Growing Concern
The
June 2014
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
Plant I.D. Clinic July 17, 2014 PAGE 7
2014 Golf Outing August 7, 2014 PAGE 24
President’s column
WE DOZE, BUT WE NEVER CLOSE I would like to start out and preface this month’s article by saying I am writing this on a Friday night starting at about 11:20 p.m. I’m dictating it on my way back from Dayton into my smartphone — Technology!! The early spring weather this year was not exactly friendly for those of us in the Green industry. The wet start slows down everything from cleanups to construction, but now we are finally starting to hit our stride. While all of us work to stretch our business out over a 12-month period, the reality is the next 4 to 5 months is vital to our success this year. Unlike those in other climates, we have a short window of opportunity to, literally, make hay while the sun shines. That translates into more work in less time to get the most out of the opportunities we have. We all do it. We put in long hours, long days and work from wherever we are. We now rely on technological advances called smartphones, iPads, emails, etc. About 25 years ago, long before all of this was in use,
Joe Twardzik, CID Wolf Creek Company
long before emails or cell phones, we may have been using the cutting-edge technology of the day: pagers. After one of those long days, I had a question that I needed to be answered and called down to our main office well after hours. I was expecting to get the modern technology of the day, the answering machine, but much to my surprise I actually got a human answering the phone, not a machine!
…we have a short window of opportunity to, literally, make hay while the sun shines.
It was Jan Knowles, the founder of our company’s wife and office manager at the time. I’m sure she could hear the shocked tone in my voice by actually getting a human on the line and she asked why I was surprised. Simply, I said, “I didn’t expect anybody to answer the phone way past office hours when most people are in bed by now.” Her answer resonated with me then and still does today, “We doze, but we never close!” continued on page 6 The Growing Concern x June 2014 x 3
Ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s J u n e 2 0 1 4 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 Brett Della Santina, Ohio Landscape Association Regular Writers 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 Joe Twardzik, CID, Wolf Creek Company Advertising Information Submission deadline: 10th of month prior to publication month. For advertising and classified rates, please call 1-800-335-6521
Features
3
President’s Column
We Doze, But We Never Close
8
Perennial Focus
Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ Northwind Switch Grass
12
Plant Of The Month
Itea Virginica Virginia Sweetspire
16
For Safety Sake
How to Guard Against Cuts and Amputations
20
Fiscal Fitness
Tax Equivalent Yields
26 NO, YOU CAN’T HAVE IT ALL! 30 Directions
Communications Inside Every Issue
31 32 33
Advertising Index Welcome New Members ClassifiedS
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 Joe Twardzik, CID President-Elect Steve Moore
Directors Eric Brubeck, ASLA Adam Capiccioni Nathan Kowalsick Maria McConnell Cathy Serafin
Treasurer Bryan Taynor Immediate Past President James Arch, ASLA OLA Staff Executive Director Sandy Munley Membership Coordinator Jean Koch Communications & Events Manager Brett Della Santina
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
JUNE
AUGUST
17th Annual Snow and Ice Symposium produced by the Snow and Ice Management Association (SIMA). Held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH. Visit OLA in booth #549 at this show. For more information go to sima.org or call 414-375-1940.
Join us for a fun day of golf, networking, food and liquid refreshments at Mallard Creek Golf Club in Columbia Station. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
SIMA Symposium JUNE 18-21, 2014
JULY
OLA Plant ID Clinic JULY 17, 2014 This is a great opportunity to learn plant material and the type of growing conditions it needs to thrive. Held at and sponsored by Davis Tree Farm in Valley City, OH. Visit For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
Landscape Industry Certified Technician – Exterior – Written Test JULY 23, 2014 Prove your professionalism. Register by May 20 to take the written portion of the test on July 23 and the hands on portion on July 24 at OSU/ATI in Wooster, OH. For more information contact Jan Elliott at ATI at 330-287-7511 or visit LandscapeCertifiedOhio.org or OhioLandscapers.org.
Landscape Industry Certified Technician – Exterior – Hands On and Written Test JULY 24, 2014 Prove your professionalism. Register by May 20 to take the written and hands on portions of the test on July 24 at OSU/ATI in Wooster, OH. For more information contact Jan Elliott at ATI at 330-287-7511 or visit LandscapeCertifiedOhio.org or OhioLandscapers.org.
PLANET Legislative Conference JULY 28-29, 2014 Influence lawmakers and make a difference in your industry. Held in Washington D.C. For more information or to register, contact PLANET at 1-800-395-2522 or visit LandCareNetwork.org.
PLANET Renewal and Remembrance Day JULY 28, 2014 Beautification project at Arlington National Cemetery where green industry companies from across our great nation pay tribute to our fallen soldiers by providing lawn care, mulching, pruning, planting and more! For more information or to register, contact PLANET at 1-800-395-2522 or visit LandCareNetwork.org.
OLA Scholarship Golf Classic AUGUST 7, 2014
NGLCO Field Day AUGUST 12, 2014 This year’s field day will be hosted by Herman Losely & Sons Nursery in Perry, OH. For more information contact Annette Howard at 440-241-7969, info@nglco.com or visit www.nglco.com.
SEPTEMBER
OLA Landscape Facility Tour Meeting – NE Ohio SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 Join us for a very informative evening at Suncrest Gardens in Peninsula, Ohio, as we tour their operation and enjoy networking with your peers. Suncrest Gardens operation includes Design/ Build/Maintain as well as a beautiful garden center. RSVP by Sept. 8. Free for OLA members. $30 fee for non-members. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
DECEMBER
Landscape Ohio! Awards Program Entry Deadline DECEMBER 5, 2014 All submissions are due in the OLA office by 5 pm. No Exceptions! Be sure to enter Ohio’s most prestigious landscape enhancement awards program. Winning projects are featured in Landscape Ohio! Magazine, a supplement to Ohio Magazine and Cleveland Magazine. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
OTF Trade Show DECEMBER 9-11, 2014 48th Annual OTF Conference and Trade Show now featuring the OSU Green Industry Short Course! Held at Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio. OLA is partnering with OTF for this event and OLA members will receive member pricing on this event! Visit the OLA Booth at this show! For more information contact OTF at 614-285-4683 or visit OTFShow.org.
The Growing Concern x June 2014 x 5
President’s column continued from pg 3
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That is as true today as it was way back in the early 90’s. Back then I used to put my home number on my business cards so people could always get ahold of me. Most people thought I was crazy, but I always wanted to stay in touch. I wanted to offer my customers the option to get ahold of me at a time that was convenient for them. Today with smartphones, emails, text messaging and even Twitter, that kind of availability to our customers is commonplace. Obviously many of you own your own businesses and know what kind of effort it takes. When you started out, many of you had worked and learned under someone in the field before starting your own businesses. Or, possibly, a lot of you are like me. I have never owned my own business but I have always treated it as if it was my own and I still do. The time and effort that we had to put in back then was not easier or harder than now, just different. With all of that modern technology at our fingertips, giving us instant access to people and all sorts of information; who has time to do close? We just hope we have some time to doze.
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OLA EDUCATION SERIES
July 17, 2014
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8:30 am to 3:00 pm Instructed by Wendy Moore ~ Davis Tree Farm Bridget Comes ~ Portage Lakes Career Center Russ Luyster, OCNT ~ Impact Grounds Maintenance Held at Davis Tree Farm & Nursery
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This Plant ID Clinic is a hands-on training opportunity for you and your crews that will cover the basics of Plant ID for plants typically used in Zone 6 in Ohio. Many of the plants that will be covered are on the plant list for the Landscape Industry Certified Technician’s Test, including: perennials, groundcovers, ornamental grasses, as well as trees and shrubs - both evergreen and deciduous. Qualifies for 5 CEUs for Landscape Industry Certified
Those who should attend are plant installation staff, maintenance staff, garden center staff, foreman, and anyone studying to take the Landscape Industry Certified Technician’s Test. GENERAL INFORMATION: This seminar is hands-on training with live plant material. Attendees will need to bring their own notepad and pen, and will need to dress appropriately for outdoor practical training. Continental breakfast and lunch are included. Register early as class size is limited and will sell out quickly. Register online by going to www.ohiolandscapers.org and clicking on the EDUCATION button.
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 less than 7 days 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 7/8/14 Register Late, Payment Received After 7/8/14 Firm Address City Phone (______)
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PLANT ID CLINIC Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147 Register online, by mail, phone or fax • Phone 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 • Fax 440-717-0004 • www.ohiolandscapers.org
Perennial Focus
Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb
PANICUM VIRGATUM ‘NORTHWIND’
NORTHWIND SWITCH GRASS
Ornamental grasses cover a large part of the earth. Everywhere we go, we see them swaying in the wind. They are in fields, on roadside edges, and in our gardens. Hardy to zone 4, Panicum virgatum is a native prairie grass that is particularly useful in our landscapes. Switch Grass takes it name from the swishing sound it makes when the wind blows. This is a sturdy grass that will remain standing throughout the winter, unless buffeted by heavy snows, providing cover and food for birds during the winter. It will grow in full sun or light shade. Although most catalogs say that it will tolerate partial shade, it tends to become floppy in partial shade. While it does best with adequate moisture, as a prairie denizen, it can tolerate periods of drought or flooding.
half of the height. The heights given below for various cultivars are the height in bloom. Until bloom, the foliage will be approximately one to two feet shorter.
One of the greatest assets of Panicum is its beautiful, relatively upright foliage that curves outward at the tips, giving it a vase-shaped appearance. Typically, the diameter is
‘Northwind’ has a very tight habit with most of the inflorescences being situated in the middle of the clump instead of arching away from it and grows five to six feet tall.
8 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
There are two main groups of Panicum: the blue ones and the red ones. The foliage of blue Panicum is steel-blue and its inflorescences are a pale golden yellow. Several cultivars exist but the Perennial Plant Association has chosen Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ as its 2014 Plant of the Year.
continued on page 10
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Perennial Focus continued from pg 8 At Northcreek Nursery in Pennsylvania, ‘Northwind’ was the only Panicum to remain standing during a hurricane in the late 1990s. I have used ‘Northwind’ to great effect in a xeriscape in Cleveland Heights. The grass stands as a visual barrier to the next door neighbor without the necessity of installing a fence. Once a year, the client scythes down the old foliage and inflorescences, and the new foliage emerges shortly thereafter. Panicum ‘Northwind’ is quite versatile being effective as a vertical specimen, in masses, as screening, near water, and as a backdrop and contrast for somewhat tall perennials and small shrubs. Like
other grasses, it is reliably deer resistant and is rarely impacted by insects or diseases. You will want to find a home for this special ornamental grass.
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.
The grass stands as a visual barrier to the next door neighbor without the necessity of installing a fence.
10 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
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Plant Of the Month
Jim Funai, COLP Cuyahoga Community College
Shelley Funai Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
ITEA VIRGINICA
VIRGINIA SWEETSPIRE
We have come to the half way mark on our year of rain garden plants; and have had a great exploration thus far with Aronia (Chokeberry), Betula pendula (Weeping Birch), Cephalanthus (Buttonbush), Amelanchier stolonifera (Running Serviceberry), and Viburnum nudum (Smooth Witherod). This month we plan to explore a shrub with high ornamental value and great adaptability for the gardens. This is not a plant reserved strictly for the rain garden, and is a plant that should find its way into many of your designs for what it offers. Itea virginica, the Virginia Sweetspire, is a beautiful native shrub with variable size usually in the 5 to 6 feet tall range and likely wider as it forms a thicket of underground stems. We will discuss more recent introductions later that will help if size is an issue. For all intents and purposes, this should be viewed as a shrub for the less-than-formal garden. Itea likes to spread and claim more land for itself; and if the soil is somewhat loose (loamy or sandy) and drains well enough, it will far outreach its own height in width. You will find a colony of tall stems with very few branches until, perhaps, near the tips of the stems. In full sun, the plant will be fuller and shorter. As it experiences a site with more shade, one will find less branching and more height as it reaches for the light. All of the stems tend to arch over a bit and creates a very attractive thicket of plant.
…this shrub will stop all passersby, and create a sense of awe… One issue we face when designing the garden is keeping the excitement of the spring flowering season going into summer. Itea is great, as it typically won’t open blooms until late June or early July depending on weather (temperature). Flowers vary by cultivar but expect about a 3 to 6 inch long dense raceme (think of wild black cherry flowers) filled with small white flowers. Individually, the racemes are nice, but en masse the overall effect is perfect for the continued on page 14
12 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
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The Growing Concern x June 2014 x 13
Plant Of the Month continued from pg 12 ornamental garden. Take the arching stems, with the long arching, nearly weeping effect of the loads of blooms and you will have a midsummer star for the garden. Deployed properly (mass planting) this shrub will stop all passersby, and create a sense of awe as they try to figure out what this beautiful mystery summer blooming thing is. One would imagine that the name Sweetspire must mean you get long spires of flowers with such sweet fragrance. Well; spires? Yes, lots of them. Sweet? Perhaps? There is a pleasant smell but we find it is often rather subtle; and takes the bravery of a plant nerd to smash your face in among the bees to fully appreciate the scent. A key to getting good flowering is to remember that this plant sets next year’s flower buds on this year’s growth. What this means is that if you prune in spring there will be no flower show. All pruning on Itea must be done as close to the end of bloom as possible. For landscape professionals: Itea needs to be on your August pruning list not your dormant winter list. Cultivation has focused on creating plants with more dense habits, more flowers and improved fall color. We find the straight species has pretty darn amazing fall color. As it has oranges, reds, purples and yellows showing from one plant. This past winter all leaves fell (can you blame them?), however the previous two winters we did observe some leaves persisting until spring, though this is not much of an ornamental note. Cultivars are increasing with one of the originals and still the best, ‘Henry’s Garnet’. This name is from the last name of Josephine Henry who helped introduce the plant from Swarthmore College campus whose school color is “Garnet.” This cultivar is what we have at home in the Funai test gardens and it performs great. This past winter’s worst has not stopped it from its mission of beauty and joy. And let’s face it; this winter was rough on our plants. Anyone questioning the whole Zone 6 move yet? ‘Little Henry’ is a Proven Winners introduction which is decent and tends to stay more compact than ‘Henry’s Garnet,’ usually under 24 inches. If the soil is very loose and well drained but not dry, this one can reach into the 48 inch range. We have not seen this cultivar truly live up to the hype, as it seems to get more phyllosticta leaf spot in the hot humid summers than straight species and ‘Henry’s Garnet’. ‘Little Henry’ was put on the Ohio Plant Selection Committee list, but they may have been overly swayed by the Proven Winners label. Perhaps it is just another proven loser.
14 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
For the rain garden, this would be a good choice for the base of the garden and could even work its way up the sides. Perhaps in the smaller residential garden a more compact cultivar such as ‘Merlot’ should be considered. In a commercial setting, use straight species for money saving and still great mass effect. Plan for the shrub to colonize and sucker. The soil in the rain garden is what this plant loves, loose and well drained. It is still very important for us to keep repeating, soil in the rain garden is engineered to drain fast. These are not swamps or wetlands; they are temporary holding and filtering stations for stormwater. We do not seek plants that love to live in anaerobic soils common of lowlands. We seek plants that tolerate brief periods of soaked soil as well as periods of very dry conditions. A benefit of using Itea in the rain garden is that it is simple to care for. It can be treated much like the rest of the ornamental shrubs in the landscape, and should not put up an invisible barrier in the minds of those taking care of it. We took a class trip this spring to Holden Arboretum and had a chance to speak with Roger Gettig about a few small rain gardens he installed there. He made some great points to be aware of our perception of the plants in the rain garden. If we view them as magical, untamed plants of the wild that have been used to make the garden all natural, then we will likely face troubles maintaining them to the right aesthetic. If we use cultivated plants that we are used to, perhaps more important that our maintenance crew is used to, then maintaining the proper aesthetic suddenly becomes less of a challenge. If you have a chance, visit the Holden Arboretum and look at the rain gardens installed in the parking lot as well as their work in the new rhododendron gardens and June gardens. There is much to learn from there. Ask their horticulture staff, they are happy to share what they are working on and happy to explain.
Jim Funai is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a PLANET accredited, associate of applied science in horticulture degree program, offering many 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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Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association • 9240 Broadview Road • Broadview Heights, OH 44147 Purchase online, by mail, by phone, or by fax: Phone 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 • Fax 440-717-0004 • www.ohiolandscapers.org
F o r Sa f e t y Sa k e
HOW TO GUARD AGAINST CUTS AND AMPUTATIONS By Gregg Wartgow © 2014 Landscaping workers do not have easy jobs. They bend, twist, climb and lift — often in extreme heat. They operate powerful equipment designed to dig, slice, smash and cut. Jobsites are noisy, dirty and rife with opportunity for mishap — if you are not careful. As the leader of your own landscaping team, part of your responsibility is to ensure that both you and your crewmates are working in a safe and effective manner. You’re likely under pressure to be as efficient as possible these days. But that doesn’t mean efficiency should come at the expense of being safe. Your employer will always tell you that safety comes first. Here’s a list of common hazards on landscaping jobsites, as pointed out by OSHA: • Cuts and amputations • Hand injuries • Electrical, i.e., underground and/or overhead power lines • Heat/cold stress • Lifting • Motor vehicles, i.e., unsafe backing, texting while driving, etc. • Noise • Pesticides/chemicals • Slips, trips and falls
Many injuries, including cuts and amputations, are the result of operator error. Three Facets of Safety Proper operation Avoiding some of the above mentioned jobsite hazards, to a degree, comes down to awareness. Many injuries, including cuts and amputations, are the result of operator error. Sometimes it’s a lack of proper training. But many times it’s a matter of unsafe, careless equipment operation. If you have an employee who needs more training on a piece of equipment, alert your supervisor in order to get some extra training time set up. If you have an employee who operates equipment carelessly, pull him aside and tell him what you’ve observed, and explain how what he’s doing is wrong. Also assert that future behavior like this could result in disciplinary action. The goal is not to embarrass the employee. Rather, you want to correct his behavior so that safety is first and foremost in his mind. continued on page 18
16 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
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www.mrlmllc.com The Growing Concern x June 2014 x 17
F o r Sa f e t y Sa k e continued from pg 16 There are some basic rules of thumb to reiterate with your crewmates with respect to guarding against cuts and amputations. Always keep hands and feet away from moving blades on mowers, tillers, hedgetrimmers, chainsaws, etc. Some landscape workers are in a hurry to quickly unclog a mower deck, for instance. Never do that before shutting down the engine and ensuring that the blades and other parts have stopped moving. Likewise, never fidget with trimmer line unless the trimmer is completely shut down. Make sure you maintain a sturdy footing when operating equipment like trimmers, chainsaws and pole pruners. Always maintain a solid two-handed grip with all handheld equipment. Avoid over-reaching, which can cause you to lose your balance. Never climb on ladders or other structures. With hedgetrimmers and chainsaws, avoid lifting them higher than chest/shoulder height when cutting. Take care to avoid inadvertently engaging the blades or trimmer line on a piece of equipment when carrying it. Keep your fingers away from the trigger, or better yet, shut the engine down completely. Make sure the work area is safe. Inspect for things like rocks and sticks, broken glass, etc. which can become airborne missiles when coming into contact with a mower, trimmer or edger. Look for in-ground obstructions like sprinkler heads. Make sure your crewmates understand to look for these things as well. Finally, maintain a safe working zone. Nobody should come within 50 feet of someone who is operating lawn equipment. If someone enters a safety zone, the equipment should be shut down.
Safety gear all the time As crew chief, you want to make sure your crewmates are wearing the proper safety gear. First ensure that everybody on your crew has what is needed before heading out in the truck each morning. Then you must also make sure that everybody is wearing their gear while on the job. If you catch somebody who is not wearing it, take him aside and explain the importance of wearing his protective gear at all times. With respect to guarding against cuts and amputations, essential safety gear includes: • Safety glasses • Non-slip gloves • Proper work boots, perhaps steel-toed • Long pants
18 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Other safety items that may become necessary include: • Chaps if operating a chainsaw • Face shields when operating chainsaws, concrete saws, pole saws and chipper shredders • Hard hats when operating pole saws or when on construction sites where potential for falling objects exists Additionally, think about the other items you are wearing. As a general rule, loose is bad. Loose-fitting shirts, jackets and pants are more likely to become entangled with equipment. Also, loose jewelry and even longer, free-flowing hair can create additional hazards. So make sure your clothes fit snugly, tie your hair back if necessary, and leave the jewelry at home.
Equipment condition All types of lawn equipment have safety mechanisms built into them. You can help ensure that all safety mechanisms—such as guards on string trimmers and discharge chutes on mowers—are in safe working order. Far too many landscape crews disable these types of mechanisms, or just ignore them when they are in poor condition. Never disable these safety mechanisms. And if you notice that a piece of equipment is in poor condition, note it and report it to your supervisor back at the shop. You should thoroughly inspect each piece of equipment going onto your truck before you ever leave the yard in the morning. And if you hear or see something unusual with a piece of equipment while it is being operated on a jobsite, step in and examine it—and pull it off of the job if you feel that is necessary. Finally, remind your crews to pay attention to the sound, appearance and performance of the equipment they are operating—and to tell you if anything seems out of the ordinary. There is a lot of emphasis on field efficiency these days. But nothing is less efficient and costly for landscape company owners than losing an employee to an injury. At the same time, nothing is more important than the safety of you and your crewmates. Make it your mission to help secure your safety each and every day.
By Gregg Wartgow © 2014 – This article is being republished with permission by Green Industry Pros: Contractor Success Guide, March/April 2014 issue.
The Growing Concern x June 2014 x 19
Fiscal Fitness
Michael J. Donnellan King Financial, Inc.
TAX EQUIVALENT YIELDS Nobody likes to pay taxes. That’s why many investors turn to municipal bonds, interest on which is free from federal tax and in many cases state and local taxes as well. Municipal bonds (also known as “munis”) are fixed-income investments that, depending on your tax bracket, may be able to provide higher after-tax returns than similar taxable corporate or government issues. In general, the interest paid on municipal issues is exempt from federal income taxes and sometimes state and local income taxes as well. A municipal bond is an interest-bearing debt obligation issued by a state or local municipality, which may support general government needs or fund a public works project. A municipal bond can also be issued by a legal entity such as a housing authority or a port authority. A variety of projects such as new roads, stadiums, bridges, or hospitals are usually financed through the issuance of municipal bonds. In addition to providing tax-exempt earnings, municipals can be an excellent way to invest in the growth and development of your community.
Municipal bonds are different from corporate bonds in several ways. Most important, the income they generate is usually exempt from federal income taxes, whereas the income generated by U.S. Government or corporate bonds is not. In addition, if the investor lives in the state that issued the bond, the state income tax may be exempted. Because municipal bonds are generally free from federal income taxes, they are referred to as “tax-exempt bonds.” When evaluating taxable fund returns vs. tax-free fund returns, you have to compare the numbers on common ground. The tax-equivalent yield formula can help you decide if a tax-free bond or money market will give you a better yield than a taxable one. The formula states the tax-free yield in terms of what you’d need to earn on a taxable fund to have the same return after taxes. The tax-equivalent yield will be higher for investors in the higher tax brackets. continued on page 22
20 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
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Pergolas, gazebos, and pavilions create a functional area that maximize outdoor space while providing a place to escape life’s hectic moments. Accessories like curtains and blinds give privacy as well as color, adding ambiance to anyone’s personal oasis. Get inspired! Visit our new website to get ideas on your next project. Contact our team of professionals today for details and additional information on purchasing an outdoor structure through Valley City Supply.
Fiscal Fitness continued from pg 20 Tax-equivalent yield = Tax-free yield / (1 - your federal tax bracket) Here are a couple examples. Of course, I am assuming the two bonds have the same maturity and credit risk. Suppose an investor is in the 28% federal tax bracket. This investor is presented with two choices. One is a tax-free municipal bond that has a yield of 3.5%. The other bond is taxable and has a yield of 5.0%. Plug the numbers in the formula and the tax-free bond gives a tax equivalent yield of 4.86%. That means the 5.0% bond would actually return a better yield. What if another investor, in the 35% tax bracket, were presented with the same choices? After taxes, with an investor the higher tax bracket, the 3.5% tax-free bond would be equivalent to 5.38%. All investments offer a balance between risk and potential return. The risk is the chance that you will lose some or all the money you invest. The return is the money you stand to make on the investment. The balance between risk and return varies by the type of investment, the entity that issues it, the state of the economy and the cycle of the securities markets. As a general rule, to earn the higher returns, you have to take greater risk. Conversely, the least risky investments also have the lowest returns. The bond market is no exception to this rule. Bonds in general are considered less risky than stocks for several reasons: • Bonds carry the promise of their issuer to return the face value of the security to the holder at maturity; stocks have no such promise from their issuer.
22 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
All investments offer a balance between risk and potential return. • Most bonds pay investors a fixed rate of interest income that is also backed by a promise from the issuer. Stocks sometimes pay dividends, but their issuer has no obligation to make these payments to shareholders. • Historically the bond market has been less vulnerable to price swings or volatility than the stock market. The average returns from bond investments have also been historically lower, if more stable, than average stock market returns. As always, consult with your financial advisor for information specific to your individual situation.
Michael J. Donnellan is President of King Financial, Inc., in Strongsville, Ohio specializing in stock selection and retirement planning. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments. Phone number (440) 878-9676.
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How To Set Goals For New Employees Page 32
CONTACT THE OLA FOR MORE INFORMATION 1-800-335-6521 email: info@ohiolandscapers.org web: OhioLandscapers.org
phone:
Support those who support You! They are... • OLA members and advertisers who supply goods and services • OLA members who sponsor OLA events
You’ll find them... • Inside the pages of the OLA Membership Directory • Among those advertising inside The Growing Concern and the OLA Membership Directory • Displaying as a sponsor at OLA meetings and education events • Inside The Growing Concern’s pages with event sponsor acknowledgements The Growing Concern x June 2014 x 23
REGISTER TO GOLF
14th Annual
OLA Scholarship Golf Classic August 7, 2014
Mallard Creek Golf Club Columbia Station, OH 4-person Scramble Shot gun start 9am
Each Golf Registration Includes: 18 Holes of Golf Golf Cart Driving Range Game Day Contests
Beverages Continental Breakfast Lunch Dinner
REGISTER ONLINE ohiolandscapers.org
Register Today!
...
Before July 11 - $95 per person After July 11 - $105 per person
Number of Golfers
____
X $ ___
= $ ______
Don’t Golf? Join us for dinner!
...
$30 each
Number of Dinner Only
____
X $30
= $ ______
Tee Sponsorship (includes signage)
...
$100
Number of Tees
____
X $100
= $ ______
TOTAL
$ ______
Firm _______________________________________________________ Contact ____________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________________________________ State ___________ Zip _______________ Phone (______)____________________ Fax (______)____________________ Email ___________________________________________
NAME OF GOLFER (Correct Name is Mandatory or Forfeit Shall Occur)
COMPANY
1
____________________________________________
___________________________________________________
2
____________________________________________
___________________________________________________
3
____________________________________________
___________________________________________________
4
____________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Payment must be included with registration. Sorry no refunds after July 11, 2014
Check No. ___________ Enclosed
Charge to my
MasterCard
Visa
Acct. No. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date_______ Name on Card ________________________________________________ Signature ___________________________________________ Billing Address + Zipcode for Card ___________________________________________________ Last Three Digits on Signature Line___________ Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147 Register online, by phone, mail, or fax: Phone 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 • Fax 440-717-0004 • www.ohiolandscapers.org
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITES Dinner Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Commemorative Gift Sponsor
AVAILABLE Closest To The Pin Contest Sponsor
Long Drive Contest Sponsor
Beverage Cart Sponsors
AVAILABLE Cornhole Sponsor
Trophies Sponsor
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Continental Breakfast Sponsor
AVAILABLE Long Putt Contest Sponsor
Hole-In-One Sponsor
AVAILABLE
AVAILABLE
Sponsorship Opportunities We’re not asking ... We’re begging! We are excited to be holding our 14th annual golf outing at Mallard Creek Golf Club on August 7, 2014. But we need your help to make it a success! This event helps to generate funding for our scholarship program, targeting qualified students interested in a vocation within the green industry.
Major/Contest Sponsorships Lunch (Top Level Sponsor) ..................................................... $2,000 Beverage Cart ............................................................................ $500 Closest to Pin ............................................................................. $300 Driving Range............................................................................ $300 Hole-In-One ...................................................Please Call OLA Office Call us for Sponsorship Features & Benefits
Tee Sponsorships Tee Sponsorship ......................................................................... $100 (Your company name will appear on a sign at your designated tee)
Door Prize(s) Please Specify: Item(s) will be: shipped to OLA
dropped off at OLA
Cash Donation $ Let us shop for you! Contact Information
Name
Company
Address City
State
Phone
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Email Address
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Check # Enclosed Charge $ MasterCard Visa Please send an invoice (Invoices terms are Net 30 days and will be sent upon receipt of this form.) Account Number
Exp. Date
Billing Address + Zip Code Name on Card
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Make Checks Payable and Send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights, OH 44147 Sponsorships and Donations also taken online: www.OhioLandscapers.org • 440-717-0002 • 1-800-335-6521 • Fax: 440-717-0004
No, You Can’t Have it All By Susan L Reid
“You can have it all!” This one statement alone is responsible for causing a whole nation of over-achieving Baby Boomers to operate daily with dangerously high levels of stress and Generation X-ers to live in a constant state of overwhelm. While it may seem the norm to feel stressed out these days, this isn’t the way it’s supposed to be. Instead of simplifying and letting unimportant things go, people just get busier, trying to get ahead by doing more. This is taking its toll on the U.S. as a nation as well as on individuals physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Finding balance in today’s frenetically paced world is no simple task. Yet it can be done. And it begins by asking
yourself one question: Even if you could have it all, would you really want it? After all, the drive to have it all is what got you into trouble in the first place, right? The path to restoring balance in your life begins by taking eight decisive steps each and every day. These eight steps will not only reduce the amount of stress in your life, they will also help put you in control and make balance a way of life naturally and simply. continued on page 28
26 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
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The Growing Concern x June 2014 x 27
continued from pg 26 Eight Ways to Restore Balance in Your Life Step One: Set your positive intention for the day. First thing each morning, set your intention for the day ahead. Make sure it’s a positive one. Step Two: Set a “balance goal” for your mind. Right after you set your positive intention for the day, spend the next five to ten minutes mentally picturing your life the way you want it to be. Clearly see and experience how it feels to be perfectly balanced, centered, and whole. By doing this you will have set a goal for the mind and a feeling state for the body to achieve. Step Three: Simplify. After you’ve set both the balance goal for your mind and the feeling state for your body, look over your week and see what you can do to simplify your life for the next seven days. Be very Zen about this. Invite simplicity to be your new way of life.
Step Six: Learn to say no to others. The more balanced you become, the more you will come to appreciate and utilize the word “no.” Saying no helps you to maintain the balance and equilibrium you so crave. Quit doing things you only do out of guilt or a negative sense of obligation. Instead, make more room in your life for the activities that are meaningful to you and bring you joy. Step Seven: Practice saying yes to you. Now that you’ve learned to say no to others, it’s time to practice saying yes to you. In order to restore balance, it’s important to experience fun and relaxation as essential to your balanced life and lifestyle. Therefore, make sure that you set aside time each day for an activity that you enjoy, and set aside one night each week for something special you know will rejuvenate you.
Even if you could have it all, would you really want it?
Step Four: Let things go. As simplicity becomes your new way of being, you’ll find that many of the things you compulsively thought just “have to get done” no longer need to be done. Do you really have to stay up late putting the final touches on that report or can you do it in the morning after a good night’s sleep? Does the car really have to go in for detailing or is it OK to just go through the car wash for now? Begin today to recognize the things that don’t really have much impact on your life, then allow yourself to let them go. Step Five: Set priorities and create boundaries. When you begin living more simply and letting things go, you’ll find yourself coming quite naturally into alignment with a more balanced lifestyle. You’ll feel in charge again. You’ll be eager to set priorities. You’ll find yourself wanting to create healthy boundaries in order to maintain balance. The key here is to figure out what you want your priorities to be, not what you think they should be.
28 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Step Eight: Protect your private time. The final thing to do as you go about living your balanced life is to fervently guard your personal and private time. There are very few things that actually warrant a necessary and urgent intrusion into your personal time. Let no one and nothing distract or intrude upon you. Turn your cell phone off.
While you can have what you want, it must certainly be clear after reading this article that the quest to have it all is what’s causing you and your life to be out of balance. Balance doesn’t mean doing everything. Balance means having equilibrium in your life and ease in your lifestyle. Follow these eight steps to restore balance in your life to help reduce stress and put you back in balance naturally and simply.
Dr. Susan L. Reid is a business coach and consultant for entrepreneurial women starting businesses. She is the award-winning author of “Discovering Your Inner Samurai: The Entrepreneurial Woman’s Journey to Business Success,” and has a free chapter PDF of her most popular chapter: “Doing What You Love: Multiple Streams of Passion” at http://www.alkamae.com for those who want see how persistence, patience and practice can really pay off.
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COMMUNICATIONS I am very excited to introduce and welcome Brett Della Santina to our staff as the new Communications & Events Manager. We are very excited to bring him aboard to help the OLA continue on its mission to promote the landscape industry and provide first-class education to our members.
Brett Della Santina
Brett brings with him a well-rounded background that promises to be a perfect fit with OLA’s needs. He has experience in publishing (both design and editing), marketing and communications, as well as events coordination and management. In addition, Brett has previous experience working with non-profits. Although new to the landscape industry, Brett will offer new or different perspectives to our continuously growing and evolving industry.
Brett started with OLA on April 30 and jumped right in. He began making contributions his very first day on the job. I am really looking forward to working with Brett to take OLA to the next level with the guidance of our board of directors. Brett will serve as the editor of the Growing Concern. He will handle the advertising and editorial content as well as serve as the liaison with AGC, our printing company. Additionally, Brett will be creating our marketing and communication pieces, updating our website, and working alongside me to produce OLA’s
30 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Sandy Munley Executive Director Ohio Landscape Association
I am really looking forward to working with Brett to take OLA to the next level… educational, fundraising, and networking events. Basically, Brett will be involved in just about everything we do! Brett is an Ohio native, growing up near Sandusky. He is Kent State University graduate with a degree in Visual Communications. Brett currently resides in Streetsboro with his girlfriend, Lauren. He has also spent time living in both Maryland and North Carolina. As a true Ohioan, Brett is an unwavering, loyal Cleveland sports fan. Most of his spare time is spent with family and friends, or traveling with Lauren. So, the next time you call the OLA office, don’t be surprised if you hear a man’s voice…and please introduce yourself and make Brett feel welcomed. continued on page 32
Advertising Index
9 Chagrin Valley Nurseries, Inc
27 Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc.
2 Electronic Merchant Systems
11 Empaco Equipment Corporation
11 Irrigation Supply
17 JCB of Ohio
23 Kurtz Bros.
6 Klyn Nurseries, Inc.
27 Lakeside Sand and Gravel
13 Mason Structural Steel, Inc.
6 Medina Sod Farms
17 MRLM Landscape Materials
19 O’Reilly Equipment
19 RCPW/Sohar’s
9 Shearer Equipment
29 Unilock
21 Valley City Supply
9, 32
13
31 Zoresco
VanCuren Tree Service Willoway WDC
The Growing Concern x June 2014 x 31
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS !
The Ohio Landscape Association is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association: REGULAR MEMBERS: Klausing Group 1356 Cahill Drive Lexington, KY 40504 (859) 254-0762 Roscoe Klausing
Riverside Landscaping, LLC 32120 Detroit Road, Bldg. A Avon, OH 44011 (440) 695-0017 Mary Chal
Toledo Lawns 5313 Secor Toledo, OH 43623 (419) 318-8873 Joshua Way
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: Green Vision Materials, Inc.
Directions continued from pg 30 While I am on the topic of communication, I would like to remind you to be sure to keep your email address current with OLA. We are sending more of our announcements about upcoming OLA events via email in an effort to contain our costs for postage and to provide you with more timely information. We do our best to spend your dollars wisely and to keep membership dues in check. If you haven’t been receiving emails from OLA, please give us a call and we will be happy to update your email address in our records. Rest assured, the OLA privacy policy does not allow for the use or sale of your email address to any third parties. You can feel comfortable providing it to us. Any communications you receive as a result will come directly from OLA and we promise to use that privilege responsibly. We do include email addresses in our Membership Directory that is printed annually, but that booklet goes only to members. I hope that you have had a very successful spring season, despite the unfavorable weather conditions and I look forward to seeing you soon as we begin our summer event season.
11220 Kinsman Road Newbury, OH 44065 (440) 564-5500 Beau Gibney
Neon Material Handling 9601 Granger Road Garfield Hts., OH 44125 (216) 587-0400 Steve Budinsky
STUDENT MEMBER: Gates Mills Environmental Center: Ronnie Thomas
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(440) 338-5005
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32 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
CL A SSIFIED s For an up-to-date listing of all classified/help wanted ads, please visit ohiolandscapers.org GROUNDS MAINTENANCE & CONSTRUCTION Tucker Landscaping, Inc. is expanding its ground maintenance & construction division. Seeking 1st class dependable employees. Valid driver’s license & basic landscape knowledge. Call 440-786-9840.
LANDSCAPE ACCOUNT MANAGER Responsibilities include managing a portfolio of landscape maintenance contracts, providing excellent customer service and personnel management, recommend enhancements, prepare proposals, develop and train employees and deliver quality services to ensure maintenance contract renewals.
Compensation packages will be tailored for experienced individuals. Valid Driver’s License Required. EOE/Drug and Smoke Free Workplace.
EXPERIENCED HARDSCAPE INSTALLERS Looking for EXPERIENCED hardscape installers. Great pay / full-time positions available. Call (440) 786-9840.
Applicants with background in landscape management or horticulture and the snow industry are preferred. This position also requires excellent organizational, leadership, communication, and time management skills.
PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL LIST OF JOB POSITIONS AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS
CONSTRUCTION FOREMAN S.A.M Landscaping, Inc. is now hiring a Construction Foreman. Position requires 3 or more years of industry experience with the ability to communicate with designers and clients. Layout of job sites, excavation, grading, drainage, and hardscape installation along with various other landscape functions will be required. Detailed craftsmanship, self-motivation, execution of ideas, honesty, and delegative skills are required.
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER/ARCHITECT/ SALES Seeking an industry professional with minimum 5 years landscape design/build and aggressive sales experience. Must have superb horticultural and construction knowledge as well as strong computer skills, including CAD (we currently use Dynascapes software). If you are up-to-date, energetic, computer savvy and love working with plants and hardscapes this is the dream job for you!!
Competitive pay will be based on experience and knowledge. Benefits include medical, dental, life and 401(k) with company match. Year-round employment is available. Drug free work environment.
LANDSCAPE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SALES Essential functions of this position include:
To learn more about our team or to apply for a position, please call (440) 286-7697 or e-mail steve@samlandscaping.com LANDSCAPE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE Seeking an industry professional with landscape design and assertive sales experience. Creative, intuitive, and driven individuals apply. Please visit our website for full job description: www.riversidelandscapingllc.com OPENINGS - ACCOUNT MANAGER + DESIGN/ARCHITECT/SALES + SALES + FOREMAN Moscarino Outdoor Creations is an award winning design company, a leader in commercial lawn maintenance/snow management and has exceptional opportunities to join our team of professionals as we expand our service line.
• Generate sales by obtaining leads from industry and community resources including calling on prospective clients, gathering and analyzing the client’s needs and then providing up to date information on product services and pricing. • Deliver and follow up on bid packages to ensure that clients have enough information to make an informed decision. Requirements of this position include: • Relevant business to business commercial contract sales experience in the service industry. • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Organized and able to manage time. • Proficient with computer software programs including MS Office suite. • Industry or local knowledge and contacts preferred. CONSTRUCTION & LAWN MAINTENANCE FOREMAN Please see website for this and other job positions and job descriptions
Please email resume to: info@moscarino.net or apply online at www.createmylandscape.com/ job-opportunities/
VIZMEG LANDSCAPE OPENINGS To be considered for any opening listed below, please send your resume to Jodi.destefanis@vizmeg.com. Thank you! Vizmeg Landscape is one of the leading landscape firms in Northeast Ohio with over 90 team members. We have successfully been in business for over 20 years and each year continues to grow. Our expertise ranges from Landscape Design to Snow Removal and from Design/Build to Multi-faceted full service Landscape Maintenance. LAWN MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT MANAGER Vizmeg Landscape is searching for a hardworking and passionate team player to come on-board and help GROW and manage our Landscape Maintenance accounts. As an Account Manager you will need to know the Green Industry; from horticulture to managing a broad range of generations who are starting or ending their careers in the industry. We need YOU to help sell new jobs and HELP keep our clients LOVING US! A beautiful landscape doesn’t happen by itself – Join our team to keep our accounts and clients GROWING and LUSH! Mission: Provides direction and leadership to the Landscape Maintenance Team. Maintenance services performed by the team are detail oriented and designed to provide only the highest level of service and profitability.
continued on page 34 The Growing Concern x June 2014 x 33
CL A SSIFIED s c o n t i n u e d For an up-to-date listing of all classified/help wanted ads, please visit ohiolandscapers.org Job Responsibilities and Duties: Sales to existing and prospective clients, both residential and commercial; • Assists with planning and scheduling of all phases of Lawn Maintenance work; Confirmation of quality in all field work performed; Managing human resources (selection, hiring, training, evaluations); Working with Field Manager to handle customer complaints and resolve any issues; Retain existing clients; Directs general operation of the Maintenance team; Efficiently schedules clients to routes; Ensures material are available for crews use; Implements training programs with Field Supervisors; Participates in weekly safety tailgate meetings; Trains team members on equipment and expectations; Makes recommendation to Division Manager; Up sells to clients for additional landscape work and services not currently provided; Ensures the satisfaction of clients with the services that are provided; Takes an active roll in weekly monitoring of actual man hours vs. budgeted man hours on the clients property and make suggestions to Crew Leaders and or clients on a solution Education/Experience: Associates degree in Horticulture or an equivalent combination of education and experience as determined by the hiring manager. A minimum of 3 year’s experience with similar job and scope. Maintain or acquire Pesticide License; Maintain or acquire CLT Maintenance. IRRIGATION INSTALL SPECIALIST Duties and Essential Job Functions: Ability to read and interpret blue prints and job specs for the lay out and installation of sprinkler systems; Repairs and replaces pumps, main feeder, sprinkler heads and clocks; Oversees sprinkler system preventative maintenance program; Responsible for electrical troubleshooting; Adjusts clocks and heads depending on the water needs and time of season; Solves problems such as fixing leaks, broken head replacement and other irrigation system concerns; Works with customer on ensure satisfaction with their system and adjust accordingly; Supervises employees who assist and need trained on areas of irrigation; Completes necessary paperwork including timesheets, work orders, change orders and
materials used or needed for each job; Operates landscape equipment -- including but not limited to; trencher, skid steers and hand tools; Maintains a safe work environment. Other Functions and Responsibilities: Ability to work and communicate with all levels of the team. Required Licenses/Certifications: Certified Landscape Technician; Valid driver’s license LANDSCAPE/HARDSCAPE FOREMAN A Landscape Foreman oversees and works landscaping projects, both commercial and residential; Responsible for Softscape tasks such as; planting, seeding, topsoil applications, mulching and pruning; Responsible for Hardscape tasks such as; patio installations, deck installations, walls, concrete applications, irrigation and lighting; Manages the creation of landscape features; such as flowerbeds, water features, ponds and fountains; The job requires heavy lifting, up to 70 lbs; Ability to operate heavy equipment used on the job; Skid steer, Excavator, Trencher, Tractor, Sod Cutter, Tiller, Tamper, Carpentry Tools and Hand Tools; Must have a broad knowledge of plants, shrubs and trees commonly used in the region; As the leader of a working crew, the foreman must have excellent communication skills – able to communicate effectively and able to listen to details of the job from other managers; Ability and confidence to initiate changes and improvements while maintain forward direction; Layout and installation experience of plants, hardscape, masonry, carpentry, and excavating, grading, drainage and snow removal; Ability to develop self and those reporting to you; Prepares soil, loads and unloads materials and equipment; Must have a valid driver’s license LAWN CARE APPLICATOR Duties and Requirements: Ability to identify weeds, lawn diseases and insects; Applies fertilizers and pesticides to lawns according to season, schedule and label instructions; Ability to safely handle and apply the appropriate amount of lawn fertilizer and herbicides; Ability to safely operate and
34 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
maintain a work vehicle, must have a valid driver’s license; Communication with customers, responds in a timely manner; Measures lawns and provides estimate of service; Assures the timely and accurate execution off all service call logs and customer care notes; Ability to lift 20 to 30 lbs frequently and up to 50 to 80 lbs occasionally; Have an aptitude for grounds-keeping/landscaping; Ready to work in all types of weather; Thorough reports to both customer and manager on services provided; Perform other duties as required Licensed applicator preferred, but not required. MUST have experience. Must be able to pass criminal background check, have a VALID DRIVERS LICENSE and pass a pre-employment DRUG TEST. LAWN MAINTENANCE FOREMAN Duties and Requirements: Ability to run and manager a 2-man crew lawn maintenance route; Ability to work with lawn maintenance landscapers and instruct properly; Ability to perform daily tasks within budgeted man hours; Understanding of equipment and the proper pieces to use with the different weather conditions; Understanding of basic turf grass, weed and pests; Ability to look at and manager entire landscape for both turf and landscape beds; Conduct regular tailgate safety meetings; Proper care of tools/ equipment on job site and safety lock up tools when not in use; Develop and maintain motivated, effective crews; Ability to identify 50 common plants on CLT list by common and botanical names. Must have experience as a Foreman or Supervisor on a Maintenance Crew and have a Valid Driver’s License. Vizmeg Landscape is a Drug Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. We look forward to receiving your information and hope that you’ll be JOINING our TEAM SOON! To be considered for any of the Vizmeg openings listed above, please send your resume to Jodi.destefanis@vizmeg.com. Thank you!
Ohio's most prestigious landscape enhancement awards program Winning projects will be featured in the Spring/Summer 2015 Landscape Ohio! Magazine — a supplement to Ohio Magazine and Cleveland Magazine. Entrants will be invited to join us in March 2015 for dinner and awards presentation
9240 Broadview Road Broadview Heights, OH 44147 Phone: 440-717-0002 Toll Free: 1-800-335-6521 Fax: 440-717-0004 OhioLandscapers.org MyOhioLandscape.com
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9240 Broadview Road Broadview Hts., OH 44147-2517
06/14
PROCEEDS BENEFIT OLA SCHOLARSHIPS!
14th Annual
OLA Scholarship Golf Classic August 7, 2014
Each Golf Registration Includes: • 18 Holes of Golf • Golf Cart • Driving Range • Game Day Contests • Commemorative Souvenir
Mallard Creek Golf Club
Columbia Station, OH
4-person Scramble Shot gun start 9am
Join over 200 of your industry peers and register today!
Register online, by mail, phone or fax. For additional information, visit OhioLandscapers.org or call 1-800-335-6521. www.ohiolandscapers.org
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• Beverages • Continental Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner