MLNA New Member Invites Industry Support

Spring 2008

Mueller & Co., LLP, a leading financial services company in the Fox Valley announced recently their support of Habitat for Humanity during 2008.David Nissen, CPA/ABV, CVA, the Managing Partner explained, “2008 is a very special year for Mueller & CO, LLP as we are celebrating our 40th anniversary. The Fox Valley community has been very good to us and we consider ourselves fortunate to live and work here. In celebration of our anniversary, we want to show our appreciation by giving back to this wonderful community. In doing so, Mueller & Co. has partnered with Habitat for Humanity. Our goal is to raise $75,000 and supply volunteer labor for 10 build days.”The whole firm is very excited about the possibility of turning a dream into reality for a local family. They plan to refurbish an existing home one foot at a time. It costs about $60 per square foot to build an affordable home in the area and their goal is 1,250 square feet.For those wishing to donate to this worthy cause please send checks to:Habitat for Humanity, NFV Supported by Mueller & Co., LLPFirst American Bank218 W. Main StreetWest Dundee, IL 60118
About Mueller & Co., LLP Mueller & Co, LLP, is a certified public accounting and management consulting firm in the Chicagoland area with offices in Elgin, St. Charles and Oakbrook Terrace, IL. For the past 40 years, the firm has provided accounting, tax, audit, business management and payroll services to privately held businesses and individuals. Please Contact Authur Bradley at abradley@muellercpa.com for latest MLNA member to member benefits
Posted by MaryAnn Fink - Coordinator at 12:24 PM 0 comments
Labels: Support our Member's Interest in Humanity and the

MLNA Member Survey Requesting Response

Read these new blog postings by WESTERN University professors and add your comments to our blog and theirs! https://www.wnla.org/blog/index.php
Are You Ready to Adopt Root Washing?
With B&B nursery stock, the installer is never quite sure where the trunk flare and first-order roots are, and consequently, digging a hole to the proper depth can be a significant challenge. Jim Flott of Community Forestry Consultants in Spokane, Washington, has offered a workable but somewhat controversial solution … root washing. That’s right, whether B&B or container-grown, Jim suggests washing all of the soil from the roots. So what do you think?
What's got you WIRED?
Wire baskets … do you remove them or even alter them at all during planting? The wire basket is approximately 30 years old. While there is little question that their usage has vastly improved the handling of mechanically dug nursery stock, their long-term effects on tree health frequently are debated. When planting a tree with its root ball secured in a wire basket, there are three options for dealing with the basket: do nothing, remove the basket entirely or alter the basket in some manner. So … what do you do with the basket?
Robert Sinclair, Managing Publications Editor for Western's Blog

H-2B hearing on Capitol Hill set for April 16

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Commentary from the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET): The U.S. House Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law will hold a hearing on the H-2B program next Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at 2 p.m. in room 2141 of the Rayburn House Office Building.
On April 1, the Southern Poverty Law Center held an H-2B briefing in the Rayburn House Office Building to present a negative view of the H-2B program with shocking stories from mistreated H-2B workers. An outcome of that meeting is a House Subcommittee Hearing planned for next Wednesday.
While there will be some witnesses testifying about the benefits and importance of the H-2B program, another purpose of the hearing is to allow opponents of the program to discuss the alleged abuses and what they perceive as the program's shortcomings. Subcommittee members are Chairman Lofgren (D-Calif.), Gutierrez (D-Ill.), Berman (D-Calif.), Jackson Lee (D-Tex), Waters (D-Calif.), Delahunt (D-Mass.), Sanchez (D-Calif.), Davis (D-Ala.), Ellison (D-Minn.), Weiner (D-N.Y.), ranking Republican King (R-Iowa), Gallegly (R-Calif.), Goodlatte (R-Va.), Lungren (R-Calif.), Forbes (R-Va.), and Gohmert (R-Tex.). Of these members, only Reps. Delahunt, Ellison, and Sanchez are co-sponsors of the "Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2007" (H.R. 1843). Some members of the committee are entirely focused on increased enforcement against employers employing illegal workers, without support for programs such as H-2B that provide access to legal labor.
While there will be hand-picked witnesses from both sides of the H-2B debate, we know this hearing is not necessarily a positive development in the fight for passage of H-2B legislation. We need to make as many of our points about the far more positive aspects of the program for the H-2B workers, employers, American employees, and the economy. There will be limited space in the hearing room for attendees, and a line will probably form outside the hearing room, as is common for many hearings. If you can come to support those testifying on our behalf, it would be great, but be warned, you may not get into the hearing. You can always stop by your members' offices and tell them about the hearing and your vital need for H-2B workers.
Since the committee chair determines who gets to testify, we encourage you to call (202) 225-3121 and ask for your U.S. Representative. Please ask him or her to reach out to members of the committee to ensure our side gets a fair chance to make our points. It's important for us to show that these are isolated abuses that should be individually punished, but that should not result in any restrictions on an overwhelmingly beneficial program for both workers and employers. We can hope for positive, quick action on the program but must recognize that there are groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center that want to change the program in a way that would basically make the program unworkable.
If you can't attend but can get us testimonials, we can use them to show the positive nature of the program. We need two types of testimonials (please note that these will be entered into the record and publicly available, just as the testimony from the others will be entered). From H-2B employers, we need letters covering the following areas:
How you feel about your H-2B workers
How much you pay your H-2B workers
Benefits you provide to your H-2B workers (transportation, housing, meals, time off)
Living conditions of your H-2B workers while they work for you
Any personal stories that you have of your H-2B workers
Anything extra you may do for your H-2B workers (letters on birthdays, gifts, letters in off season, etc.)
From H-2B workers, we need handwritten testimonials detailing the following topics:
Why the H-2B program is important to them (support family, learn job, etc.)?
How much they are paid?
Problems they face if they can't get an H-2B job?
What their living conditions are like while they're employed?
What are their working conditions like?
How they feel about their employer?
Please send your testimonials to Tom Delaney at tomdelaney@landcarenetwork.org or via fax to 703-736-9668.
The H-2B issue continues to gain attention on Capitol Hill, as evidenced by legislation (S. 2839) introduced late today by Sen. Cornyn (R-Tex.) and others, that includes a temporary H-2B returning worker fix, provides H-1B relief, and would also reauthorize the E-verify program.

Important Interview on KMOX-1120AM on Monday, April 14 Concerning the State of Landscaping in Missouri for 2008

ATTENTION GREEN INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS!!!
Important Interview on KMOX-1120AM on Monday, April 14 Concerning the State of Landscaping in Missouri for 2008!
KMOX's top-rated weekday mid-morning talk show host Charlie Brennan will interview American Landscape & Nursery Association's Vice President for Government Relations& Research, Craig Regelbrugge, Monday April 14th, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. Central Daylight Time (1120 AM dial). Mr. Regelbrugge will be discussing with Brennan the state of landscaping in Missouri this year, particularly now that the H2B Program hasn't been extended for some Mexican workers.
"We are pleased that our on going effort to convey the difficult situation the landscaping industry is in with the H2B program has been able to reach this interest level and be carried to the public via Charlie Brennan," Says MaryAnn Fink, Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association's Executive Director.
Brennan has been named one of America's top 25 "most influential radio talk show hosts" in USA Today. The American Society of Landscape Architects presented Brennan with its 2002 Civic Stewardship Award and the Associated General Contractors of St. Louis recognized Brennan for his outstanding job of community service in 2002. "We are thankful to those in the green industry that have made an effort to seek out voices that can bring this topic into focus and create opportunities such as this to discuss its impact," Says Fink.
Tune in to KMOX 1120 AM - Charlie Brennan's Radio Show on Monday, April 14th, 9:20 a.m.

Pest Alert Posted for April 14, 2008

Downy Mildew
There are many types of Downy Mildew, some are very specific- infecting only one type or Genus of plants (such as Peronospora sparsa on Rose), others are have a broad spectrum of hosts. This time of year is especially important in recognizing the symptom
Downy mildew is being found commonly in the nursery trade on roses, perennials, some annuals and shrubs, brambles, vegetables, grapes, and other vines. It is a form of water mold fungus. Sporangia are produced on the undersides of leaves under humid conditions (like this spring weather or in covered greenhouses) at cool-moderate temperatures, and in some cases has caused defoliation or dieback to plants when left untreated. For more information click here

We can create a positive impact as a team!

KC GREEN SUMMIT will be held:
WHERE: Bartle Hall Ballroom, 16th and Wyandotte, Kansas City's first certified LEED Silver Building
WHEN: Friday, April 25, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
WHAT YOU WILL GAIN: Learn effective green solutions for residential and commercial applications and hear about innovations from across the country. Meet key influencers from our region and have the opportunity to network with other professionals and concerned citizens. If you have a related business, consider hosting a booth to increase your networking opportunities!
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Professionals and homeowners--anyone concerned about creating cleaner water through green solutions in Kansas City or elsewhere.
WHO YOU WILL HEAR: Majora Carter, Executive Director of Sustainable South Bronx, a group that has developed a formula to empower communities to clean up the urban core and bring prosperity through green-collar jobs and other means. Recently recognized as one of the 25 most influential African-Americans of 2007, Carter is a visionary who is inspiring community groups, businesses and governments to create green-collar jobs and sustainable infrastructure. In addition, there will be presentations by:
City Manager Wayne Cauthen
Council members from Kansas City, Missouri Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II Bob Berkebile, Facilitator Invited experts from EPA
COST: $50/person
Questions? Please call (816) 500-7090
or go to http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=156952 to register NOW.

One thing in life is certain and that is change.

March 27, 2008

After working 20 years as a territory sales representative for Bailey Nurseries Inc., I have resigned effective Monday, March 24. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work for a fine company as Bailey’s and help create the territory that will continue to thrive. I wish Bailey’s well.

A new representative will be in place soon. Until then, customers will continue to receive excellent service and quality plants. That will not change. Please call Bailey’s main office at 1-800-829-8898 and ask for Jill Bergeson, your capable inside sales assistant.

My goal is to continue in the nursery industry. To my customers, peers and friends, thank you for the memories, experiences, laughs and knowledge shared. I look forward to seeing you soon. Please keep in touch.

May you have a successful and happy spring.

Sincerely,

Anne E. McKinstry
Cell # 636-542-1234
Email annemckinstry@gmail.com

Bailey Job Opening

Territorial Sales Representative
Central United States


Bailey Nurseries Inc. has an opening for our territorial sales position covering Missouri, Southern Illinois, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma. The successful candidate has experience and knowledge of the nursery trade, including but not limited to growers, garden centers, landscapers, and horticultural distribution centers. This position manages existing accounts as well as developing existing and potential business within their assigned territory. for additional information contact:
Michael Marsh (651) 459-9744

Weekly Pest Alert Update

Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malscosoma americanum)

The ETC commonly emerges when Forsythia is in bloom, or as Cherry buds open in the spring. They emerge from a small metallic egg mass laid on host plant twigs and prefer to feed on the genus Prunus (cherries, sandcherries, other similar fruiting and ornamentals) and Malus (crabapples).

The larvae construct a white web (tent) in the crotch of a branch, leaving the tent to feed during the day on the leaves (leaving the midrib), then returning to the tent in the evening. Full grown caterpillars are 2-2 ½” with a black head and long brownish hairs.
It has a light colored stripe on the back with black, blue, and white spots on the sides of it. Moths are non-descript, and difficult to distinguish between other yellowish-brown moths.

Generally, the ETC is considered an aesthetic pest, because the damage is very early in the year, and the plant quickly adds new leaves after damage, so control is not usually needed. While chemicals can be used to protect fruiting or highly valued trees, removing the tent and disposing of it in a closed bag (preferably later in the day while most caterpillars are in it) is a useful alternative to chemical control.

St. Louis Arborist Association Invites Green Industry Professional to April Meeting

Attention Green Industry Professional:

The St. Louis Arborist Association invites you to join them for their spring meeting and program April 15, 2008, at Power Valley Nature Center inKirkwood, MO at 6:30 pm. This program will feature our State of Missouri entomologist and pathologist, Bruce Moltzan and Rob Lawrence. Come meet these industry professionals as they bringing their expertise and answers to our questions. Many thanks to the professional experts who contribute to our MLNA website. Watch for our weekly Pest Alert updates!

(Certified Arborists attending this meeting will recieve 2 ceu's!)

MLNA Member Hillermann Nursery and Florist in the News

For Immediate Release:
MLNA member, Hillermann Nursery & Florist receives 2008 "Revolutionary 100" Midwest Regional Award from Today's Garden Center
The Revolutionary 1OO Garden Center Awards honors independent retail garden center owners for creating and implementing innovative and profitable business management practices into their operations.
The awards spotlight garden centers that stand out for their commitment to leadership and serve as positive role models that others will follow and benchmark their own operations against as a measure of success. MLNA is pleased to announce Hillermann Nursery & Florist has received this year's Midwest regional award!

For more information visit: http://www.todaysgardencenter.com/revolutionary100/winners/midwest2008.html

St. Louis Community College Position Opportunity!

Take pride in your horticulture career career choice and value staying connected by working at St. Louis Community College @ Meramec in the Horticulture Department. It is a valuable expereince and opportunity to use your skills in a very visable way. It is a dynamic and beautiful place to work!

If your interest in horticulture equals your interest in assisting with education, see job description and full information @ http://www.stlcc.edu/Jobs/Job_Postings/Educational_Assistant_II_Meramec.html