The Growing Concern - September 2013 Issue by Sandy Munley

Growing Concern

The

September 2013

A p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e O h i o La n d s c a p e A s s o c i a t i o n

Pond Clinic September 11, 2013 PAGE 12

OLA Meeting Landscape Facilities Tour September 19, 2013 PAGE 7

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President’s column

School Days This time of year reminds me of one of my favorite commercials. The scene is of a mother with a shopping cart full of school supplies, joyfully riding the cart back and forth with the song “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year” playing. It’s most likely how my mom felt raising three boys and how my wife feels raising two. I like the simplicity of the marketing message. Before I go any further, I ask you to perform one quick homework assignment. Gather your crews in the morning just before everyone leaves for their jobsites and make an announcement that school is back in session. Make the point very clear to slow down and watch out for kids in streets, at cross walks and school zones. It’s too important not to do so and not that difficult to ask of your drivers. So the time has come to send the kids to the bus stop and off to school for a new year of learning. School being back in session brings me to the topic of education, specifically promoting a green industry education to our youth and continuing education for crew

personnel, managers and business owners. Statistics from the July 2012 IBIS World Market report show that the green industry has annual revenues of $61 billion, employs 899,958 people and represents 416,991 businesses. The Global Industry Analysts Report says, “the landscaping services market in the U.S. is expected to recover and poised to reach U.S. $80.06 billion by 2015.” This is an industry that will provide room for growth for both new hires and talented experienced individuals. How can we as companies and OLA members promote the green industry to students as a career choice? The current generation of high school students will enter the job market with cutting edge skills in technology and new ideas on business, marketing, and, with the right encouragement, a passion for the green industry.

JAmes Arch, ASLA Vizmeg Landscape, Inc.

Watch for an announcement soon regarding the OLA hosting a national landscape consultant for a speaking engagement coming this fall.

But why stop at high school? We need to get them hooked at grade school when minds are opening to the world. Kids at this age are continued on page 6 The Growing Concern x September 2013 x 3

Ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 3 w w w. o h i o l a n d s c a p e r s . o r g

Ohio’s Professional Green I n d u s t r y A s s o c i 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 or www.myohiolandscape.com Editor Lindsay Scott, Ohio Landscape Association Regular Writers James Arch, ASLA, Vizmeg Landscape, Inc. Michael J. Donnellan, King Financial, Inc. Jim Funai, COLP, Cuyahoga Community College Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb

Features

President’s Column

School Days

Fiscal Fitness

Small Business Retirement Plans

For Safety Sake

Fueling Operations: Preventing Fire & Explosion

Plant Of The Month

Tilia tomentosa Silver Linden

Perennial Focus

Advertising Information Submission deadline: 10th of month prior to publication month. For advertising and classified rates, please call 1-800-335-6521 Disclaimer The Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attest 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 James Arch, ASLA

Sedum Stonecrop

President-Elect Joe Twardzik, CID

32 How Do Your Employee Benefits

Treasurer Chad Mikin

OLA Staff Executive Director Sandy Munley

Stack Up?

Directions

Value

Inside Every Issue

5 35 38

Welcome New Members Advertising Index Classifieds

Directors Patrick Beam, RLA Jason Cromley Josh Hayden Chris Meltzer, MLA Steve Moore Cathy Serafin, ASLA, RLA Bryan Taynor

Membership Coordinator Jean Koch Events and Communications Manager Lindsay Scott

Ca l e n d a r o f E V e n t s U p c o m i n g OL A m e e t i n g s , e d u c a t i o n s e m i n a r s a n d o t h e r g r e e n i n d u s t r y e v e n t s

September

NDS, Inc. Held at Wolf Creek Company in Columbus. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

One-day, classroom setting pond clinic that will teach how to plan, build, and maintain ponds and water features. Instructed by Bill Hoffman of Pond Supplies of Ohio. Held at Chenoweth Golf Course in Akron. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

OLA Meeting NOVEMBER 21, 2013

Pond Clinic SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

OLA Facility Tour SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 Held at The Bremec Group in Chesterland. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

October

Central Ohio Landscape Facilities Tour OCTOBER 17, 2013 Held at Environmental Management, Inc. in Plain City. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

Drainage Workshop Northeast Ohio OCTOBER 30, 2013 Learn the latest techniques and products in drainage in this design and basic installation workshop. Instructed by Martha Hood of NDS, Inc. Held at Wolf Creek Company in Oakwood Village. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

November

Drainage Workshop Central Ohio NOVEMBER 6, 2013 Learn the latest techniques and products in drainage in this design and basic installation workshop. Instructed by Martha Hood of

Speaker: Charles Vander Kooi. Topic: People Management. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Heights. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

Landscape Ohio! Awards Entry Deadline NOVEMBER 22, 2013 Ohio’s most prestigious landscape enhancement awards program. All entries must be received in the OLA office by 5 pm. For more information or for rules, regulations, and entry forms, please visit OhioLandscapers.org or contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521.

January

OLA Meeting JANUARY 21, 2014 Speaker: Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb. Topic: Exciting Plant Combinations. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Heights. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

March

OLA Meeting MARCH 20, 2014 Speaker: Gil Goldberg, Small Business Administration. Topic: SBA Programs That Can Help Your Company. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Heights. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS !

The Ohio Landscape Association is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association: Regular MEMBERS: B-Sharp Property Maintenance

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: Aflac – Huynh’s Insurance Benefits

6161 South Main St. Clinton, OH 44216 (330) 882-1999 Ed Gintling

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H. Stein Lawn Care, LLC

Akron’s Finest Mulch

Motorcars Toyota / Honda

204 Clarence Dr., SE New Philadelphia, OH 44663-7834 (330) 204-5540 Howard J. Stein

1735 Copley Rd. Akron, OH 44320 (330) 603-5623 Mario Halasa

Cenweld Corporation

2950 Mayfield Rd. Cleveland Hts., OH 44118 (216) 321-9100 David Svenson

The Growing Concern x September 2013 x 5

CORRECTION NOTICE

President’s column continued from pg 3 eager to learn and explore. Reach beyond the possible limited preconceptions of the parents by promoting the broad scope of opportunity in this expanding industry. I encourage you to get involved with your children’s schools to promote your company, your industry, the innovations and the careers that lie ahead in the future – even the ones we cannot conceive of yet.

EDITOR’S NOTE: In the August 2013 issue of The Growing

Concern, front cover picture credit was mistakenly given to the wrong company. Credit for the picture belongs to Todd’s Enviroscapes of Louisville, Ohio. We apologize for the error.

So you’re already in the green industry in Ohio and want to learn more? Look no further than the OLA. We have some great events coming up to help you learn and network with your peers. Be sure to keep checking OhioLandscapers.org and The Growing Concern to stay on top of upcoming events. Watch for an announcement soon regarding the OLA hosting a national landscape consultant for a speaking engagement coming this fall. As always, I look forward to seeing you at the membership meetings. Enjoy the coming fall and the start of football season. Go Bucks!

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Fiscal Fitness

Michael J. Donnellan King Financial, Inc.

Small Business Retirement Plans Employee benefits play an important role in the lives of employees as well as their families. For that reason, the benefits you offer can be a deciding factor for a potential employee’s decision to work at your business. There are two types of employee benefits: (1) those the employer must provide by law; and (2) those the employer offers as an option to compensate employees. Examples of required benefits include social security and workers’ compensation, while optional benefits include health care insurance coverage and retirement benefits. Both required and optional benefits have legal and tax implications for the employer. I typically recommend a 401(k) Plan for businesses with over 50 employees. If your business has less than 25 employees you should consider a SEP or SIMPLE Plan, which can give you more flexibility along with a lower cost and less paperwork and administration.

SEP Plan A SEP is specifically designed for self-employed people and small business owners who typically employ fewer than 25 employees. This plan is great for self-employed individuals with no other employees or small businesses with employees who meet certain compensation and tenure requirements. Generally clients choose a SEP Plan if they are looking for flexibility in their contribution percentage. In fact, the business owner decides each year whether, and how much, to contribute to employees’ SEP-IRAs. Employees do not make contributions through the plan, but they can make contributions on their own into their individual SEP-IRA. continued on page 10

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Fiscal Fitness continued from pg 8 On the downside, employers must make contributions and percentages must be the same for each eligible employee. All employees who are eligible must be included. Exceptions may include employees who have worked for the company for less than three of the past five years, those under 21 years old and those who have been paid less than $550 in compensation. The eligible compensation limit determined by the IRS is $255,000 for 2013. The maximum amount that can be contributed is 25% of an employee’s salary. That would equal a maximum contribution of $51,000.

SIMPLE Plan A Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE) is designed for small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The plan is funded by employer contributions and can also be funded by elective employee salary deferral. SIMPLE Plans are largely funded by employee contributions, but limited employer contributions are required. The employer has two options each year. OPTION #1: Match up to 3% of each employee’s compensation or $12,000, whichever is less. OPTION #2: Contribute 2% of each eligible employee’s compensation. Employers are generally required to match each employee’s salary reduction contributions, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, up to 3% of the employee’s compensation. Another option would be a Solo 401(k) or also known as an Individual 401(k). These are designed for a self-employed individual or business owner with no other employees other than a spouse. The individual 401(k) comes in both a traditional and Roth version, just like IRAs. With the traditional individual

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…the benefits you offer can be a deciding factor for a potential employee’s decision to work at your business. 401(k), you put away money on a pretax basis and it grows tax-deferred. Your money is taxed when you withdraw it, in a future that may well include higher tax rates. If you opt for the Roth version, you put in after-tax dollars and your money grows tax-free – which means it is not taxed upon withdrawal. You can split your contributions between the two types of accounts. The standard limit for contributions is $17,500 for the 2013 tax year. The employer may also contribute up to $33,500. One other point: Unlike SEP IRAs, solo 401(k)s allow you to borrow against your savings. Generally these plans offer tax-deductiblity for contributions and the earnings grow tax-deferred. Participants direct their own investments within different asset classes within a family of mutual funds. More information can be found at the Small Business Administration’s website at www.sba.gov. Discuss your options with your tax and financial advisors. If you would like a free consultation regarding your current plan or if you are looking to establish a new plan, feel free to call.

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OLA EDUCATION SERIES

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Instructed by Bill Hoffman

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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. October 30th Clinic - Northeast Ohio

November 6th Clinic - Central Ohio

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NON Members $99

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Plant Of the Month

Jim Funai, COLP Cuyahoga Community College

Shelley Funai Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

Tilia tomentosa

Silver Linden

It’s funny how many of the plant names we use every day are the result of a game of telephone. Sometimes spanning centuries, many times spanning cultures and languages, this game of telephone can take a simple, descriptive name and turn it into a word with no real meaning. This month, we want to share a tree introduced into cultivation in the mid-18th century. First, though, we’ll talk about the genus in general. Tilia, a genus of at least seven, is typically known for three in these parts of the world; Tilia Americana (American Linden/Basswood), Tilia cordata (Littleleaf Linden), and Tilia tomentosa (Silver Linden). Did you catch the common name of “Basswood”? This is one of these names that, at first glance, seems to not make sense after a game of telephone. We’ve heard claims that this name is due to the use of the wood in making electric guitars and basses. While it is true the wood is used for this purpose the name was in use before Nikola Tesla was even born. That kind of squashes that theory. “Bass” is actually a telephone game result of “bast” that simply lost the “t” sound at the end. So what is bast? Bast was a Norse word (Viking) for the fibers of the phloem from a tree. Many ancient cultures around the world used “bast” fibers to make cloth and ropes after soaking the inner bark in

water and stripping the fibers out. Turns out that Tilia trees were particularly good for pulling long fibers for ropes and got the name “bast wood.” Here is another fun Viking fact: They used Tilia trees quite often for making their shields because the wood is easy to work with and has a desirable weight to strength ratio. Another common name, especially in Europe, for this genus is lime. There is neither relation to the citrus fruit, lime, nor any visual similarity. So how did lime become a common name? Another game of telephone of course! There is strong evidence of Germanic use of the word “linde” which was the word for “lenient” used to describe this tree. It is believed they were referring to the tree’s flexible continued on page 24

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Plant Of the Month continued from pg 22 (lenient) wood. As the world expanded and cultures interacted, the English turned this word into “leen” followed by “leem” and then “lime.” (Are you trying to say all of these in a funny accent? We are.) Did you also catch the old Germanic word for the plant, Linde? Well, Linden is simply the Germanic plural describing a tree that is made of linde wood. Wood is to wooden as linde is to… Whoa, minds are blown! You certainly have seen the Littleleaf Linden in heavy rotation in urban settings as it has been given high praise for poor soil and pollution tolerance. Our observation is Littleleaf Linden does not take mechanical damage very well, demonstrated on the Tri-C East Campus by a barrage of buck rubs and constant attack by the mower decks not keeping their distance. A key to landscape longevity and beauty is making certain you maintain biodiversity. One would think we learned this lesson when the American Chestnut and American Elm were wiped out. Or perhaps we can learn that lesson now that we are loosing all of our ash trees? Silver Linden is here to help you diversify your urban plantings. Tilia tomentosa has beautiful two-tone leaves. They are dark green on the upper surface and hang down just slightly showing just its upper surface when the wind is still. With a bit of breeze they will flip to show the tomentosa side of the name; with heavy tomentum they appear nearly white and contrast sharply with the upper surface. Silver Linden can reach into the 50 plus foot range. We were inspired to write about this plant after witnessing the most impressive one we have ever seen at Dawes Arboretum this summer. There is a section of the arboretum known as Holly Hill (if you ever want to study hollies, this is the place) where the tree lives. You’ll notice in the picture, just how small the tree makes Shelley look. This same photo also shows the natural habit of the tree, upright with a rounded crown. In use in the typical landscape it may be wise to limb the tree up, certainly so for use as a street tree.

bract at the top. Fruiting of Tilia is not overly ornamental either and can make a bit of a mess as they fall. Lindens can be subject to heavy infestations of both Gypsy Moth and Japanese Beetles. Observation shows that Silver Linden has fewer issues with this compared to the American and Littleleaf Lindens. This is likely due to the heavy tomentum making the leaf less desirable as food. As with all pest and disease issues, step one is prevention. A Silver Linden in neutral to slight alkaline loose soil with good fertility and good drainage is very happy. However, as mentioned, this tree is very tolerant of poor soils, pH, and compacted soils (urban tolerant). Keep in mind, the more difficult of a situation you ask a plant to deal with, the more energy it puts into dealing with the situation leaving less energy to fend off pest issues. When we discuss pest tolerance, it simply means some plants have more energy left to defend against the pest. Silver Linden has more energy to fight off pests then its cousins. Likely you will find the cultivar ‘Sterling’ in the nursery trade. This cultivar is highly recommended over the species for improved habit of growth and higher resistance to Japanese Beetle and Gypsy Moth. Under cultivation ‘Sterling’ should produce a 40 by 30 foot specimen of high quality. A great place to see this tree in use is at the Ahuja Medical Center in Northeast Ohio. In the back parking lot, Tilia tomentosa was planted in the small islands throughout the entire lot. Hopefully they will reach a mature size, though it would have been wise to have the islands a bit bigger for them. Perhaps next time you are looking for a street tree or urban tolerant tree, skip your usual stand in and consider the beauty of Tilia tomentosa, the Silver Linden.

Jim Funai is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a PLANET accredited, associate of applied science in horticulture degree program, offering many

The flower of this tree will usually go unnoticed in early July, as it is fairly small and not brightly colored. Fruiting of all Tilia species is quite unique, often described as a “nut and sheath.” It is hard to describe the fruit, as it is a small, perhaps “BB” sized, hard nutlet held on a short stem with a 1 inch or so flat, oval shaped leaf-like

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paths to higher education to the green industry. He has an MS from Colorado State and is a licensed arborist. Shelley Funai is the Grounds Manager at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio that offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. Both are graduates of The Ohio State University. Contact Jim and Shelly via email at hortsquad@gmail.com

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Perennial Focus

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb

Sedum Stonecrop Mention the word Sedum and most of us think of a succulent, upright perennial that blooms in late summer. There are also extremely short groundcover types of Sedum with tiny leaves, some rounded and some almost needle looking. About five years ago, a third type of Sedum began entering the marketplace. Two cultivars of this third type already existed, ‘Bertram Anderson’ and ‘Vera Jameson’. ‘Bertram Anderson’ has purplish leaves while ‘Vera Jameson’ has bluish-gray leaves; both have pink flowers and a sprawling habit that is very useful in containers or at the front of a border. The newer cultivars appear to be more compact. I have been trialing them since 2008. My friend Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennials in Chicago has developed ‘Soft Cloud’, ‘Thundercloud’, and ‘Pure Joy’ and I have been enjoying their presence in my garden.

Sedum ‘Thundercloud’ looks like a cluster of white stars above a loose, low mound of serrated green foliage on elongated sprays, a very unusual form for Sedum. This year it started blooming at the end of July. In previous years, it has continued displaying its white flowers well into September. I received Sedum ‘Plum Perfection’ in 2009. Unlike many other purple-leafed cultivars, I have been delighted with this one, the foliage of which remains unmarred despite various weather extremes. The leaf color is not continued on page 28

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The Growing Concern x September 2013 x 27

Perennial Focus continued from pg 26 deep purple but seems like a gray-green with a purple tinge when sited next to a gray-leafed Helianthemum. However, when sited next to the pure green of Gladiolus or Phlox subulata foliage, it looks purple. The pink flowers bud on purple stems by the third week of July and are usually in full bloom by the third week of August.

…‘Vera Jameson’ has bluish-gray leaves; both have pink flowers and a sprawling habit that is very useful in containers or at the front of a border.

Sedum ‘Soft Cloud’ took its place in the garden in 2011. Like Sedum ‘Thundercloud’, it has serrated foliage but the leaves are much smaller. It also has clusters of white stars but the clusters are larger than those of ‘Thundercloud’. The clusters are borne on pale purple stems beginning in the third week of July and the flowers take on a slight lilac tinge by the end of the month.

I purchased Sedum ‘Lime Zinger’ last year from a mail order nursery. I was intrigued by the claim that the small, rounded green leaves would develop a pink edge. I’m still waiting for that edge to appear but the plant is appealing. It has a tight habit, buds near the end of July, and blooms in August and September. The buds resemble pale pink balls with a medium pink star at the top; these buds open into pale pink clusters of starry florets.

28 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

This year, I received samples from Walters Gardens of Sedum ‘Dazzleberry’. This Sedum is more like ‘Bertram Anderson’ and ‘Vera Jameson’ than any of the others I’ve mentioned. It’s a low spreader but its habit is tighter than either of the two older cultivars. Its leaves are medium sized and purplish gray while the small clusters of flowers are bright pink.

Many of these new cultivars are not yet available from our local growers, so if reading about them intrigues you, ask your favorite grower to start propagating them.

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts., Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, free-lance 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 is a Past President of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). Bobbie currently serves as chair of the ONLA Plant Selection Committee. Bobbie can be reached at (216) 752-9449.

Bowers_Ad_Layout 1 4/3/13 10:30 AM Page 1

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The Growing Concern x September 2013 x 29

OLA Central Ohio

Meeting Announcement October 17, 2013 Central Ohio Landscape Facilities Tour Held at: Environmental Management, Inc. Plain City, Ohio Environmental Management, Inc. (EMI) was founded in 1992 with 3 employees and 20 maintenance accounts. With lofty goals for its continued growth, EMI expanded its maintenance operations to include an award-winning landscape design/build division in 1996. By the end of 2008, they have grown to achieve an average annual revenue of 15 million dollars with a full-time staff of 70 permanent employees and 200 seasonal employees. As one of the largest landscape companies in Central Ohio, EMI works hard to exceed their clients expectations. They continually search for better ways to increase their productivity, serve their customers, and remain an affordable and exceptional value to their customers. Join us and tour the systems and facility of Environmental Management, Inc.

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www.willowaynurseries.com Corporate Offices / Main Nursery 4534 Center Road Avon, Ohio 44011-0299 Email: sales@willowaynurseries.com Toll Free: 866-934-4435 / Fax: 440-934-5826

Avon

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4825 Center Rd. / Avon, Oh. 44011-0299 Toll Free: 866-934-4435 ext. 2251 / Local: 440-934-3813 Fax: 440-934-4621 E-mail: bowens@willowaynurseries.com Bill Owens, Manager

Columbus

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The Growing Concern x September 2013 x 31

How Do Your Employee Benefits Stack Up?

Are you worried about retaining your key employees as the economy heats up? Or do you need to attract new workers to help with growing demand for your product or service, or to expand your business? In either case, employee benefits are an important factor in whether employees choose to join your company, stay with your business for the long haul, or jump ship. How do you know if your employee benefits measure up? SHRM’s 2013 Employee Benefits research report can offer some insights. While the majority of companies responding to the survey had over 100 employees, some 22% were small businesses. Below is a look at the basic benefits most companies were offering, plus some “extras” that could give you an edge.

So How Do Your Employee Benefits Compare? Health And Wellness The basics: Health insurance is an important benefit for employees and it’s offered by almost every business. The most

common health benefit was prescription drug coverage, offered by 98% of companies. Ninety-six percent provide dental insurance, and 86% offer PPO healthcare coverage, while 33% provide an HMO plan. Pump it up: Preventive or wellness programs have been on the rise over the last five years, SHRM notes. These offerings, which can help cut health-care costs, can range from bonuses or incentives for reaching health goals (such as quitting smoking) to wellness coaching or subsidized gym membership. About two-thirds of companies offer some type of wellness program. continued on page 34

32 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

LAKESIDE SAND & GRAVEL

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continued from pg 32 Retirement Savings And Planning The basics: Retirement is another big issue on employees’ minds as they struggle to recover from the recession. Employer-sponsored retirement plans are shifting toward defined contribution retirement savings plans and 401(k) savings plans. Nearly all (92% of employers) offer a defined-contribution retirement savings plan, and 73% provide an employer match to employees’ contributions. Pump it up: More companies are offering investment assistance, from online advice (59%) to one-on-one investment advice (53%) and specific retirement-preparation advice.

Financial And Compensation Benefits The basics: Incentive bonus plans are offered by 55% of companies. Pump it up: Employee referral bonuses, for referring a job candidate who is hired and passes the probationary period, have gained in popularity over the last year and are now offered by 47% of companies.

Flexible Work The basics: The majority (53%) of companies offer some form of flextime. Fifty-one percent allow flextime during core business hours, while 26% offer it outside of core business hours. Even more popular is telecommuting, which 58% of companies offer in some form, whether ad-hoc (45%), part-time (36%) or full-time (20%). Pump it up: Over one-third (35%) of companies offer compressed workweeks, where full-time employees can work longer days for part of a week or pay period in exchange for shorter days or a day off during that week or pay period.

Career Development The basics: Nearly all (90%) companies provide professional memberships, 85% provide off-site professional development opportunities, and 78% pay for certification fees. Pump it up: Just 44% of companies offer cross-training in skills not directly related to the job, and a mere 20% offer mentorship.

…employee benefits are an important factor in whether employees choose to join your company, stay with your business for the long haul, or jump ship. Three Steps To Get The Most From Them Whatever employee benefits you offer, SHRM’s report recommends three steps to getting the most from them as a recruitment and retention tool:

Develop a Workplace Flexibility Policy Past SHRM research shows flexibility is a very low-cost way to drive increased employee job satisfaction, lower turnover and lower insurance costs.

Communicate SHRM studies show employees consistently rank benefits among the top contributors to their job satisfaction, but many employees don’t fully understand all of their benefits, their value and their options. Make sure you communicate, through meetings, workshops and other means, about the worth of what you’re giving employees and how they can maximize their benefits’ value. Toot your own horn.

Get Feedback Review your benefits at least once a year to make sure they’re still competitive with other businesses, that their costs are in line, and – most of all – that they’re serving employees’ needs. Getting employee feedback is an important part of this assessment.

Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a media company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Visit her blog, SmallBizDaily. Visit her website SmallBizTrendCast to get the scoop on business trends and sign up for Rieva’s free TrendCast reports

34 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Advertising Index

9 ABC Equipment Rental & Sales 11 Botson Insurance Group 29 Bowers Insurance Agency 25 Chagrin Valley Nurseries 15 Davis Tree Farm & Nursery 25 Huggett Sod Farm 13,27,35 Irrigation Supply 25 JCB of Ohio 6 John Deere Landscapes 17 Klyn Nurseries 33 Lakeside Sand & Gravel 15 Mason Structural Steel 38 Medina Sod Farms 27 Mentor Recycled Landscape Materials 2 Meyer Products 37 O’Reilly Equipment 31 Power Equipment Distributors 13 RCPW/Sohar’s 17 Shearer Equipment 19 Unilock 23 Valley City Supply 17,37 VanCuren Tree Service 31 Willoway WDC

One Stop Shop

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Cleveland: 800.987.9474 Columbus: 888.879.4749 Avon: 440.937.1820 Dublin: 614.791.0097 Warrensville Heights: 216.831.0095

The Growing Concern x September 2013 x 35

Directions

Value

Sandy Munley Executive Director Ohio Landscape Association

In a constant effort to always make sure that we continue to provide value to your OLA membership, our committees have been working overtime to fulfill your needs! And, it’s not only our committee members…many of our supplier members have continued to step up to the plate to assist as sponsors and hosts for our education events. This has been a busy summer for OLA. We held a number of highly successful events, many of which were sold out, including a Stormwater Management Seminar, Plant ID Clinic, Snow and Ice Management Clinic, Successful Plant Combinations Class, the OLA Scholarship Golf Classic, and, of course, our Landscape Industry Certified Technician Test. Coming soon, on September 11th, we will hold a Pond Clinic in conjunction with Pond Supplies of Ohio at their Ponds Only Show. Additionally, we have a Drainage Clinic hosted by Wolf Creek Company on October 30th in Northeast Ohio and again on November 6th in Central Ohio. These educational sessions have sold out in the past, so I recommend registering early! Later this month on September 19th, we are privileged to be able to hold our Northeast Ohio landscape facilities tour at The Bremec

36 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

We held a number of highly successful events, many of which were sold out… Group in Chesterland, Ohio. This is a “can’t miss” event. The Bremec Group has a very impressive facility and a great team that includes a landscape designer, a container designer, degreed horticulturists, a plant pathologist, master gardeners, and pond experts. They have a lot to share with you. Their business incorporates not only their landscaping company but also a garden center with a pond shop, pottery barn, and greenhouses. continued on page 38

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The Growing Concern x September 2013 x 37

CL A SSIFIED s For an up-to-date listing of all classified/ help wanted ads, please visit ohiolandscapers.org LANDSCAPE OPPORTUNITIES Moscarino Outdoor Creations is actively seeking professionals for our rapidly growing maintenance and construction divisions. • Enhancement Foreman • Lawn Maintenance Foreman • Hardscape Foreman • Snow Removal Operator or Sub Contractor • Operations Manager Operations Manager will be responsible for managing a portfolio of landscape maintenance contracts, providing excellent customer service and personnel management, recommend enhancements and prepare proposals, develop and train employees, and deliver quality services to ensure maintenance contract renewals. Applicants for this position must have a degree in landscape management or horticulture and/or have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the landscape and snow industry. Compensation packages will be tailored for an experienced individual. Valid driver’s license EOE/Drug and Smoke Free Workplace Please fax or email resume to: Fax: 440-235-3744 Email: info@moscarino.net

Ohio grown for over 45 years and proud of it! Mineral & Organic Grown Sod Blue Grass Blend Improved Tall Fescue Fine Leaf Fescue Blue Grass Mix Bark Mulch Ties Shredded Topsoil, Peat, and Custom Blending

1-800-683-1686 www.medinasodfarms.com 38 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Directions continued from pg 36 On October 17th, we will have the privilege of touring Environmental Management, Inc. in Plain City for our Central Ohio facility tour / meeting. EMI may be best known for their commercial maintenance, but their professional services also include: landscape design consultations and installations; landscape enhancements and renovations; irrigation design, installation and maintenance; annual/perennial color displays; holiday decorations and maintenance; as well as fertilization and weed control programs for lawns and planting beds. In 2008, Snow Magazine named EMI the 13th largest snow removal contractor in the United States. This tour is definitely a “can’t miss” event as well! The facility tours are always some of the best attended meetings because of the unique opportunity to take an inside look at a fellow member’s landscape operation. In addition, our meetings are always a great opportunity to meet and network with your peers. They are free to members, but you must pre-register to attend. The fun doesn’t stop there. More educational events are currently being scheduled. Information about these events can be found on OhioLandscapers.org as well as in The Growing Concern when it becomes available. September also begins our membership renewal campaign. Our membership year runs from November 1st to October 31st. This year, we are excited to partner with our supplier members to provide you with a pack of value-added coupons when you renew your OLA membership. With your renewal notice, be sure to check out a long list of member service providers that we partner with to bring you top quality, reduced price business services. This information is also available on our website. Visit OhioLandscapers.org and our Facebook page for the latest, most up-to-date OLA information.

Ohio's most prestigious landscape enhancement awards program

deadline to enter

~ november 22, 2013

Rules, Regulations, and Entry Forms Available Now For details and tips on entering your projects, go to www.ohiolandscapers.org or call 1-800-335-6521

Winning projects will be featured in the Spring/Summer 2014

Landscape Ohio! Magazine - a supplement to Ohio Magazine and Cleveland Magazine. Entrants will be invited to join us in March 2014 for dinner and awards presentation.

9240 Broadview Road Broadview Hts., OH 44147-2517

09/13

Please Note:

Our Mailing Address Has Changed Please use

9240 Broadview Road (We haven’t physically moved)

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