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.
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• 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

MLNA News and Events

ENROLL NOW FOR GREEN INDUSTRY STAR CERTIFICATION. TESTING DATES ARE SET FOR JANUARY 2009
Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association’s Green Industry Star Certification Program: Modules 1 & 3 Testing Scheduled

Date: Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 3-5 p.m.

Location: Overland Park Convention Center (Courtyard Level) Meeting Room 2

Registration Information: In order to participate in Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association’s new Green Industry Star Certification’s testing, you will need to register for BOTH the 2009 WESTERN Annual Meeting and Trade Show AND with the Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association.

Please contact the Western directly for details on regristration for their conference and for hotel information visit the Western Nursery & Landscape Association

If you are registering for the certification testing, we have a limited number of discounted regristration fee passes to the Western that are being offered to those enrolled for certification testing.

There is a limited number available on first regristered basis- inquire about avaiability through MLNA treasurer Bryan Stringer at 417-725-3223. Your payment for certification testing must be recieved to qualify for these special discount passes.

For more information about our new state and nationally recognized professional Five Star certification, the various specialized module options and the Green Industry Business Star qualification if you are already PLANET CLP certified click here

Missouri Landscape and Nursery Association Registration Deadline: December 5, 2008

To register online or print application : Click here

Mail: 6209 MidRivers Mall Drive Suite 128

St. Charles, MO 63304

Minimum Registrants: 10

Maximum Registrants: 40

MLNA News& Events

Did you know Hortica offers medical group coverage as well as individual health insurance? Contact them directly to find out about their newest offering for our MLNA membership and the green industry!

Missouri Landscape & Nursery Association’s Growing Together benefit program is looking to expand and strengthen our member to member program.

If you are a MLNA member like Hortica Insurance and would like to grow your business by offering special business incentives, packaging- bundling options, fleet or professional discounts, or member only service options to other MLNA members, please contact us so we can add you to our Growing Together benefit advantage program.

Or if you provide service or product to the green industry in our region and are interested in doing business with Missouri Landscape & Association’s members, please consider offerinf a special package opportunity to our state-wide membership. Please contact us so we can discuss your options.

Here are just a few other benefits of MLNA Membership:

Green Pages listing
Business profile page on MLNA website
Green Industry STAR Professional Cortication Opportunity
Educational & Trade Show and Event discounts
Networking Opportunities at MLNA Events10% OFF Large Equipment - From John DeereFleet Rates on Lawn Care Equipment - From Club CadetCommerce Bank offers a special banking package for MLNA MembersBookstore discounts - From PLANET
And Special Insurance Rates for MLNA members from Hortica Insurance

Pest Alert Update

Missouri received a Special Local Need Registration of TREE-age (emamectin benzoate) for control of emerald ash borer last week, Nov 17, 2008 . We are not recommending preventative treatments for EAB unless it is found at least in the county adjacent or closer. Please contact me for the label details and for any questions about the treatment or recommendations- thank you

Collin Wamsley
State Entomologist
Missouri Department of Agriculture
Plant Pest Control Bureau
PO Box 630/1616 Missouri Blvd
Jefferson City, Missouri 65102
voice: 573.751.5505/5507
fax: 573.522.1109

Research & Results

How Plants Fight Back Against Pathogens Using Complex Counter Attacks

Plants are not only smart, but they also wage a good fight, according to a University of Missouri biochemist. Previous studies have shown that plants can sense attacks by pathogens and activate their defenses. However, it has not been known what happens between the pathogen attacks and the defense activation, until now. A new MU study revealed a very complex process that explains how plants counter attack pathogens. This discovery could potentially lead to crops with enhanced disease resistance.
"There is a chemical warfare between plants and pathogens," said Shuqun Zhang, associate professor of biochemistry in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the College of Medicine. "Normally, plants put effort into growth and development. However, when plants sense pathogens, they have to use some of their energy and resources to make secondary metabolites to fight disease. Until now, very little has been known about how this process is regulated."
According to the study, plants first sense the attack of a pathogen, and then activate defense responses by triggering a complex signaling cascade in plants. One of the defense responses is the induction and accumulation of anti-microbial defense chemicals, known as phytoalexins.
In his study, Zhang found the specific signaling path, known as a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade, in the plants that ends when the defense chemical camalexin is created. Camalexin is essential for resistance to some plant diseases. Zhang used Arabidopsis, a small flowering plant and the first to have its entire genome sequenced, and Botrytis cinera, a fungal pathogen that causes grey mold disease in a number of plants including grapes and strawberries.
"By understanding at the molecular and cellular levels how plants protect themselves under adverse environmental conditions, such as pathogen attacks, we could eventually improve the disease resistance of crops," Zhang said.
The study will be published in the March 31 online early edition publication of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

Adapted from materials provided by University of Missouri-Columbia.

Local Expertise Q&A

Car and Truck Deduction Reminders

Q: How do I know what I can deduct for my gas expenses this year. Gas prices are up, now down- It is crazy!

A: Always seek the professional advice from a reputable tax consultant. Here are a few tips and links that may be helpful you you know what to track and what information you need. Be reminded that the Internal Revenue Service recommends that taxpayers become familiar with the tax law before deducting car- and truck-related business expenses.
Overstated adjustments, deductions, exemptions and credits of all types account for more than $30 billion in unpaid taxes annually, according to the IRS. In an effort to educate taxpayers regarding their obligation to file accurate tax returns, this fact sheet, the fifth in a series, explains the rules for deducting car and truck expenses.
http://www.missouribusiness.net/news/irs_news_102606.asp
It is important to keep complete records to substantiate items reported on a tax return. In the case of car and truck expenses, the types of records required depend on whether the taxpayer claims the standard mileage rate or actual expenses.
To claim the standard mileage rate, appropriate records would include documentation identifying the vehicle and proving ownership or a lease and a daily log showing miles traveled, destination and business purpose.
For actual expenses, a mileage log helps establish business use percentage. Taxpayers should also retain receipts, invoices and other documentation to show cost and establish the identity of the vehicle for which the expense was incurred. For depreciation purposes they need to show the original cost of the vehicle and any improvements and the date it was placed in service.
Here are some valuable links:
Publication 463, Travel, Entertainment, Gift and Car Expenses
Publication 587, Business Use of Your Home
Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records
The Tax Gap
Small Business and Self-Employed One-Stop Resource Center
Online Learning and Educational Products
Abusive Home-Based Business Tax Schemes
http://www.missouribusiness.net/news/irs_news_102606.asp

Also you may be eligible for tax IRS gas mileage credits if your business has four or less vehicles. In addition, if you do any business mileage in your own car you can also claim a tax rebate. Hydrogen fuel cell cars attract substantial tax credits as do alternative fuel conversion kits. Tax IRS gas mileage credits for electric hybrids is, however, dependent on the numbers of that particular model sold by the manufacturer.
To get further information on how your standard vehicle gasoline or diesel can be modified, at very low cost and within 45 minutes, so that you can benefit from tax gas irs mileage credits of up to 4000 dollars and at least halve the money you are currently spending on your vehicle fuel costs, visit hydrogen for cars and trucks

MLNA Member GROW NATIVE recieves Green Leader Recognition

MLNA member Grow Native is a cooperative program sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Missouri Department of Agriculture. It recieves this Green Leader recognition for its recently held informative workshop and membership meeting held at Jefferson City's beautiful Runge Conservation Center.

Over 80 participants from all over the state were able to benefit from this Grow Native workshop. Attendees walked walk away at the end of a full day with valuable updates on the current focus with native plant use in Missouri, including growing information and supply contacts. It also featured green industry recycling options.

The speakers presented with passion the importance of promting and protecting Missouri's valuable resourses. There was vision sharing as well as factual data that was inspiring and encouraging including the proposed draft form and plant list details as it applies to the new MSD native plant recomedations.

Partnerships like these need to be recognized as shaping the future of our land and industry.

Congratulations and a special thank you to Tammy Bruckerhoff and Barbara Fairchild of Grow Native and Scott Woodbury of Missouri Botanical Garden's Shaw Nature Reserve for their percerverance and their cooperative efforts with so many stakeholders that are striving to protect our water and land while encouraging the future of the green industry.

We need the valuable participation and assistance Grow Native provides. MLNA is very proud to have Grow native as a active participating member in our association- congratulation GROW NATIVE- MLNA's GREEN LEADERfor Novemeber 2008- keep up the great work!