Source: www.TurfMagazine.com
WNA Holds Winter Workshop
The Wisconsin Nursery Association held its 2009 Winter Workshop, which featured Dr. Raymond Cloyd, entomologist, and Paul Pilon, horticulturist. Cloyd spoke about tank-mixing pesticides, pesticide resistance and systemic insecticides. Pilon discussed perennial production and controlled-release fertilizers. Dr. Laura Jull talked about the WNA Plant of the Year, and Bob Dahl presented a state pest update.
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WGIF Announces Top Industry Award Winners
The Wisconsin Green Industry Federation named Dr. Gayle Worf, professor emeritus of plant pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the recipient of its Hall of Fame Award for 2009. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Kansas State University in agronomy and plant pathology. Worf received his doctorate in plant pathology and botany from UW-Madison.
Heather Schuster received the WGIF 2009 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her efforts to promote the green industry in Wisconsin. Schuster owns Terra Firma Landscape, Inc., along with her husband Dave. She is a member of the Wisconsin Landscape Contractors Association.
News From Project EverGreen
Project EverGreen announced its supporting sponsorship of the PLANET Day of Service on April 22. The Day of Service fits well with Project EverGreen’s nationwide outreach program, GreenCare for Troops, which connects local green industry professionals with military families who have a member serving away from home and offers them free lawn and landscape services.
An independent survey conducted for Project EverGreen found a major shift in consumer awareness about the value of green spaces in Akron, Ohio. In spring 2008, the organization launched its first EverGreen Zone, a pilot consumer education program with the objective of building the public’s awareness of the economic, environmental and lifestyle benefits of green spaces in Akron. The study was conducted by DataCore Marketing, Kansas City, Mo.
IA Forms Political Action Committee
The Irrigation Association’s board of directors approved the formation of the Irrigation Association Political Action Committee. IrrigationPAC is a nonpartisan, voluntary political action committee created to help IA achieve its legislative objectives and increase industry visibility at the federal level. The committee will support the election or re-election of U.S. congressional candidates who share a commitment to efficient irrigation; educate policymakers about the economic and environmental benefits of efficient irrigation; and represent industry stakeholders’ interests and take a leadership role in the water management debate.
OFA to Manage NLAE
The Nursery & Landscape Association Executives of North America announced that OFA—an association of horticulture professionals—will manage the organization. OFA also provides management services to America in Bloom, the Southeast Greenhouse Conference and the Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association.
ASIC Takes Conference to Florida
The American Society of Irrigation Consultants has scheduled its 2009 national conference for May 2-4 at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Fla. The keynote speaker will be Alan Beaulieu, senior analyst, economist and principal with the Institute for Trend Research. Topics will include environmental issues such as climate change, turfgrass trends and green roof development, and political matters involving ASLA’s Sustainable Sites Initiative, LEED updates, water agency conservation initiatives and more. The conference will also feature industry news, technical presentations, open forums, new projects, new product applications, networking opportunities and presentation of the 2009 National Excellence in Irrigation Awards.
PLANET Changes Certification Program, Accepts Entries for Safety Awards
The Professional Landcare Network’s certification program has changed from an annual certification renewal process to a two-year recertification cycle. Continuing education and industry service will still be critical to maintaining certification, but they will be measured in Continuing Education Units instead of points. Certified individuals will be required to report and submit 30 CEUs earned during the two-year cycle to maintain the active status of their certification.
All green industry service provider companies and branches are invited to participate in PLANET’s annual Safety Recognition Awards Program. Applications are available at www.landcarenetwork.org and entries must be returned to PLANET by May 1. Awards are presented in these categories: No Vehicle Accidents, No Injuries or Illnesses, No Days Away From Work, Most Improved and Overall Safety Achievement. The program covers the period of January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2008.
Registration Available for 12th Annual Snow & Ice Symposium
The Snow & Ice Management Association will hold its 12th Annual Snow & Ice Symposium at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Ky., June 24-27. The event will feature a trade show, speakers, educational sessions and networking events. New for the 2009 symposium is a half-day equipment demonstration at Manning Equipment. For more information, call 414-375-1940, e-mail Jennifer@sima.org or visit www.sima.org.
NAEDA Recognizes Power Pro Dealers
The North American Equipment Dealers Association recognized A-1 Outdoor Power, Inc., Corcoran, Minn.; F.B. McAfoos & Co., Benton, Ill.; Coeur d’Alene Tractor, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; McLaren Equipment Ltd., Phelpston, Ont.; and Plano Power Equipment, Plano, Texas, as Power Pro dealers. The dealerships earned accreditation by meeting industry standards related to operational performance and customer commitment.
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