takes the commitment and resolve of leadership to build a healthy organizational culture. ➽ CHAD HALDEMAN is a Senior Business Advisor with The Resultants, who provide instruction and iStock.com/olm26250

curriculum for MNLA’s Leadership Institute. Their

MNLA.BIZ december 19

team of business advisors work side-by-side with company owners and their management teams, providing clarity of thought and the courage to act in the best interest of the organization. To learn more about Chad and The Resultants, visit www.theResultants.com.

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New Regulations Starting January 1 Bryan Zlimen

Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC

Minnesota increases minimum wage, and the U.S. Dept. of Labor issues final overtime rule.

State Minimum Wage Starting on January 1, 2020, Minnesota’s minimum wage rates will be adjusted for inflation. The minimum wage will increase to $10 per hour for large employers and $8.15 for small employers. The changes are expected to affect an estimated 206,000 jobs next year. The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul already have their own minimum wage ordinances that exceed the standards under the new law, so employers covered by those ordinances will not need to change their pay rates. The law generally requires that employees get paid at the highest minimum wage that the employee qualifies for. So, if an employee qualifies for both the federal and state minimum wage, as most workers do, the employee is entitled to the greater amount of the two. The biggest difference from current minimum wage levels will be on large employers ($500,000 or more in gross annual revenue), who must pay all employees at least $10 an hour beginning January 2020. The state wage for employers with revenue less than $500,000 will increase by 11 cents, from $8.04 to $8.15 per hour. State minimum wage changes also affect youth and training wages. The training wage rate, $8.15 an hour, may be paid to employees younger than 20 years of age for the first 90 consecutive days of employment. The youth wage rate, $8.15 an hour, may be paid to employees younger than 18 years of age. What does this mean to you? If you have employees who are currently at or near the minimum wage, be sure to review your compensation rates and adjust as needed. All the numbers are data projections from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry using Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development wage detail data. 42

MNLA.BIZ december 19

Federal Overtime Rule Beginning January 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor is changing the overtime exemption rules in the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Under the revised overtime exemption rules, fewer workers will be exempt from overtime pay, potentially raising labor costs for a broad range of employers. Overtime Generally Regardless of whether they are paid on an hourly or salary basis, all employees are entitled to be paid overtime unless they qualify for an FLSA exemption. Overtime pay is 1.5 times the employee’s normal pay rate for every hour over 40 that the employee works in a given week. Who is exempt depends on how much the employee is paid and what type of work they perform. New Minimum Pay Threshold An employee who earns less than the “standard salary level” (SSL) cannot be exempt from overtime pay. Under the new rules, the SSL will be raised to $684 per week from the current $455. That means that an employee who earns less than $684 per week ($35,568 per year for yearround worker) cannot be exempt from overtime, even if they would otherwise qualify for an exemption. The new rule also changes the types of compensation that can be included when determining whether the employee’s earnings exceed the SSL. Under the new role, employers can use nondiscretionary bonuses and incentive payments, like commissions, that were paid at least annually to count toward 10% of the employee’s SSL. Type of Work Performed Though the new rule doesn’t make any direct changes to

the types of exemptions available, the changes to the SSL element of each exemption affects who qualifies. For employees whose pay exceeds the SSL, employers must look at the duties the employee performs to determine whether they must be paid overtime. Employees who primarily perform manual labor (shoveling, driving vehicles, etc.) are not exempt from overtime. For employees who are managers or office workers, however, there are some exemptions that can be applied. The most frequently used overtime exemptions for green industry employees are: • Managerial exemption: These are employees who 1) primarily manage the company or one of its departments or subdivisions; 2) manage at least two full-time employees; and 3) whose earnings exceed at least the SSL. • Administrative exemption: These are employees 1) who primarily perform office or non-manual work directly related to the management or general business operations of the employer or the employer’s customers; 2) whose job includes the exercise of discretion and independent judgment regarding significant matters; and 3) whose earnings exceed at least the SSL. • Professional exemption: These are employees who primarily perform work that requires 1) advanced knowledge in a field of science or learning or 2) invention, imagination, originality, or talent in a recognized field of artistic or creative endeavor; and 3) whose earnings exceed at least the SSL. New Highly Compensated Employee (HCE) Threshold The FLSA does allow employers to avoid paying overtime to some Highly Compensated Employees (HCEs). HCEs are exempt from overtime pay when their earnings exceed the HCE exemption level, their primary duties do not include manual labor, and they regularly perform at least one of the FLSA’s exempt duties for executives, administrators, or professional employees as described above. The new rule raises the level for the “highly compensated employee” exemption from $100,000 per year to $107,432 per year. Summary of Final Overtime Rule For green industry employers, the DOL’s new rules mean re-evaluating which employees must be paid overtime. Under the new rules, employees who may have been exempt previously based on how much they earn may now be entitled to overtime pay. Be sure to review your employee status and adjust compensation as needed. For more information, visit www.dol.gov or contact an attorney. This article provides general information on business and 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. ➽ BRYAN ZLIMEN is one of the founding partners of Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC. His law practice focuses on assisting contractors and other small business owners. He can be reached at bzlimen@zmattorneys.com.

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Call us first for all your native planting needs december 19 MNLA.BIZ

MNLA BOARD

OFFICIAL NOTICE: ANNUAL MEETING ON JAN. 16 AT CONVENTION CENTER

OFFICIAL NOTICE:

Notice is hereby given that the annual membership meeting of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association will be held at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in room 101FG. During the annual meeting, the results of the Board of Directors election will be announced. An electronic ballot was sent the first week in December 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.

OFFICER CANDIDATES Tim Malooly Tim Malooly is a candidate for election as president of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. Tim is president of Irrigation by Design Inc., which provides design, installation and service of commercial and residential landscape irrigation systems. He is also president of Water in Motion which provides design and consultation and program of applied technology upon landscape irrigation systems. In 2008, Malooly was named the EPA Water Sense Program Irrigation Partner of the Year for demonstrating creativity and collaboration in promoting water efficiency and conservation. His professional designations include Certified Irrigation Contractor, Certified Irrigation Auditor, Certified Backflow Assembly

CANDIDATES FOR DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE Nick Sargent Nick Sargent is a candidate for re-election to the MNLA Board of Directors. He is the owner of Sargent’s Landscape Nursery in Rochester, Minn. Sargent’s is an 80 plus year old family business originating in the Rochester and Red Wing area and currently maintains two retail stores, floral design, a landscape design build department as well as commercial snow and ice management services. Nick holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management and is an MNLA Certified Professional. Nick is a past chair and current a member of the MNLA

Certiﬁed Water Manager.

Networking Committee and has served as a chair of the

ment of his industry through volunteerism in the MNLA and the Irrigation Association (IA) and as a leader of seminars and classes held by other organizations and technical colleges. In 2003, he was awarded the MNLA Committee Member of the Year award. Malooly is currently the chair of the MNLA Government Affairs Committee and is a past chair of the MNLA Irrigation Industry Committee. He has also served on the Irrigation Association Board of Directors and as treasurer on the MNLA Board of Directors.

Randy Berg Randy Berg is a candidate for election as

Sustainable Environment Committee as well as the Certification Committee. He was first appointed to the MNLA Board of Directors in early 2015 to fill a vacant position at that time.

Patrick McGuiness Patrick McGuiness is a candidate for election to the MNLA Board of Directors. Patrick is an attorney and partner with Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC in St. Paul, Minn. The firm, founded in 2007, focuses on assisting green industry businesses with a variety of legal needs. Patrick has extensive experience in the green industry as former business owner and frequent contributor to industry publications and conferences.

vice president of the Minnesota Nursery &

In addition to being an attorney, Patrick is chair of the

Landscape Association. Randy is the owner

board of directors at Hiway Federal Credit Union, a director

of Berg’s Nursery, Landscapers/Garden Center located in

for Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company, an

Austin, Minn. which he founded in 1979 after graduating

adjunct law professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law,

from Duluth Area Technical College with a degree in

and a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve.

horticulture and landscape design. Berg’s company is comprised of both a garden center and landscape design/build division.

Patrick is a member of the Networking Committee and was formerly the chair of the stormwater planning task team. He has also participated in MNLA’s strategic planning

Randy has been a member of the MNLA since his gradu-

initiatives, the MNLA Executive Director search in 2012,

ation and received his MNLA certiﬁcation in 1981. He be-

and served for a short time as an at-large member of

came an APLD Certiﬁed Landscape Designer in 1997. He

the MNLA Board of Directors when he was mobilized and

is past chair of the MNLA Communications & Technology

deployed for the Army Reserve.

Committee and Garden Center Committee and recently lead the association task team responsible for updating MNLA.BIZ december 19

Committee Member of the Year.

Tester, Licensed Technology Systems Contractor, and

Malooly has spent many hours devoted to the advance-

the office landscape for which he was awarded MNLA

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Scholarships

11/5/2019 5:45:20 PM

LAST WORD

LEARN ABOUT LORA WE ARE PLEASED TO INTRODUCE YOU TO LORA SONDROL, THE NEW MNLA ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, AND THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE MNLA OFFICE!

Lora’s background is in management and marketing. Her experience spans a wide variety of roles including personnel training, consulting, leading youth ministries, organizing school booster clubs, and working in the promotional product industry. Her eye for organization and efficiency is always driving her to find improved solutions for every workplace she enters. In fact, Lora has recently started her own organizing business. Lora lives in St. Paul with her husband, Randy, and dog Toby. She has two grown children; Katie & Matt. Lora loves to travel and explore new places. When not working, she loves spending time with her family and friends, playing games, organizing, and enjoying a good cup of coffee! Lora is thrilled to be a part of the MNLA team, and we’re thrilled to have her!

MNLA.BIZ december 19

M N L

MENTORSHIP PROGR A M MNLA is introducing a new pilot program!

We are now taking applications for the MNLA Mentorship Program, an initiative of the MNLA Networking Committee. Mentoring can benefit both mentors and mentees by offering a framework upon which to build strong, mutually beneficial learning relationships. Both the mentor and the mentee will give and grow in the mentoring process.

DETAILS

Both mentors and mentees will be asked to complete a short online application. Applications will be evaluated based on goals, industry segment and/or interests. Every effort will be made to make a successful match and every effort will be made to match each applicant with a mentor. Participation in the program may be limited by the number of mentors available. The mentoring process occurs for a one-year time period beginning in January. Mentors and mentees will agree to meet at least once a month in February, March, April and May, attend the end of program wrap-up event, and complete an experience/evaluation form.

GOALS • Enhance personal and professional development. • Increase and transfer industry knowledge in a changing workforce. • Help emerging and established companies to develop and grow their businesses. • Build deeper connections and trusted resources among industry professionals. • Enhance the value experience for MNLA members.

The deadline to complete an application is January 20, 2020. Applicants will be notified via email by January 23. Visit MNLA.biz for program details and links to the mentor and mentee applications.

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