hortwest 2010-09
DESCRIPTION
The BC Landscape & Nursery Association is a non-profit organization working to serve BC's nursery growers, landscape professionals, retail garden centres and the associated landscape horticulture trade. The BCLNA has more than 800 member companies, representing nursery, landscape, retail, education, supply, service, and government organizations working in the landscape horticultural industry. The original organization was formed in 1953 and today is a vibrant association, with chapters in the Lower Mainland, the Interior, and on the Island. The BCLNA offers member companies leadership, information, and services, toward the development of more knowledgeable and responsible horticulture practices. Included in its mandate is also business development and issues management for BC's green industry. Blog: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=52176202873&ref=ts Website: www.bclna.com Issuu: issuu.com/bclnaTRANSCRIPT
B . C . L a n d s C a p e & n u r s e r y a s s o C i a t i o n p u B L i C a t i o n • s e p t e m B e r 2 0 1 0
Government announces funding
member awards need nominees
Last chance to register for CanWest clinics
training resumes
in fall
Free
CanWest Hort Show September 29-30
B&W Greenhouses.indd 1 1/22/09 2:47:41 PM
Sanitize with certaintySanitization can be very costly if not done effectively.
• Iotron takes sanitization to a new level, offeringNursery Growers unparalleled results.
• Iotron utilizes irradiation technology to eliminatePathogens, fungi and molds on pots, trays, andstyroblocks.
• Iotron's sanitization method fully penetrates materialslike an X-ray, effectively sterilizing the material.
Field trials have proven that the sanitization level of pots prior to planting can affect plant yields.
Money does grow on trees!Be confident that your pots, trays or styroblocks are
the cleanest they can be from the start. A diseasefree environment creates disease free plants.
Benefits• Re-use old pots, trays & styroblock• Increase plant yields• Reduce maintenance on plants• Environmentally friendly process• No more need for harsh chemicals, steam or hot water
If your sanitization method leaves you uncertain, then it's definitely time to make a change.
For more information please contact Iotron Technologies Corp. 1425 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6L3
Ph. (604)945-8838 Fax. (604)945-8827Website www.Iotron.com Email: [email protected]
Sanitize with certaintySanitization can be very costly if not done effectively.
• Iotron takes sanitization to a new level, offeringNursery Growers unparalleled results.
• Iotron utilizes irradiation technology to eliminatePathogens, fungi and molds on pots, trays, andstyroblocks.
• Iotron's sanitization method fully penetrates materialslike an X-ray, effectively sterilizing the material.
Field trials have proven that the sanitization level of pots prior to planting can affect plant yields.
Money does grow on trees!Be confident that your pots, trays or styroblocks are
the cleanest they can be from the start. A diseasefree environment creates disease free plants.
Benefits• Re-use old pots, trays & styroblock• Increase plant yields• Reduce maintenance on plants• Environmentally friendly process• No more need for harsh chemicals, steam or hot water
If your sanitization method leaves you uncertain, then it's definitely time to make a change.
For more information please contact Iotron Technologies Corp. 1425 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 6L3
Ph. (604)945-8838 Fax. (604)945-8827Website www.Iotron.com Email: [email protected]
Iotron Technologies 2/17/05 7:57 AM Page 1
HortWest September 2010
On the cover: CanWest’s exhibitors are known for their innovative products and outstanding displays, like this Olympic themed one created by Paridon Horticultural Ltd. Get inspired, September 29 and 30, at this year’s tradeshow. Now at the new Vancouver Convention Centre, under the green roof.
septemBer 2010
MANAGING EDITOR Renata TriveriADVERTISING Cheryl LeeTel: (604) 574-7772 ext 110Fax: (604) 574-7773
HortWest is the newsletter of the BC Landscape & Nursery Association. For further information, contact us at:Suite 102, 5783-176A StreetSurrey, BC, Canada V3S 6S6Tel: (604) 574-7772Fax: (604) 574-7773
HortWest is owned by the BC Landscape & Nursery Association, and is published 10 times a year. Views expressed inside do not necessarily reflect the attitudes of the Association, but are those of the writer concerned. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without consent of the publisher.
All advertising and editorial material are to be received one month in advance of mail out date.
HortWest is mailed under Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement N. 0288608. This magazine is printed in Canada by Globe Printers.
BCLN A DIREC TORY
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lesley Tannen ext 106
CANWEST / MARKETING MANAGER Karen De Jong ext 112
CANWEST ASSISTANT MANAGER/EVENTS Barb Nelson ext 115
EXHIBITOR RELATIONS / SPECIAL EVENTS Barb Nelson ext 115
GROWER ISSUES Hedy Dyck ext 105
CLEAN PLANTS Christine Rainer ext 102
LANDSCAPE RETAIL ISSUES Krista Manton ext 104
HORT BASICS TRAINING Ann Marie Walsh ext 108
HORT BASICS ASSISTANT Joy DeMelo ext 101
SALES MANAGER Cheryl Lee ext 110
PROJECTS ASSISTANT Terri MacDonald ext 100
FINANCE MANAGER Marvyn Brown ext 107
ACCOUNTING / ADMIN Heidi Henderson ext 109
HortWest
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Ruth Olde, President,B.C. Landscape & Nursery Association
HortWest September 2010
Board Synopsis
CanWest has confirmed a terrific program with several new features. The ever-popular Urban Forestry Symposium will be held in conjunction with the show for the first time. An after-party (pre-registration required, $50) will be held at Steamworks Pub. The seminar and clinic program is outstanding. Find all the details at www.CanWestHortShow.com.
Exhibitors will be pleased to note that we have secured the holding lot rental for the duration of the show to accommodate transport vehicles; exhibitors may park in the holding lot for the three days at a rate of $75.
Certification test day was held on July 16 and 17. BCLNA thanks Kwantlen Polytechnic University for the use of their facilities, the volunteers and sponsors who provided generous support. For details, see page 13.
Growers thank Michael Kato for spearheading a change in legislation that enables SAWP workers throughout all sectors of the agriculture industry to drive on their country of origin’s license for the duration of their work permits.
FARSHA has agreed to become a Certifying Partner that provides “Certificates of Recognition” (COR) to agricultural businesses. After passing an audit, employers receive their COR to become eligible to receive a rebate on WorkSafeBC premiums. This is not an immediate benefit, but is designed to decrease fees over time.
The urban Forest Council has created a task force to deal with WorkSafeBC issues, including standards for driven-feed chippers, and faller regulations that currently require anyone falling trees greater than 6” in diameter to be certified. The task force includes members of the Arborist Apprenticeship committee to assure fluid communication between all parties.
Prioritizing to further the horticultural cause
Business, and life in general, are about how we spend our time to best advantage. We constantly prioritize how many hours to devote to our
business, how and where to spend our leisure time, and what is worthy of our volunteer time. There never seems to be enough time for all we have or want to do.
We are jugglers.
Meanwhile, we are bombarded with all the things we absolutely must do to
remain healthy while we juggle, only to find out that what we have been doing in good faith might not really work. We should try something else; hopefully, no harm done.
So it is with BCLNA’s juggling to decide what priorities are on the top of the list, and what serves the membership best to further the horticultural cause. We are now armed with our latest strategic plan: the road map created by members who volunteered their individual time for the betterment of the industry as a whole. This document directs how the association will set its priorities, and spend its time over the next few challenging years.
Your board of directors, and staff, are ever diligent in ensuring that the map is followed, and that not too many detours are required. We are determined to operate within a realistic budget while still moving forward for the benefit of members.
We thank you for your confidence in the association to fulfill your strategic plan, your patience with any diversions that may arise, and the volunteer hours you give.
Message from the President
Monday, July 19, 2010
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HortWest September 2010
BCLNA News Bulletins
IAF Chair, Stuart Wilson and BCLNA president, Ruth Olde (both pictured at right) attended the CAAP funding announcement made by MP Andrew Saxton (centre). Michelle Nakano (left), project researcher at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, and Maureen Connelly, Director of Centre for Architectural Ecology at BCIT are the Green Roof project’s lead researchers.
Government of Canada invests in hort sector
Andrew Saxton, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board, announced an investment of $273,000 in the BCLNA to lead two projects that will help the ornamental nursery industry capitalize on opportunities and stay competitive and profitable into the future. The announcement, made on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz, was made public on July 23 at BCIT’s Great Northern Way campus in Vancouver.
“Through their hard work and high quality products, our growers, retailers and land- scapers are building a healthy environment and a healthy economy,” said Saxton. “The Government of Canada is proud to invest in new ways to grow flowers and shrubs while reducing energy costs because this will help growers keep more dollars in their pockets and continue to provide customers with their high quality products.”
The investment is going towards two projects. The Clean Plants Nursery Certification program ensures that participating nurseries will be the front line of defense against incoming pests, whether insect or disease; $165,391 will help growers implement its requirements. A further $108,172 will help evaluate green roof methods, and technologies that support vegetation growth on rooftops, to improve air and water quality, and reduce energy costs. Research carried out collaboratively between BCIT and Kwantlen Polytechnic
University will help the sector gain access to this quickly expanding market.
“Our industry is proactive in adapting to new technologies and anticipating the effect a changing global marketplace will have on the ornamental horticulture industry,” said Ruth Olde, President of the BCLNA. “The excellent support we receive from the Government of Canada through the CAAP program, as well as the Investment Agriculture Foundation, enables us to grasp new ideas and set them in motion quickly. Funding from IAF for strategic plan development has provided further encouragement and direction for future challenges ahead.”
In her presentation, Olde emphasized that BCLNA members are already a significant contributor to the greening of the province, “but we are always looking for a new place to plant plants. The Green Roofs project enables us to add a new dimension and a direction—planting straight up and sideways—to create even more environmental benefits.
“This project investigates new technologies to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gases and noise pollution by planting plants on roofs,” she said. “It represents a collaboration between educators, researchers, industry members, wrapped up nicely with matched CAAP funding from Agriculture and Agri-food Canada
through the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.” “These investments will help our nurseries adapt to emerging issues and seize new market opportunities,” commented Stuart Wilson, chair of the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
Funding for these projects is being provided by the Government of Canada’s $163- million national Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program. Eligible CAAP projects could be in areas of traceability, environment, climate change, capacity development, pests and diseases, and more.
For more information on CAAP, please visit www.agr.gc.ca/caap. To learn more about the IAF, please visit www.iafbc.com.
AGM to be held in VictoriaThis year’s Annual General Meeting and President’s Banquet will be held on November 4 and 5 at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria.
All members are encouraged to attend the AGM in order to elect a new president and to thank Ruth Olde for her work, which went well beyond the typical duties of the role during this transitionary year. Several board members’ positions are also up for election; those who wish to have a candidate considered are asked to communicate those details to Past President Fred Giesbrecht, or to Lesley Tannen. The BCLNA Executive will put forward a slate of candidates; additional nominees may be made from the floor.
A valuable business program, designed for owners and upper management, has been assembled, and the banquet is an opportunity for your whole team to network and laud the season’s volunteers and outstanding landscapes. Look for all the details on
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HortWest September 2010
BCLNA Members
Final Approval The BCLNA welcomes the following new members as of the summer board meetings:Candocla Growers Ltd., Candus McLellan & Lee Lindwall, Victoria, Active Grower (Interim)Charles Equipment Ltd., Derek Charles, Aldergrove, Associate (Interim) Greenheart Tree & Garden Services, Inderpal Randhawa, Abbotsford, Active LandscaperMaple Ridge Chrysler, Ian Speckman & Dan Aubrey, Maple Ridge, AssociateSunnySide Greenhouses Ltd., Warren Jensen, Calgary, Out of Province
Tentative Approval
The following companies will become BCLNA members at the next board meeting unless a member provides a valid reason for not accepting the application:Canadian Lawn Care Services Ltd., Len Lauriente & Athena MacInnis, Surrey, Active LandscaperDevan Greenhouses Ltd., Pieter & Anita deBruin, Abbotsford, Active RetailerHisTREE.net, Art Maat & Shaun Dyck, Edmonton, Out of ProvinceLotus International Inc., Chen Shue & Carolyn Day, Athens, Out of ProvinceRich Earth Garden Centre, Richard Heaven, Mission, Active LandscaperTransform Plant Products, Inc. DBA Transform Compost Products, John Paul & Ted Venema, Abbotsford, Active RetailerTriple Five Quality Wood Inc., Raymond Basran, Langley, AssociateLynda Hearns, Surrey, Student
The 2011 BCLNA BuyersGuide is now in production, and all members are reminded to double check their existing listings to ensure all contact information is complete and correct. This is also your last chance to place an advertisement in this annual publication, which is proven to have an enduring shelf-life and is guaranteed to keep your company at the forefront of your market.
The BuyersGuide is extremely well used and distributed, through British Columbia and beyond; an “e-zine” version is now published to www.bclna.com for global access.
To purchase an ad, contact Cheryl Lee: [email protected] or (604) 574-7772 ext 110. To update your contact information, contact Heidi Henderson: [email protected] or (604) 574-7772 ext 109.
Update your Buyers Guide listing
www.bclna.com, and watch the mail for your complete AGM package and registration kit. To book your hotel room, go to www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/bclna. Rates range from $115 for a room with two queen beds, to $165 for a king bed.
Member awardnominationsIf you haven’t nominated deserving volunteers for this year’s BCLNA member awards, it’s not too late! Nominations will be accepted online. Visit www.bclna.com to ensure all who have contributed to the strength and well-being of our association and our industry are duly recognized. Just click the link to complete the online nomination form before September 30.
Kato.indd 1 2/2/09 4:07:39 PM
West Creek Farms.indd 1 10/27/08 10:39:14 AM
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HortWest September 2010
It is with sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Richard Desmarteau, a long-time BCLNA member whose passion for the industry was reflected in his many years of involvement and activism with the industry, as well as through his work with Fairfield Tree Nurseries Inc., Liard Horticultural Enterprises, and most recently BTN Nurseries Pacific Inc.
He served the association in several capacities, and at various points during his time on the BCLNA board, Richard was the Growers’ Commodity Chair, Industry Development Council Chair, and Safety Director. He held the BC Shows portfolio, and represented the BCLNA on both the Greater Vancouver Regional District’s and Fraser Valley Regional District’s respective agriculture committees. Upon retirement from the board, he continued working on behalf of
his colleagues as the BCLNA representative to the FVRD Water Committee.
Richard’s dedication to the BCLNA and to horticulture was expressed through his fresh,
lively ideas and tireless championing of worthwhile causes.
A friend and colleague related, “He is the reason I finished my degree in agriculture. He was a fourth-year student in the Plant Science Department at UBC, where I was a secretary and single mother and he’d come into the office and say, ‘What are you doing here? You should be back in school. Finish your degree!’. He had convinced the University of Saskatchewan to allow him to complete his last year at UBC since his wife moved back to BC. The entire faculty didn’t know what to do with him since he wasn’t graduating from UBC and they had no history with him. I was so impressed. What a coup!”
Richard is survived by Lindsay, his beloved wife of 30 years. He was cremated without ceremony; a celebration of his life was held in August.
Richard J. DesmarteauMarch 9, 1950 – August 1, 2010
In Memoriam
McConkey.indd 1 8/20/10 2:56:34 PM
HortWest September 2010
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Industry Bits
Vrijmoed announces retirement
Former research scientist at the UBC Botanical Garden and director of the Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden, Wilf Nicholls has been named
director of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at the University of Georgia effective September 15.
Among Nicholls’ varied experiences are the breeding and release of Lonicera ‘Mandarin’ and Philadelphus ‘Starbright’; service as the principal investigator of the Plant Atlantic program for ornamental plant research and development; management of the commercial- ization of plants and maintenance of a royalty stream to the MUN Botanical Garden; and doubling of the MUN Botanical Garden’s
budget through research funding and revenue generation, including a 60 per cent increase in visitor numbers.
Nicholls says his interest in joining the University of Georgia stems from the garden’s emphasis on plant conservation and education. He believes the State Botanical Garden of Georgia offers a unique opportunity to foster education about plants while promoting conservation and the disciplines of taxonomy and identification; “In a world where biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate, a knowledge gap is growing, and this represents a huge opportunity and responsibility for botanical gardens to engage current and future students in learning the importance of plants, their habitats, and their interactions.”
Georgia on Nicholls’ mind
Paulus Vrijmoed, who founded Linnaea Nurseries Ltd. with partners John Folkerts and Nirmal Grewal, announced his retirement this summer. Patrick
Wilson, with whom Paulus has been working for the past few years, will assume Linnaea’s propagation activities.
Vrijmoed has been a long-time supporter of BCLNA’s Environmental Stewardship Award,
and he represents the association on the Invasive Plant Council of BC.
In a message to colleagues, Vrijmoed thanked the many people he has worked with over the years for their confidence and support, adding, “I have many good memories of my well over 30 years in the nursery business. My interest in the environment and the outdoors, among other things, will continue to occupy much of my time and energy.”
Christine Rainer, owner of Gardenmakers Horticultural Consulting & Design Inc. and 18-year member of the BCLNA, has been hired to fill the role of Nursery
Certification Advisor, in order to manage aspects of the Clean Plants Program. Rainer replaces Trina Tang, who left the association on maternity leave, just prior to the birth of her second child.
Rainer comes to BCLNA with a diploma in horticulture from Niagara Parks College, and a BA in English. She has worked at Vineland Station in both the Heritage Gardens and experimental greenhouses, and has managed greenhouse vegetable, floral and foliage crops. She has further experience in woodlot surveying, human resources, and various aspects of landscape design, installation, and Integrated Pest Management.
Rainer joins BCLNA
8 HortWest September 2010
nTen steps to more salesn John Stanley of John Stanley Associates,
Australia
The garden industry around the world
is going through some major changes.
More retailers are discovering that
this is an attractive retail category to
be in and are looking for a part of the
action. What does the independent
garden retailer do to grow sales in an
increasingly competitive market? Firstly,
the independents must realize that
they have the opportunity to own the
market in their respective territories and
therefore the marketing should be based
on owning the high ground.
The following ten steps can help you
grow sales:
1. Don’t fall into the discount trap.
The box stores realize gardening
weather is an opportunity. Home Depot
has already announced that gardening
will be one of its main focuses and that
the company will be presenting specials
in the garden department to help drive
the business. It is easy to follow the
“big” stores and do the same in an
independent garden centre. This is the
wrong message to be giving out to the
consumer if you’re an independent
retailer. Hold your nerve, do not discount,
and take a different journey to the “box”
stores.
2. Sell knowledge as a benefit.
Through research, we discovered
that 60% of consumers do not have
confidence in the technical knowledge
of salespeople. This research was not
specific to garden retailers, but it sends a
strong message that you could promote
your place as a place of knowledge.
Inform the customer about your training
program and make you team technical
heroes in front of the customer. You have
to be confident they are knowledgeable,
but use it as a promotional tool.
3. Create WOW displays. Have
promotions that make the customer go
WOW. You can promote the plants on
price, but you do not have to discount.
Change these weekly and tell the
customer that they are changing weekly.
Announce what promotions are coming
up. Create some excitement in the
garden centre around specific products.
4. Plants are drivers. Use plants to
drive promotions and emphasize that
you are the plant expert. Over the last
few years we have seen gifts, coffee
shops, and other categories become
drivers. I am not saying these are losing
importance—just that plants are a driver
again and this is where we can own the
high ground.
5. Involve the
community. Become
the centre for learning.
In my community the
“Grow it Your Own”
group has grown to 60
members in its first two
months. They are linking
it into the farmers market,
but why not link in groups like this to
your garden centre? You will have ready
customers who will spread the messages
by word of mouth.
6. Create customer service heroes.
Research shows that customer service
is on a rapid decline in customers’ eyes.
This means that they believe we are
doing a worse job than in the past. If
we are or are not is not the issue: the
perception is that customer service is
declining, and that is an opportunity.
Be a real centre of customer service
excellence
7. Sell the package. Not the product.
Tell customers through display what
plants look great next to other plants.
Sell them the plant associations; this is
something that the supermarkets and
hardware stores will find difficult to
introduce.
8. Simple sells. Keep it simple for
the customer. Do not put too much
information on signs. If you need to
provide extra information, put it on a
leaflet and hand it to the customer.
9. Offer associated services. You are
more than a retailer. The customer is
looking for a centre of excellence to
create and manage their garden. This is
an opportunity to grow the services side
of your business.
10. Keep up to date. Be a leader in
the customer’s eyes. Promote plants
and products that have been promoted
elsewhere during the previous week.
This shows that you are in tune with the
consumer and the marketplace.
CanWest Clinic Series
CanWest’s clinic series has been expanded! These are full-day intensive programs designed to give your business a fresh outlook using tools you can apply immediately. Lunch is included; all rates are subject to 12% HST.
A New Marketing Era with John Stanley $400
How to Sell Contracting Services Successfully with Kevin Kehoe $350
Not for you? Check out the full range of clinics, seminars, solution centres, tours, and trade show activities at www.CanWestHortShow.com, and find out how you can send eligible staff for FREE!
Every retailer must attend:A New Marketing Era with John StanleyTuesday, September 289:00 am to 5:00 pmSponsored by Valleybrook Gardens Ltd.
CanWest Hort Show Sneak Preview
HortWest September 2010 9
n Managing your salespeoplen Kevin Kehoe of
Kehoe & Co., California
Developing a sales machine is the
most important investment a landscape
contractor can make. Given pricing
conditions and the negative impact this
is exacting on gross profit, generating
increased revenue is necessary to
achieve net profit dollar goals. At the
heart of this revenue generation effort is
the salesperson. They have never been
more important and the management of
the sales force never more critical.
Since the sales game is a tough one and
lack of success can cause even the best
to get in a slump, keeping your sales
staff motivated is essential. The primary
motivators are a need for achievement, a
desire to get better, and the opportunity
to make money. To produce these
motivators, a sales manager should
employ the classic carrot and stick
approach.
Carrot:
Goals and commission programs provide
the carrot. Goals should be set weekly
for number of sales calls, monthly for
the dollar value of bids required, and
quarterly for closed revenue volume.
Software such as Excel spreadsheets,
SalesForce, Method, ACT and others can
be deployed to manage this process.
In my experience most managers set
goals too low. Low goals provide little
pressure, and most sales people are
motivated by pressure.
Commission plans are essential. A
successful salesperson should be the
second or third highest paid employee in
the company. I prefer a first year 60/40
base/commission structure graduating
it by the third year to a 40/60 with
unlimited upside for the salesperson. In
addition I like contests where there are
non-cash rewards. One company, short
on revenue through August, challenged
the salesperson to get the company back
on budget. He did and the company
rewarded him with a big screen TV. It
was a one-time event. Salespeople are
motivated when there is something at
risk. When pay is guaranteed, I don’t
think they run as hard.
Stick:
Dashboards and coaching provide the
stick. Most contractors do a good job
managing production. Yet they don’t
apply this same principle to the sales.
Salespeople perform better when they
are focused on high return activities.
The dashboard is the pipeline report
and it is a necessary stick because too
many sales people spend too much time
selling to people they know and too
little to those they don’t, and working
on prospects that ultimately have little
chance of closing. For example, I
reviewed one salesperson’s pipeline
recently. He had 243 prospects and
appeared to have enough leads to
make his number. Upon closer review, it
became clear that only 10 to 12 of these
would likely close. He needed to spend
more time developing new leads to get
back on track.
Salespeople need feedback. Every good
salesperson has had the experience
of wishing they had been quicker or
smarter at some point during a call.
Making joint calls and engaging in post
call “curbside chats” applies the stick
gently and motivates them to become
better. In working with salespeople I
have discovered some typical bad habits
that can be easily addressed by this
method. These include talking too much,
not asking the right questions, arguing
with the customer, and failing to ask for
the business and get a signature.
No salesperson is immune to these
behaviors. Some years ago in an
important sales presentation, a customer
actually said to me more than once,
“Kevin, ask me if I want to sign this
contract.” Apparently I did not hear this
and proceeded to provide him with proof
and testimonial to my wonderfulness
until he finally became adamant. He
said. “Ask me!” At this point I said, “Would
you want to sign this contract?” He said,
“Yes. Now let’s talk schedule. When
can you start?” I was so busy talking
and avoiding the potential rejection that
comes with “NO” that I never asked the
closing question. It is a lesson I have
never forgotten. Salespeople require the
coaching stick.
The best salespeople, in my experience,
are hard-wired for the job. This is not
say that someone cannot be taught to
sell, but all the training in the world does
not replace a natural predisposition to
the task. Salespeople at their best are
capitalist athletes. They like to win. At
their worst, when they are not winning,
they are high maintenance time wasters.
Sign up your sales crew now:
How to Sell Contracting Services
Successfully with
Kevin Kehoe
Tuesday, September 28
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
CanWest Hort Show Sneak Preview
HortWest September 2010
10
Limited time remains for Horticulture Basics®
Training Pays
Fall courses planned to date:Sept 14 Surrey Introduction to BC Landscape StandardsSept 14 Victoria Introduction to IPMSept 16 Surrey Communications the BasicsSept 16 Surrey BotanySept 21 Surrey Sustainability within the IndustrySept 23 Surrey Landscape PlantsSept 29-30 Vancouver CanWest Seminars & TradeshowOct 1 Vancouver CanWest Industry Sampler Tour Oct 7 Surrey Conflict Resolution SkillsOct 12 Surrey Plant DiseasesOct 19 Surrey Plant ID 1: PerennialsOct 21 Surrey Working with OthersOct 28 Surrey Plant ID 2: Deciduous
Note: Course schedule subject to change.
The Horticulture Basics Training Program assists small business with classes geared to educating entry-level and low-skilled workers with foundational and industry specific knowledge. Now is the time to help enhance the skill, competence and confidence of your staff!
Please contact the BCLNA to obtain a Schedule of Training and Events calendar. Or go to http://www.bclna.com/horticulture basics.htm to find out more about the program’s purpose and to view the latest information on training sessions at the BCLNA Google Calendar.
Giving your staff the opportunity to learn new skills is a positive experience that increases their competence and confidence. Knowledgeable employees achieve higher standards, productivity and
have stronger work ethics that enhance the professionalism of your business.
Ask about customized training to fit your specific needs in all horticulture industry sectors.
Contact Ann Marie Walsh, Industry Skills Training Coordinator at (604) 574-7772 ext. 108 or [email protected] to find out more about eligibility requirements.
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HortWest September 2010
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Buy a vehicle. Fill it with gas. The CNLA’s GM fleet program can save you enough cash to pay your membership for years to come! The rebate on a pick-up can net you five to 18 years’ worth of membership, and landscape professionals say that taking advantage of the three gas card options can cover the whole year’s dues in fuel savings.
Get help in times of crisis Been hit by P. ramorum? Nurseries and retailers that have faced losses up to December 31 are eligible for compensation, thanks to the work of your colleagues and staff at the BCLNA and CNLA. More than $20 million has been paid out, saving numerous businesses from disaster. This is just one example of the many advocacy efforts undertaken to strengthen our industry.
Take advantage of free* and low-cost trainingThere are only a few weeks left to access the Horticulture Basics program, free for eligible participants. BCLNA offers numerous additional programs to boost your team’s skills and grow a stronger industry.
Exhibit or attend at the CanWest Show Access your entire local market in one room. Buy and sell at the show. Source workers at the job board. Improve your business. Learn about new industry trends by attending workshops and tours. Non- members can participate, but members receive deep discounts on all associated registration fees.
Do business with your peers Accelerate your business connections by taking part in BCLNA’s many networking events. From commodity meetings, to golf tournaments, auctions, AGM and
more, BCLNA helps you keep in touch with all the players in your industry.
Reduce core-staff turnover BCLNA’s benefits program, complete with health, insurance, and a variety of other savings options, Wholesale clients use the Buyers Guide--make sure you get noticed by advertising. Subscribe to the Landscape Services Finder to get job prospects sent to your inbox, and use Plant Sourcer to make the work of shopping availability lists quick and easy! competitive employer and gives you more tools for retaining valuable staff.
Let BCLNA drive business to you Wholesale clients use the Buyers Guide--make sure you get noticed by advertising. Subscribe to the Landscape Services Finder to get job prospects sent to your inbox, and use Plant Sourcer to make the work of shopping availability lists quick and easy!
Get the most out of your BCLNA membership It’s money in your pocket:
Call us for all yournative and ornamental
plant needs
LINNAEANURSERIES LTD.
Tel: 604-533-8281Fax: 604-533-8246
1-888-327-7705email: [email protected]
3666 - 224th Street, Langley, BC V2Z 2G7 Canada
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Toll Free: 1-800-498-7403 • Tel: 604-946-5641 • Email: [email protected] or www.jvk.net
in Marketplaceby contacting
Cheryl Lee at BCLNA604-574-7772 or [email protected]
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Call for all wholesale ornamentals, native
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900 Bowman Road, Abbotsford, BC V3G 1T1P.O. Box 2157, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3X8
Phone: 604-854-6986Fax: 604-854-6982
www.canamnurseries.com
Can Am Nurseries 1 2/1/10 12:01:09 PM
Help WantedBCLNA OffiCe: 604-574-7772; 800-421-7963
Industry events and programs
HortWest September 2010
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AN EXCITING CAREER?
Bylands Garden Centre is recruiting for an Assistant Manager. The successful candidate will work with the General Manager / CEO in managing all phases of this successful garden centre.
Bylands Garden Centre is a destination garden centre that sells a full range of plants and garden supplies along with great selection of home décor items. It operates from a 4 acre retail area with 20,000 sq. ft. of covered space. Centrally located in West Kelowna Bylands Garden Centre has been serving the central Okanagan for more than 50 years and continues to be the premium garden centre in B.C.
The successful candidate will have experience in retail management. Horticultural knowledge is an asset but is not essential. There is an excellent possibility for further advancement.
Additional information about Bylands Garden Centre can be found at www.bylandsgardencentre.com.
Please mail your resumes to Colin Cruickshank, Bylands Garden Centre, 1600 Byland Road, West Kelowna, B.C. V1Z 1H6 or e-mail them to [email protected].
September16 Growers’ Equipment DayCannor Nursery, Chilliwackwww.bclna.com
28 CanWest Day-Long ClinicsVancouver Convention CentreNow under the Green Roof!www.canwesthortshow.com 29-30 CanWest Hort ShowVancouver Convention CentreNow under the Green Roof!www.canwesthortshow.com
October1 CanWest Hort ToursDeparting from Vancouver Convention Centre, West building lobbywww.canwesthortshow.com10-15 International Garden Centre Association CongressTokyo / Kyoto, Japanwww.igcacongress.com13 BCLNA Landscape Commodity MeetingInline Nurseries, Chilliwackwww.bclna.com
18 Garden Centre SymposiumGrowing Forward: Coaching from International Retail ExpertsToronto Congress Centrewww.gardenexpo.ca 19-20 Landscape Ontario’s ExpoToronto Congress Centrewww.gardenexpo.ca
22-23 Certification ExamsKwantlen Polytechnic University, Langleywww.bclna.com27-30 PLANET Green Industry Conference + GIELouisville, KYwww.landcarenetwork.org/cms/gic.html
November4-5 BCLNA Annual General Meeting & ConventionWestin Bear Mountain Resort, Victoriawww.bclna.com
8-9 Atlantic Green ForumSustainable Design and Landscaping: Towards The New RealitySt. John’s, NLwww.landscapenl.org18-19 Green Industry Show & ConferenceEdmonton Expo Centrewww.greenindustryshow.com
December9 Landscape Christmas PartyDelta Burnaby Hotel & Conference Centre. For info contact Krista: [email protected]
HortWest September 2010
Now entering its second year as a rebranded and internationally-recognized program, Landscape Industry Certification continues to gain speed. Pam Wolfe, the new certification administrator for the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP), visited BC to prepare herself for that state’s first test-day happening this fall.
“I came with a blank slate,” said Wolfe. “All I knew about the Landscape Industry Certified Exam was what I read in the manual or heard about in a meeting. Now because of the great BCLNA staff and volunteers, I am excited, ready, and confident to administer the Washington State exam.”
Wolfe praised the volunteer team as well as the 30 candidates who challenged the test. “BC has set the bar pretty high for me. It really has opened my eyes to the whole industry to see how hard everyone works and how technically specialized each person is. I saw first-hand how proud each volunteer was explaining the particular stations to me, how nervously excited the candidates were, and how supportive and generous your sponsors are. I came home energized and hopeful. Thanks for fully immersing me into the day—it was all more than I expected.”
By day’s end, nine candidates had earned the following Landscape Industry Certified Technician (CLT) designations:
Softscape InstallationCable Baker, CLT - RCB Garden ServiceHironori Kamoshita, CLT - Kamo Gardening StudioAnne Kulla, CLT - Huckleberry Landscape DesignAdam Panziera, CLT - Sticks N’ Stones Nursery
Turf MaintenanceMichelle Barker, CLT - Para Space Landscaping Inc.Nicholas Funke, CLT - Para Space Landscaping Inc.Marie-Claude Laski, CLT - Deeply Rooted LandscapingConway Lum, CHT, CLT - GardenWorks
Ornamental MaintenanceConway Lum, CHT, CLT - GardenWorksJustin Thomson, CLT - City of Burnaby
Hardscape InstallationAdam Panziera, CLT - Sticks N’ Stones Nursery
BCLNA extends thanks to Certification partners who are dedicated to landscape industry standards and professionalism:
Premier Sponsors
Silver SponsorsHortEducationBCBC Safety Authority
Facility Sponsor:Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Equipment & Materials SponsorsCedar Rim NurseryCreative EmbroideryGardenWorksFraser Valley Equipment Ltd.Impact Canopies Canada Inc.
BCLNA models certification for Washington
Landscape Clippings
A tremendous number of volunteers and certification-challengers turned out to the annual Landscape Industry Certified test day this past July, and the Certification committee is most grateful for their support; see this issue’s Extras for a full list of this summer’s volunteers. If you missed this opportunity to participate, sign up now to “join the growing ranks” on October 22 and 23.
13
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ALL MIXES GO THROUGH A FINAL SCREENING PROCESS BEFORE DELIVERY.
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• Non-invasive mixing equipment protects the structure and consistency of the media.
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14
HortWest September 2010
The first six months of this year have been extremely busy for the BC AgriStability administration. In the spring, representatives toured the province to explain the AgriStability program to producers and accountants. In response to producer demand, three additional sessions were also held. The information sessions were all well attended. In total 12 sessions were held to explain the program in detail and to let producers know how AgriStability can assist them. For most producers, summer is not vacation season; in fact it is just the opposite. Like the producers, the AgriStability administration has also been hard at work. Program administration is
living up to its commitment to deliver support in a timely manner.
The 2009 interim payments are now complete. The deadline for producers to apply for an interim payment was March 31, 2010. An interim payment is approximately 50% of what a producer would expect their final benefit payment could be. The interim payment is made to assist producers when they face major cash flow problems.
This year, the AgriStability administration received 199 interim applications for the 2009 program year. Verification staff have processed all the applications. This year, the program paid out $1,971,809.00 in interim payments.
AgriStability updateMohini Singh O.B.C., Communications Officer, AgriStability
BCMAL Report
PRODuCERS: please note the deadline to submit the 2009 AgriStability/AgriInvest Harmonized Form without penalty is September 30, 2010.
If you miss the deadline to file the 2009 AgriStability/AgriInvest Harmonized form you have up to December 31, 2010 to send in your form but you face a penalty of $500.00 per month to a maximum of $1500.00. That is only if you are eligible for an AgriStability benefit.That penalty will be deducted from any AgriStability benefit you may receive.
Producers who apply for an interim benefit are required to complete and submit a final application for the 2009 program year. The AgriStability administration has started receiving final payment applications for the 2010 program year.
For details on the program please visit our website at: www.agf.gov.bc.ca/agristability or call your regional AgriStability Representative at 1-877-343-2767.
15
HortWest September 2010
Cold Tolerance of Container-grown Green Ash Trees Is Influenced by Nitrogen Fertilizer Type and Rate (HortTechnology 20(2):292-303) – One-year-old bareroot green ash were grown in 7-gallon containers using a bark media supplemented with a starter charge of 11.6 g of nitrogen (N), and micro-nutrients and dolomitic lime. The trial ran from 5 May 2006 to 5 February 2007. The fertilizer treatments included: no additional N; topdressing 3 times with urea formaldehyde (UF); or topdressing once with a controlled release fertilizer (CRF) containing ammonium nitrate. Both fertilizers were applied at 16 g and 32 g rates of total N. The control trees, which received no additional N, were more cold tolerant than the UF- or CRF-treated trees. The control trees became cold tolerant earlier in the winter, developed a higher level of cold tolerance, and broke bud later in the spring relative to the UF- and CRF-treated trees.
The rate of N application for the UF- and CRF-treated trees did not influence the cold tolerance of their buds or stems, with one exception. The stems of UF-treated trees were less cold tolerant in February 2007 at the 32 g relative to the 16 g rate of total N. The results also indicated that UF-treated trees may be more cold tolerant and retain cold tolerance longer in the spring than CRF-treated trees. The differences in cold tolerance between the UF and CRF treatments may be related to the effect of the fertilizer on plant growth, and on carbon and N accumulation in the new stems. On average, the CRF-treated trees accumulated 72% more biomass and N in new stems relative to the UF-treated trees. The authors concluded that “green ash trees with a similar N status can tolerate different levels of cold depending on the type of fertilizer used during production”, which is perhaps due to differences in how trees metabolize and store the different forms of N.
Research SnippetsDave Woodske, Industry Specialist BCMAL
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