Growing Concern
The
SEPTEM B ER 2 0 1 7
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E O H I O L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N
Plant Geek Day
September 14, 2017 / St. Michael’s Woodside PAGE 10
Landscape Facility Tour
Sept. 20, 2017 / Brian-Kyles Landscapes of Distinction PAGE 7
Segmental Retaining Wall Training & Certification November 1, 2017 / Indiana Wesleyan University PAGE 23
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PR ES I DEN T’S COLUM N
CATHY SERAFIN
ASLA, RLA
Suncrest Gardens
WALK THE WALK As we approach autumn, my favorite season of the year, it is hard to imagine that the summer is almost over. Through the conversations and interactions I’ve had with other industry professionals; it seems as if most companies had a busy, fulfilling and profitable spring/summer season. Hopefully you found it to be the same! The rain and high temperatures were not too excessive, contributing nicely to scheduling and project completions. (Though to me, rain – especially as we near the end of a landscape project – is a special blessing.) It showers new plants with natural sustenance and seems like the perfect way to end a project and begin the growth of the customer’s new garden. When I look at our gardens, the frontage and entrance gardens at Suncrest Gardens, I love the changing looks, colors and textures as we proceed through the seasons. There’s also this thought that crosses my mind, as I look at our landscape,
hardscape and management creations – how important it is to “walk the walk.” As I’ve mentioned previously, many of the really important lessons I’ve learned in life have come from the words, actions and guidance of my parents and other mentors along the way. Passing along words of wisdom and life lessons to our young people is not just important, it’s vital. Call it what you will – Walking the walk, Practicing what you preach, Leading by example – they are all priceless ways of teaching our younger generations. continued on page 6 The Growing Concern | September 2017 | 3
TAB LE OF CON TEN TS S E P T E M B E R 2 0 17 WWW. OH I OLA N D SCA P E R S. OR G OH I O’ S P R OF E SSI ON A L G REEN I N D U ST R Y A SSOCI AT I O N OHIO LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION 9240 Broadview Road Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 Phone: 440.717.0002, or 1.800.335.6521 Fax: 440.717.0004 Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org and www.myohiolandscape.com EDITOR Rick Doll, Jr. REGULAR WRITERS Michael J. Donnellan, King Financial, Inc. Jim Funai, LIC, Cuyahoga Community College Shelly Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb Cathy Serafin, ASLA, RLA, Suncrest Gardens COVER: Landscape Ohio! Award’s Merit Award winner, Land Creations Landscaping, for their Garden Structures & Pavements submission.
FEATURES
3 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN Walk the Walk
5 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 8 PERENNIAL FOCUS Athyrium Niponicum ‘Pictum’
14 FISCAL FITNESS Paying For College
17 SPECIAL GUEST COLUMN
4 CORE Elements to Business Success: Guiding the Business
ADVERTISING INFORMATION Submission deadline: 10th of the month, prior to the month of publication. For advertising rates and ad specs, please call 440.717.0002, 1.800.335.6521, or email Rick Doll Jr. at rick@ohiolandscapers.org. DISCLAIMER The Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attests to the validity of any statements made about products mentioned in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Similarly, the opinions expressed in The Growing Concern are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Landscape Association. OFFICERS President Cathy Serafin, ASLA, RLA
OLA STAFF Executive Director Sandy Munley
20 FEATURE ARTICLE
President – Elect Marie McConnell
Communications & Events Manager Rick Doll, Jr.
24 PLANT OF THE MONTH
Treasurer Adam Capiccioni
Membership Coordinator Noreen Schraitle
Developing a Strategic Plan Ulmus Americana: American Elm
28 FOR SAFETY SAKE
7 Advantages of Having Effective Workplace Health & Safety Policies
32 DIRECTIONS 33 ADVERTISING INDEX 4 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Immediate Past President Bryan Taynor DIRECTORS Brian Maurer, LIC Domenic Lauria Doug Ellis James Funai, LIC Michael T. Ahern, LIC Steve Moore
C AL E N DAR OF EVEN TS UPCO M I N G OLA MEETINGS , EDUC AT I ON SE MI N A R S, A N D OT H E R G R E E N I N D UST R Y EV ENT S
SEPTEMBER
NOVEMBER
SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 PLANT GEEK DAY
NOVEMBER 1, 2017 SEGMENTAL RETAINING WALL TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
NOVEMBER 28, 2017 DORMANT PRUNING CLINIC / CENTRAL OHIO
Learn how to build Segmental Retaining Walls (SRW) that perform well over time! After completing the one-day course, attendees will have the option to take the written certification test. Register online, or call the OLA offices. See page 23
Dormant Pruning of Landscape Plants is a half-day, hands-on clinic and a timely training opportunity for you and your crews to learn the proper pruning techniques. Instructed by Gail Reinhart and held at Premier Plant Services in Hilliard, Ohio. See page 30
NOVEMBER 14, 2017 BE MORE THAN A SALESPERSON: BECOME A TRUSTED ADVISOR
DECEMBER
Love plants? Join us for a fun day of plant related education and visit sponsor booths. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Hts. Ohio. Register online, or call the OLA offices. See pages 10 & 11
SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 MEETING / NE OHIO FACILITY TOUR Joins us for a Landscape Facility Tour of Brian-Kyles Landscapes of Distinction, located in Lorain, Ohio. Brian-Kyles is a family-owned landscaping design, installation and maintenance company, whose strict adherence to core values and mission enable them to work each day with a purpose. Register online, or call the OLA offices. See page 7
OCTOBER
Marvin Montgomery, better known as the “Sales Doctor,” will conduct a one day sales training course that will provide participants with the necessary skills needed to build long term client relationships. Held at Indiana Wesleyan University, Independence, OH. Register online, or call the OLA offices. See page 16
OCT. 3, 2017 LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CERTIFIED WRITTEN TEST
NOVEMBER 16, 2017 MEETING / NE OHIO MILLENIALS IN THE WORKFORCE
9:00am @ Ohio State AT 1328 Dover Rd. Wooster, OH 44691 Application Deadline: 09/12/17
Our industry has 4 generations working together for the first time ever. Hear from a Millennial about how we can all thrive! Presented by Steve Benzschawel, Generational Consulting, LLC. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside. For more info, call the OLA offices.
OCT. 10, 2017 LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CERTIFIED WRITTEN TEST 9:00am @ OLA Offices 9240 Broadview Road Broadview Heights, OH 44147 Application Deadline: 09/12/17
OCTOBER 12, 2017 MEETING / CENTRAL OHIO Subject matter & location TBD.
NOVEMBER 28, 2017 DORMANT PRUNING CLINIC / NE OHIO Dormant Pruning of Landscape Plants is a half-day, hands-on clinic and a timely training opportunity for you and your crews to learn the proper pruning techniques. Instructed by Gail Reinhart and held at Willoway Nurseries in Avon, Ohio. See page 30
DECEMBER 15, 2017 LANDSCAPE OHIO! AWARDS ENTRY DEADLINE The due date for entry into the 2017 Landscape Ohio! Awards is fast approaching. For rules, regulations and information on how to enter, go to www.ohiolandscapers.org/ landscapeohioawards.html, or call us at 440.717.0002.
JANUARY OLA’s NEW MEMBERS The Ohio Landscape Association is
JANAURY 25,welcome 2018 the following new delighted to MEETING / N.E. OHIO members to the association: Subject matter TBD. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Hts. REGULAR MEMBERS En Garde Deer Defense Ohio. 10292 Fitzwater Road Brecksville, OH 44141 (440) 447-0022 Jeff Ardo Fallsway Equipment Company 1277 DeValera Ave. Akron, OH 44310 (330) 633-6000 Joe Gosnick Target Specialty Products 28565 E. Brockway Drive Westlake, OH 44145 (440) 668-4151 Mark Slavik
PR ES I DEN T’S COLUM N continued from page 3
As landscape professionals, “walking the walk” can apply to many different concepts in our everyday business and personal lives. How can we encourage our customers to purchase, install and maintain lovely plants and gardens at their home, or in their places of business, if those items are not important at OUR homes and OUR work facilities? The knowledge we possess from our years of education and experience is part of learning “the walk.” And, we’d be remiss not to share these lessons we have learned over time with our customers. It is also important to share the process of growing, building, creating, maintaining and managing, within the landscape professions many realms, with our employees and young landscape professionals. There should be a regular effort on each of our parts to teach/train our employees on the how’s, why’s, where’s and what’s of our businesses. Sometimes they may ask the right questions, but often they don’t know to ask any question at all. When possible – whether in the office, or in the field – take the time, energy, and patience to help them “learn the walk.”
Sometimes leading by example involves actually picking up a tool and showing them the right way to complete a task. Sometimes it is a matter of communicating with customers in their presence in a professional and ethical manner. Whatever the case may be, our youth have minds that are constantly soaking up new information. Let’s be a positive contributor to their learning environment. A major part of the mission statement of the Ohio Landscape Association is providing worthwhile educational opportunities for its membership. Please join us September 14th for Plant Geek Day at St. Michael’s in Broadview Heights. This day will be dedicated to fun and informative classes, presentations and displays and promises to help all of us “walk the landscape walk” with more energy and enthusiasm. See pages 10 and 11, or contact the OLA office for more information – hope to see you there!
Your OLA President Cathy Serafin
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OLA MEETINGS SERIES
2017 FACILITY TOUR
HELD AT BRIAN-KYLES LANDSCAPES OF DISTINCTION 875 N. RIDGE RD., EAST LORAIN, OH 44055 AGENDA (SEPT. 20, 2017) REGISTRATION 5:00pm to 5:15pm FACILITY TOUR 5:15pm to 7:30pm NETWORKING/SOCIAL HOUR/ FOOD SERVED 7:30pm to 8:30pm REGISTER TO ATTEND BY SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 COST TO ATTEND MEMBERS: NO CHARGE NON MEMBERS: $30
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LANDSCAPE FACILITY TOUR September 20, 2017 Brian-Kyles Landscapes of Distinction was founded in 1988 and is a familyowned landscaping design, installation and maintenance company that continues to create award-winning outdoor environments for residential and commercial clients throughout Northeast Ohio. Their history starts with family. The core foundation of what Brian-Kyles is today can be traced to the hard work, sacrifice and commitment of company founder, Douglas Maurer. Today, Brian-Kyles is proud to be a second-generation, family-owned and operated company. Much has changed in the years since 1988, but their commitment to their values, team, clients and community remains just as true today as it did back when current President, Brian Maurer, was barely old enough to hold a shovel. Strict adherence to their core values and mission enable them to work each day with a purpose. These values are just as important as the tools and equipment they take with them to each job site.
• • • • •
QUALIFIES 2 CEU’S
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR THIS YEAR’S MEETING SCHEDULE NOW AVAILABLE! CALL 440.717.0002 FOR MORE INFO.
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Join us, September 20, 2017 as Brian and his team give us a peek into what has made them so successful for all of these years!
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RSVP TO ATTEND BY SEPTEMBER 11, 2017. CALL THE OLA OFFICE AT 440.717.0002, OR REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG
PEREN N I AL FOCUS
BOBBIE SCHWARTZ, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb Athyrium Niponicum ‘Pictum’ is a very showy fern, the fronds of which glint with shades of burgundy and green as well as silver.
ATHYRIUM NIPONICUM ‘PICTUM’ ...AND ITS RELATIVES
I often hear clients complain about the paucity of plants to grow in the shade. Have they never heard of ferns? There are a plethora of ferns, both native and Asian. I think that one of the greatest additions to the fern palette is Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ with its silvery foliage that lights up dark spots, even full shade. In 2004, it was named Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association. It is a very showy fern, the fronds of which glint with shades of burgundy and green as well as silver. The best frond color appears in light shade and the colors are more intense in the spring when cooler temperatures prevail. Hardy to zone 5, this fern grows 12 to 18 inches tall and, in loamy soil with consistent moisture, eventually forms a two foot wide clump which requires no maintenance. Some of the cousins mentioned below seem to be a zone or two hardier.
8 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Since then, some interesting cultivars have been introduced. Athyrium ‘Regal Red’ is the same size as ‘Pictum’ but has stems that are more intensely purply-red with the color flushing into the center of the fronds. Athyrium ‘Pictum Applecourt’ can grow a bit taller but is distinguished by the heavy cresting at the end of each pinna (leaflet). Its coloring is the exact opposite of an apple. On a Granny Smith apple, the outer part is green and the interior is white. On this fern, the interior part of the pinna is green and the rest of the pinna is silvery white.
continued on page 12
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AVON 4825 Center Rd. Avon, OH 44011 440-934-3813
BROADVIEW HTS. 10001 Broadview Rd. Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 440-526-8711 For More Information, Visit: Whypremier.com www.premierplantsolutions.com
HILLIARD 6981 Scioto-Darby Rd. Hilliard, OH 43026 888-593-5999
PL A NT G E E K DAY
S P O N S O R S HI P EVENT INFORMATION September 14, 2017 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
SPONSORSHIP / EXHIBIT OPPORTUNITIES The OLA would like to invite you to participate in our 1st Annual Plant Geek Day!
This will be a can’t miss event for anyone who uses plant materials in their work. Designed for both business owners and employees, the clinic will include group discussions and great information from plant experts.
Location
St. Michael’s Woodside 5025 East Mill Road Broadview Heights, OH 44147
PRESENTED BY Ohio Landscape Association ONLINE AT: OhioLandscapers.org MyOhioLandscape.com
SPONSORSHIP/EXHIBIT INFORMATION Sponsorship & exhibit opportunties are now available to all Green Industry suppliers.
Exhibitors may set up their exhibits on September 13th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. All exhibit spaces will be located indoors, adjacent to the speakers area, and will be interactive for attendees.
COST & BENEFITS 10x10 Indoor Space
• • • • • • • •
Includes attendance for up to 2 people – All attendees recieve breakfast AND lunch (additional staff $69 each) Signage with company name displayed at the event Company will have the ability to display plant material, products and services within their space Company logo will appear on all email blast communications promoting event with a link to company website Company logo and link to website will appear on the Plant Geek Day page of our industry website with event information Company will be recognized at the event and will have the ability to pass out marketing materials to attendees Company receives a complimentary event attendance list, including attendee’s company name, contact person, mailing address & phone number Cost: OLA Member – $400; Non Member – $550
10x20 Indoor Space
• • • • • • • •
Includes attendance for up to 3 people – All attendees recieve breakfast AND lunch (additional staff $69 each) Signage with company name displayed at the event Company will have the ability to display plant material, products and services within their space Company logo will appear on all email blast communications promoting event with a link to company website Company logo and link to website will appear on the Plant Geek Day page of our industry website with event information Company will be recognized at the event and will have the ability to pass out marketing materials to attendees Company receives a complimentary event attendance list, including attendee’s company name, contact person, mailing address & phone number Cost: OLA Member – $550; Non Member – $700
SIZE AND # OF BOOTH(S) REQUESTED
10x10 Indoor Space (# of booths) _______
10x20 Indoor Space (# of booths) _______
CONTACT INFORMATION
Sponsor Company Contact Address City State Phone (______)
Zip
Fax (______) Email
Check No. (Enclosed)
Charge to my:
Acct. No. Name on Card
Exp. Date
MasterCard Visa AMEX Discover Security Code
Signature
Billing Address + Zipcode for Card
PLANT GEEK DAY Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147 Register online, by mail, by phone, or by fax: Phone 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 • Fax 440-717-0004 • www.ohiolandscapers.org
PL ANT G E E K DAY
RE G IS T R ATI O N PLANT GEEK DAY REGISTRATION
EVENT INFORMATION September 14, 2017
We are planning a fun day of education with a few sponsor displays on hand. This event is for owners, designers, crew people, and anyone the needs to know more about plants! You will be treated to diverse, interesting topics, with a lot of interaction between you and the 8:30 am to 4:30 pm presenters, as well as your peers. REGISTER NOW for a fun, informative day!
Location
CATHY SERAFIN, RLA, ASLA / SUNCREST GARDENS
St. Michael’s Woodside 5025 East Mill Road Broadview Heights, OH 44147
NANCY TAYLOR / C. WAYNE ELLETT PLANT & PEST DIAGNOSTIC CLINIC
PRESENTED BY Ohio Landscape Association
BILL HENDRICKS / KLYN NURSERIES
ONLINE AT: OhioLandscapers.org MyOhioLandscape.com
SPEAKERS
Functional and Fabulous – Perennials in the Landscape
Ornamental Tree and Shrub Diseases in Ohio, 1 Hour, Cat 6A Tough Plants for Tough Places
LOUISE REILING, AUBURN POINTE GREENHOUSE & GARDEN CENTER
Annuals in the Landscape – Best Performers and Trends
Qualifies for 5.5 CEUs for Landscape Industry Certified
ALSO FEATURING Mini Trade Show: Visit industry vendors. See what’s new. Displayed plant material, products & services. Panel Discussion: Hear from industry peers concerning plant procurement and viable substitutions. Featuring Rob Raith of
The Pattie Group, Marie McConnell of Lake County Nursery and Matt Angelotta of Angelotta Landscape Associates Drawing for Prizes: You MUST be present to win! Special Price! – Register one person from your company and each additional person from the company is only an additional $69! (BREAKFAST AND LUNCH INCLUDED!) Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full. Register On Time, Payment Received Before 8/31/17
OLA Members
$99
NON Members
$149
Register Late, Payment Received After 8/31/17
OLA Members
$129
NON Members
$179
Company Contact Address City State Phone (______)
Zip
Fax (______) Email
NAME OF ATTENDEE (S)
FEE
$
Each additional person from your company is only $69
$
Each additional person from your company is only $69
$
TOTAL DUE
$
Check No. (Enclosed)
Charge to my:
Acct. No. Name on Card
Exp. Date
MasterCard Visa AMEX Discover Security Code
Signature
Billing Address + Zipcode for Card
PLANT GEEK DAY Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147 Register online, by mail, by phone, or by fax: Phone 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 • Fax 440-717-0004 • www.ohiolandscapers.org
PEREN N I AL FOCUS
Athyrium ’Regal Red’
Athyrium ’Godzilla’
Athyrium ‘Ghost’
continued from page 8 Athyrium ’Ghost’, a clumping hybrid of A.niponicum and A. filix-femina is twice as large as ‘Pictum’ (usually 2 feet high and wide), is rigidly upright, and very silver. Even taller is the newest introduction, ‘Godzilla’ that will grow 3 feet tall and eventually 6 feet wide with sufficient moisture. It has arching fronds that are silvery with green highlights and dark purple stems. These painted ferns provide a wonderful textural contrast to bolder-leaved, shade-loving perennials such as Hosta, Heuchera (Coral Bells), Brunnera (Heartleaf Forget-Me-Not), and Symphytum (Comfrey) and to grassy plants like the sedges which are so useful in the shade. Try pairing them with Carex morrowii ‘Ice Dance’ that has green and white foliage or Carex glauca which has blue-gray foliage. They also combine well with the white flowers of Impatiens or Astilbe, with Dicentra spectabilis (Common Bleeding Heart) or Aquilegia (Columbine).
supplemental water. Best performance will be achieved with the addition of loose, organic matter to the soil. As an added bonus, deer will ignore these ferns. Propagation can be done by tissue culture, spring or fall division or by the planting of spores although growth habit and color uniformity cannot be guaranteed if propagation is by spore planting. Don’t be depressed by the thought of shade. Light it up with a Japanese Painted Fern.
Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts., Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, freelance writer, and lecturer whose specialties are perennial gardens and four season landscapes. In addition to being an Ohio Landscape Association (OLA) member, she is an active member of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) and Perennial Plant Association (PPA). Bobbie
All of these ferns can be planted in dry or moist soil although regular watering for the first year will be needed for them to get established. Naturally, they will grow faster if given
12 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
is a Past President of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). Bobbie’s new book, Garden Renovation: Transform Your Yard into the Garden of Your Dreams, will be published in November 2017 by Timber Press.
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The Growing Concern | September 2017 | 13
FI SCAL FI TN ESS
MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN King Financial, Inc.
PAYING FOR COLLEGE According to Sallie Mae’s 10th annual “How America Pays for College” report, U.S. parents spent less on college tuition during the 2016-2017 school year than any year since 2009. Out of pocket spending by parents fell to 23 percent from 29 percent of the average amount the typical family pays for college. That translates to about $5,527 out of the yearly $23,757 tab. Much of the difference was made up by a big jump in student borrowing to 19 percent of the total, from 13 percent. Another reason is that the cost of college tuition has risen dramatically over the last decade. The typical family that emerges from Sallie Mae’s study is not big on planning. While 9 out of 10 expect their kids to go to college, only 4 out of 10 budget for it. The study also seems to show that many parents may have eliminated some colleges from their selections based on cost. 69 percent eliminated some colleges compared to 58 percent ten years ago. That could also be the reason more loans have been taken out. Perhaps parents are telling their student if they
14 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
want to go to a more expensive school or out of state, you’ll have to pay for it. One financial planning goal that always seems to sneak up on families is paying for a college education. Most families get involved in meeting day-to-day expenses through the years, and don’t even begin to think about paying for college until their children are in their pre-teen or teenage years. That doesn’t leave much time to scrape together the necessary funds, and puts a lot of pressure on the need to rely on financial aid and student loans to cover college costs. Even parents with only a couple years until their child heads off to college can still make a sizable dent in their future tuition bill.
For those taking active steps, like saving in a tax-advantaged 529 plan, the road to college is a lot less bumpy. Setting a budget is always a great way to save for retirement, college, a second home, vacations or a number of other purchases. Budgeting provides families with a secure financial future and can help smooth out the ups and downs that they’ll face in life.
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One way families can come up with a reasonable budget number for college savings is by filling out the Federal Financial Aid Form, known as the FAFSA, regardless of whether they think they will be getting financial aid. Sallie Mae’s survey found that FAFSA participation has made a steady climb to 86 percent, which is 12 percent higher than in 2008. The FAFSA calculates an “expected family contribution” which colleges can use to calculate financial aid awards. But it also may be serving as a psychological level for what parents can reasonably contribute. The cost of education has risen dramatically and looks to continue for the foreseeable future. A generation ago college costs could be more related to buying a car. Now the costs are like buying a house. While planning ahead works for parents, students have fewer options. Federal student loans max out at about $27,000, with no limit on higher-interest private borrowing. Most students have jobs outside of their studies to help pay down student loan debt. Sallie Mae’s survey found that 76 percent of students work to help pay their costs, with 55 percent of those working year-round. A small percentage of parents used loans from their retirement accounts or home equity loans. Approximately 3 percent use credit cards to pay tuition. That’s a dangerous game considering the high interest rates card companies charge.
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The Growing Concern | September 2017 | 15
FOROLA SAFETY SAKE EDUCATION SERIES “If you want to improve your results utilizing simple tools that you can immediately apply, make Marvin your first call.” – Sam A. Misseri, Vice President – Business Development
GET MARVINIZED! COURSE DATE NOVEMBER 14, 2017
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It’s been proven that people buy from people who they know, like & trust. Marvin Montgomery better known as the “Sales Doctor” will conduct a one day workshop that will provide the participants with the necessary skills needed to build long term relationships and benefit from the Three R’s: Repeat Business, Referrals and Request.
Be More than a Salesperson: Become a Trusted Advisor
AGENDA You don’t want to miss this opportunity to send your entire team to “Get Marvinized.” 8:00AM – 8:30AM REGISTRATION / CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST Attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Marvin’s book “The Professional Guide to Sales Success.”
8:30AM – 4:00PM SALES CLASS 12 NOON LUNCH (LUNCH IS INCLUDED)
INSTRUCTED BY
MARVIN MONTGOMERY / MARVIN MONTGOMERY & ASSOCIATES
For more than 30 years, Marvin Montgomery has earned widespread national recognition and praise for his informative, practical and stimulating programs that reflect his basic philosophy: “Preparation and practice are the keys to sales success.”
COST MEMBERS BEFORE 10/31/17 - $179 AFTER 10/31/17 - $209
Marvin’s captivating presentations have assisted hundreds of organizations to meet or exceed their sales goals using his training programs. Many of Marvin’s clients have said that getting “Marvinized” has truly made a difference in their company and Marvin has become a mandatory part of company training.
NON MEMBERS BEFORE 10/31/17 - $209 AFTER 10/31/17 - $239
Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full.
6 CEU’S
2017 SALES TRAINING CLINIC Company Contact Address City State Phone (______)
Zip
Fax (______) Email
NAME OF ATTENDEE (S)
FEE
$
$
$
TOTAL DUE
$
Check No. (Enclosed)
Charge to my:
Acct. No. Name on Card
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MasterCard Visa AMEX Discover Security Code
Signature
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MOREofINFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT, OR TO REGISTER, VISIT OUR WEBSTIE AT 16 | Official FOR Publication The Ohio Landscape Association WWW.OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG/EDUCATION/SALESTRAINING2017
4
THE CORE ELEMENTS
TO BUSINESS SUCCESS
GUIDING THE BUSINESS Last issue we started a series on the 4 CORE ELEMENTS of successful landscape companies. This month, and over the next 3 issues, we will cover the key processes necessary to guide your business. The concept from the owner’s perspective is simple: “How do I provide direction day-today to the business, especially when I am not present?” Here are three simple actions you can take: Create a sense of purpose that unifies employees, build a measurement system that tracks how well we stay on track, and recognize & reward results. This month’s issue tackles the challenge of “Purpose.” Purpose is the foundation of a business’s culture, the mindset for how it performs and deals with people. What is meant by a company culture? Just like in a country, or region of any country, there are distinct variations in dialect, dress, and habits. Business culture refers to the beliefs and behaviors that determine how a company’s employees and managers work, interact, and handle outside business transactions.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW All organizations, private and public, develop a culture over the time. The only issue: Is it developed on purpose, or by default. It must be a conscious decision and action taken by the owner or they will live at the mercy of whatever develops. Cultures that are successfully designed contain these 3 attributes: Vision: The owner’s dream and operational philosophy converted into business language that creates a vivid mental image of the future, written in present tense, as if already achieved. Mission: The Vision defined in present terms based on what must happen, for whom, to achieve the business’s vision.
Values: The Mission defined in terms of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors, necessary to create operating boundaries.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO Claim Your Vision. If you own an existing business, review all of your original materials – like the first business plan – and answer the following question as if it was true. If you don’t have those materials available, or your business is in startup mode, you can start here as well: 1.) WHAT has the business achieved and WHY is that critical to stakeholders (community, customers, the profession, employees, investors, etc.)? Create Your Mission. Once your vision is in place, the Mission Statement fills in the blanks by answering the following question: 1.) What does the company DO for WHOM and WHEN? Provide Clarity. Answering the Vision and Mission questions are end results. What it doesn’t define is the HOW. Does it matter HOW people
WILLIAM EASTMAN GreenMark Consulting Group
achieve results? Expect people to cut corners, or maximize self-interest over the needs of the company, if you don’t spell it out: 1.) HOW was it accomplished? 2.) What behaviors are in-bounds? 3.) What behaviors are out-of-bounds?
WHERE CAN YOU GET HELP With a little guidance, it is possible for any landscape business owner to create a sense of purpose for today and for the future. The team at GreenMark provides OLA Members a resource to help apply these concepts. We’ve created a closed facebook group, giving you access to our team of landscape and business professionals. Besides answering your questions, we’ve made our Purpose Job Aids available to help you take action.
SUMMARY The long term success of any business starts with providing guidance by creating a sense of purpose shared by everyone. It is an invisible hand that molds attitudes and behaviors. All businesses will develop one, the only question is it the owners design? Next month:How to set up a measurement system.
TO VISIT THE CLOSED FACEBOOK GROUP MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE GO TO WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/283132448827812
CONGRATULATIONS
to the
WINNING TEAMS Anthony Angelotta Nick Fiore Chris Okeson Matt Anelotta, Jr.
1
17th Annual
OLA Scholarship Golf Classic
Angelotta Landscape Assoc. Fiore’s Group Busha-Okeson Insurance Verizon Wireless
Jamie Ganz CUI Services
2
Bryan Gray CUI Services Carl Rolla CUI Services Nick Holmes CUI Services
Jim Schill Schill Grounds Management
3
Britt Stanz Schill Grounds Management Travis Conner Schill Grounds Management Tom Blaz Ray Fogg Corp. Properties
DINNER SPONSOR
Thank You
LUNCH SPONSOR
MAJOR AND CONTEST
Sponsors
18 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
POKER CONTEST
TEE SPONSORS Akron Power Equipment Boyas Excavating, Inc. Brian Kyles Landscapes of Distinction Brunswick Power Equipment En Garde Deer Defense GMS Kline Nursery Sales, LLC Klyn Nurseries Medina Tractor Sales Oberfields, LLC Oliger Seed Company Rain Bird
Schill Grounds Management Shearer Equipment Smith Bros., Inc. Spena Interlocking Stone Supplies, Inc. Superior Pool Products Target Specialty Products Three-Z, Inc. Turfscape, Inc. Van Ness Stone Vizmeg Landscape, Inc. The Yard Works Landscaping
DOOR PRIZE DONORS Cleveland Magazine David Zastudil (AMER Insurance) Emmett Equipment Company Gino’s Awards Grace Brothers Nursery & Supply Hinkley Lighting Kurtz Bros., Inc. Ohio Landscape Association Sibling Revelry Brewing Meyer Products Winking Lizard Wolf Creek Company
TROPHIES SPONSOR
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The Growing Concern | September 2017 | 19
FEATURE ARTI CLE
DEVELOPING A STRATEGIC PLAN
By Mike Eisenhuth, Success Coach, LandOpt
It can be a cold, hard fact that you can’t achieve what you don’t plan, or improve what you don’t measure. Making a plan beyond this year for your business can be a difficult task, but will lead you to exciting results. Many landscape contractors don’t make strategic plans. But sitting down and critically thinking about the direction of your company, then writing down where you want to be in three to five years, accomplishes three things: • It holds you accountable to achieving your goals. • It lets you plan accordingly, guiding the development of annual finance, marketing and personnel plans. • It allows your team and shareholders to be on the same page. When landscape contractors write their plan down, we find that it offers personal accountability. You’re going to try to get to that point a little harder because here it is in writing. When creating a strategic plan, you should lay out your goals and the high-level action needed to get there. Don’t get caught up in too many fine details. Those will be taken care of in your annual operating plans.
20 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
The parts of a strategic plan to identify are: • • • • •
Revenue Market share Team growth Cash/credit needs Significant events
Revenue is the starting driver. Give a snapshot of where you are today with your revenue, and then project that out in one year, two year, three years. You must be honest with yourself, and not just put down a shooting-for-the-stars number. Our ultimate goal should be to balance projects and maintenance 50/50. Once you define an achievable revenue volume, you can start plugging in the holes of your plan. continued on page 22
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www.masonsteel.com The Growing Concern | September 2017 | 21
FEATURE ARTI CLE continued from page 20 Next, you should think about market share. Ask yourself these questions: • Where do I want more work? • Where do I want to work and don’t now? • What opportunities exist to sell existing services to existing customers? • What new services do I want to or can I provide? To achieve greater revenue, you’re going to need more people to sell and to perform the work. Are you going to promote people internally or hire people outside your organization? You may need another truck or other equipment to get those jobs done. The strategic plan can outline how and when you are going to implement that team growth and secure your cash or credit needs to fuel your growth. You need to spend money to achieve growth, but you may not see the fruits as quickly as you’d like. It’s important that you can pay the bills while you’re working toward achieving your goals. Growth done in a planned and strategic manner should be viewed as an investment. So long as you are selling your work at profitable margins, it will provide you with acceptable returns. The strategic plan needs to fall in line with the mission and organizational goals of your company. It allows the owner, the general manager, the shareholders and team members to get on the same page, so everyone understands what the goals are. In larger businesses, the owner would be pulling in trusted members of their team to obtain opinions on the plan. For most, the goal is revenue growth. But some owners may have goals of opening more locations or maxing out the market share. The strategic plan also allows a company to plan for significant events. As you grow in revenue, you may outgrow your current facility and need to plan an expansion or move to a new property. You may merge or acquire another company’s book of business. Or a key person may be retiring, so you plan for the transition. Some landscape contractors may be comfortable where they are in terms of their business, and that’s OK; for those who are dreaming of bigger things, developing a strategic plan can be a blueprint leading you to new growth and opportunity. As a success coach, Mike Eisenhuth guides select landscape contractors through the LandOpt business process with coaching, training and mentoring support. For more information, visit www.landopt.com or contact Eisenhuth at mike.eisenhuth@LandOpt.com or 412-638-3208.
22 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
FOROLA SAFETY SAKE EDUCATION SERIES
Sponsored by:
SPONSORED & HOSTED BY
COURSE DATE & LOCATION NOVEMBER 1, 2017 INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIV. 4100 ROCKSIDE ROAD INDEPENDENCE, OH AGENDA 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM REGISTRATION / BREAKFAST 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM INSTRUCTION 12:00 PM – 12:45 LUNCH 3:45 PM – 5:45 PM CERTIFICATION (OPTIONAL) COST CLASS & CERTIFICATION TEST MEMBER BEFORE SEPT. 18 – $249 AFTER SEPT. 18 – $279 NON-MEMBER BEFORE SEPT. 18 – $279 AFTER SEPT. 18 – $309 CLASS ONLY (NO TEST) MEMBER BEFORE SEPT. 18 – $119 AFTER SEPT. 18 – $149 NON-MEMBER BEFORE SEPT. 18 – $149 AFTER SEPT. 18 – $179
SEGMENTAL RETAINING WALL INSTALLATION CLASS & CERTIFICATION Learn how to build Segmental Retaining Walls (SRW) that perform well over time! This one day program teaches hardscape contractors and installers essential concepts related to the design, construction, and performance of SRWs, providing the knowledge you need to install quality walls that meet customer expectations and ensure your long-term success. After completing the one-day course, attendees will have the option to take the written certification test and pursue certification accumulating installation experience. (Past experience can count.) Who should attend? — Design/Build Landscape Contractors, Installers, Foremen, Estimators and Owners, and Sales Representatives. Why a certification program? — You will prove your knowledge of SRW construction practices. Proper training reduces your risk of job site problems. You will receive 3rd party industry recognition by the National Concrete Masons Association (NCMA) that you have an understanding of the minimum requirements. This will be a marketing tool for you on future projects.
INSTRUCTED BY
6 CEU’S
AUSTIN KEAY / OBERFIELDS
Highly experienced NCMA SRW Trainer, Austin Keay will explain: • The history and advantages of Segmental Retaining Walls. • The role of segmental retaining wall units and soil reinforcement. • Basic soil identification and selection, and understand importance and principles of soil compaction. • Common performance issues and how to avoid them. • Learn minimum industry standards for SRW installation. Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full. (ALL REGISTRATIONS MUST BE RECIEVED BY OCTOBER 2, 2017.)
Payment Received Before 8/18/17
Members
Class & Certification Test: $249
Class ONLY: $119
NON Members Class & Certification Test: $279
Class ONLY: $149
Payment Received After 8/18/17
Members
Class & Certification Test: $279
Class ONLY: $149
NON Members Class & Certification Test: $309
Class ONLY: $179
Company Contact Address City State Phone (______)
Zip
Fax (______) Email
NAME OF ATTENDEE (S)
FEE
CLASS & NCMA CERTIFICATION
CLASS ONLY
$
CLASS & NCMA CERTIFICATION
CLASS ONLY
$
CLASS & NCMA CERTIFICATION
CLASS ONLY
$
$
TOTAL DUE
Check No. (Enclosed)
Charge to my:
Acct. No. Name on Card
Exp. Date
MasterCard Visa AMEX Discover Security Code
Signature
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FOR MORE INFO GO TO WWW.OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG/EDUCATION/RETAININGWALL.HTML
PL ANT OF TH E M ON TH
JIM FUNAI, LIC Cuyahoga Community College
SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens American Elm by Christopher Schoenboh.
ULMUS AMERICANA AMERICAN ELM
This month’s article is a little less about one particular plant than it is a cautionary tale expounding the dangers of using the same plants too often. Think for a moment about how many of the following trees you have planted in your career: Red Maple, Honeylocust, Flowering Pear, Green or White Ash, and Planetree. Why do we plant these trees so often? Mostly, it’s because we know they will perform under a wide range of conditions, meaning less callbacks and headaches down the road. We know they will perform – until they don’t. In the early 1900s, a few Dutch scientists isolated a fungal disease from rapidly dying elm trees, and while they should have been celebrated for their hard work, they were instead rewarded by having one of the most socially devastating tree diseases named for their country. In fact, Dutch Elm Disease – which is actually three separate species of fungus all causing the same symptoms – is more likely of Asian origin, as those species show the most natural resistance to the fungus.
The first reported import of the disease from Europe happened right in downtown Cleveland, from a shipment of logs bound for furniture veneer in 1928. Careful work to quarantine and destroy the host trees resulted in the reported eradication of the disease, only to have it turn up on another shipment in New York City. Quarantine worked – until it didn’t – a story repeated far too often in our history of exotic pest management. In this case, the World War II industrial continued on page 26
24 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Since 1986, VanCuren Tree Services has been Northeast Ohio’s complete tree care specialist. We provide comprehensive services for any residential, commercial, or utility tree care need. The tree professionals at VanCuren Tree Services have helped home and business owners throughout Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio maintain the beauty, vitality, and safety of their trees. We are proud to offer a full range of tree care services, from tree and stump removal to storm damage clean up to utility work and beyond.
To find out more about what VanCuren has to offer, visit our website at www.vancurentreecare.com, or call us at 440.338.5005 today for a free consultation.
• Complete Tree Maintenance Programs
• 75’ Bucket Trucks
• Certified Arborists on Staff
• Deep Root Fertilization
• Tree Removal
• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Tree Trimming
• Stump Grinding
• Land Clearing
• Tree Moving
• 178’ 40 Ton Crane SALES REPRESENTATIVES: Michael Sowul, Certified Arborist James DiRosa, Certified Arborist David R. Van Curen
PHONE: 440.338.5005 FAX: 440.564.9319
Your Complete Tree Care Specialists The Growing Concern | September 2017 | 25 www.vancurentreecare.com
P LAN T OF TH E M ONT H continued from page 24
complex took our focus off of silly efforts like protecting the American forest and preserving the landscapes of nearly every village, town, and city east of the Mississippi. Nearly 60 million, of the estimated 77 million, American Elm Trees died from the 1930s through the late 1980s. The social impact of such a loss is noticed by every citizen on every “Elm Street” in North America, all of Western Europe, and now New Zealand. American Elm is a tree of great beauty, reaching into the 80’ tall range (or more) and holding a graceful open-vase shape crown, spreading about half as wide as it is tall. It made for a great street tree, because its tolerance for various soil conditions and the high branching allowed natural clearance for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Countless municipalities suffered a loss of well-over-half their urban canopy when the disease tore through their towns. Entire streets were transformed, from idyllic picturesque green tunnels flooded with bright shade in summer, to barren sun soaked apocalyptic scenes. Why did the introduction of this disease cause such havoc? It is primarily because the people making the choices of what plants should be used in the landscape did not heed the warnings of Mother Nature. There are very few examples in nature of minimal diversity in an ecosystem. The most flourishing ecosystems are found where biological diversity is at a maximum. We have much to learn about the benefits of a complex and diverse ecosystem, but one lesson is pretty easy to understand. If a specieslimiting pest is introduced to a system, the more diverse that system is, the less the negative the impact will be. Imagine for a moment, if instead of Elm Street being 100% elm, it was only 20% elm? What would have happened when Dutch Elm Disease came along? Elm Street would still have 80% canopycover. Imagine now, if rather than slamming in a ton of Ash Trees at a project, a contractor used only 20% ash. They’d still have 80% of the canopy providing the countless social, economic, and ecologic benefits that trees give us. Now, think about that commercial project you completed recently, where you got a great deal on red maple and planted them all over the place. How about the project you flooded with Honeylocust? Or, the plethora of Flowering Pear lining parking lot hell? It can be so much easier to get that ‘great deal’ on bulk trees by purchasing a few rows from the nursery and just knocking the job out. We’ve done the same thing in our careers. It is just easier – we get it.
26 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
An entire street of Ash Trees, desimated by a plague of Ash Borers.
If you’ve been reading our articles for a while, hopefully you’ve been inspired to try a few new plants – to diversify that canopy and landscape a little more. This is our 77th article about plants for the OLA now, and a number of the articles introduced multiple plants at once. Our suggestion: Don’t try to solve all your problems in your next landscape planting. Simply, add a little more diversity to it. Instead of planting a bunch of your ol’ stand-bys, discover 5 species that will all work well in the landscape conditions of a site and plant them intermixed. If you are planting a row of trees along a sidewalk or parking lot island, mix it up! More importantly, consider how that will look 10, 20, even 50 years down the road. If some pest comes in and wipes one out your customer will still have 80% of their plants!
replacement for the loss of the Elm, and now – only a few short decades later – we are starting over and replacing Ash trees. You probably have caught yourself thinking, “what is a good replacement for Ash?” The answer is simply, there is not a replacement for Ash. There isn’t a replacement for Elm. There isn’t a replacement for Chestnut. There are no replacements for an entire species wiped out. There is though, the notion that an increased diversity can help us all avoid making the same mistake again.
Jim Funai is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a NALP accredited associate of applied science in hoticulture degree program. He is
This story really started in America with the loss of American Chestnut, prior to Elms. A disease was accidentally introduced and we didn’t have the resources to make the quarantine work. Now, you’d be lucky to find an old stump sprout isolated in the woods. Next up was American Elm, now followed by our native Ash Trees. The big kicker: Ash was planted heavily as a
pursuing a PhD in Landscape Engineering and Forestry and is a Licensed Arborist. Shelley Funai is Grounds Manager at Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio, which offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. She is Landscape Industry Certified in Ornamental Plant Care. Contact Jim and Shelley via email at hortsquad@gmail.com.
The Growing Concern | September 2017 | 27
FOR SAFETY SAK E
7 ADVANTAGES OF HAVING EFFECTIVE WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY POLICIES It’s important, every now and then, to stop and look at the systems you have in place for managing health and safety in your workplace, and consider how you might improve them to create a safer, happier and more productive environment for your workers to come to every day. Workplace health and safety policies and procedures are a huge part of this. Policies are the documented principles, objectives, obligations and commitments that guide workplace health and safety decision-making within your business. They help you to manage legal risk and allow you to outline the benefits and opportunities provided by your company to its workers.
28 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Not just those relating to workplace health and safety, but all policies underpin your health and safety management system by documenting the following things: continued on page 31
Outdoor Structures AMISH CRAFTED AFFORDABLE DURABLE EASY TO INSTALL
SUPPLY
330-483-3400 ValleyCitySupply.com
The Growing Concern | September 2017 | 29
FOROLA SAFETY SAKE EDUCATION SERIES
Sponsored & Hosted by
SPONSORED & HOSTED BY
DORMANT PRUNING CLINIC
COURSE INFO NOVEMBER 28, 2017 WILLOWAY NURSERIES 4825 CENTER RD. AVON, OH 44011 NOVEMBER 30, 2017 PREMIER PLANT SOLUTIONS 6981 SCIOTO-DARBY RD. HILLIARD, OH 43026 AGENDA 8:30AM – 9:00AM REGISTRATION / BREAKFAST 9:00AM – 12:00PM CLINIC
The most important landscape maintenance practice is the control of plant size by the correct method of pruning to retain the natural branching characteristics of the plants and integrity of the landscape design. Dormant Pruning of Landscape Plants is a half-day, hands-on clinic and a timely training opportunity for you and your crews to get back to the basics and learn the proper way to prune in time for winter and early spring pruning. GENERAL INFORMATION: This seminar will include a lecture as well as hands-on training. Attendees will need to bring their own notepad and pen, hand pruning shears, a small pruning saw, and long handle lopping shears, and will need to dress appropriately for outdoor practical training.
INSTRUCTED BY
GAIL REINHART / HIDDEN CREEK LANDSCAPING
Gail joined the Hidden Creek Team in 2014, bringing with her over 15 years of experience in Horticulture, Sales, Project, and Operations Management, and Employee Development. She has an Associate’s Degree in Landscape and Turfgrass Management from Owens Community College and has spent time working out of state in Michigan and Delaware gaining knowledge of Golf Course and Retail Garden Center operations, and Residential and Commercial Landscape Management. Gail grew up on a 500acre farm in Northwest Ohio which cultivated her love of the outdoors.
COST MEMBERS BEFORE 11/14/17 - $69 AFTER 11/14/17 - $99 NON MEMBERS BEFORE 11/14/17 - $99 AFTER 11/14/17 - $129 3.5 CEU’S
GIVEAWAY ITEM
As an attendee, you will receive a gift provided by A.M. Leonard. to be determined closer to the date of your clinic. Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full.
International Society of Arborculture
2017 DORMANT PRUNING REGISTRATION Company Contact Address City State Phone (______)
Zip
Fax (______) Email
NAME OF ATTENDEE
FEE
November 28, Avon, OH
November 30, Hilliard, OH
$
November 28, Avon, OH
November 30, Hilliard, OH
$
November 28, Avon, OH
November 30, Hilliard, OH
$
November 28, Avon, OH
November 30, Hilliard, OH
$
Check No. (Enclosed)
Charge to my:
Acct. No. Name on Card
Exp. Date
MasterCard Visa AMEX Discover Security Code
Signature
Billing Address + Zipcode for Card
MOREofINFORMATION ABOUT THIS EVENT, OR TO REGISTER, VISIT OUR WEBSTIE AT 30 | Official FOR Publication The Ohio Landscape Association WWW.OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG/EDUCATION/PRUNING.HTML
continued from page 28 • what is expected of your workers, e.g. behavior and performance standards;
• rules and guidelines for decision-making in routine situations;
• a consistent and clear response across the company in dealing with situations;
• your good faith that workers will be treated fairly and equally;
• an accepted method of dealing with complaints and misunderstandings to help avoid claims of bias and favoritism; • a clear framework for the delegation of decision-making; • a means of communicating information to new workers. Workplace health and safety procedures are the documented processes that guide working practices in your business – these include specific procedures that set out step-by-step instructions for carrying out a job or task. 7 advantages of effective workplace health and safety policies and procedures. Health and safety policies and procedures are essential for your workplace because they:
3. Clarify functions and responsibilities in your business. 4. Ensure that safe systems of work are recorded, communicated to workers and implemented in a consistent way throughout your business. 5. Guide the future actions of workers in a formal way. 6. Help your business to manage staff more effectively by defining acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in the workplace. 7. Save time by allowing health and safety matters to be handled quickly through an existing procedure, rather than staff dealing with problems as they occur or responding differently each time the same issues arise. Each of these advantages works towards improving your health and safety systems to create a culture where health and safety is a commitment made by your management and board. If you can do this, you will show your workers that their welfare is your priority – leading to a safety culture and more productive workers. Work with your workers to improve workplace health and safety and they will start working for you. Written by Joanna Weekes for the Portner Press Pty Health & Safety Handbook.
1. Demonstrate that your business is addressing its health
Portner Press’ products contain independent, unbiased materials. All writers and
and safety obligations. 2. Show that your business is committed to working within a set of health and safety principles.
contributors are experts in their field – from safety specialists and employment lawyers to tax accountants, HR professionals and social media experts. For more info, visit http://www.healthandsafetyhandbook.com.au.
The Growing Concern | September 2017 | 31
D I RECTI ON S
OLA GOLF CLASSIC
SANDY MUNLEY
Executive Director The Ohio Landscape Association
We had great participation in the 17th Annual OLA Scholarship Golf Classic, which took place August 3rd at Mallard Creek Golf Club in Columbia Station. This year, we had 220 registered golfers and over $11,000 in sponsorships! Isn’t that spectacular? We are thrilled with the continued support we receive from both our sponsors and golfers for this event, and thank all of you for the many compliments we’ve received! Regardless of skill level – from those who go out once or twice a year, to those who golf more frequently – the feedback has all been positive. Everyone seemed to have a great time and enjoyed the day. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention that it seems that we had some REALLY good golfers in our group this year. Our winning team was made up of Anthony Angelotta of Angelotta Landscape Services, Matt Angelotta of Verizon Wireless, Nick Fiore of Fiore’s Group, and Chris Okeson of Busha-Okeson Insurance, who shot a combined -18 under par. Please take a moment to check out the spread on pages 18 and 19 to see the complete list of winning teams, sponsors and prize donators. This year, we introduced a new poker game, which was sponsored by Heartland. Teams received three cards prior to teeing off, and then one card on each of the nines they played. At their second stop, they had the option to hold, or trade. The winning hand was a Royal Flush held by team 25-B – Cameron Maneri of Kurtz Bros., Mike Maggio of Aspen Creative, Nick Roth of Nick’s Landscaping, and David Zastudil of Amer Insurance. The next best hand was four Queens, so it was impressive to have someone with a better hand than that!
32 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
We had some really awesome door prizes this year, as well. Former Brown’s kicker, David Zastudil, is on our golf committee and donated one of his autographed game balls along with a football autographed by fellow, former Brown’s kicker, Phil Dawson. Meyer Products donated two pairs of tickets (with parking passes) to the PGA Tournament at Firestone Country Club, in Akron, OH. Their donation also included admission to the International Fairway Tent with food and beverages for the day. Aren’t those cool prizes? There were many other door prizes as well, including a string trimmer from Emmett Equipment Company, a gift basket to Sibling Revelry Brewing Company, a LED Landscape Lighting package, and more. Thanks again to all of our door prize sponsors for your generosity. In addition to poker, we had other contests and games going on throughout the day, as well. Betting holes, long drive holes, long putt holes, a closest to the pin challenge, skins and a 50/50 raffle. Not to mention, the beverage carts were stocked with iced cold libations to add to the fun.
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An outing favorite, we have been using Winking Lizard as our caterer for many years now. Everyone loves the endless barbequed spare ribs and chicken with all the fixings for dinner! We even get some non-golfers to register for dinner only. It is a great place to mingle and get a good meal! We are very grateful for all the generous support of our sponsors, donators and golfers! We would like to thank the golf committee: Adam Cappiccioni - Ohio CAT, Brit Stantz – Schill Grounds Management, David Zastudil – Amer Insurance, Doug Ellis – Abraxus Royalton Supply, Eric Hajek – Heartland, Kevin Sasak – Sasak Landscaping, Matt Smith – Landmark, Rob Cruise – Belgard Hardscapes, and Travis Conner – Schill Grounds Management. Our outing is traditionally on the first Thursday of August – so mark your calendar now for next year’s outing. I am sure it will be just as much fun!
6
Abraxus Salt, Inc.
2
Botson Insurance Group, Inc.
13
Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc.
15
Irrigation Supply, Inc.
22
Klyn Nurseries
21
Mason Structural Steel, Inc.
33
Medina Sod Farms, Inc.
34
Middlefield MFG / Mentor MFG
21
Millcreek Plants
21
O’Reilly Equipment, LLC
13
Oliger Seed
9
Premier Plant Solutions
13
Shearer Equipment
29
Sohar’s / RCPW, Inc.
35 Unilock 29
Valley City Supply
25
VanCuren Tree Services, Inc.
26
Zoresco Equipment Company The Growing Concern | September 2017 | 33
Z725KH-60
• 25 Gross HP Gas Engine • 60” Commercial Mower Deck
Z421KWT-60
• 24 Gross HP Gas Engine • Steel Welded 60” Deck
Z411KW-48
• 22 Gross HP, 2-Cylinder Gas Engine • 48” Mower Deck • High-Back Seat • Foldable ROPS • Rugged Transmission
KUBOTA RUNS CIRCLES AROUND EVERYTHING, S OF S R E A
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INCLUDING THE COMPETITION! 2017
MIDDLEFIELD MFG
MENTOR MFG
15980 Georgia Road • Middlefield, OH
5782 Heisley Road • Mentor, OH
440.632.5590 • 800.722.1291
440.551.9051
Hours: M-F: 8am–6pm • Sat: 8am–4pm
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www.mfgkubota.com
Power (HP/KW) and other specifications are based on various standards or recommended practices. For complete warranty, safety and product information, please refer to the operator’s manual or consult your Kubota dealer. K1134-14-135761-4
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