Responses & Comments from Participants at the MLNA Open House

Here are just a few comments shared about Pea Ridge Forest’s Open House/ MLNA Member Education/Meeting on July 24, 2007:

• "Pea Ridge Forest Reputation for Education, Entertainment and Good Food Still Good!"
• "As always Pea Ridge Forest lived up to its Open House reputation for education, entertainment and good food."
• “Always more than a walk around trees. I have done that before and not gotten any real information-here I learn from everybody around me”
• “I learn a lot and I like the fact they (PRF) shares their good experiences and bad”
• “What a perfect day”
• “I do want to be a MLNA member”

We are proud to BRAG about...

American Test Center

MLNA member Bill Spradley of Trees Forest and Landscape says he highly recommends this business. “They care as much about my business and ours safety as I do- and that is good business”

Mike Sestric also from Tress Forest and Landscape agreed. “You can’t really put a dollar amount on safety. Their service is valuable to us in many ways.” He also commented about the performance report. “Its clear- you know what has to be done first”

For more information visit: atc.com

American Test Center · 3540 Hoffman Road E. · St. Paul, MN 551101-800-451-9087 · FAX (651) 770-5268 · sales@atctest.com

Notes & Discussions from MLNA Open House

One of the most frequent comments was about MLNA’s recent restructuring and staff addition of coordinator MaryAnn Fink. "I am so pleased to see MLNA make these changes- good job!," says Wayne Lovelace of Forest Keeling Nursery.

• There was some comment about the possibility of evening events since not all employers see the benefit of off site training.
• MLNA asks all members to suggest businesses that might benefit from knowing more about MLNA.
• And there were a few mentions about the blending of the Open House with the MLNA member education program. It was suggested we have more specific time frame set for those could only attend a partial day of activities. We did coordinate with those who were experiencing those issues, switched the presentation time for that day, provided contact information and will post a summary of Ann McKinstry and Susan Ehlenbeck’s programs for those who missed a portion of the event.
• Committees have been formed and we will post information and request member participation. See how you can help!
• We wish to thank the Strategic Planning Committee members: Judy Allmon , Frank Benzing, Kim Young Lovelace and John Marino. Certification Core Committee Chris Starbuck and Paul Roberts and its advisors Monica Barker, MaryAnn Fink, Susan Mintun and Dianne O’Connell. Tour and Event Committee Co-Chairs Bill Spradley and Becky Homan and Performance Trial Committee Chair; Susan Mintun.

Tree Clinic for MLNA Members on Sept. 10th at Pea Ridge Forest

REGISTRATION WILL BE REQUIRED- MORE INFO SOON!
Thank you to Bill Spradley and Trees, Forests and Landscapes for offering their expertise to make the clinic valuable and to Pea Ridge Forest for their offer to host the event. This is a jump start to seasonal workshops that will be offered throughout the year.

In the course of the day long Open House, several members had useful comments about MLNA and how we can continue to move forward, including a well received suggestion for a “MLNA TREE CLINIC”. It will offer demonstrations and practical advice on tree pruning and seasonal care. There will be a reasonable fee to help support MLNA. Registration will be limited. We are working out the details and will post information on the Calendar and Event pages as soon as we have more information.

Forest Keeling Nursery Assists with Lighthouse Program

We are proud to announce that Forest Keeling Nursery has offered to assist MLNA with ALNA Lighthouse Program and will receive recognitino with scholarship program in the future.
Most importantly the most frequent comment at our recent Member Education Event was about MLNA’s recent restructuring and staff addition of coordinator MaryAnn Fink. Wayne Lovelace of Forest Keeling Nursery says: “I am so pleased to see MLNA make these changes- good job!"Forest Keeling has offered kind words and financial support! Please contact the MLNA at 636-939-9079 if you are interested in supporting or sponsoring MLNA programs and events.

Congratulations to "Award Winning" Greenscape Gardens

Greenscape Gardens Wins Award!
General manager, Jennifer Loyet-Schamber received Green Profit's 2007 Young Retailer Award for Garden Centers on Saturday, July 14, in Columbus, OH.
Congratulations, Jennifer!