GREEN INDUSTRY NEWS

International Agriculture Interns

Cultural Homestay International is a non-profit organization that places international college graduates on one year internships in the United States. The company is generally asked to pay $8.00 an hour and the interns come with their own insurance. They have candidates in all fields including business, marketing, web design and agriculture. The Agricultural interns can work in farms, nurseries, or within companies. CHI does all of the visa paperwork and sponsorship and there is no charge to the company. You can get more information by going to their website at http://www.chinet.org/ or by contacting Dayna O'Brien, Cultural Homestay International.
Toll free 877.845.2889
Local 636.677.2573
Fax 636.677.2574

MLNA Meet Me at the Western Details

We Can't Wait to See You!


We look forward to seeing you at our annual MLNA Business Meeting at the Western Nursery & Tradeshow, Sunday January 4th from 2-3pm on the OPCC Courtyard Level - Meeting Room 3. Please check Western schedule to confirm location as last minute changes are possible.

Also please join Missouri Landscape and Nursery Association sponsored Hospitality Reception for MLNA, Horticulture Co-op of Metro St. Louis and Hort NetWORK members & guests. This event will be held Sunday evening from 5:00 to 6:00 pm on the OPCC Courtyard Level - Meeting Room 1.

The Missouri Landscape and Nursery Association is co-host to this gathering with the Horticultural Co-op of Metro St. Louis and the Hort NETWORK. All three groups traditionally attract approximately two hundred industry professionals at this reception, and enjoy their time together. The purpose of this gathering is to allow our members and guests to network and socialize together in an informal setting with each other and members of the local professional organizations.

We extend our appreciation to our four generous sponsors and their invaluable assistance to our non-profit organization and the expenses associated with this event. Sponsorship of Hor d'erves includes: Forrest Keeling Nursery Home Nursery Loma Vista Nursery BWI Companies, Inc.


To find out more about the Green Industry Star Certification Program and testing, click here

2008 MLNA Green Leader Recipients Please Take a Bow

Congratulation to the following recipients of Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association’s Green Leader Recognition for 2008!.

Sustainability defines success in all aspects of our personal and professional lives. MLNA showcases businesses that make a significant effort to educate themselves and others about environmental stewardship.
MLNA is committed to creating educational opportunities, workshops and programs to educate about stewardship in the lower Midwest. Attractive, functional landscapes are a growing investment in home, business, the community, the environment and our future. Greening our environment is necessity not a luxury.

MLNA’s incoming president Kim Lovelace-Young of Forrest Keeling Nursery has selected “Protect and Promote Our Environment” as her presidential platform theme for 2009.

Missouri Landscape & Nursery applaudes these MLNA Green Leader Association Members:
Forrest Keeling Nursery for Rain Garden / Water Conservation Education
Loma Vista Nursery for Sustainable Business Practices
Greenscape Gardens for Green Team Participant / Habitat for Humanity
Pharm Solutions, Inc. for Environmental Awareness / Pesticide Product
Grow Native for Environmental Education
Hansen’s Tree Service for Green Waste Recycling

Special thank you also to these Green Leaders who were considered for Missouri Botanical Garden & the St. Louis Business Journal’s “Hero of the Planet” Award:

Sustainable Visionary

Kay and Leo Drey

Sustainable Communities

Alberici Constructors

Boa Construction Company Inc.

Clayco Inc.

Sustainable Employee Programs

Gallop, Johnson & Neuman

HOK

RideFinders

Sustainable Operations

Hansen’s Tree Service

Nestle Purina Petcare Company

Saint Louis Brewery Inc.

Sustainable Products

EPC

Pedro’s Planet

Sage Homebuilders

Sustainable Alliances

American Lung Association

Energy Solutions

U.S. Green Building Council-St. Louis Chapter

Giving Green

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Monsanto Company

William A. Kerr Foundation

Local Expertise Q and A

Q: I have a small business. I have reduced my cost, compared my activites to my goals, reviewed my budget and what I enjoy most in my career and what I struggle with to do well or in a timely fashion. After doing all of that, I am again faced with more decisions that include cutting cost, moving my business in a different direction, or perhaps even downsizing both my services and my staff. And it seems whatever I do to cut cost will still have a negative impact on the economy. Where should I look for advice on cutting cost? It looks like this is a must for 2009.

A: According to the Drucker Institute, cutting cost is not the only answer. In a recent article featured at http://www.druckerinstitute.com/ this very topic was discussed.
Peter Drucker was very aware of the need for keeping a lid on costs. He taught that enterprises big and small should always be asking themselves not how to make a particular aspect of the business more efficient but whether it should exist at all. The question should be: “Would the roof cave in if we stopped doing this work altogether?"
And if the answer is “probably not," you should consider eliminating the task, product or service. This line of questioning should be a regular part of your business plan and reviewed often- not just when finances are tight.
It is a mistake to think that all of what we do in business is noteworthy. In fact some activities need to be measured with a satisfaction scale in mind. If the only enjoyment is relief when it is over, reconsider other ways to export, eliminate or replace the activity with another method.
I suggest that you consider what the original intents was for that particular activity, and then consult with others professionals who have similar goals and see how they are meeting those needs.
Always remember, your business is unique and your company may have different skill and abilities but many activities-regardless of the business must be completed to run a business.
Once you know what you want to accomplish, investigate specialized training for you or someone on your staff to become the expert at that task or consider hiring or contracting out those tasks to those already proficient and can make your business run smoother. If someone is already offering the service or product, meet with them, discuss your situation and see if there is a cooperative opportunity.
That can be boost for you, other businesses and the economy. Not everyone has the same gifts or abilities-accept that. Your best financial move is to recognize what you are great at doing and find people who are great at what you need help with, and then find a way to work as a team!

Favorite quote: "Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things." Peter Drucker

You never really find it- you can take it! Everyone loses it, seldom does anyone find it and no one can make it for you- time! Pause please and thank someone for their time!

Goals for 2009- enjoy some sand-somewhere , other than in your truck or the bottom of your stored away vacation suitcase!

Collin Wamsley to be at MLNA meeting at Western

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recently kicked-off a campaign to raise awareness about the potential impact of moving firewood. The advertising campaign was launched in 10 states known to have the emerald ash borer, which includes Missouri. The fall campaign included mobile billboards, radio ads, and newspaper articles.

Collin Wamsley, State Entomologist for the Missouri Department of Agriculture/Plant Pest Control Bureau will be at the Western and attending the Missouri Landscape & Nursery's Members Business Meeting to introduce himself and to answer questions. He can be reaches @
PO Box 630/1616 Missouri Blvd
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
voice: 573.751.5505/5507
fax: 573.522.1109

Missouri's EBA Action Plan is also posted on line @ http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Documents/18323.pdf.

Other interesting links:

http://pest.ceris.purdue.edu/searchstate.php?abbr=MO

http://forestthreats.org/current-projects/insects/current-projects

MLNA Reseach & Results

Get ready to wet your whistle for 2009 ‘s Diervilla sessilifolia ‘Cool Splash’Often referred to as Northern bush honeysuckle, Diervilla sessilifolia ‘Cool Splash’ is a new variegated form of Diervilla from the Landscape Plant Development Center. It will be available wholesale through Bailey Nurseries in 2009.

The panicles of yellow trumpets that rise above its variegated foliage will be only one of the reasons it will be popular. It is also attractive, compact, durable, non-invasive and adaptable!

“Cool Splash is a densely branched deciduous shrub that creates a focal point as it establishes. A natural colonizer, it is hardy to USDA Zones 4-9. It reaches an average height of two to three feet and tolerates a wide range of soil types. It performs best in the lower Midwest with light afternoon shade and moist, well-drained soil.

[Established in 1990, the Landscape Plant Development Center is the brainchild of Executive Director Dr. Harold Pellett. who served as a professor of Horticultural Science for over 36 years at the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Pellett envisioned an organization that would organize and focus the scientific research and resources in universities and arboreta and so developed the Landscape Plant Development Center to realize the great potential in plant breeding.
To date, Dr. Pellett's plant research and breeding at the University of Minnesota has produced over 25 shrub and tree varieties. His work has earned him numerous awards for his contributions to the field of landscape horticulture.]

For more information about Cool SplashTM or the Landscape Plant Development Center, please contact:Landscape Plant Development CenterP.O. Box 444Mound, MN 55364(952) 443-1505 (telephone)(952) 474-9440 (fax)

Cindy Gilberg offers addition information about Hort Co-op Silent Auction items

St Louis Horticulture Co-op Spring Gardening Seminar is planned for March 7, 2009.

A popular part of the program is the silent auction which includes many garden items, plants as well as the entries from the creative container garden contest.

A new category for the silent auction will be “My Favorite Things”. They are contacting professional horticulturists in the area to submit a plant, book, tool or any other horticultural item and a description of why it is their favorite. With the auction items - and with any sponsorships as well - there is always a letter of donation/thank you from the Hort Co-op that can be submitted for tax purposes. Please consult your tax person for eligibility details.

This is an opportunity to promote yourself and your company. The submission form includes an area for the donor's name as well as company affiliation. This will be posted with every item at the auction...you can include a biz card etc to go with the item. If it is a gift certificate...you can include a catalog ...all the typical good stuff for conducting a silent auction!

They do want to show their appreciation by promoting the person/company who donates. The proceeds go to the scholarship fund as well as offsetting some of the costs of the symposium.

Don't you have a favorite think you want to send??? One option might be to donate a gift certificate towards the purchase of your favorite thing, especially if the plants are not yet available by March 7th. If you have more than one favorite, then by all means submit more than one entry!

If you would like to participate, please contact Cindy Gilberg @Cindy Gilberg, HorticulturistDesign and Consulting2906 Ossenfort Rd.Wildwood, MO 63038cindy.gilberg@gmail.com

MLNA NEW MEMBER BENEFIT SHELL OIL FLEET PLUS CARD

MLNA MEMBERS SPECIAL FLEET OFFER

EARN 3%
Start saving money
• Save 3% off your fuel purchases!
• Monthly minimum requirements waived.
• Monthly program fee waived.
• No fees for additional cards.
Track expenses and control costs.
• Easy-to-use management reports.
• Track purchases by vehicle, driver and department.
• Optional odometer prompt.
• Purchase restrictions: fuel only; fuel & oil only; fuel, oil & maintenance or no restrictions
• One-station cards - a convenient option for Shell stations you visit frequently.
Enjoy added convenience.
• Driver prompts limit access to authorized users.
• Drivers can pay at the pump and get back on the road quickly.
• Accepted at thousands of Shell locations nationwide.
• Accepted at participating Jiffy Lube® locations.
• Manage your account and monitor unbilled transactions online 24/7.
CONTACT Shell Fleet Center for an application today!
Fax the completed application to 1-800-767-1325 or mail to:
Shell Fleet Card Center
P. O. Box 340
Layton, UT 84041-9990
Questions about the Shell Fleet Plus Card? Call 1-972-653-3127
* Maximum diesel rebate is $300 per month ($10,000 in purchases x 3%).

GREEN INDUSTRY STAR MODULE REQUIRMENTS

The Missouri Green Industry Business Star module is the nationally recognized PLANET’s Professional Landcare Network’s certified landscape professional program (CLP) PLUS the MLNA’s General Knowledge module.

All study material and testing for the CLP portion of this module is administered through the national program. Proof of CLP Certification required before sitting for the general knowledge module. If you already have your CPL you will still need to enroll for the General Knowledge module.

To recieve credit for this "star" you must be accredited through PLANET— Professional Landcare Network. Proof of CLP Certification is required.

For information about PLANET certifications or their partnership with Lasergrade/PSI, visit them online or call the PLANET certification department at (800) 395-2522 today!

Thank you to James Johnson, PLANET Director of Certification, for offering this option to our MLNA Green Industry Business STAR certification candidates!

ANLA Offering Special Book Store Pricing to MLNA members

Santa gives more gifts when they’re 75% off
Visit the store at www.amerinursery.com today!

No Air Orders, U.S. Orders only

American Nurseryman carries Horticultural Books, Software, DVDs and Videos. To ensure delivery to your inbox (not bulk or junk folders), please add us to your address book.
*Some titles excluded. Visit the store at www.amerinursery.com today for details. While quantities last. All sales final.

Annual MLNA Reception during the 2009 Western Nursery & Landscape Association Tradeshow

We Can't Wait to See You!

We look forward to seeing you at our Annual MLNA Reception during the 2009 Western Nursery & Landscape Association Tradeshow. Our reception this year will be on Sunday evening from 5:00 to 6:00. The purpose of this gathering is to allow our members and guests to network and socialize together in an informal setting.
The Missouri Landscape and Nursery Association is co-host to this gathering with the Horticultural Co-op of Metro St. Louis and the Hort NETWORK. All three groups traditionally attract approximately two hundred industry professionals at this reception, and enjoy their time together.
We extend our appreciation to four generous sponsors and their invaluable assistance to our non-profit organization and the expenses associated with this event.
Sponsorship of Hor d'erves includes:

Forrest Keeling Nursery
Home Nursery
Loma Vista Nursery
BWI Companies, Inc.

Additional refreshments and a cash bar are available.

Do you know MLNA sponsors Scholarships? Every year the MLNA raises funds, separate from our membership dues, to award several college students financial assistance, including the MLNA/FFA College Scholarship. To assist our fundraising efforts, MLNA will host a Silent Auction during the 2009 Western.
We are seeking donations and contributions for this event. All proceeds from the Silent Auction will go toward the MLNA college scholarship fund and the MLNA/FFA College Scholarship. Contributions and donations can include products and services through your company, or gift items including ipods, industry books, hunting jackets, etc. (Grow Native is offering an assortment of GN! logo items for the auction.)
Visit our website http://www.mlna.org/ and let us know of your donation/contribution, or contact one of our Board of Directors.
Sincerely,

MLNA Board of Directors

Horticulture Co-op of St. Louis requesting auction items

We hope that you will consider submitting an item (or more!) for the silent auction part of the Spring 2009 St. Louis Garden Symposium to be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 (see http://www.hortco-op.org/ for details). Please contact me for details regarding this. The silent auction is always popular with the attendees and we are looking to connect the gardening public with area horticulturists by having this segment…by putting a face and a voice with each item offered in the auction.
Thank you in advance…
Cindy G.-- Cindy Gilberg, HorticulturistDesign and Consulting2906 Ossenfort Rd.Wildwood, MO 63038cindy.gilberg@gmail.com