Landscape Industry Supports H-2B Discharge Petition
The American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) and the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) are asking members of Congress to sign a discharge petition filed by Rep. Charles Boustany, R-La., on H.R. 1843, the “Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2007.” The livelihood of the landscape industry and its American workforce is dependent on immediate congressional action.
Employers continue to face increased immigration enforcement pressure from the federal government, as well as state and local governments. Congress’ failure to renew the H-2B returning worker exemption is placing great hardship on businesses and has already resulted in many millions of dollars of lost revenue this year.
ILCA Awards Scholarships
Seven Illinois students received a total of $8,500 through the Illinois Landscape Contractors Educational and Charitable Organization (ILCECO). Chosen for academic performance, extracurricular activities and financial need, the students are majoring in the field of horticulture at an accredited college or community college in Illinois.
The students, who were honored at the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association’s annual Excellence in Landscape Awards Program, are Marilyn Witney, $2,500 Ian Stevenson Memorial Scholarship; Loren Smith, $1,000 John Schwarz Memorial Scholarship; Daniel Van Bibber Jr., $1,000 Donn Sanford Memorial Scholarship; Benjamin Hershey, $1,000 Hinsdale Nursery Scholarship; Diann Thoma, $1,000 John Marti Memorial Scholarship Lupfer Service Group, Inc.; Kelly Schuetz, $1,000 Jan “Swede” Wingren Honorary Scholarship; and Riley Scaggs, $1,000 Acres Group Scholarship.
News From GCSAA
The National Golf Course Owners Association has pledged its support to The Environmental Institute for Golf, the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, with a $25,000 donation over the next five years toward research and education to enhance golf’s relationship with the environment.
Arysta LifeScience Corp. and Andersons Golf Products have committed to participate in the association’s Partner Recognition Program at the Silver level.
OLCA Elects Officers & Trustees
The Ohio Lawn Care Association elected its 2008 officers and trustees. Officers elected for one-year terms were President Dave Hofacre, Vice President Scott Huvler, Secretary/Treasurer Jeff Benton and Immediate Past President Dave Winter.
Two new trustees were elected to serve three-year terms, Mark Barker and Matt Ellis. Also serving on the board of directors are Jeff Bisker, Mike Maravich, Robert Palmer, Mike Sloma, Chris Spellacy, Technical Advisor Joe Rimelspach and Executive Director Kevin Thompson.
TPI Conference Highlights
Turfgrass Producers International saw a record number of countries represented at its Midwinter Conference. More than 700 representatives from 20 countries attended the event, which included a seminar, two days of education sessions, Roundtable Forum, exhibits, golf tournament, banquet and awards ceremony. Industry leaders recognized were Doug Brede, Jacklin Seed, Innovator of the Year; David Doguet, Bladerunner Farms, Distinguished Service Award; and Harry Niemczyk, professor emeritus of turfgrass entomology, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Ohio State University, Honorary Member Award.
PLANET Announces New STARS Members
The Professional Landcare Network announced the addition of 10 lawn care and landscape companies to the roster of participants in the STARS Safe Company Program, sponsored by CNA and Husqvarna. STARS is a free safety initiative developed by PLANET to assist green industry companies in their efforts to lower their total costs of risk by reducing hazards and injuries. The most recent participants are E.G. Rall Jr. Landscape, Norristown, Pa.; Green Earth Landscape Services, Panama City Beach, Fla.; Groundmasters Landscape Corp., Stoneham, Mass.; James River Nurseries, Inc., Ashland, Va.; Landscape Associates of De Pere, Inc., De Pere, Wis.; Landscape Renovations, Afton, Minn.; Milieu Design, LLC, Wheeling, Ill.; Milwaukee Lawn Sprinkler Corp., Menomonee Falls, Wis.; Primary Grounds, Greenwood, Ind.; and Villani Landshapers, Menomonee Falls, Wis.
Duich Honored With C. Reed Funk Award
The Turfgrass Breeders Association recently honored Joe Duich with the C. Reed Funk award. Duich is the fourth recipient of the award, intended to honor individuals for their dedication to turfgrass breeding and their impact on education. Duich spent nearly 40 years at Pennsylvania State University, where he developed several turfgrass varieties.
GreenCare for Troops Program
The GreenCare for Troops program is facilitated by Project EverGreen and offers free lawn and landscape care for military families whose major breadwinner is serving in the Middle East. Developed in 2006, the program is working to serve more than 4,500 families. GreenCare relies on professional and citizen volunteers to make the program possible. In 2007, more than 1,000 volunteers were involved.
Cub Cadet provides underwriting for volunteer coordination and administration. Lawn-Boy is accepting nominations at www.lawn-boy.com for a program to place new Lawn-Boy mowers in the yards of military families.
To find out how qualified families can apply for free lawn and landscape care this summer, go to www.projectevergreen.com and click on the GreenCare for Troops logo, or call 877-758-4835 to have an application mailed.
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