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ASLA 2010 Annual Meeting & EXPO on 10-Sep-10 8:30 AM

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:30:00 GMT

ASLA 2010 Annual Meeting & EXPO
Start Date: 10-Sep-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 13-Sep-10 5:30 PM
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
Event Details:

The ASLA 2010 Annual Meeting and EXPO in Washington, DC, will be the largest gathering of landscape architecture professionals in the world. More than 6,000 attendees and 400 exhibitors are expected to participate. ASLA annual meeting attendees consistently rate the EXPO as the “most valuable event” of the entire conference:

85 percent of attendees report they spend up to six hours in the EXPO.
Attendees have purchasing power: depending on the size of the firm and the design specialty, the majority of attendees buy $5 million to over $50 million in products each year.
86 percent of attendees say they have purchased products they viewed at the EXPO.
More than 95 percent of exhibitors from the past two years say the EXPO meets or exceeds their goals and expectations.
Nearly 50 percent of attendees say the EXPO is the only national trade show they attend.

The average EXPO attendee…

is 36-55 years old,
has more than 16 years of experience in the field,
purchases between $5 million and $50 million in products each year, and
travels more than 500 miles to attend the annual meeting and EXPO.

Key product specifiers attend the ASLA EXPO…

Landscape Architects and Designers
Design-Builders
Landscape Contractors
Nursery Owners
Architects
Engineers
Facilities Managers
And other landscape architecture industry professionals

2010 EXPO Schedule
Thursday and Friday, September 9-10	Exhibitor Move-In 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday, September 11	EXPO Open 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday, September 12	EXPO Open 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Monday, September 13	Exhibitor Move-Out

Walter E. Washington Convention Center

The Landscape Show on 23-Sep-10 8:30 AM

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:30:00 GMT

The Landscape Show
Start Date: 23-Sep-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 3-Oct-10 5:30 PM
Location: Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
Event Details:


1:00 – 5:00 p.m.	Island & Large Exhibit Set-Up


8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Exhibitor Move In
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Exhibitor Registration Open


8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Exhibitor Move In
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Registration Open
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.	Annual Landscape Show/SHARE Golf Tournament Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Course
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.	Visual Impact Imaging EARTHSCAPES Landscape Design Software Training Session To register, contact sales@visualimpactimaging.com 330-259-7661
12:30 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.	Florida Water Star Technical Training


9:00 - 10:00 a.m.	FNGLA Economic Trends Presentation featuring Dr. Hank Fishkind Badge required for admission
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	The Landscape Show Open Badge required for admission
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Discover Area Open (Vertical Gardens Showcase, Sustainable Landscaping & more)
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.	Florida’s Blood Centers Blood Donation Drive
10:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.	FNGLA Short Course
10:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.	Hourly Demonstrations
3:00 – 4:00 p.m.	Industry Social Media Connections Meeting (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter)
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Wedgworth Leadership Institute Alumni Meeting
5:30 - 6:30 p.m.	Opening Day Reception at the Rosen Plaza Hotel - Show Badge required


7:00 – 9:30 a.m.	FNGLA Short Course Tour of Aquatica
7:45 – 9:00 a.m.	FNGLA SWAT Team Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Irrigation Association Class: Drip Irrigation Design, Scheduling, Maintenance
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	The Landscape Show Open Badge required for admission
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Discover Area Open (Vertical Gardens Showcase, Sustainable Landscaping and more)
9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.	FNGLA Short Course
9:00 - 12:00 p.m.	FNGLA Career Fair
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.	Hourly Demonstrations
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.	Florida’s Blood Centers Blood Donation Drive
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.	FNGLA PAC Meeting - FNGLA PAC Lounge, Booth 2703
1:30 - 5:00 p.m.	FNGLA Judge Certification Training - Room W240A
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.	Association of FL Native Nurseries (AFNN)
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.	FNGLA Landscape Awards Banquet Rosen Plaza Hotel


8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	Adam Putnam Fundraiser at the Rosen Plaza
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Irrigation Association Class – Advanced Irrigation Design for Water Conservation
8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	Irrigation Association Certification Exam - Room W240A
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.	The Landscape Show Open Badge required for admission
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.	Discover Area Open (Vertical Gardens Showcase, Sustainable Landscaping and more)
9:30 – 10:30 a.m.	FNGLA/SHARE Endowment Advisory Committee
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.	Hourly Demonstrations

Orange County Convention Center

INFO TANZA 2010 on 20-Oct-10 8:30 AM

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:30:00 GMT

INFO TANZA 2010
Start Date: 20-Oct-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 23-Oct-10 5:30 PM
Location: Not Determined at this point, Atlanta, Georgia
Event Details:

Wednesday

8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Firestone Certification
Bill Johnson
Classroom

12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Networking Lunch--Courtyard Cafe
1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Hands on Learning seaming, corners, ins/outs, attachments
Bill Johnson & Dave Jones
Parking Deck

5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Happy Hour at Courtyard Cafe

7:00 p.m.
Network Dinner at Courtyard Cafe

Thursday

9:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.
Bead Filtration
Mike White
Classroom

10:15 a.m.- 11:15 a.m.
Floating Islands
Bruce Kania
Classroom

11:30 a.m.- 12:00 a.m.
Question & Answer on this Morning’s Topics
Mike White & Bruce Kania
Classroom

12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Network Lunch at Courtyard Cafe

1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Liner on Large Projects
Dave Jones
Classroom

2:15 p.m.- 3:15 p.m.
Air Diffusers
Warren Franz
Classroom

3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Marketing/Internet
John Olson
Classroom

4:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Question & Answer on Today’s Topics
Dave Jones, Warren Franz & John Olson
Classroom

5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Happy Hour at Courtyard Cafe

7:00 p.m.
Network Dinner at Courtyard Cafe

Friday

9:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.
Bacteria
Ed Cassidy
Classroom

10:15 a.m. -11:15 a.m.
ShinMaywa Submersible Pumps and CSI Variable Frequency Drives
Adam Bates & Art Hantla
Classroom

11:30 a.m.- 12:00 a.m.
Question & Answer on Today’s Topics
Ed Cassidy, Adam Bates & Art Hantla
Classroom

12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Network Lunch at Courtyard Cafe

1:00 p.m. -2:00 p.m.
LED Lighting
Ken Hendry
Classroom

2:15 p.m.- 3:15 p.m.
External Pumps
Ben Ashe
Classroom

3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Photography To Enhance Marketability
Louis Tonsmeire
Classroom

4:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Question & Answer on Today’s Topics
Ken Hendry, Ben Ashe & Louis Tonsmeire
Classroom

5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Happy Hour at Courtyard Cafe

7:00 p.m.
Network Dinner at Courtyard Cafe

Saturday

9:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.
Business Diversity for a Down Economy
Warren Thoma
Classroom

10:15 a.m.- 11:15 a.m.
Fish Health
Vicki Vaughan
Classroom

11:30 a.m.- 12:00 a.m.
Question & Answer on Today’s Topics
Warren Thoma & Vicki Vaughan
Classroom

12:00 p.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Network Lunch at Courtyard Cafe

1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Certification within the Industry
TBA
Classroom

2:15 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Round Table Discussions
Classroom

5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Happy Hour at Courtyard Cafe

7:00 p.m.
Annual Banquet & Awards at Courtyard Cafe

Not Determined at this point

Green Industry Conference (GIC) 2010 on 27-Oct-10 8:30 AM

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:30:00 GMT

Green Industry Conference (GIC) 2010
Start Date: 27-Oct-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 31-Oct-10 5:30 PM
Location: Marriott Louisville Downtown/Kentucky Expo Center, Louisville, Kentucky
Event Details:

PLANET's Green Industry Conference SCHEDULE-AT-A-GLANCE October 28 - 31, 2009
Tuesday, October 27 - Louisville Marriott Downtown
	Leadership/Committee Meetings
Wednesday, October 28 - Louisville Marriott Downtown
7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.	PAC Golf Outing
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.	Workshops - Paluch and Harwood
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Maker's Mark Distillery Tour
1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.	Workshops - Kehoe and Hayter
5:00 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.	New Member/1st Timer's Orientation - Sponsor: Bayer Environmental Science
7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.	Welcome Reception - Sponsor: Cub Cadet Commercial
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.	PLANET'S LIVE AUCTION
Thursday, October 29
7:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m.	Breakfast With Champions - Sponsor: Caterpillar Inc.
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	GIE+EXPO Show
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.	PLANET Keynote - Sponsor: JOHN DEERE
6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.	Specialty Group Receptions - Sponsors: Caterpillar Inc., J. Thomas Distributors, Project EverGreen, and Syngenta Lawn & Garden
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.	Concert on 4th Street
Friday, October 30
7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.	Breakfast With Champions - Sponsors: Ewing Irrigation Products and Mulch Mule by Green Industry Innovators
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	GIE+EXPO Show
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions
1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions
2:45 p.m.- 4:15 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Faculty Forum
5:00 p.m.	Awards Presentation - Reception Sponsor: Husqvarna
6:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.	Student Industry Roundtable
7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.	Concert on 4th Street
Saturday, October 31
7:00 a.m.- 8:30 a.m.	Breakfast with Champions
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.	Certification Exam
9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.	GIE+EXPO Show
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions

Marriott Louisville Downtown/Kentucky Expo Center

GIE+Expo 2010 on 27-Oct-10 8:30 AM

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:30:00 GMT

GIE+Expo 2010
Start Date: 27-Oct-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 30-Oct-10 5:30 PM
Location: Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Kentucky
Event Details:

New Products Make All The Difference … In the value of attending. In your bottom line.

GIE+EXPO is your first chance to see what the industry will be buzzing about in 2011. The New Products Arena, featuring only new equipment, will be prominently located on the show floor. Manufacturers’ newest items will be displayed side-by-side on pedestals. Media and visitors alike are invited to attend product launches and supplier announcements.

After talking with exhibitors in their booths, you can step outside to test drive and compare for yourself in the demo area. We’re the only show that offers 19 acres of natural turf adjacent to the indoor exhibits, within easy walking distance and open throughout the show.

With 500 exhibiting companies covering about 500,000 sq. ft. inside the Kentucky Exposition Center and nearly 100 of those companies providing two days of demos, GIE+EXPO is the industry’s largest showcase for:

Outdoor power equipment, distributed through dealers, retailers and distributors for consumer, professional and rental use
Lawn and garden products/ outdoor leisure items, distributed through home centers, dealers and retailers
Light construction and landscape equipment used by general contractors, landscapers, golf course superintendents, municipalities and parks & recreation crews.

Kentucky Exposition Center

2010 Partners in Community Forestry National Conference on 9-Nov-10 8:30 AM

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:30:00 GMT

2010 Partners in Community Forestry National Conference
Start Date: 9-Nov-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 11-Nov-10 5:30 PM
Location: Loews Hotel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Event Details:

Join the Arbor Day Foundation and The Home Depot Foundation at the 4th Annual Partners in Community Forestry National Conference, November 9-11, 2010, at the Loews Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This annual learning and networking event continues to grow in its impact on urban forestry programs and now serves as a platform for

Modeling best practices in sustainable partnership models.
Sharing current research and best practices in urban forest management.
Networking with leaders and peers in the urban forest community.

Loews Hotel

Texas Turfgrass Association Annual Conference & Trade Show on 29-Nov-10 8:30 AM

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Texas Turfgrass Association Annual Conference & Trade Show
Start Date: 29-Nov-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 1-Dec-10 5:30 PM
Location: Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth Convention Center

Oregon Landscape Expo on 2-Dec-10 8:30 AM

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Oregon Landscape Expo
Start Date: 2-Dec-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 2-Dec-10 5:30 PM
Location: Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR
Event Details:

The Oregon Landscape Expo is an event that suppliers can market/exhibit
thier products and services to the landscape industry.

This is the place to be for the landscape professional that would like to
view products, services, continuing education and networking
with other professionals in your industry.

Oregon Convention Center

Irrigation Show 2010 on 5-Dec-10 8:30 AM

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Irrigation Show 2010
Start Date: 5-Dec-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 7-Dec-10 5:30 PM
Location: Phoenix Convention Center, Portland, OR

Phoenix Convention Center

Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show on 7-Dec-10 8:30 AM

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Ohio Turfgrass Conference & Show
Start Date: 7-Dec-10 8:30 AM
End Time: 10-Dec-10 5:30 PM
Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, OH
Event Details:

Monday, December 7

7:30 am – 5:00 pm Registration Open
9:00 am – 5:00 pm OSU Pesticide University New Application Technology
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Toro University
10:00 am – 5:00 pm Golf Workshop

Tuesday, December 8
7:00 am – 7:00 pm Registration Open
8:00 am – 5:00 pm Workshops & Seminars
11:30 am – 1:00 pm OLCA Annual Meeting & Lunch
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm Keynote Dick Durrance & Awards Presentation
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm Welcome Reception (Trade Show Floor)

Wednesday, December 9
6:30 am – 5:00 pm Registration Open
7:00 am – 8:00 am Breakfast Roundtables
7:00 am – 9:00 am Morning with the USGA
8:00 am – 5:00 pm Workshops & Seminars
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Trade Show Open
11:30 am – 12:30 pm OTF Past Presdents Luncheon
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm OSPA Annual Meeting & Lunch
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm OTF Annual Meeting
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Live Auction
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Evening Workshop

Thursday, December 10
7:00 am – 1:00 pm Registration Open
9:00 am – 1:00 pm Trade Show Open
8:00 am – 3:00 pm Workshops & Seminars
8:00 am – 11:00 am Mechanics Workshop
11:30 pm – 1:00 pm OSTMA Annual Meeting & Lunch

Greater Columbus Convention Center

New study provides fuel for both sides of artificial turf fight

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

SANTA CRUZ -- Residents for and against fake grass playing fields should find ammunition in a recently released report from UC Berkeley, which concludes that player injuries drop on artificial turf but significant greenhouse gases are released in its creation.

The report crunched data from 111 scientific studies on the controversial topic, which has become a hot topic in the county after the Board of Supervisors last year gave preliminary approval to install artificial turf at Anna Jean Cummings Park in Soquel.

Berkeley researchers reviewed more than 12 years of research as the debate over artificial turf plays out in communities nationwide.

The report was compiled "to make sure that the resources that were referred to were reasonable," said David Dornfeld, a Berkeley professor and director of the school's Laboratory for Manufacturing and Sustainability, which conducted the study.

Among the report's conclusions:

Artificial turf provides equal or better "playability" than natural turf;

Artificial turf can become hot and uncomfortable to play on in warmer months;

Artificial turf provides between 2,000 and 3,000 hours of playing time annually. Natural turf fields offer between 300 and 816 hours of playing time each year;

The cost to own and maintain artificial turf fields over a decade is 10 to 20 percent less than the cost of natural grass fields;

While artificial turf contains elements that could be toxic to humans, ordinary use does not expose players to levels considered dangerous;

Natural grass requires fertilizer, which could contaminate water supplies, and regular mowing, the emissions of which contribute to greenhouse gases. It also requires watering, which could tax a limited supply;

Artificial turf releases more greenhouse gases in its the production, transportation and processing than the maintenance of natural turf ever would.

The study, Review of the Impacts of Crumb Rubber in Artificial Turf Applications, was commissioned by The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence, an industry consulting firm. That company has, in the past, worked with California Integrated Waste Management Board to find ways to best recycle old tires. Those tire pieces often turn into the newest artificial playing fields.

The study was finished in February and released to the public last week. It arrives after the debate over artificial turf reached a head in Soquel in March. Dozens of neighbors there spoke out against the plans to install fake grass at Anna Jean Cummings Park, citing environmental concerns, traffic issues and noise complaints, among others. Soccer players, coaches and parents asked the county to press forward, pointing to a shortage of fields in the county and natural grass left unplayable by this year's rains.

Artificial turf also has been discussed for Aptos Polo Grounds County Park and Pinto Lake Park outside Watsonville.

Dornfeld said Manex did not pressure his department to report findings one way or the other.

"We were not put on any constraints to push, twist, color, distort or otherwise obfuscate results of the study. I believe it's quite objective," Dornfeld said.

County leaders have put their plans for artificial turf on hold and canceled the existing contract until a county committee can examine residents' concerns. Members of that group should be named in June.

"A study like this is good to have in the mix for this community," said Supervisor John Leopold, who proposed the committee following the uproar in Soquel, which is in his district.

Steve Volk, owner of The Ugly Mug in Soquel, said he previously was opposed to artificial turf, but as he learns more about the issue, now is not so sure.

"I don't have any answers anymore. It was easy when I didn't know anything," Volk joked. "I'm to the point where it's gray."

23-Aug-10 7:00 PM

The Business E-Mail Etiquette Basics You Need to Know

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Below are the key Business Email Etiquette issues that need to be considered with every commercial e-mail sent. These are the issues business owners, their employees and Netrepreneurs need to be aware of in their day-to-day online communications to ensure the best possible results.

Professional Behavior on the Job: Know that how you use your e-mail, company e-mail address and employer’s technology is a serious issue! Sending non-business related e-mails, jokes, forwards or chain letters on company time to friends or coworkers reflects on your lack of professionalism. Visiting Web sites that are questionable or not necessary to your job responsibilities will reflect poorly on your ability to be trusted. Never assume that these activities are not being monitored. While on company time do not assume you have any privacy when using company resources and equipment.
SUBJECT: Field: The SUBJECT: field is the window into your e-mail and can many times determine even if your e-mail will be opened. If this is an initial contact with a customer based on their request through your site or otherwise, be sure to have a short SUBJECT: that indicates clearly what the topic of the email is. Typos, all caps or all small case can lend to the impression you may be spammer.
Level of Formality: Try to avoid the prevailing assumption that e-mail by it’s very nature allows you to be informal in your business e-mail. Only time and relationship building efforts can guide when you can formalize your business relationships and therefore your e-mail’s tone. One should communicate as if your e-mail is on your company letterhead at all times. This is your business’s image you are branding!
Addressing: How do you address your new contacts? I would suggest initially that you assume the highest level of courtesy: Hello, Mr. Anderson, Dear Ms. Jones, Dr. Osborne, etc. Until your new contact states, “call me Andy” or “you can call me Diane”. You will also be able pick up clues on when you can address have a more relaxed tone by how contacts approach you as well as how they sign off. Most business people do not mind being called by their first name, however, in a global economy that can be perceived as taking premature liberties in the relationship if used too soon.
TO:, From:, BCc, Cc fields can make or break you:…In the TO: field make sure you have your contact’s name formally typed. John B. Doe – not john b doe or JOHN B DOE…In the FROM: field make sure you have your full name formally typed. Example: Jane A. Jones. Not: jane a jones or JANE A JONES. The later two give the perception of lack of education or limited experience with technology. By only including your first name or e-mail address you are giving the perception you may have something to hide or do not know the basics of configuring your e-mail program.
…BCc: use this field when e-mailing a group of contacts who do not personally know each other. By listing an arm’s length list of e-mail addresses in the Cc or TO fields of contacts who do not know each other or who have never met is conducive to publishing their e-mail address to strangers. This is a privacy issue! With those you are forging partnerships with, visibly listing their e-mail address in with a group of strangers will make one wonder what other privacy issues you may not respect or understand.

…Cc: Use this field when there are a handful of associates involved in a discussion that requires all be on the same page. These business people know each other or have been introduced and have no problem having their e-mail address exposed to the parties involved. If you are not sure if a business associate would mind their address being made public, ask!
Reply to All: Use this button with discretion! You need to carefully think about whether “all” really need to be aware of your reply to conduct business. Never use this button to CYA or eTattle on a coworker or colleague — doing so will just make you look petty while increasing others e-mail volume unnecessarily.
Formatting: Refrain from using any formatting in your day-to-day business e-mail communications. Unless you would type something in bold crimson letters on business letterhead, don’t do it when e-mailing for commercial gain. With all the spam filtering going on today; the more formatting or embedded images that higher the chance that your e-mail could be blocked as spammy.
Even something as simple as using a different font makes your e-mail’s display contingent upon the recipient having that specific font on their system or it defaults to their designated default font. Keep in mind the recipient may not have their e-mail program configured in such a way as to display your formatting the way it appears on your system – if at all.
Attachments: How do you think your relationship with a potential new customer/contact is enhanced when you send them that 10M Power Point presentation they didn’t request and you fill up their inbox causing subsequent business correspondence to bounce as undeliverable? And, if they do not have Power Point, they wouldn’t be able open the file anyway! Never assume your potential customers have the software you do to open any file you may arbitrarily send.
If you need to send a file (or combination of files) over 500,000 in size, business courtesy dictates you ask the recipient first if it is O.K. to send a large file. Next, confirm they have the same software and version you do and what is the best time of day to sent it to them to ensure they are available to download the large file and keep their e-mail flowing. Never send large attachments without warning, on weekends or after business hours when the recipient may not be there to keep their inbox clear.
Using Previous E-mail for New Correspondence: If you want to give the perception of lazy, find a previous e-mail from the party you want to communicate with, hit reply and start typing about something completely irrelevant to the old e-mail’s subject. Always start a new e-mail and add your contacts to your address book so you can add them to a new e-mail with one click.
Down Edit Your Replies: Do not just hit reply and start typing — that’s called top posting. Editing is a skill those you communicate with will appreciate as it lends to reflecting a respect for their time and clarity in your communications. Removing parts of the previous e-mail that no longer apply to your response including e-mail headers and signature files removes the clutter. By making the effort to reply point by point keeps the conversation on track with fewer misunderstandings.
Common Courtesy: Hello, Hi, Good Day, Thank You, Sincerely, Best Regards. All those intros and sign offs that are a staple of professional business communications should also be used in your business e-mail communications. Always have a salutation and sign off that includes your name with every e-mail. Here again – think business letterhead.
Courtesy also includes that you make the effort to communicate as an educated adult. Type in full sentences with proper sentence structure. Not all caps; not all small case. Proper capitalization and punctuation are a must! You are an educated professional and need to communicate as such. All caps or all small case smacks of either lack of education, tech/business savvy — or laziness. None of which is positive for instilling confidence or encouraging others to want to do business with you.
Signature files: Keep your signature files to no more than 5-6 lines to avoid being viewed as egocentric. Limit your signature to your name, Web site link, company name, and slogan/offer or phone number. Include a link to your Web site where the recipient can get all your contact information from A-Z – that is what your site is for. Do not forget to include the “http://” when including your Web site address within e-mails and your signature file to ensure the URL is recognized as a clickable URL regardless of the user’s software or platform.
Respond Promptly: You should do your best to respond to your business communications as quickly as possible. This is a customer service issue that should not be underestimated. By not responding promptly you appear unorganized, uncaring or worse yet, risk being outperformed by your competitors who understand the importance of appearing efficient and on the ball.

There you have it! These very important issues will certainly allow your business communications to rise above the majority who do not take the time to understand and master these issues.

When forging new business relationships and solidifying established partnerships, the level of professionalism and courtesy you relay in your business e-mail communications will always gain clients over the competition that may be anemic, uninformed or just plain lazy in this area.

When it comes to business, regardless of mode of communication used, professionalism and courtesy never go out of style!

23-Aug-10 7:00 PM

Interpreting Turfgrass Irrigation Water Test Results

Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sports fields all across the country can be affected by soluble salts in irrigation water. Therefore, water analysis and periodic monitoring have become key components of sound irrigation management. Click here to learn about the importance of testing your irrigation water and how to interpret the results to maximize the health of your field.

23-Aug-10 7:00 PM

Safety - Safely Installing/Maintaining Green Roofs

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:00:00 GMT

KEY POINTS:

The market for green rooftops in cities across North America has grown exponentially during the past decade, largely because of the exploding popularity of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified buildings and increasing environmental awareness. Some markets, such as New York and Chicago, are "mature," while those in other cities are just getting started. No matter the stage of the market, the trend toward green rooftops offers opportunities for landscaping firms and their clients (through tax credits and increased energy efficiency). However, it also presents safety hazards that can spell disaster for unprepared workers and companies.

Rooftop work creates some new challenges for landscape industry workers. While many of the topics employers should be covering under their standard safety program come into play — ladder safety, fall protection, avoiding slip-and-trip hazards, and weather-related illness — workers need to be aware of other challenges, such as working with cranes and hoisted materials, and securing loads and properly distributing them on rooftops.

Employees of landscape companies involved in or considering rooftop work should take safety courses (that meet OSHA requirements) in rooftop fall protection, cranes, rigging, scaffolding, ladder safety, and other general Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines that apply to rooftop work. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, a North American industry association that promotes green roof infrastructure, also offers training courses. While the classes don’t address particular OSHA requirements, safety is discussed as part of the overall focus on best practices. The group’s Green Roof Design & Installation 201 class includes the most safety content. Learn more at greenroofs.org/index.php/eduprogram.

Checklist for Employers and Supervisors:

 Make sure your insurance policy covers rooftop work and you have liability insurance of $3 million to $5 million.

 Don’t sign a contract for an installation job without seeing an engineer’s signature on a document, certifying the roof will bear the loads you plan to place on it.

 Ensure employees have received training that satisfies all OSHA requirements for the rooftop work they will be performing.

 At the beginning of each installation job, hold a safety meeting before allowing employees on the roof. Show them a diagram of the job site that illustrates the locations of exits, restrooms, hoisting areas, danger zones, walkways, and tool and material storage areas. Give every crew member a job for the first phase of work, usually hoisting materials, and tell each person what area to be in. (Do the same for subsequent work phases.) Each member of the team, not just the crew leader, needs to understand what’s going on. As with any pre-work meeting, point out hazards particular to the job site and types of work being done and ways you will mitigate danger.

 Hold additional safety meetings daily or weekly and on an as-needed basis. Discuss violations of safety policies and reinforce correct work practices.

 Designate a supervisor or crew leader to oversee safety on the job site. Safety should be this person’s focus; he/she should not be working hard at other tasks, which could cause him/her to lose sight of the big picture.

 Teach workers to keep the rooftop job site organized (with tools and materials in appropriate areas) and free of trip hazards, and strictly enforce your policy.

 If the building doesn’t have a parapet wall or fence around the rooftop (regulations in some cities require these), then install orange plastic fencing or some another type of high-visibility barrier that will remind workers where the edge is.

 If possible, don’t bring all materials to the rooftop at the beginning of the job. The more crowded the limited workspace is and the more employees have to move things, the greater the potential for accidents. If you do bring everything onto the roof at once, store it the way you would pack a moving truck, with the materials you’ll need first being most accessible.

 Pay attention to load distribution. Placing lots of heavy loads in the roof’s center, which is typically a weak spot, is a common, dangerous mistake. An engineer can help you determine what parts of the roof have maximum weight-bearing capacity. Usually these points are where crossbeams tie into walls. If you aren’t sure where they are, placing loads around the perimeter of the roof is safer than putting them in the middle.

 Be aware of the increased risk temperature extremes pose and take steps to protect workers. Temperatures can be higher on rooftops than on the ground, and usually there’s no shade, increasing risk for heat-related illness in warm months. At a green roof job site in Long Island City, New York, for example, temperatures averaged between 120 and 130 degrees. Provide employees with ice water and allow them to take 15-minute breaks in a shaded area every two hours. Consider purchasing outdoor canopies, sold at most sporting-goods stores. Employees can move the canopies, usually about 10 feet by 10 feet in size, to different locations on the roof and work under them. The shade they provide lowers the temperature significantly and reduces the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Schedule work during cooler parts of the day or use lights and work at night.

 In winter, exposure to wind on rooftops can make employees more susceptible to cold-related illness. Encourage them to drink warm, non-caffeinated beverages, ensure they dress appropriately, and allow them to take 15-minute breaks in a warm area every two hours. (For more information about protecting workers from heat- and cold-related illnesses, see the May 2009 and November 2009 Safety $ense newsletters, respectively.)

Employee Dos and Don’ts

Do:

Wear a hard hat at all times. Hoisted material is an overhead hazard, and, if you are working on a lower-level roof, crews working above you could drop tools and materials. Objects might be dropped from windows as well.

Recognize the increased risk of heat-related illness. Take 15-minute breaks (in shade if possible) every two hours, and drink at least one cup of ice water every 15 minutes to stay hydrated. (For more information about avoiding heat-related illness, see the May 2009 Safety $ense.)

Guard against cold-related illness. Drink warm, non-caffeinated fluids, and take 15-minute breaks in a warm area every two hours. (For more on cold-weather precautions, see the November 2009 Safety $ense.)

Wear necessary PPE. In addition to a hard hat, this can include fall protection, goggles, gloves, hearing protection, and steel-toed boots.

Have an understanding of the roof’s layout (including where exits and restrooms are and where you can go to warm up or cool down during extreme weather) and proper load distribution for it (see above).

Don’t:

Hang over building edges or parapet walls/fences along a roof perimeter. Workers sometimes do this in order to reach materials being hoisted onto the roof.

Stand under hoisted material. Objects might fall out and the securements could break or come loose.

Forget ladder safety. For a refresher, see the American Ladder Institute’s Web site, laddersafety.org.

Let the job site become messy. Store tools and materials in designated areas, keep the roof organized and free of trip hazards, and ensure walkways are clear.

Be careless. If you aren’t alert while handling large, heavy loads on rooftops and ramps, accidents are likely.

Richard Heller, owner of Greener By Design in Pelham, New York, contributed information for this newsletter. Heller’s company specializes in green roofs and has won several PLANET Safety Recognition Awards.

20-Aug-10 2:00 PM

Safety - Nontraditional labor sources

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:00:00 GMT

Key Points

• With the economy picking up and the busy summer season here, labor needs are likely topping many green

industry companies’ priority lists. But given the still-shaky economic situation and the seasonal nature of

landscaping work, your firm might be reluctant to hire permanent, full-time employees. Part-time and seasonal

workers, including teenagers, Hispanics, and workers 55 and older, are plentiful and could be the perfect

solution to a temporary labor crunch. However, these groups present safety challenges that require awareness

and vigilance on the parts of employers and employees.

• In 2008, approximately 2.3 million teenagers ages 15–17 worked in the United States and, according to the

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, about 146,000 of them incurred work-related injuries and

illnesses. Because of biologic, social, and economic attributes, these workers face unique and substantial risks

for such injuries and illnesses, NIOSH cautions.

• Employment of workers 65 and older jumped 101 percent between 1997 and 2007, compared to a 59 percent

increase in overall employment, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports. Worker age groups 65–74, and 75

and older are expected to continue growing faster than any other according to a 2009 white paper by the PMA

Cos. People older than 55 have fewer workplace accidents, but when they are injured, injuries typically are more

severe and recovery takes two to three times longer than with younger workers.

• The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the Hispanic population will more than double between 2008 and 2050, from

44.3 million to 102.6 million. The Hispanic workforce is growing four times faster than the non-Hispanic

workforce, and Hispanics already make up more than one-fifth of the landscaping workforce, according to the

American Immigration Law Foundation. Effectively communicating safety messages to Hispanic employees who

speak limited or no English is one of our industry’s biggest challenges.

Checklist for employers and supervisors

Teen workers

Train young employees in hazard recognition and safe work practices.

Remember, operating a motor vehicle at work is prohibited for 16-year-olds and allowed only under limited

circumstances for 17-year-olds. Child labor laws also ban those under age 18 from operating many types of

mobile machinery. Still, 45 percent of fatal injuries to minor workers between 1992 and 2000 resulted from

“transportation incidents,” which included accidents involving off-road, industrial machinery.

Supervise teens, verifying that they use safe work practices and can identify hazards. Ensure supervisors

and adult coworkers know what tasks young workers can’t undertake. Label equipment minors cannot use

and/or color code uniforms so others know they shouldn’t perform certain jobs.

Know the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938. This is the primary federal law regarding employment of

workers under 18. The FLSA applies to your entire business if you have annual gross revenues of $500,000

or more, and some states extend the law to all businesses. Even if your business isn’t covered, the FLSA

applies to individuals engaged in producing, transporting, loading, or receiving goods for interstate

commerce. This includes workers who handle documents related to interstate commerce, including credit

card transactions. Learn more at http://www.dol.gov/whd/childlabor.htm . Two other groups of regulations

outline work prohibited for young workers because the U.S. secretary of labor has declared the tasks too

hazardous for minors. One defines agricultural work those under 16 cannot perform, and the other identifies

nonagricultural jobs prohibited for workers under 18. See details at

http://www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/flsa/docs/haznonag.asp and
http://www.dol.gov/elaws/esa/flsa/docs/hazag.asp .
Check your state laws concerning teenage workers. Many have child labor laws that are stricter than federal
laws.
Keep in mind that young workers might not have the training or experience to perform incidental tasks older
workers can do safely and could take it upon themselves to execute these duties. They might also lack the
experience and maturity to recognize and deal with hazardous situations and to be able to handle
emergencies or injuries.
Hispanic workers
Remember OSHA requires you to ensure employees understand training in safe work practices and hazard.
This could mean providing training in the employees’ native languages. If you employ or expect to employ a
significant number of Hispanic workers, consider creating a management-level “Hispanic employee liaison”
position to better communicate safety and other messages.
Don’t use slang or jargon. Non-native speakers are not likely to understand it. When conducting safety
training that’s being translated into Spanish, speak slowly, in simple sentences, and use different words to
present the same message at least twice.
Don’t assume employees can read and write in their native language. Include photos, drawings, graphics,
and demonstrations with all safety messages.
Use Spanish safety training videos (such as those available from PLANET), but don’t have them take the
place of a safety trainer.
Partner with local community organizations, literacy councils, and/or community colleges to provide Englishlanguage
training to your Spanish-speaking employees. Take time to learn — and use — some Spanish
phrases yourself.
Be aware that questioning people in authority and direct eye contact with them demonstrates a lack of
respect in most Hispanic cultures. If a Hispanic worker isn’t looking directly at you during safety training, this
doesn’t mean he/she isn’t paying attention.
Appoint a bilingual employee who has been with your company for a significant time to mentor new Hispanic
workers. They will likely feel more comfortable asking this person safety-related questions.
Older workers
Be on the lookout for slip-and-trip hazards and eliminate them quickly. Falls account for more than a third of
injuries sustained by workers 65 and older.
Since shoulders, wrists, and the back are body parts most vulnerable to injury in older employees, minimize
heavy lifting, trunk rotation, excessive forward bending, and repetitive work performed in non-neutral
positions.
Encourage workers to use material-handling devices and equipment to reduce strain, and to take frequent
breaks, particularly after performing physically demanding tasks.
Rotate employees among tasks that affect different parts of the body and require varying degrees of
physical strength.
Train workers in proper lifting techniques (see March 2009 Safety $ense).
Perform ergonomic evaluations of jobs typically performed by older workers, identifying causes of fatigue
and strain.
Emphasize safe driving. Work-related roadway accidents increase steadily after employees reach 55.
Drivers 55 and older are more likely than others to have a crash at an intersection or when merging or
changing lanes.
Allow adequate healing time and implement responsive return-to-work efforts for injured employees.
Keep in mind these workers might be “set in their ways” regarding how to perform tasks. When asking them
to make a change, emphasize that doing so is in their best interests and will create a safer work
environment.

Employee dos and don’ts

Teenage workers

Do:

• Know and follow safe work practices. You can request this information from employers, school counselors,

your parents, the U.S. Department of Labor, and your state labor department. Do your own Internet

research as well. Four good sites to visit are http://www.youthrules.dol.gov,

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/index.html (general guidelines for young workers),

http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/teenworkers/landscaping/index.html (covers hazards associated with heat,

ultraviolet radiation, pesticides, electricity, noise, and eye injuries) and

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/can-u-digit.pdf (discusses heat stress, pesticides, lifting, and use of

motor vehicles, trimmers, and mowers).

• Understand you have the right to refuse unsafe work conditions and tasks.

• Participate in training your employer offers or request training.

Don’t:

• Be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure how to perform a task safely and correctly.

• Perform tasks or operate equipment prohibited for someone your age.

• Perform any task without first considering the potential danger involved.

Hispanic workers

Do:

• Realize your employer must provide safety training in a language you fully understand. You can read more

about employer and employee responsibilities (in Spanish) at http://osha.gov/as/opa/spanish/index.html.

You also can reach a Spanish-speaking representative of the federal Occupational Health and Safety

Administration at (800) 321-OSHA [(800) 321- 6742].

• Know you have the right to refuse unsafe work conditions and tasks.

• Ask your supervisor to provide Spanish safety videos and publications, and, if you don’t completely

understand safety training in English, an interpreter.

Don’t:

• Think that asking questions is wrong. If you are unsure how to perform a task safely or correctly, ask a

supervisor.

• Take on a job or operate machinery before you have been trained to do so safely and have no doubts about

how to proceed.

• Be afraid to make eye contact with supervisors and others in authority. In the United States, failing to make

eye contact with someone speaking to you is a sign of inattention and/or boredom.

Older workers

Do:

• Realize that activities, including lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, standing for long periods, and performing

repetitive tasks, become more difficult for all people as they age.

• Allow your body to recuperate by taking more breaks. If you don’t, fatigue could cause inattention,

decreased coordination, and shortcuts that increase your risk for accidents.

• Pay particular attention to slip-and-trip hazards. Remove them or notify a supervisor immediately.

• Use wheelbarrows and other equipment to move heavy materials when appropriate.

Don’t:

• Resist changes that improve safety. Performing a task a certain way for years without incident doesn’t prove

the method’s safety; you could just be lucky.

• “Work through the pain.” This could lead to complications far worse than the original injury and prevent you

from working much longer. Report all injuries and work-related pains to your supervisor.

20-Aug-10 2:00 PM

Safety - Working Near Water

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:00:00 GMT

Key Points

• Landscaping crew members spend a significant amount of time working near water — be it in the

form of a pool, spa, pond, lake, stream, or river. Compared to workers in most other industries,

they face an increased risk of drowning, the third leading cause of death in the United States.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 3,579 fatal drownings occurred in the

United States in 2006, averaging 10 deaths per day.

• Waterscape work and other landscaping jobs performed near water often involve cumbersome-tomaneuver

equipment, unstable ledges, and electrical wiring and pumps. To prevent accidents,

workers and supervisors must be alert and aware of potential dangers.

Checklist for employers and supervisors

Where the danger of drowning exists, provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets or buoyant

work vests to all employees working over or near water. This is required under federal OSHA

regulation 1926.106. Prior to and after each use, inspect work vests and life preservers for defects

that could affect strength or buoyancy. Do not allow employees to use defective units.

Make sure at least one person in each crew is trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid,

and basic emergency-response skills. A number of possible scenarios at landscape job sites make

this necessary, and the potential for drowning is one of them. If employees are working more than

five minutes’ response time from emergency medical services, crew members’ reactions to a

water-related emergency could make the difference between life and death. The American Red

Cross offers a workplace first aid/CPR training course (in English and Spanish) that meets OSHA

guidelines. To learn more, select the Workplace & Employees option under the Preparing and

Getting Trained tab at redcross.org Web site. Similar courses might be offered at local hospitals

and community centers.

Encourage employees to learn to swim, emphasizing job site water hazards and the increased

risks they face without this skill.

Provide basic water safety training to all employees. Local American Red Cross chapters,

community centers, and pool/spa associations that your company might be a member of offer such

courses.

Ensure a phone is available at every job site.

As always, evaluate every job site for hazards and potential hazards before work begins. When

employees are working near water, pay special attention to slip-and-trip hazards and the types of

tools and equipment they will be using at the water’s edge. A landscape worker drowned in 2003

after the wheelbarrow he was using on a steep slope overturned and he fell into a pond while trying

to avoid having spilled rocks tumble down the embankment. The National Institute for Occupational

Injury and Health (NIOSH) determined alternative equipment, such as a four-wheeled cart, could

have provided better stability and prevented the accident.

Before work begins, hold brief safety meetings in which you or a crew leader points out potential

water-related hazards, required safety gear, such as life preservers, and grab ropes and

emergency plans.

Find out which employees cannot swim and pair them with strong swimmers when they work near

water.

Employee dos and don’ts

Do:

• If you can’t swim, tell your supervisor and coworkers before working near water. Ask to work

closely with someone who swims well.

• If you can’t swim, wear a life preserver when working near any body of water, be it a pool, pond,

lake, or river.

• Position grab lines, poles, life preservers or rings where they can be accessed immediately if you

or a coworker falls into water and needs help.

• Eliminate slip-and-trip hazards near water immediately. If removing the hazard is not within your

power, notify a supervisor.

Don’t:

• Be nonchalant about an inability to swim. Because your job likely requires you to work near pools

and other deep water, you should attempt to learn to swim. If that fails, at least learn basic water

safety skills. Local American Red Cross chapters offer water safety courses. To find one near you,

go to redcross.org and enter your ZIP code on the right.

• Be overconfident because you know how to swim. Many people who could swim have drowned by

falling into water after hitting their heads.

• Dismiss shallow water as nonthreatening. It also could prove deadly if you are unconscious.

• Use a defective life jacket or vest. Inspect life preservers for defects before each use.

20-Aug-10 1:00 PM

Safety Sense - Line Trimmers

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Key Points

• Line trimmers generally aren’t thought of as dangerous pieces of equipment, and this attitude is at

least partly to blame for many of the injuries associated with them.

• Line trimmers can pick up rocks, sticks, mulch, grass particles, and pieces of glass (sometimes

found along walkway edges and roadsides) and launch them long distances with great force.

These objects can lodge deep in a person’s skin or do extensive damage if they hit someone in the

eye.

• The most common safety-related mistakes landscape crew members make regarding line trimmers

are removing the cutter guard and failing to wear appropriate personal protective gear.

Checklist for employers and supervisors

Instruct employees never to operate a line trimmer without the cutter guard in place, and explain

the dangers — greatly increased risk of flying debris striking them or others in the work area.

If you discover an employee has removed a cutter guard, ask him or her why. A common reason

workers give for removing the guard is that the increased line length improves productivity. But it

also stresses the engine, causing it to burn more fuel, and can shorten the trimmer’s life. Tell the

employee productivity gains are not worth the safety risks and equipment damage caused by

removing the guard. Another excuse crew members often give is that the guard prevents them

from seeing the cutting head. Most line trimmers currently on the market are designed so the

operator can see around the guard. If your employees are having this problem, buying new

trimmers could be the solution.

Ensure employees wear the right clothing and personal protective gear; this includes pants, long

sleeves, steel-toed footwear, gloves, and hearing and eye protection (face shields are even better).

Eye protection is particularly important when crew members are using line trimmers. You must

provide eye protection that meets ANSI Z-87.1 standards, a designation usually marked on the

right earpiece. If employees repeatedly fail to wear eye protection, find out why. If they say the

glasses or goggles are uncomfortable, fog up, or get scratched and dirty easily, making seeing

through them difficult, consider shopping for new ones — and involve your employees in making

the selection. They’re more likely to wear a product they chose. Glasses with anti-fog coatings are

available now as well as styles that allow air to circulate, preventing fogging. Certain lens cleaners

also keep fog from forming. Inexpensive, yet stylish and lightweight glasses are available from

multiple safety supply companies. Check out these Web sites: sentrysafetysupply.com/safetyglasses.

html, safetyglassesusa.com, and crewsinc.com.

If the trimmers your company uses don’t have anti-vibration systems, supply employees with

gloves that contain vibration-reducing padding.

Equip or buy line trimmers with shoulder harnesses or straps, and make sure employees use them.

They are extremely effective at preventing pulled and strained muscles and muscle fatigue.

Employee dos and don’ts

Do:

• Scout the work area before using a line trimmer, picking up sticks, rocks, and other loose debris.

• Position yourself and the trimmer so debris is projected toward an area without people or property.

This depends on the rotational direction of the cutting head.

• Use the line trimmer’s shoulder harness or strap. It will take pressure off backs and arms,

preventing pulled muscles and muscle fatigue. Workers who begin using these devices are often

amazed at how much better they feel.

Don’t:

• Remove the cutter guard from a line trimmer. The guard’s primary function is to shield you and

others from flying debris.

• Operate the trimmer within 50 feet of another person.

• Wear shorts. You should have on long pants, long sleeves, gloves, steel-toed footwear, and

hearing and eye protection when using line trimmers — or performing most any landscaping task.

Donning the necessary protective gear will significantly reduce your injury risk when operating a

line trimmer. It protects you not only from flying debris, but also from contact with the line itself.

• Work with the exhaust side of the line trimmer close to your body. This can cause burns.

20-Aug-10 12:00 PM

Job Interview Tips

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:45:00 GMT

Preparation:

Learn about the organization.
Have a specific job or jobs in mind.
Review your qualifications for the job.
Be ready to briefly describe your experience, showing how it relates it the job.
Be ready to answer broad questions, such as "Why should I hire you?" "Why do you want this job?" "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
Practice an interview with a friend or relative.

Personal appearance:

Be well groomed.
Dress appropriately.
Do not chew gum or smoke.

The interview:

Be early.
Learn the name of your interviewer and greet him or her with a firm handshake.
Use good manners with everyone you meet.
Relax and answer each question concisely.
Use proper English—avoid slang.
Be cooperative and enthusiastic.
Use body language to show interest—use eye contact and don’t slouch.
Ask questions about the position and the organization, but avoid questions whose answers can easily be found on the company Web site.
Also avoid asking questions about salary and benefits unless a job offer is made.
Thank the interviewer when you leave and shake hands.
Send a short thank you note following the interview.

Information to bring to an interview:

Social Security card.
Government-issued identification (driver’s license).
Resume or application. Although not all employers require a resume, you should be able to furnish the interviewer information about your education, training, and previous employment.
References. Employers typically require three references. Get permission before using anyone as a reference. Make sure that they will give you a good reference. Try to avoid using relatives as references.
Transcripts. Employers may require an official copy of transcripts to verify grades, coursework, dates of attendance, and highest grade completed or degree awarded.

10-Aug-10 7:45 PM

Avoiding front- and rear-end vehicle incidents

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

There are three basic defensive driving skills which can be used on and off the job to help prevent front-and rear-end vehicle incidents. Rear-end collisions, those in which your vehicle is struck from behind, can be avoided through gradual stops. There are countless reports of vehicle incidents which reflect that the incident was caused by a sudden stop at an intersection, grade crossing, passenger stops, and in preparation for making turns. If you make sudden and/or unexpected stops, the person operating a vehicle behind you may not have sufficient reaction and stopping distances to prevent a vehicle incident. There are numerous vehicle incidents which report that while the first vehicle operator behind another was able to jam on the brakes and stop, the third and sometimes even the fourth vehicle were not able to stop in time to prevent an incident. The second basic defensive driving skill is scanning ahead. By simply watching the traffic situation, including moving vehicles, parked vehicles which could potentially be pulled out from their spaces, and pedestrian activity, you can anticipate the need to adjust your driving speed or even the need to stop. The third defensive driving skill and perhaps the most frequently overlooked method of preventing front- and rear-end vehicle incidents is that of safe following distances. The actual safe following distance will depend of the weight of your vehicle. A fully loaded contractor’s van or straight truck weighs far more than a basic private passenger vehicle and would, therefore, needs greater following distances. The recommended safe following distance for private passenger vehicles is three seconds. Consequently, your following distance should be adjusted upwards to 4, 5 or even 6 seconds, depending on the weight of your vehicle and the load it is carrying. Following distances need to be increased during inclement weather or if dangerous driving conditions exist. All too many vehicle incident reports reflect the driver’s statement that the vehicle slid on wet pavement. To determine if you have established the minimum safe following distance, pick out a fixed object such as a speed limit sign or light pole. When the vehicle ahead of you passes that marker, begin counting the seconds until your vehicle is in line with the marker. Adjust your following distance accordingly. Practice performing the test so that you can better judge safe following distances under various speed limits and driving conditions. Remember, a defensive driver will do everything that can be done to reasonably prevent a vehicle incident. Practice the basic skills of gradual stops, scanning ahead, and safe following distances, and you can help protect yourself from injuries, prevent injuring others, minimize vehicle and operational downtime, as well as minimize the extra expenses associated with vehicle incidents and increased insurance costs incurred by your organization.

9-Aug-10 7:00 PM

New Technologies Save Time and Money

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Phone it in

"We implemented reporting via cell phones several years ago and continue to upgrade the process," relates Chris Senske, president of Senske Lawn & Tree Care in Kennewick, Washington. "Techs complete work orders in the field using their phones as terminals. They push a button at the start of the day to locate their first job. Once there, they push a button to indicate they’ve started working and push a button when they’re finished. They can also document the weather conditions on-site and the type and amount of material used. Another push of the button sends information to the company’s Web site, which displays the updated information to the customer.

"Techs, then, start the process over to locate their next account. If a customer calls in for immediate service for whatever reason, we can convey that info directly to the tech’s phone and change his or her routing schedule for the day." The system, he notes, automatically creates customer invoices, allows them to pay on line if they want, and flawlessly keeps crews on schedule baring any interruption in cell service.

"Currently, the phones interact with our Web site, which makes them vulnerable to service interruptions," Senske emphasizes. "That’s one reason we still send crews out with printed invoices. Eventually, phones will store the data, making them immune to any disruption in cell service."

"Blackberry (with several exclamation points) has been very helpful," says Chris Raimondi, Landscape Industry Certified Manager, president of Raimondi Horticultural Group in Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey. "Most phones have cameras, enabling us to send photos instantly, reporting field conditions. Blackberries also give us remote access to employees, allowing us to e-mail them any time during the day, and give them instant access to each other, allowing crews to hit the ground running the next day."

"They are empowering," says Joy Diaz, referring to Blackberries. Operating Land Care Inc., in Las Vegas, Nevada, with husband Rob, she notes that the company uses them for scheduling, tasking, and taking on-the-spot photos of irrigation issues, down trees, or anything else that needs the client’s immediate attention. Though not new, Diaz notes that she and Rob still love mobile and vehicle GPS, which allows them to track exact crew locations, so they know where everyone is when that end-of-day call comes in.

Beyond tracking

GPS has applications that go beyond tracking and routing, according to Dan Standley, owner of Louisiana-based Dan’s Landscaping. "GPS keeps our employees honest. Our program, for example, will alert us if an employee is breaking the speed limit and it indicates how much idling time a truck accrues in a day." It also comes in handy when communicating with customers, he adds. "In one instance, an out-of-town customer questioned if and when our crews showed up. We simply forwarded the GPS record."

MapPoint and Timescapes are variations of routing and tracking software employed by LaurelRock Company’s Burt DeMarche, Landscape Industry Certified Manager. "With MapPoint, a Microsoft product, all we do is key in addresses and the software routes crews in the most efficient way," he explains. "Timescapes is something we’re just now starting to use. Employees use a digital scanner to enter job start and finish times and scan bar codes for material used and tasks performed. At the end of the day, the information is downloaded into Timescapes, which, in turn, can be uploaded to QuickBooks after being reviewed by the crew leader and manager.

Design challenges

"Design software, by creating highly professional drawings and images, gives design/build companies the opportunity to sell more work and attract more upscale projects," says Jody

Shilan, president of Jody Shilan Designs, in Wyckoff, New Jersey. "On the build and estimating sides, many of these programs also have great tools that are incredible time savers. Plant quantities and plant lists can be generated automatically as the design is being created. Square footages, linear footages, and dimensions can be calculated quickly and more accurately than with hand drawings, potentially saving time and money, and creating more accurate estimates and proposals.

"Like any tool," he continues, "it can be of great value if used correctly and by an experienced designer. The problem and concern I have always had with design software is that it allows a technologically savvy but inexperienced designer to create very impressive drawings that do not necessarily translate well into the built environment."

With that said, Shilan notes that because they are created digitally, these designs are easily e-mailed as PDFs to clients, minimizing travel time to review changes. "Design software also allows changes to be made quickly and easily," he adds. "Because drawings can be created in layers, one can easily produce a plan that has just the required information for a specific task, (i.e., plantings, lighting, irrigation, drainage, etc.).

Dashboards and more

QuickBooks Enterprise Solutions: Contractor 10.0 has a new feature that is especially attractive to business owners who want a specific and customized snapshot of their company’s performance, explains DeMarche. "With a single keystroke, one can pull up a ‘financial dashboard’ that, among other things, illustrates top vendors by expense, compares this year’s revenue to last year’s by month, and highlights customers who owe you the most money. The dashboard can be customized to include other key financial data, such as top customers by sales, bank account balances, and a pie chart breakdown of expenses." This information, he adds, is always current and extremely helpful in providing a comprehensive, daily financial snapshot of the business.

DeMarche notes that taking advantage of new technologies, including Blackberries, along with Timescapes, and other accounting-type software, has allowed his company to minimize administrative costs. "The old rule of thumb is one office administrator per $1 million in revenue," he adds. "We’re currently generating approximately $4 million in sales with two-and-a-half office administrators."

PLANET members have other favorite technologies. Joy Diaz raves about Neat Co scanner products that quickly and easily organize all types of paperwork, something her accountant strongly advised her to do. Missouri-based DOWCO also takes advantage of scanner technology. As DOWCO’s Donna Dowel explains, "We scan checks and send the images to the bank. This saves our office staff from having to make a 30-minute daily trip to the bank. We’ve also set up our bank to ‘sweep’ money from our checking account directly to an interest-bearing money market account at the end of each day. Every night our checking account balance goes to zero and the ‘sweep’ account earns interest.

"Microsoft Exchange has been very helpful, too. It keeps everyone connected with e-mails and scheduling, and automatically updates contacts on our phones and laptops. This, coupled with our wireless Internet, allows us to stay involved anywhere we go."

DOWCO’s camera surveillance system allows the owners to view their office and warehouse via computer. "When a bird recently set off the motion detectors in the warehouse and our security system monitoring company called, we didn’t have to drive back to the office to investigate," Donna relates.

Chris Senske sees potential business sales and other customer interaction applications for Apple’s new iPad. He says, "The device will allow users to access and key in more information than a Smartphone. The big drawback is screen glare outside, and it could use a few more interface applications. It’s not quite there, yet."

But it will be, as will other new technologies. The challenge is to identify them, find useful applications, and use them to further streamline your company’s operation.

9-Aug-10 7:00 PM

40 Under 40 Awards

noemail@earthwormjobs.com — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Press Release June 16, 2008 Lincoln, Nebraska. On May 30, 2008, Jeremy Hunt president of Hunt Irrigation, Inc, and president and founder of Earthwormjobs.com was awarded the prestigious 40 under 40 award by the Lincoln Business Journal along with 39 other young entrepreneurs, executives and professional men and women in the Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska area. When Jeremy Hunt started the irrigation company that bears his name 11 years ago, it was basically a one-man show. With the help of his wife and family, the business has grown to include four full-time employees and six to eight seasonal workers. Hunt Irrigation’s growth was due to his reputation for quality work and water conservation. In just two years of operation Hunt Irrigation was voted Irrigation Company of the Year. Jeremy and Hunt Irrigation, Inc. focus has always been on water conservation, the systems he designs and his company install, along with the components he utilizes conserve between 50,000 and 120,000...

Earthwormjobs.com Adds New Features

noemail@earthwormjobs.com — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:00:00 GMT

March 24, 2008 Lincoln NE. In an effort to continually raise the level of professionalism and overall visibility of the Green/Golf Industry Earthwormjobs.com has added new features to our website. One of the new features is our education page. Earthwormjobs.com now list many of the university and colleges that offer programs and or degrees in the Green/Golf Industry. Along with the listings are program descriptions as well as department heads and their contact information.

Earthwormjobs.com has also began to populate the site with associations from all areas of the Green/Golf Industry, ranging from irrigation and landscape to arborist and horticulture, just to name a few. We hope to have this list compiled by April 1, 2008.

Another great feature is the additions to our certification page. We now host the schedule to some of the industries major certification schedules including the Irrigation Association, PLANET (The Landcare Network) and the Rainbird Academy.

Jeremy Hunt founder of Earthwormjobs.com, states “We are currently looking at adding yet another round of features that will supply the Green/Golf Industry Professional with the information he or she needs to set their company apart from the competition. It is my hope that Earthwormjobs.com will become one of the industry leaders in providing not only the Green/Golf Industry professional a way to find highly qualified employees through our job boards, but also supply them with great information that effects their industry everyday. It is our responsibility to become good stewards of our industry and those natural resources that we use everyday”.

Earthwormjobs.com Begins New Era in Green Industry

noemail@earthwormjobs.com — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 19:00:00 GMT

Lincoln, Nebraska - On November 2nd, of this year, Earthworm Jobs will launch its premier job hiring website strictly for the green industry, one of the fastest growing trades in the US. This new job-hiring site will boast the most complete and comprehensive all-in-one site on the web bringing together professionals from every aspect of the environmentally friendly Green Industry. The site will feature both the white collar and blue collar occupations within the Green Industry, including manufacturing, distributing, and consulting to each of the individual disciplines. The highlighted disciplines will include everything from irrigation, landscaping and arborist positions, to herbicide and pesticide applicators, just to name a few. It will also offer an array of information on certification programs, career advice, a message board and links to different scholastic formats that specialize in the Green Industry trades. President and Founder of Earthworm Jobs, Jeremy Hunt (CIC, CLIA),...

Service Tech.

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:14:27 GMT

Title: Service Tech. Description: Due to growth, we are currently seeking irrigation technician(s) to join our team at our home office of Lincoln, NE. If you are a hard working and a dedicated team player with a commitment to excellence, consider joining the Hunt Irrigation, Inc. team! Hunt Irrigation, Inc. is one of Lincoln's most innovative sprinkler companies. We are committed to the intelligent use of water using the latest water smart products available. We strive for long term relationships with our customers and provide the consumer with the highest quality service and product line available. Hunt Irrigation, Inc. was built with a Commitment to Excellence... excellent people, excellent clients and with excellent results. We are a leader in the irrigation industry in the State of Nebraska, recognized as one of the top 50 companies in Nebraska. Hunt Irrigation, Inc. is a full service commercial/residential irrigation company headquartered in Lincoln, NE, providing...

Supervisor, Irrigation

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:12:24 GMT

Title: Supervisor, Irrigation
Description: Job Summary:
The individual in this position monitors, repairs, installs and maintains all irrigation systems associated with Auburn University. Essential functions include, but are not limited to: designs university irrigation systems for the most efficient and uniform distribution of water; develops, monitors and delegates work plans for crews; prepares job sites for installation and maintenance of landscaping; installs, connects, programs and repairs wiring, valves, sprinkler heads and electronic controllers ensuring all are functioning properly and without fault; performs a variety of landscaping duties, including laying sod, planting trees and shrubbery, and mowing University grounds as necessary.
Job Qualifications:
High school diploma or equivalent plus five years experience in irrigation practices and installation. Employer will consider advanced degrees in lieu of experience. Knowledge of the installation, repair, and maintenance of irritation systems is required. A valid driver's license is required.
Desired Qualifications:
Irrigation Association of America design or construction certification is desired.
Required Experience:
Education Required:
Planned Duration of Employment: Full Time
Salary($): 34,300 - 57,300

Contact info:

HR Office (Add to Contacts)

Auburn University

Landscape Architecture

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Desired Position Title: Landscape Architecture Experience: July 2006-Present Full and Part Time Frank Distribution, Madison, WI Merchandiser Performed stocking, building displays, working deliveries, serving accounts at retail stores across Dane County. June-September 2008-09 Full Time City of Madison Parks West Forestry Dept., Madison, WI Arborist Assistant Performed routine climbing and trimming at varying heights, assisting and handling ropes to lower large limbs, planting and removals. May 2007-September 2007 Full Time UW-Madison Grounds Dept. Tree and Shrub Crew, Madison, WI Installed and removed trees and shrubs, maintained irrigation and fertilization applications. Summer 2003, 2005, and 2006 Full Time and Part Time Tumble Down Trails Golf Course, Verona, WI Maintained grounds keeping duties included landscaping, operating heavy machinery, mowing tees, fairways, greens etc. Skills: Clubs/Organizations September 2006-May 2007 American Society of...

Golf Course Superintendent or Grounds Manager

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:00:00 GMT

Desired Position Title: Golf Course Superintendent or Grounds Manager Experience: Berry Hills Country Club Charleston, West Virginia 1987 through 2008 Position: Golf Course and Grounds Superintendent Course description: 18 holes, built in 1952, $690,000 maintenance budget, course designed by William Gordon; Greens: Annual bluegrass and Bent-grass; Tees: Bermudagrass and Ryegrass; Fairways: Bermudagrass; Irrigation system: Toro LTC plus Responsibilities – All golf course maintenance, including; mowing, cultural turf practices, fertilizer and pesticide applications, irrigation, personnel management, purchasing and irrigation. – Clay tennis court maintenance – Responsible for the financial results and quality standards of the operation Achievements – Prepared the golf course to WVGA standards for the 2008 West Virginia Open – Raised quality standards of golf course by preparing the course in...

Senators Letter

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:37:04 GMT

Dear : On behalf of which began in , I am writing to voice our strong support for the Home Star Provisions Act now being considered as part of the Senate Energy Bill and to urge you to join in supporting the legislation. This bill will spur the hiring of new employees as well as conserve billions of gallons of water per year, save consumers money and reduce energy consumption by creating an incentives program for WaterSense products - products which undergo independent testing and certification to meet reliable performance standards. WaterSense Saves Water: The average household spends as much as $1,200.00 annually on its water and sewer bill, 40 percent of which is allocated to outdoor use. By making a few simple changes to use water more efficiently, a household could save $300.00 per year. Upgrading/Retro fitting an older, existing underground...

Poker Run 2010

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 01:28:42 GMT

Come join us for the 2nd Annual Earthwormjobs.com Poker Run on August 28th 2010. Registration begins at 9:00AM. We will leave from the parking lot at Great Plains Cycle Supply located at 2542 N 27th Street. The group will leave at 10:00AM. All proceeds raised will go to our Scholarship fund for second semester financial aid. The winner of the scholarship must be studying in the green/golf industry field and carry a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Come out and enjoy a beautiful fall day with friends you know and ones you have not meet yet, we look forward to riding with you.

The ride will end at Parker's Smokehouse in Ashland, NE where the will be food and drink specials for all ride participants.

Registration and Subscriber Use Policy

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 22:41:07 GMT

Please Read & Accept Our Subscribing User Policy Before Registering Privacy Reminder -- Protect your personal information by never providing social security, credit card or bank account numbers to prospective employers. This page states the Terms of Use (Terms) under which you (as defined below) may use www.Earthwormjobs.com(Earthwormjobs.com), an on-line service to post and search employment opportunities and User (as defined below) resumes. Earthwormjobs.com features Earthworm networking through message boards, an on-line community designed to facilitate valuable professional and personal networking among its Users based on common experiences and interests. Earthworm Jobs also allows Users to create individual profiles, which may include personal information (”Profiles”), and to make these Profiles, or aspects thereof, public. These Terms include the Earthworm Jobs Privacy Statement and the Earthworm Jobs Premium Fee Policy, each of which is incorporated into...

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:58:04 GMT

Site Registration

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 04:07:51 GMT

Register to be a Site User (Job Seeker) and receive access to add your resume, search jobs, read interview tips, and get resume/cover letter tips.

Yes, I want to post my resume and begin my new career!

Register for our Membership (Job Poster) and receive access to review resumes, post jobs, post to the message boards, explore our project planner, post classified ads, plus many other features all for FREE.

Yes, I want to register for a membership and post a job today!

Green Industry Educational Opportunities

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:24:28 GMT

Earthwormjobs.com - Bringing together Professionalism, Education and Career Opportunities Earthwormjobs.com has designed our education section to better inform high school and college students of colleges and universities that offer programs in Green and Golf Industry. It is Earthwormjobs.com ultimate goal to assist those students who have an interest in the Green/Golf Industry by featuring those programs with related course studies. In an effort to aid these students Earthwormjobs.com has formatted our education section by dividing it into three different sections, colleges (2 year programs), universities (4 year programs), and accredited providers (those that offer industry specific certifications). The Green Industry is experiencing tremendous growth and young professionals are in high demand. It is the goal of Earthwormjobs.com to help raise the...

career map

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 03:45:26 GMT

This page is coming soon

Green Industry Jobs at Earthwormjobs.com

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:45:31 GMT

Follow us on Facebook & Twitter Help those in Haiti with a $10.00 donation by texting Haiti to 90999 on your cell phone. EWJ 2nd Annual Education Week Feb. 1st - 5th Classes Offered from The IA, PLANET, Kichler,and Aquascapes Both Classes and Exams will be offered Event will be Hosted in Omaha, NE All Resume Posters receive a FREE Earthwormjobs T-Shirt Let The Worm Hook You A Job Today!

Scholarship Recipient

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:46:32 GMT

Congratulations to our 1st Annual Scholarship Recipient

Click Here to Read Clint's Essay

Lincoln, NE, January 20, 2010 – Earthwormjobs.com is pleased to announce our 1^ST Annual Scholarship Recipient Clint Skog. Clint is currently attending Southeast Technical Institute located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Clint’s commitment to the Green Industry is strong and during his academic career has carried a 4.0 GPA. Clint has been the past recipient of Gene Reiter Memorial Scholarship, the SDNLA Scholarship, and now the Earthwormjobs.com Scholarship.

The Earthwormjobs.com scholarship fund was formed to award scholarships to students who are enrolled in Green Industry programs at two- and four-year colleges and universities across the nation. Promoting and advancing the Green Industry by supporting educational excellence is the ultimate mission of Earthwormjobs.com. This year’s award was $500.00.

Founder of Earthwormjobs.com, Jeremy Hunt stated, “As a steward of the Green Industry for over a decade I felt this scholarship award was an excellent opportunity to offer the next generation of Green Industry Professionals a helping hand in procuring their educational dreams. Being able to impact someone’s personal or educational advancements is a wonderful thing, and if someone shares that same passion for an industry as much as I do then even better. It is my hope that the next generation of Green Industry Professionals will be able to take our industry to the next level."

Economic and Enviromental Effects of Green Roofs

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:11:45 GMT

The environmental and economical benefits of green roofs Clint Skog Hundreds of years ago there was an abundance of open grassland that used to catch the rainwater and filter out the pollutants, but now a majority of those grasslands have been replaced by cities and buildings. The rain water that falls on the buildings just falls onto the ground unfiltered and runs off into our watersheds. One of the most environmental friendly things we can do to help with excessive runoff and watershed pollution is the idea of green roofs. The main idea behind green roofs are that the plants and their growing media hold most or all of the rainwater that normally would run off the roofs and have to be carried away by storm water drains and ditches. Storm water tends to pick up excess lawn chemicals, dirt and debris that are carried into streams, lakes and other surface water sources. Fast-flowing storm water can cause erosion and flooding. Studies have found that a typical one story building...

Earthwormjobs New Site

noemail@earthwormjobs.com — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 18:00:00 GMT

Objectives: This is a test Survey to see how it functions and to track the results.

Release Date: 24-Sep-07 1:00 PM
Expiration Date: 23-Oct-07 10:00 PM
Select you best response.

Lorem ipsum survey

noemail@earthwormjobs.com — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 18:53:45 GMT

Objectives:

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