To The Landcare professionals at PLANET

We are excited about our newly revised eco-friendly Green Industry Star module certification program.

We realize that many professionals in our industry specialize in a particular area of interest. And, it takes all of us with a variety of backgrounds and knowledge to manage the green industry’s broad scope.and needs.

To assist our industry, MLNA has put in place a way to identify a Green Industry Professional. It makes managers and owner’s job easier when hiring staff, recognizing an employee’s abilities and building achievement based incentive programs with an educational platform.

We feel we have done that with our new Green Industry Star program which has five separate stand alone modules including BUSINESS! CLP’s can now become a Green Industry Business Star. Our certification is comprised of both our MLNA / university based general knowledge test and PLANET’s Certified Landscape Professional Certification.

We feel as members of PLANET that we have benefited from belonging to such a professional oriented national and international organization. MLNA want to continue that support by encouraging Green Industry Professionals to participate in both the PLANET’s certification program and our Green Industry Star program. And if all five modules are pursued , we will have a stewardship oriented, sustainable workforce of Five Star Green Industry Professionals!

(Proof of active CLP status must be provided to qualify to completing the business module)

Please encourage all PLANET members to be professionally involved in their associations, their community and the future!

MLNA... Growing Together!
MaryAnn Fink

www.mlna.org
636-939-9079
blocked::mailto:maryannfink@mlna.org

Legislative Action Alert

According to a July 7, 2008, H-2B cap estimate released by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DHS has approved or is in the process of approving more than half of the H-2B petitions it believes it needs to reach the first half of the fiscal 2009 H-2B cap. The fiscal year begins on October 1, 2008. DHS plans to announce that the first half cap will be reached when it receives 40,000 H-2B petitions. As of July 7, DHS has approved some 11,761 petitions and is in the process of reviewing 8,629, putting it a little over the half-way mark (20,390 petitions to be exact) toward the first half cap for fiscal 2009. You can view the latest cap count on the DHS’s Web site.

SNOW Magazine submissions for the upcoming 2008 Top Contractor list

I was wondering if the MLNA could assist GIE Media’s SNOW Magazine, the leading business management publication focused on the professional snow and ice removal industry, by helping to get the word out that, even though the initial deadline has passed, we are still actively accepting contractor submissions for the upcoming 2008 Top Contractor list. Our annual list highlights the top 100 snow removal professionals based on revenue from winter services.

So, how can you help? Can you please suggest any contractors whom we should be contacting to get their information? Or could you, on our behalf, forward a copy of the attached form to any of your members who engage in snow removal activities and encourage them to apply?

For those snow removal professionals who are uncertain whether they are big enough in size and scope to make this year’s list, we’d encourage them to still consider filling out an entry form. We’re looking for ways to recognize contractors of all sizes, and we’re always looking for great companies to profile in future issues. In addition, association with the Top Contractor is a great marketing tool for contractors to assist with sales and client development.

To have a submission form sent to your members, if your members have any questions or if you’d like to know more about SNOW Magazine, please let me know and please visit http://www.snowmagazineonline.com/magazine/

Thank you for your time, assistance and consideration.

Mike Zawacki
Managing Editor, Lawn & Landscape
Editor, Snow Magazine
4020 Kinross Lakes Parkway #201
Richfield, Ohio 44286
(main) 800/456-0707
(direct) 330/523-5381
(fax) 330/659-0824

2008 Missouri Green Industry Conference

The Missouri Green Industry Conference, produced jointly by Missouri Turfgrass and Ornamentals Council (MoTOC), Gateway Chapter Sports Turf Managers Association and Gateway Irrigation Association is coming to St. Charles, MO on December 3rd and 4th, 2008. This collaborative trade show and series of educational seminars includes:
Certified Irrigation Classes (both days)
Pesticide Applicator Training/Recertification (first day)
Sports Turf, Lawn/Landscape and Business Track Seminars (both days)
Equipment and Materials Expo (both days)
For more information, click here.

Mayor Francis Slay visits MLNA Member Event

On Tuesday, July 1st, Mayor
Francis Slay presided over
the ribbon cutting celebration
of MLNA member Shield Systems
and their new CETCO
GREENSCAPES Garden
Roof located at their office at
5205 Bischoff Avenue,
St. Louis, MO 63110.
The Mayor spoke about the many
benefits of their garden roof,
such as savings in energy
costs, storm water retention
as well as the wonderful
space it has provided for their
building tenants. In addition,
the Mayor cited the
enhancement it has made to
the local neighborhood and
the excellent use made of a
100 year old building. Mayor
Slay has taken several
measures to encourage area
residents and businesses to
go "GREEN".

MLNA Field Day was a great day for all...

Thank you again to our sponsors, our vendors and especially our members and guests who joined us for the MLNA Field Day on June 26th at Forrest Keeling Nursery in Elsberry, MO. It was wonderful!

Click the play button below to enjoy some great photos taken by Kim Young of Forrest Keeling Nursery and Robert Weaver of Gateway Gardener.

The Raker Trial Gardens Invites MLNA Members To Visit

The Raker Trial Gardens are all planted and they will be ready to open on Wednesday, July 16. With over 3 acres of row comparisons, combination planters, colorscapes, AAS Bedding Plant and Flowering trials and Breeder beds, The Raker Trial Garden promises to be and unique and valuable trials destination.

http://trialgardens.raker.com//

It's just a day away: MLNA Field Day

It's going to be a beautiful day in Elsberry Missouri at Forrest Keeling Nursery for the MLNA Field Day. Everything is just about ready. The vendors start arriving tomorrow (Wednesday, June 25th.) We're very excited about all the people who will be attending.

The fastest and driest route from St. Louis metro area to Forrest Keeling Nursery is Hwy 61 North to Route B. East on Route B to Elsberry (watch your speed!) to Hwy 79. Go South 1 mile to the nursery. Print out your directions here:

Google Map
MapQuest

To let us know you are coming or If you have any questions please feel free to call 800-356-2401 or Kim Young's cell phone at 636-358-0132.
Remember: We will have drawings for door prizes!

Check Out MLNA Field Day Vendors

AMERICAN EXCELSIOR Company
http://www.curlex.com/

APPLIED TURF PRODUCTS
www.appliedturf.com

BACK TO NATURE, INC.
http://www.backtonaturecompost.com/

BAILEY NURSERIES
http://www.baileynurseries.com/

BIOWORKS, INC
http://www.bioworksinc.com/

BOBBEX, INC
http://www.candysgardenproducts.com/

Bradfield Organics
http://www.bradfieldorganics.com/

BWI COMPANIES
http://www.bwicompanies.com/

CENTRAL FIBER CORPORATION
http://www.centralfiber.com/

DANNER MANUFACTURING
http://www.dannermfg.com/

EQUIP SALES & RENTAL
http://www.equiprentalsales.com/

FAFARD
http://www.fafard.com/

FOREST LAWN NURSERY
http://www.forestlawnnursery.com/

FORREST KEELING NURSERY
http://www.fknursery.com/

GATEWAY INDUSTRIAL POWER

GEORGE'S KAWASAKI AND ATV
http://www.kawasaki.com/

GREENLEAF NURSERY COMPANY
http://www.greenleafnursery.com/

GREENLEAF NURSERY COMPANY
www.greenleafnursery.com

GROW NATIVE
http://www.grownative.org/

HOME NURSERY, INC.
http://www.homenursery.com/

HUMMERT INTERNATIONAL
http://www.hummert.com/

INSULATION SOLUTIONS, INC
http://www.insulationsolutions.com/

International Society of Arborists

JACKSON & PERKINS, INC.
http://www.jproses.com/

KIRCHNER BLOCK & BRICK
http://www.kirchnerblock.com/

LOMA VISTA NURSERY
http://www.lomavistanursery.com/

MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN
http://www.mobot.org/

MISSOURI MULCH
http://www.missourimulch.com/

MPR SUPPLY COMPANY
http://www.mprsupply.com/

MULCH MULE
http://www.mulchmule.com/

NATIONAL NURSERY PRODUCTS -ST. LOUIS
http://www.rupehort.com/

OHP, INC.
http://www.ohp.com/

PEA RIDGE TREE FARM
http://www.pearidgeforest.com/

Plant Diagnostic Lab Univ of MO
http://www.missouri.edu/

PLANT HEALTH CARE
http://www.planthealthcare.com/

RIVER CITY LANDSCAPE SUPPLY
http://www.oldcastleagp.com/

Semco Distributing, INC
http://www.semcodist.com/

SHERMAN NURSERY
http://www.shermannursery.com/

Shield Systems, Inc
http://www.shieldsystems.com/

SYMMETRY LANDSCAPING
http://www.symmetrylandscaping.com/

THE SCOTTS COMPANY, LLC.
http://www.scotts.com/

MLNA 2008 FIELD DAY - June 26th - FREE

The Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association has been busy planning our summer Field Day event for Thursday, June 26th from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm at Forrest Keeling Nursery in Elsberry, Missouri (directions click here.) We will feature industry sponsors and over 75 vendors. Plan to participate in the many events throughout the day, including horse shoe competition, our pond building workshop sponsored by Danner MFG and a eco-patio building demonstration sponsored by Kirchner Block & Brick and Symmetry Landscaping!

FREE Box Lunch - For all MLNA members and their guests. Please RSVP on line today!

Interested in being a Vendor or Sponsor? Download the vendor form now to reserve your space. We will have areas for you to set up and display your products and services.

Forrest Keeling will host this year, demonstrate the installation of a Rain Garden and offer guided tours of their facility!

Thank you to our MLNA FIELD DAY Sponsors: Please visit their websites!

GEORGE'S KAWASAKI AND ATV
HOME NURSERY
DANNER MFG.
FORREST KEELING
GREENLEAF NURSERY
KIRCHNER BLOCK & BRICK
SYMMETRY LANDSCAPING

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SAVE THE DATE!
POWELL GARDENS PROFESSIONAL EVENING

August 21st-more information soon!

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Container Garden Contest April 1 through October 15, Jefferson City MO

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY


Show off your small garden in a big way by entering the Grow Native! Container Garden Contest.

It’s easy. Send your name, address, e-mail address, telephone number and photos of your container garden (taken throughout the growing season—no more than three) to Grow Native! P.O. Box 630 Jefferson City, MO 65102.
Or enter electronically by sending the same information to grownative@mda.mo.gov.

Also include a list of plants used in the container and their source (retail garden center, neighbor, specialty shop, wherever).
All entries must be postmarked by Wednesday, October 15, 2008.
Three winners will be selected. Each winner will receive a bundle of prizes that include:

• a $100 gift certificate for use at a Grow Native! retail garden center (provided by Kansas City Gardener and The Gateway Gardener),
• copies of Tried and True: Missouri Native Plants for Your Yard, Seedling ID Guide for Native Prairie Plants and Native Landscaping for Wildlife and People
• a Grow Native! gardening wardrobe (hat, apron, t-shirt and vest)
• four free admissions to Powell Gardens or Shaw Nature Reserve
• a profile of you and your container garden in the Kansas City Gardener or The Gateway Gardener and on the Grow Native! Web site.

Containers will be judged on visual appeal, length of bloom time and plant selection (color combinations, textures, heights).
For more information click here

STLCC, Missouri Botanical Garden Partner to Offer Scholarship Program in Horticulture

In an effort to attract a more diverse pool of job seekers to the field of horticulture, the Missouri Botanical Garden has partnered with the St. Louis Community College Foundation to establish a scholarship program in horticulture
The scholarship is renewable each year as long as a student maintains a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher, demonstrates satisfactory academic performance and satisfactory internship performance at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Additionally, the Missouri Botanical Garden will provide a paid part-time internship to allow students to gain hands-on experience.
"We are delighted to be partnering with the Missouri Botanical Garden," said Paul Pai, STLCC-Meramec president. "St. Louis Community College is committed to providing accessible education to all who can benefit from it. As affordable as we are, many students still need financial assistance, and this new scholarship provides a great opportunity for them to pursue their goals through work and study."
STLCC-Meramec’s program teaches students the science and art of horticulture through a combination of classroom theory, laboratory practice and on-the-job training. Students are trained in the college’s greenhouses, outdoor nursery facilities, laboratories and lath houses.
"Our program graduates find challenging careers in a variety of areas that are both locally and globally relevant," said Paul Roberts, director of Meramec’s horticulture program.
Students may specialize in nursery management, interior landscape design and maintenance, greenhouse management, horticulture retail sales, commercial grounds management and urban forestry. Graduates are trained for jobs with state and city park departments, nurseries, landscape contracting firms, golf courses and retail sales.
For more information click here