ALCA Influence Jul/Aug 2009

The ALCA Influence

Grow Native! Don’t Plant a Pest

AlcA Mini Trade Show

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A r i z o n A L A n d s C A p e C o n T r A C T o r s ’ A s s o C i A T i o n

July/August 2009

Cover Photo: ALG, Inc.

The ALCA Influence

A r i z o n A L A n d s C A p e C o n T r A C To r s ’ A s s o C i AT i o n

July/August 2009

3 July/August 2009 T The AlcA influence

TAble of ConTenTs

ALCA President’s Message .....................................................4New Members ....................................................................6Calendar ............................................................................6ALCA Sponsors ....................................................................6ACLP Schedule ....................................................................6ACLP Announcements & Certification ........................................7Member Updates .................................................................82008 ALCA Awards ........................................................9-11Grow Native .....................................................................12SHADE 2009 ....................................................................14SCF Arizona Board Declares $10 Million Dividend ..................15Mesa Community College Horticultural Program .......................15Farrell Quinlan ...................................................................16Identity Theft ......................................................................17Considering Adding Maintenance? .......................................18Protect Your Back with Proper Shoes .......................................19Heating Up .......................................................................19ALCA Profile: Hunter ...........................................................20ALCA Profile: Horizon .........................................................21New Companies Launched for Pricing Fairness ........................22ALCA Member Mixers ....................................................23-25Resource Guide .................................................................26

2009 Board of directorsPresidentEd MaciasThe Groundskeeper

President Elect and Director of Public RelationsWill PereiraSunset Landscaping and Designs, Inc.

Vice PresidentDennis CanedySunset Landscaping and Designs, Inc.

SecretaryTony FontesDesert Trees Nursery

TreasurerSteve ShieldsHill & Usher Insurance & Surety

Executive DirectorJudy [email protected]

PuBlicationAdvertisingAssociation Outsource Services, Inc.,(916) 990-9999www.aosinc.biz

DesignLori Mattas

PrintingCopeland Printing

Arizona Landscape Contractors Association

5425 e Bell Road, Suite 105Scottsdale, Arizona 85254Phone: 602-626-7091fax: 602-626-7590www.azlca.com

The ALCA Influence is the official publication of the Arizona landscape contractors Association. AlcA and The ALCA Influence assume no responsibility for the statements or opinions appearing in articles under an author’s name. The services of an attorney or accountant should be sought in legal and tax matters. for editorial information, contact the Arizona landscape contractors Association, 5425 e. Bell Road, Suite 105. Scottsdale, Arizona 85254; telephone, (602) 626-7091; facsimile, (602) 626-7590; e-mail, [email protected].

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Contact owner at 602-670-7565.

4

PresidenT’s messAge

The AlcA influence T July/August 2009

Well we’ve past the half way point of the year. I really can’t believe how time is flying by! I am hoping that we are all starting to see positive things happen. Maybe it is just me but it appears that the coffers are starting to open up. Summer is upon us and it appears that our customers

want to start their spending ways again. There is still a sense of caution, but things are moving forward. The “Art of Negotiating” is very prevalent, but just think of all the face time we are getting with our customers.

Let me thank all of our vendors that sponsored our New Member Network Mini Tradeshow held in May at the Randolph Golf Course in Tucson. We had a respectable turnout by our contractors in support of our vendors. A great time was had by all that attended.

In early June your ALCA Officers held its Annual Summer Planning Session. Based on all the feedback that Judy and I received it was a very productive and satisfying weekend. We are looking forward to the rollout of what hopefully will be the future structure of your ALCA board. We have seen unparallel success and growth in our association over the last 7 years and it is our intention to continue to build on this. In spite of our recession, we have continued to attract contractor and vendor members. The mantra of “Continual Improvement” should always be our focus.

We hope to have in place a new Board of Trustees, going into 2010, of past and present ALCA board leaders whose hard work, dedication and vision have truly served and allowed us to be where we are today. The primary responsibilities include Strategic Planning, Review and Updating of our By-laws, choosing scholarship recipients and the continual recruiting of potential board members.

These efforts will provide the interaction between your Officers, Directors and Committees that drive the daily, monthly and yearly actions of your board. These are exciting times! We will be looking to our membership to become involved with committees, board positions, and future Trustee appointments.

Membership is one thing, to become an enrolled and committed participant and enjoy the satisfaction that leads to our growth and success is another thing. Get involved, help us grow, learn along the way, and most all have some fun!!!

I look forward to seeing you in the future,

Ed Macias,Your 2009 ALCA President

Ed Macias

President’s Message

Workshop DateWater Management July 8Plant Identification August 12Turf & Sod September 9Soils & Fertilizers October 14Fall Certification Examination October 17*All Dates Subject To Change

Cost for workshops: $35/class for ALCA members

$65/class for non-members

Cost for Exam: $75 for ALCA members, $125 for non-members

Site LocationsWorkshops: Central Arizona CollegeExam: Maricopa Ag Center

To Register: Contact the ACLP / ALCA Office (602) 626-7091

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2009Calendar of EventsJuly

8 ACLP Water Management Workshop

12-14 PLANET Legislative on the Hill

15 Phoenix Member Mixer – Sponsored by Rain Bird

August

12 ACLP Plant Identification Workshop

14 SHADE – Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of Education

19 Phoenix Member Mixer – Sponsored by Camelback Ford

27 ALCA Board Meeting

27 Tucson Member Mixer – Sponsored by Irritrol / Toro

September

9 ACLP Turf & Sod Workshop

17 Phoenix New Member Network / Mini Trade Show

24 Tucson Member Mixer – Sponsored by ForeverLawn AZ

AlCA bulleTin boArd

By The NumbersSusan Raisanen7011 East Presidio RoadScottsdale, AZ 85254Phone: 480-652-9212Fax: 480-367-1181Email: [email protected]

The Clements Agency, LLCJim Clements8350 East Raintree, Suite 235Scottsdale, AZ 85260Phone: 480-477-5245Fax: 480-477-5246Email: [email protected]

Diversified Print SolutionsNoah Dray1745 East 10th StreetTucson, AZ 85719Phone: 520-393-3551Fax: 520-393-3298Email: [email protected]

Gothic Grounds Management, Inc. – West Phoenix

Steve O’Donnell2526 East Southern AvenuePhoenix, AZ 85040Phone: 623-556-5120Fax: 623-556-1905Email: [email protected]

Granite Express LLCPaul Kerr5332 East Main StreetMesa, AZ 85205Phone: 480-354-6809Fax: 480-354-6810Email: [email protected]

GreenPro, LLCMichael Martin3450 South 36th StreetPhoenix, AZ 85040Phone: 602-437-1356Fax: 602-437-1357Email: [email protected]

Ochoa Landscaping, Inc.Richard ShirleyP.O. Box 27801Tucson, AZ 85726-7801Phone: 520-791-2917Fax: 520-623-3896Email: [email protected]

Steward, David4058 East Palo Brea LaneCave Creek, AZ 85331Phone: 480-585-5980Email: [email protected]

TL Jones & AssociatesTerry Jones13667 N 87th StreetScottsdale, AZ 85260Phone: 602-432-1645Fax: 602-798-0714Email: [email protected]

Platinum SponsorsDesierto Verde, Inc.DLC Resources, Inc.Evergreen Turf, Inc.Ewing Irrigation ProductsHorizon Distribution Inc.Hunter IndustriesJohn Deere LandscapesRain Bird

Gold SponsorsHD Supply – WaterworksHill & Usher Insurance & SuretySunrise Tree Farm

Silver SponsorsDesert Trees NurseryWest Coast Turf

2009 ALCA SponsorsA Very Special

Thank You to our

New Members

Workshop Date

Water Management July 8 Plant Identification August 12 Turf & Sod September 9 Soils & Fertilizers October 14 Fall Certification Examination October 17*All Dates Subject To Change

Cost for workshops: $35/class for ALCA members, $65/class for non-members Cost for Exam: $75 for ALCA members, $125 for non-membersSite Locations: Workshops: Central Arizona College; Exam: Maricopa Ag Center To Register: Contact the ACLP / ALCA Office (602) 626-7091

Arizona Certified Landscape Professional


Water Management WorkshopJuly 8, 2009

Objectives:• Water Audit - Know when a system should be

renovated or redesigned• Figuring Precipitation Rates• Irrigation Scheduling• Programming Irrigation Controllers• Irrigation Tactics for Problem Plants• Water Sensing Devices

Instructors:Steven MallgrenHorizons West Landscape Contractors, Manager of Construction and Irrigation

Steve has over 22 years experience in the irrigation and landscape field in Arizona. He has worked for Horizons West Landscape specializing in irrigation design and installation for over 14 years. Since that time, Steve has become a Certified Landscape Professional and has had the opportunity to participate in the Landscape Technicians Program at Pima Community College.

Steve has designed and installed many award winning irrigation systems. He has also conducted classes for the WaterSmart series throughout the Tucson area which consists of classes on Irrigation Timers, Drip Irrigation Design and Installation, and Plant Selection/Mini Oasis as well as serving as a guest lecturer for the SmartScapes series for the Pima County Cooperative Extension. Steve has been asked to conduct a seminar at the 16th Annual Desert Horticulture Conference in May, 2008. Steve has also appeared on several gardening programs for local television.

Deb Hahn-ButterfieldHorizons West Landscape Contractors, Designer, Manager

With over 16 years experience and specialized education, Deb has the in-depth knowledge of landscape design techniques appropriate in the Tucson area. She has been with Horizons West Landscape for over 10 years.

Deb has received certifications from Permaculture Drylands Institute, Irrigation Training and Research Center Cal-Poly State University, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, and Pima Community College, as well as the International Society of Arborists. She is a Certified Member of the Arizona Nurseryman Association, and is also an Arizona Certified Landscape Professional. Over the years, Deb has volunteered her time by providing presentations for Tucson Organic Gardeners and by also becoming a docent at Tohono Chul Park. Recently, Deb participated in the Master Watershed Steward program conducted by University of Arizona Cooperative Extension which sees her volunteering in the protection, restoration, and conservation of local water and watersheds. Deb currently is working at the Tucson Botanical Gardens on the weekends while continuing her position at Horizons West Landscape Contractors.

Steve and Deb participate in the Arizona Landscape Contractors Association (ALCA) by giving the Water Management lecture/class once a year as well as administrating the exam on the same subject.

Arizona Certified Landscape Professionals (ACLP) held its semi-annual certification exam on Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the Maricopa Agri-cultural Center, part of the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension.

Fifty-five participants took part in the day-long exam. The exam measures competency in 11 areas: Plant Problems, Soils/Fertilizers, Plant Identification, Irrigation Problems and Parts Identification, Equipment and Safety, Color, Tree Planting/Staking, Turf/Sod Identification, Pesticide Calibrations and Applications, Tree Pruning and Water Management.

The exam participants must show proficiency in each of the 11 areas by achieving a minimum score of seventy percent in each area to become certified by ACLP. Once the exam participant achieves the appropriate score in all areas, they are awarded a certificate stating that they have sufficient knowledge in all basic areas of the land-scape industry to be considered certifiable.

Instructors for the exam come from both indus-try and educational backgrounds. Many of these instructors also teach the monthly ongoing ACLP workshops, which mirror the exam topics and are designed to prepare students for the exam. Each workshop is offered once per year and covers the foundation components that are considered basic and accepted knowledge for a landscape worker in today’s landscaping industry. The workshop topics are updated as the instructor sees fit to keep current with today’s landscape industry techniques.

ALCA and the ACLP committee would like to thank all of the exam participants for making the effort to improve their skills and encouraging everyone to continue to raise the standards for the landscaping industry.Congratulations to the follow-ing fourteen most recently certified landscapers:

Aaron AlvarezHomer Travis Fueston II

Eric N. GomezMelissa GoodDave Grace

Michael GundtBrad Gunder

Matt JacobsonBrian Lemmermann

Frank MoragaCarl Prettyman JrRick RakowskiMike SestiagaBrent Wilson

ACLP Certifies 14 LAndsCAPers

Workshop Date

Tree Pruning January 21 Safety and Tools/Pesticides & Calibrations February 11 Plant Problems March 11 Bedding Plants/Color April 8 Tree Planting May 13 Irrigation June 10 Water Management July 8 Plant Identification August 12 Turf & Sod September 9 Soils & Fertilizers October 14

*All Dates Subject To Change

Spring Certification Exam April 18, 2009 Fall Certification Examination October 17, 2009

Cost for Exam: $75 for ALCA members, $125 for non-members

Site Locations:Workshops - CAC – Central Arizona College – Coolidge Exam - MAC – Maricopa Ag Center – Maricopa

Cost for workshops: $35/class for ALCA members, $65/class for non-members

To Register:

Contact the ACLP / ALCA Office 5425 East Bell Road Suite 105

Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Ph: (602) 626-7091 Fax: (602) 626-7590

Arizona Certified Landscape Professional

Arizona Certified Landscape Professional Program

Plant ID WorkshopAugust 12, 2009

Objectives:• Plant Identification• Xeriscape Principles• Reading bluelines/blacklines• Preparing for the ACLP Exam

Instructor:Cindy Odgers

Ms. Odgers has held the position as Associate Dean of Occupational Education and Workforce Development since January 25, 2008.

Ms. Odgers has worked for the Maricopa County Community College District since 1996, most recently as Director of Agribusiness and Urban Horticulture at Mesa Community College. She also served as Chair of MCC’s Department of Agriculture and Technology from 2004 to 2007, overseeing 14 residential faculty, 12 supports staff, and more than 80 adjunct faculty. She has also served as a Horticulture Instructor at Mesa Community College, Rio Salado College and Glendale Community College, teaching plant biology, agriculture, agronomy and entomology. She is currently Chair and lead member for the Agriculture/Equine Science Instructional Council and serves as Chair of the State Agriculture Articulation Task Force.

Ms. Odgers received her M.S. in Environmental Resources from Arizona State University, and her B.S. in Horticulture from Oklahoma State University. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at Arizona State University. Cindy has a broad background in career and technical education, extensive experience in forging partnerships, and a great understanding of the education and training needs of local business and industry.


AClP CerTifiCATion

2009 ALCA Sponsors

Ewing Diversifies, Adds Hardscape Supplies to Product OfferingResponding to landscape professionals’ desire to diversify, ewing now offers hardscape supplies and education.

landscape professionals seeking new business development opportunities can now take advantage of the products, services and education aligned with ewing irrigation Products’ new hardscape division. ewing now supplies a wide range of products and education programs for both experienced hardscape professionals and those new to the trade.

As national product manager for hardscape and geo supply, Bruce Basehore will provide expert consultation in the areas of retaining wall materials and construction, as well as materials and installation for pavers and garden walls. According to the interlocking concrete Pavement institute’s (icPi), more than 800 million square feet of pavers are sold annually in the united States and canada. hardscape offers contractors a ripe opportunity to expand their scope of services.

“landscape and irrigation contactors that aren’t offering hardscape services are missing out on a huge opportunity to grow their business,” said Basehore. “Our goal is to provide contractors with the products and education they need to support their business development objectives with hardscape.”

A former ewing customer, Basehore has invested ten years in the hardscape industry, with more than 40 years of experience in the concrete and masonry industry. More recently Bruce served as the western territory sales manager for Rockwood Retaining Walls. he will operate out of ewing’s home office, located at 3441 e. harbour Drive in Phoenix, Ariz., and is available at [email protected].

ewing’s hardscape line includes interlocking and permeable pavers, garden and retaining wall blocks, and supporting products such as polymeric joint sand and geotextile fabric. ewing also offers a complete line of hardscape maintenance and erosion control products. Premier manufacturers include Pavestone, Rockwood, Techniseal, Snap edge, Mutual Materials, Acker-Stone, hardscape uSA, Basalite, Airvol, Silver creek and more.

hardscape installation and maintenance supplies are now offered in select markets, including Oregon, Washington, california, Arizona, Southern nevada and the Southeast region (Atlanta, Birmingham and nashville), with plans to expand into remaining ewing markets by 2010. consult your local ewing branch for details by visiting www.ewing1.com/locations.

Ewing Further Expands Arizona Footprint, Opens New Branch in SurpriseMarking its 19th location in the state, ewing adds a branch in Surprise to expand service to the northwest Valley.

Adding convenience to contractors in the northwest Valley, ewing irrigation Products opens a new location in Surprise. located at 17194 n. Dysart Rd., the 10,500-square-foot Surprise facility runs under the management of Mike Mackey, a 15-year Green industry veteran. Joining ewing in 1994, Mackey is a licensed Texas irrigator and maintains a certification through the interlocking concrete Pavement institute (icPi).

having previously worked as a landscaper in Michigan, Mackey understands what distributors need to bring to the counter to best serve their customers’ needs.

“Our customers can expect to be treated in a friendly and professional manner,” said Mackey. “We take the time to get to know every customer in a way that allows us to customize our offerings to their needs.” The new location will provide service to the cities of Surprise, el Mirage, Wittman, Wickenburg, Youngtown, Sun city, Sun city West and Sun city Grand.

Mackey plans to serve his customers with the broadest product offering and in-stock availability in the industry. “i want this location to be the single source supplier for all things landscape and irrigation.”

member uPdATes

8

Horizon Distributors Inc. Offers Online Resources to Help Customers SucceedBizPro eSources combines Programs and Tools to help landscape contractors expand Their Business

in today’s economy, it’s more important than ever for landscape contractors to have the right tools to maintain and grow their business. in an effort to help customers succeed, horizon Distributors inc. has launched ‘BizPro eSources,’ a unique set of online programs, tools and trainings, designed to help landscape contractors enhance their business skills and succeed.

“horizon Distributors’ BizPro eSources includes online tools, business-focused training videos in our customers’ specialized areas and exclusive coupons and discounts,” said Mary Martinez, director of marketing, horizon Distributors. “This site was designed to be a resource for our customers. The best part is that everything is online so our customers can access it anytime and anywhere—saving them time and money. Our intention is for BizPro to be a resource they go to every month for ideas on how to grow and expand their business.”

in addition to trainings and discounts, BizPro eSources includes monthly e-blasts filled with tools, tips, ideas and information designed specifically for landscape professionals.

This month, for example, horizon has teamed up with nDS™, inc., the industry’s primary source for stormwater management, efficient landscape irrigation and flow management. The session focuses on the basics of selling drainage, why drainage a beneficial service offering, basic drainage design and extensive information on how to sell drainage to new and existing customers. The session also provides the opportunity to view training videos about properly installing drainage and installing catch basins, flo-Wells™ and channel drains.

“Our customers will be able to join nDS’ contractor Drainage Program and view trainings about properly installing drainage,” explains Martinez. “They’ll be able to use this information to increase their knowledge and expand their business. Most importantly, they’ll find valuable tools and marketing materials to help them get started in the drainage business.”

To access BizPro eSources and sign up for horizon’s monthly email blasts, visit bizpro.horizononline.com.

BizPro eSources is part of horizon’s Business Builder Program, a unique series of programs, training events, marketing tools and other business-building resources designed to help landscape contractors expand their business.

Ron Gass Wins 2009 Commercial Horticulture Award From American Horticultural Society

Ronald e. Gass is one of 12 outstanding members of the national horticultural community who will be honored by the American horticultural Society (AhS) during its Great American Gardeners Awards ceremony and Banquet on June 4, 2009. Gass is this year’s recipient of the AhS’s Paul ecke Jr. commercial Award, which is given to an individual or company whose commitment to the highest standards of excellence in the field of commercial horticulture contributes to the betterment of gardening practices everywhere.

Gass is president of Mountain States Wholesale nursery in litchfield Park, Arizona, which specializes in desert-adapted native and exotic plants. Since co-founding the nursery in 1969, Gass has collaborated with botanists and other nursery owners to collect and propagate water-thrifty plants throughout the Southwest and Mexico in an effort to promote their use in American gardens and landscapes. his work has resulted in the introduction of more than 150 new varieties of plants over the years, many of which have become popular and valuable landscape plants.

for more information about the AhS’s Great American Gardeners Awards, please contact Viveka neveln at (703) 768-5700 ext. 120 or [email protected].



AlCA lAndsCAPing AwArds

Award of ExcellencePrivate Residence - ALG, Inc.

It is hard to imagine this property before, when only two trees remained on the barren, scraped front area. The home’s location between two roads and its large windows did not lend itself to any privacy from the surrounding roads, neighbors, hikers and cars. The solution was to screen the property off using landscaping materials. The challenge was to not interrupt any of the incredible mountain and city views.

From inside the home, one looks out over the tree tops or, once standing out on the terrace, down into the front area, the road is well screened. The cliff behind the home was a challenge to plant as each needed its hole to be jack-hammered into the steep, rocky hillside. The soil was sterile due to lack of organic matter, so the entire site was amended. Other requests were to plant desert adapted plants that would provide blooms at different times year round, to create a natural desert look and to provide resting places for their sculptures. Lighting was to be subtle and minimal. The master rose garden is adorned with artificial turf at the homeowners request to ease passage for catering carts, pool and terrace access, and is easily maintained.

SFR Installation $250,001 - $350,000

Award of ExcellenceSchuessler Residence- Enchanted Garden LandscapePhotographed by Chris Ross

This home in Desert Mountain was built with the intent of creating a Villa with an Old World European charm and detail. Lush Mediterranean style planting were incorporated into the interior private garden spaces. Fountains and pots adorn the space creating an outdoor living environment. Cozy meaningful patio spaces are balanced by planters with lush growth. The scale is intimate and charming. On the exterior of the house in the driveway area, transitional plants were installed to speak to both the character of the interior garden spaces and the native character outside the house and walls. Care was given utilizing landscape forms outside the back yard to screen the street while preserving Valley views. In the auto court, plantings are used to nestle the structure while buffering the home from the street, These theme transitions effectively control the mood of the landscape and those that pass through the garden.

SFR Installation $50,001 - $75,000

Judges AwardNorthwest Landscaping, LLCHoffman Residence

Judges AwardSunset Landscaping & DesignsMenon Residence


10 The AlcA influence T July/August 2009

Award of ExcellenceRillito Riparian- AAA Landscape

The Rillito River Ecosystem Restoration Project (Areas 2 and 3) totals over 30 acres and was designed to improve wildlife habitat and Native vegetation that was degraded as a result of earlier flood control projects.

Groundwater resources are conserved by using reclaimed water to support a carefully designed palette of native plantings through their establishment period. Water is further conserved through the installation of passive storm water harvesting basins and v-ditches to direct and concentrate water in planting areas. The resulting increase in soil moisture has been instrumental in the successful establishment of riparian plant species native to this site. An important side-benefit of this grading strategy is that runoff onto the slopes of the realigned watercourse is minimized, thereby avoiding rilling and other erosion problems.

Adaptive management and monitoring plans were developed, including both implementation and post-implementation (5-year) monitoring schedules. Monitoring by a Habitat Restoration Specialist ensures that maintenance issues are addressed as they arise.

Commercial Installation Sponsored by Arid Zone Trees

$350,001 - $500,000

Award of DistinctionILM Construction, LLCGlendale Corporate Center

Commercial Installation $250,001 - $350,000 Sponsored by Rock Source, LLC

Award of DistinctionILM Construction, LLCMarriot Suites Residence Inn - Glendale

Judges AwardISS Grounds Control,

Phoenix BranchPhoenix Art MuseumModel Home Installation over

$100,000 Sponsored by Cutting Edge Curbing

Award of DistinctionSonoran LandesignMontevista Model Com-plex “Melilla and Del Oro”

Judges AwardSunset Landscaping & DesignsCamelot Homes at DC Ranch Models

Judges AwardSonoran LandesignWindgate Ranch Mercado & Solaria Model

Judges AwardSunset Landscaping & DesignsThe Reserve at Eagle Heights Models



Award of ExcellenceMarley Park - Four Peaks Landscape Management, Inc

Marley Park is a community that offers a wide diversity of landscaping. The perimeter includes arid adapted plant material while the interior is lush with turf and tree lined streets. The community has several parks that feature open play areas landscaped with elements that tie the current site to the historical use of the area including rose gardens and citrus orchards.

Each park has a theme with plant materials selected to fit that theme. Parks are connected by Elm lined trails called the Arbor Walk enabling residents to stroll between the parks in the shade of the trees.

Water that once irrigated the farm land now is stored and pumped throughout the community for the landscaping. Water management is complemented by a Rain Bird Maxicom2 Central Control System. Utilizing all the tools the system has to offer coupled with ET based scheduling, Marley Park is irrigated at peak efficiency saving both power and water

Commercial Maintenance $350,001 - $500,000 Sponsored by Desierto Verde, Inc.

Judges AwardAAA Landscape - PhoenixDesert Ridge

Judges AwardDLC Resources, Inc.Anthem@ Merrill Ranch Community Association

Award of DistinctionAAA Landscape - PhoenixCortina Homeowners Association

Award of ExcellenceThe Boulders - Enchanted Garden Landscape, Inc. Photographed by Chris Ross

This residence located with the Boulders is a perfect example of a home integrated with the native terrain. Few modifications or alterations were done to the grading outside the structure. Much care was taken to preserve all of the native trees and Saguaros in their original native settings.

Walkways were weaved through the native landscape under tree canopies and around natural boulder outcroppings. Dramatic desert accents were integrated into this native setting to provide bold accents near entry portals to the yard and house. Color was integrated with sculptured cacti and succulent accents to provide anticipation of focal points as the viewer is pulled through the garden. The entire garden space is casual and relaxed much like the relationship of the architecture to its site. Every introduction was done in such a way that they become an extension of the home and existing landscape.

Heritage Installation Sponsored by Acoma Insurance Professionals, Inc.

The following information is provided by the Arizona Native Plant Society regarding Invasive weeds. Additional information may be found on their website at www.aznps.org/html/invasives.html.

Why Plant a Pest When You Have AlterNATIVES?Southeastern Arizona boasts many interesting native plants that can

create a diverse, colorful, and vibrant garden. They come in many colors and shapes, and provide great habitat for forage for wildlife. Native plants are well adapted to our desert climate and can survive periods of drought. Planting natives can save you money and help conserve scarce water resources. The invasive plant listed in this article has known negative impacts on southeastern Arizona’s wild lands. The natives that we recom-mend fill a comparable functional role in a landscape, thrive in similar environments, or are similar in appearance. These AlterNATIVES are all widely used and available commercially. Specialty or native plant nurseries are excellent sources for them.

Grow Native! Don’t plant a pest

SALT CEDAR OR TAMARIx

Tamarix sp.

inVASiVe WeeD extremely invasive and threatens fragile riparian corridors across the southwest. Tamarisk reduces native seed germination because of the salts it concentrates on the soil surface. Tamarisk outcompetes and eventually replaces cottonwoods, willows, and mesquite, which in turn impacts wildlife habitat. not commonly sold, but occasionally available.

Also avoid: Athel Tamarix aphylla

Desert willow Chilopsis linearis

A deciduous willow-like tree growing up to 30 ft, with slender leaves and long slim pods. fragrant, trumpet-shaped, pink to lavender flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. Desert willow blooms throughout the spring and summer and grows fast with supplemental irrigation.

Desert ironwood Olneya tesota

The most drought-tolerant of our native trees, growing up to 40 ft tall. The pink, white or lavender flowers are arranged in loose clusters that bloom in May and June. Pods containing edible seeds ripen 5-8 weeks later. The small gray-green leaves and upright form readily distinguish desert ironwood from other desert trees. An important “nurse” tree for saguaros and other plants, ironwoods also provide shade for desert animals.

Try These AlterNATIVES

Also try: Baby bonnets Coursetia glandulosaA large, a i ry, thornless shrub with del icate pea-shaped whi te, ye l low and pink flowers.

VINCA OR PERIWINkLE

Vinca major

inVASiVe WeeD like many invasive plants, its beauty is deceiving. Vinca is an aggressive groundcover with trailing stems that root wherever they touch the soil. it also resprouts from stem fragments, enabling it to spread rapidly along creeks and moist drainages, where it competes for resources and smothers native vegetation.

Goodding or desert verbena Glandularia gooddingii

A small herbaceous plant with fragrant lavender flowers that bloom following the rainy seasons. Short-lived yet fast growing, Goodding verbena reseeds itself continually, and attracts a variety of butterflies.

Summer Snow Plumbago scandens

A sprawling shrub reaching 4 ft tall and wide. Delicate white flowers bloom from spring to summer. During the fall and winter, the deep green foliage becomes reddish-purple. Plumbago leaves and roots are poisonous if ingested.

Desert four o’clock Mirabilis multiflora

This round-shaped small shrub (about 3 ft tall and wide) has marvelous reddish-purple flowers that bloom late spring through summer. Although the flowers fade by mid-morning, the blue-green leathery oval leaves are equally attractive.

Try These AlterNATIVES

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grow nATive

Arizona Landscape Contractors’ Association

The ALCA InfluenceMarch/April 2008

InsIde ThIs Issue:

31st Annual

excellence In Landscaping

Awards Program -

Award of distinction

Annual Plant selections

Lawn equipment safety

Cover Photo:

2007 Xersiscape Winner

Architectural Landscaping, Inc.

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The ALCA Influence

January/February 2008

InsIde ThIs Issue:31st Annual excellence In Landscaping Awards ProgramTax Tips from the IRsCover Photo: 2007 Presidential Award Winner Enchantetd Garden Landscape, Inc.

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, CA

call Association Outsource Services at 916-990-9999

Advertise in the ALCA Influence


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phone (480) 987-9094 fax (480) 987-9092

e-mail: [email protected]

Variety ‘AZT’Quality, Uniform, Desert Adapted Trees

SIMPLY THE BESTProsopis Hybrid ‘AZT’

Thornless Mesquite

Cercidium praecox ‘AZT’Sonoran Palo Verde

Olneya tesota ‘AZT’Desert Ironwood

Cercidium Hybrid ‘AZT’Thornless Hybrid Palo Verde

Chilopsis linearis ‘AZT Bi-Color’Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearis ‘AZT Desert Amethyst’

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*AZT propagates the ‘Desert Museum’ with the guidance and permission of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Document1 2/29/04 2:44 AM Page 1

e-mail: [email protected]

The Arizona Nursery Association (ANA) proudly presents SHADE: Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of Education, its fifth annual one-day educational seminar on Friday, August 14, 2009 at The Buttes

Resort in Tempe, Arizona, beginning at 8:00 a.m.SHADE is designed for green industry professionals, landscape architects,

designers, arborists, small business owners and managers, property managers, wholesalers, and retailers. Attendees will profit from this educational event, which features four tracks containing five sessions each, all presented by indus-try experts. The Design Track has been endorsed by the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. The four tracks are: Business, featuring Retooling to Survive the Present and Thrive in the Future with John Binkele, FX Luminaire and The Internet: Keys to Successful Marketing with Park Howell, Park & Company; Design, which includes Emerging Mexican and Latin American Designs and Designers with Gabriel Diaz-Montemayor, ASLA, Arizona State University and Soil Reclamation, Revitalization & Revegetation with Kim Echeverria, Western Sere; Trees & Plants, featuring Australian Native Plant Species with Paul Chambers, Australian Outback Plantation and High Elevation Trees & Plants with Janet Rademacher,

Mountain States Wholesale Nursery; and Pest Management & Plant Health, featuring Calculation & Calibration for Cost Savings and Efficiency: Fertilizer & Pesticide Applications with David Kopec, Ph.D., University of Arizona and Organics with Mike Lindsey, Global Organics, LLC.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) will be available from ADA, GCSAA, SPCC, IA, ASLA, and WCISA. A complete list of session descriptions and presenters is available on the Arizona Nursery Association’s website, www.azna.org.

The cost for early registration (by July 31) is $88 per person and includes lunch, morning and afternoon refreshments, and an hors d’oeuvres reception. For companies sending more than one person, additional attendees may reg-ister for $78 each. Register today by calling the ANA office at 480-966-1610.

The Buttes Resort is offering a special $89 room rate for SHADE attendees who want to enjoy the amenities of one of the Valley’s most breathtakingly beautiful resorts for the weekend. To receive this rate, you must make your reservations before July 12, 2009, by calling 1-888-867-7492. Please mention the Arizona Nursery Association room block.

SHADE 2009Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of EducationSponsored by the Arizona Nursery Association

14

AlCA bulleTin boArd

www.AZlCA.comArizona landscaping Contractors’ Association

visit us on the web


SHADE 2009Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of EducationSponsored by the Arizona Nursery Association SCF Arizona’s Board of Directors approved a $10 million safety dividend

for 2008 to qualified policyholders of SCF Arizona. “We are pleased to be able to return $10 million to Arizona busi-

nesses to help our struggling economy,” said SCF Board Chair Judith Patrick. “This past year has been a difficult financial one for many, and we believe offering this safety dividend will help provide a boost to our policyholders that qualify.”

SCF President & CEO Don Smith noted the safety dividend payout marks 38 straight years the state’s largest workers’ compensation provider has returned money to policyholders. Safety dividend amounts paid to qualified policyholders are based on annual premium and incurred losses (claims). And while Smith noted that Arizona continues to be a safer place for workers – cutting workplace injury claims in half during the past decade – the cost of treating those injuries continues to increase.

“It’s a credit to our entire organization that through our attention to quality claims management and our efforts to keep premiums among the lowest in the nation, that we are able to provide a dividend to many of our deserving policyholders,” Smith stated.

“Safety dividends are never guaranteed,” Smith added. “The SCF Arizona Board bases its decision on the company’s financial performance for the year and the conditions in the marketplace. While we are living through a very tough economic time, we are proud that the SCF Arizona Board decided to reward those policyholders that earned a safety dividend through their efforts to keep their costs down by eliminating workplace injuries.”

With the SCF Arizona Board’s decision to award a dividend, SCF Arizona policyholders that are members of industry associations and organizations tak-ing part in the SCF Arizona Association Safety Program also become eligible for any bonus safety dividend that is paid to the association.

On May 1, SCF proudly launched several new companies with new pric-ing. SCF now offers upfront savings to qualifying businesses, standard rates, and substandard rates. Rewarding safe businesses with premium savings helps Arizona business owners. These new companies give qualifying SCF customers premium savings and those customers without a safety record or a poor safety record no discounts. These new pricing options are already benefitting current and prior policyholders. Call your SCF representative or 602.631.2000 to learn more.

SCF Arizona Board Declares $10 Million Dividend

The Mesa Community College Horticulture Program has assembled what we think is the best Urban Horticulture and Design program anywhere. We offer five tracks of focused horticultural interests including: Landscape Maintenance, Landscape Design, Nursery Operations, Turf Management, and Floriculture. Our curriculum is fully transferrable as a two year associates in Urban Horticulture (AAS). We also offer several certificates of completion in Landscape Aide, Landscape Specialist, and Pest Management Aide. Our classes are designed to meet the needs of working adults. Most of our classes meet twice a week in the late afternoon or evening. We are conveniently located on the Southern Ave and Dobson directly off Hwy 60. This fall semester we are offering three classes which meet only one night a week; Soil Fertility, Equipment Management, and Plant Identification and Use.

Graduates can own their own small business, or work for other companies performing landscape design & installation, greenhouse and nursery man-agement, landscape management, golf course and public recreational space facilities management.

More info at: http://www.mc.maricopa.edu/dept/d58/ags/

Mesa Community College Horticulture Program


member uPdATes

16

governmenT relATions

As you read this the Arizona Legislature will most likely have concluded its budget balancing negotiations with Gov. Jan

Brewer and done one of two things. Cut state spending very deeply and borrowed lots of money or cut state spending less deeply, borrowed lots of money and developed a plan to raise taxes to the tune of $1 billion a year.

Regardless of the outcome, a few things are clear for the next six to 12 months.

Budget Remains Broken. A further budget “fix” for the current fiscal

year budget (FY 2009-2010) is inevitable with multiple revisits to the situation likely. State revenue collections continue to miss forecasted targets making fundamental assumptions used to build the budget crumple under the reality of our protracted recession.

The most recent (April) state revenue collec-tions were 47.9 percent below the prior years and $505.9 million below the revised budget forecast made just this January. For the first 10 months of FY 2008-2009, collections were down 18.6 percent when compared to last year.

Arizona’s tax performance is among the worst in the country. The National Conference of State Legislatures’ survey of state tax collections through April ranked Arizona as follows:

Sales Tax – Arizona’s year to date decline of 12.9 percent was the 3rd worst showing out of 38 states reporting.

Individual Income Tax – Arizona’s decline of 26 percent was the highest in the nation.

Corporate Income Tax – Arizona’s drop of 26.5 percent ranked 10th.

Though there are signs that the worst might be behind us, the economy still remains weak. While the economy no longer appears to be in a “free fall,” according to the Joint Legislative Budget Commit-tee, there are still considerable downside risks in the near term, especially in regards to the housing and financial sectors.

This means its likely lawmakers will need to come back into special session before the New Year to make further adjustment and “fixes.”

Running on Empty.The Legislature has been using so-called “fund

sweeps” to help balance the budget for a couple of years. Millions and millions of dollars have been diverted from the purposes that the money was raised to cover.

One example has been fees collected for the Residential Contractors’ Recovery Fund, estab-lished to cover claims by homeowners against licensed contractors so both can bypass a costly and extended civil lawsuit process. As millions of these dollars are diverted to cover regular state obligations, what happens to the people relying on the Recovery Fund to make them whole and keep them and out of court?

Arizona has created a situation similar to driving a car with no oil. We can drive for a little while but eventually the engine will seize up and stop.

Tax Increases Inevitable?Gov. Brewer created quite a stir earlier this year

when she revealed her 5-Point Plan that included a call on lawmakers to temporarily increase taxes by $1 billion. What would cause a proven 27-year veteran of anti-tax leadership to advocate such a course?

Arizona’s budget situation is so out of sorts that it may be impossible to balance the budget without raising taxes. Impossible. Not just because the political will be missing but because it is legally barred.

Arizona’s constitution (Proposition 105) requires certain spending levels for education and health care spending along with automatic inflators regardless of level of revenue collections. Education and health care account for 64 percent of the state budget. So like robbing banks because that’s where the money is; finding any real budget saving can only be found in those programs.

Further limiting options is the recent federal stimulus legislation that provides Arizona billions to help support spending programs. Written in that law are many “strings” that condition receipt of these moneys to a “maintenance of effort” on many of our spending programs. These strictures effectively leave lawmakers few options other than higher taxes to close the deficit.

What makes this situation even more volatile is the schizophrenic way the elector-ate approaches tax and spending issues. Voters seem to support the higher levels of spending while remaining skeptical of the increased taxes necessary to pay for them. As a matter of good public policy, raising taxes in the midst of a deep economic downturn is the exact opposite course of action to pursue.

As we go forward, our state’s elected leaders will be searching for the balance between what the people want and what the people need. Finding this balance may be a fool’s errand and doomed to failure. How they handle these challenges and how the voters blame (or credit) them for handling the budget mess will be the story of the 2010 elections.

Governor and Legislators Struggle Over Budget and Taxes By Farrell Quinlan

Farrell Quinlan is president of In the Arena Public Affairs and serves as a government rela-tions advisor to the Arizona Landscape Contrac-tors’ Association.



idenTiTy ThefT

Before revealing personal financial information, find out whom you’re dealing with, how the information

will be used, and if it will be shared with others.

Only give your Social Security num-ber (SSN) when it’s absolutely necessary. Ask if you can use another identifier, such as a driver’s license, instead. And don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet unless you need it that day. You may be required to provide your SSN for:

•Incometaxrecords•Insurancerecords•Creditbureaureports•Collegerecords•Loanapplications•Vehicleregistrations

You can and may want to refuse to provide your SSN in these situations:

•Asadriver’slicensenumber(inmoststates)•Onpersonalchecks•Overthephone•Onclubmemberships•Onaddresslabels•Asidentificationforstorepurchases/refunds•Asgeneralidentification

Keep items with personal information in a safe place and either shred them or tear them up when you don’t need them anymore. Dispose of check copies and statements, receipts with a credit imprint, insurance forms, expired credit cards, savings and investment account statements, and credit card offers in the same way.

Order a copy of your credit report from each credit-reporting agency every year; there may be a fee. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transac-tions (FACT) Act of 2003, requires credit bureaus to provide a free report annually to consumers who request a copy. Verify that your credit report is accurate and that it includes only activities you’ve authorized.

More tips to protect your identity•Lookoveryourcreditcardandcreditunion/bankstatementseach

month for unauthorized charges or suspicious activity.•Photocopyfinancialcardsandinsurancecardsyoucarryinyourwallet

(front and back) and keep copies in a safe place; if your wallet is lost or stolen, you can promptly and accurately report the loss.

•Considertheinformationyou’resupplyingonentriestowinacar,shopping spree, and so on. To win, information such as your age or income range usually is not necessary.

•Finally,contacttheU.S.PostalServiceifyoudon’treceivemailforafew days. You want to confirm your mail — with, say all those credit card offers — hasn’t been diverted by a thief filling out a change of address form in your name.

Identity Theft: How to Prevent it from Happening to You

Brought to you by Arizona Central Credit Union

Here is a list of the three major credit bureaus:

Request a copy of credit report

fraud units

Experian www.experian.com 888-397-3742 888-397-3742

Equifax www.equifax.com 800-685-1111 800-525-6285

TransUnion www.transunion.com 800-916-8800 800-680-7289

The ALCA award deadline has just passed. Was that primo job you completed 3-4 years ago in top condition? Unless you

have a top-flight maintenance division the answer is probably not. Let’s face it maintenance is the red headed stepchild of our industry. Residential maintenance is even lower on the totem pole. I remember being in charge of the maintenance division of a design build firm years ago. I always got the guys that were slow or just not too bright, but the ones that still could make it to work every day, the tenacious ones. If I did ever get a guy that was any good he quickly became “noticed” by my install brethren and was quickly promoted and moved into the landscape division. We were like the minor leagues in every respect.

Let’s face it maintenance skills are very different than install skills. Yes, it is all hot work, landscape

does tend to be dirtier than maintenance. There is more heavy lifting and the potential to be crushed by boulders and big trees is there, too. So why would anyone prefer install work to maintenance? You try going to the same home every Thursday for the next 5 years and don’t forget, the same person will be there to watch you complete your job. Some people are just not up for the monotony that landscape maintenance provides. I prefer to call it job security, but then I see the world differ-ently, I am told.

With the economy like it has been, mainte-nance is probably looking pretty good to a lot of you that had not been inclined to do this kind of work before. If you are on the fence let me give you some insight into the world of landscape maintenance, in Arizona at least. I say that because, as I discuss maintenance with other

companies around the country, Arizona landscape and maintenance is in a league of its own. Nobody faces the challenges like we do in Arizona, from clients to conditions.

Where to begin... to start off installing a land-scape is a lot like a first date. You put on your best suit, arrive on time, try not to spill anything or put your foot in your mouth. With a little luck everyone goes home happy. Maintenance on the other hand is a marriage; it’s much harder to be on time and charming week after week, year after year.

Then there are the tools. I remember as an install guy I had about $50 worth of tools at my disposal - a pick, round, flat and trenching shovel that was it. A maintenance guy will have at mini-mum a mower that can range in price from a few hundred bucks to more than my first several cars combined cost. Then there is the line trimmers, blowers, power hedgers (if you go that route), regular gas, 2-cycle gas. Then there is the debris you generate, what are you going to do with all that stuff? Load it into a dumpster at the yard daily; send a truck to the dump as needed, pony up and by a cab over dump truck. Let’s face it there are a lot more expenses to run a maintenance route rather than an install crew. You think your production rate as an installer is low try packing up and mov-ing to another job every hour or so, see what that does to your bottom line. Lets discuss liability for a minute, what if your guys leave a gate propped open and a prized pooch escapes “you know he is part of the family” or worse, a pool gate is left open. Like everything, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. But hey, if you want to go for it, come on in, the waters warm and a little yellow.

Article provided by David Jernigan, The Gardener’s [email protected]

Considering Adding Maintenance? Read this first.

18

AlCA bulleTin boArd


Considering Adding Maintenance? Read this first.


AlCA bulleTin boArd

The National Safety Council reports that what you choose to wear on your feet can help prevent back injuries, which account for 25 percent of all workers’ compensation indemnity claims. People who

work long hours on hard surfaces can suffer fatigue, and the body then needs to work harder to compensate for a lack of support. Ways to alleviate fatigue are mats and ergonomic safety equipment. Recently anti-fatiguing footwear has hit the market. These shoes provide better shock absorption, which provide the wearer with better cushioning and support. But before investing

in footwear, the worker should understand the job and what he or she needs to be safe and comfortable. For example, is it a job where slips or trips are common or could items fall and hit the feet? Anti-fatiguing footwear is available for different applications. Styles are lightweight and feature soles designed with fluid-channeling, high surface contact for cement or epoxy flooring.

Protect Your Back with Proper Shoes

the edge you need

For more information, contact Horizon at 877.876.3900 or visit HorizonOnline.com

Explaining the benefits of

water smart prooducts to a homeowner can be tough.

Horizon makes it easy with BizPro online training. n Online training on selling water smart productsn Marketing tools and flyers for downloadn Ideas for increasing business and profits

Visit www.bizpro.horizononline.com this month for information on selling ET controllers!

Your local Horizon Sales Centers: Anthem 623.551.6868 | Casa Grande 520.876.5697 | Chandler 480.961.3311

Goodyear 623.882.3200 | Higley 480.279.2404Mesa 480.964.1616 | Peoria 623.876.9200 | Phoenix 602.305.6046

Scottsdale 480.596.8711 | Tucson 520.408.1000

Heating UpDaily triple-digit temperatures are here, which means it’s time to acclimate to stay safe and prevent heat-related illnesses.

Staying hydrated is the first and most important step to keep from getting a heat illness. An average worker can lose up to three gallons of sweat during a shift. To offset this loss, the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety suggests that workers drink five to seven ounces of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes and to avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic drinks.

Workers should avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day and protect themselves from the heat.

The Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross’ website cautions: “Slow down. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day.

It’s important to recognize that heat illnesses can occur despite the best preparation, so knowing the symptoms is essential.

HEAT ExHAuSTION SIGNS INCLuDE: Cool, moist, pale skin; Headache; dizziness and weakness or exhaustion;Nausea

HEAT STROkE SIGNS INCLuDE: Vomiting; Decreased alertness or loss of consciousness; High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105°F.); Continued moist skin, or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry; Rapid, weak pulse; Rapid, shallow breathing

While it is not always possible to avoid work and strenuous activity in the heat, it is possible to take precautions. Go to http://www.scfaz.com/ corporate/corp_safety_ dl.php to order SCF Arizona’s information regarding heat illnesses and what precautions you can take.

As one of the world’s leading manufac-turers of irrigation

equipment for the landscape and golf course industries, Hunter has enjoyed a well-established reputation as the innovation leader in irriga-tion. The company continues to focus on the needs of the irrigation professional every day since being founded 28 years ago as a small ‘start-up’ by industry pioneer Edwin J. Hunter.

Today, with Richard E. Hunter, Edwin’s son, at the helm as the company’s Presi-dent and CEO, Hunter’s core purpose and mission is clear:

To be the landscape professional’s first choice for irrigation products and services.

Hunter produces a full range of water-effi-cient products for residential and commercial use, as well as for golf course applications, including its legendary pop-up gear-driven rotors, spray sprinklers, valves, controllers, central controllers, and weather sensors. As the innovation leaders, Hunter holds more than 250 product patents and 40 trademarks, starting with the Hunter PGP® in 1983, the pop-up gear-driven rotor that revolutionized the irrigation industry.

The Innovation That Created the “Rotor Revolution”

With the introduction of Hunter rotors in the mid-1980s, the company launched an industry-wide “rotor revolution” and has not stopped since in expanding its rotor portfolio.

Hunter gear drives continue to lead the industry in sales and features. More than 60 million have been installed worldwide, and they are the professional contractor’s first choice for landscape irrigation.

Among the many well-known sports stadi-ums that feature Hunter equipment are: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, PA (Pittsburgh Steelers); Comerica Park, Detroit, MI (Detroit Tigers); Comiskey Park, Chicago, IL (Chicago White Sox); Coors Stadium, Denver, CO (Colorado Rockies); Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI (Green Bay Packers); Mile High Stadium, Denver, CO (Denver Broncos); Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA (San Diego Char-gers); Ted Turner Stadium, Atlanta, GA (Atlanta Braves); Maracana Stadium, Brazil; Stade de Geneve, Geneva, Switzerland; and many more.

Solid Tradition of Product InnovationWith more product patents and trade-

marks than any other manufacturer in the industry, Hunter is the leader in relevant and user-friendly innovation. In addition to its legendary rotors, notable innovations include the Pro-C and ICC controllers; IMMS 2.0; and the new Solar Sync.

Proponents of Sustainability and EfficiencyBeing Irrigation Innovators, Hunter takes

its role in water efficiency and environmental sustainability very seriously. As the home of the award winning MP Rotator, the SWAT-tested Solar Sync, and the iconic Mini-Clik®, the company’s commitment to sustainability does not stop at with their products. From their new gold level LEED® certified building, to 324,000 gallons of recycled water annually, to 28.86 tons of recycled refuse each month, every action is taken with ecology in mind, realizing that conservation doesn’t stop with water.

Hunter’s new blog, committoblue.com, provides a virtual meeting place for industry professionals to read about the latest water efficient innovations from around the globe, discuss various sustainable practices in the discussion forums, download electronic copies of all Hunter catalogs and brochures, or view demo videos of the latest Smart products, like the Solar Sync.

Leadership in Business and CommunityFor many years, Hunter has been an active

supporter of major industry associations, and our corporate personnel serve on many boards.

Hunter Industries has long been commit-ted to social action, and our employees have established partnerships with United Way, March of Dimes, Habitat for Humanity, and other organizations to help them reach their goals. The company also supports educational programs at local community and state colleges in California and North Carolina, where their plants are located.

As Hunter Industries marks its 28th year in business, the company looks ahead to another chapter of growth and expansion. Many inno-vative new products are under development and several will soon be available. Hunter is dedicated to serving this vital industry with water-efficient irrigation systems and technical services that benefit the professional user and their customers worldwide.

Hunter - Irrigation Innovators

20

AlCA member Profile


Jesse Balderas, Kurt Owens, Bob franchetto

Richard escalante, Maggie Mundle and

Johnny espinoza

Mike Bennett

AlCA member Profile


Being successful in the landscape business is different from other industries. It’s not about your ad in the yellow pages

or your funny commercial. It’s not about a new management method or labor savings product. It’s about people. It’s about work-ing with driven people who are dedicated to making sure your company reflects a positive image to your customers and maintains a strong reputation in our industry.

Dave Lange had a mantra: People buy from people. And at Horizon, we are extremely proud of the folks who represent our company. Good people doing whatever they can every day to help you maintain your company’s posi-tive image, that strong reputation. Here are a few examples of how they do just that.

Passion. Do you know Jesse Balderas? He’s the

manager at Horizon’s Casa Grande store. Jesse has an incredible passion for his customers. What do I mean? Last Sunday Jesse got a call from his manager, Kirby Copeland. One of his customers had just blown a pipe at his home and needed a new pump. But it was Sunday, Jesse’s only day off, and the store was closed. Jesse’s response? “No problem, Bubba, tell him I’ll meet him at the store in 30 minutes.”

Commitment. Now let me tell you about Mike Bennett,

business development representative for Hori-zon in Phoenix. Mike’s customer called him with an issue regarding his new Exmark mower. For some reason it wasn’t mowing evenly. Mike called Exmark and they couldn’t figure it out. So Mike went and picked up the mower. And he took it home to his garage. And that night, he opened up the manual and spent the next four hours figuring out what was wrong with the mower. The next day, Mike returned the fixed mower to his customer.

Dedication. How about Richard Escalate, area business

representative out in Tucson? Just the other day he was at the customer’s yard at 5 a.m. help-ing to install a piece of equipment. It should have been a very easy install, but there was an incorrect part on the unit. Richard drove up to Phoenix, got the right part, drove back to Tucson and installed the part so that the customer could get his work done.

Purpose.Of course, I think my favorite is Maggie

Mundle, manager at Horizon Tucson. When asked about exceeding customers’ expectations,

she simply said this. “I consider the customer service I provide the norm - or it should be. I will do deliveries on my way home and on the weekends. I take ownership of my customers’ jobs. If I was on a job site I would want to know the status of my order and I always try to keep the customer informed. I communicate with our customers and that seems what they appreciate the most.”

As you know, it’s pretty tough out there right now. It takes a special dedication, com-mitment, and passion for our industry from all of us to make sure we survive. By surrounding yourself with good people, you ensure that, when the market changes, you will be posi-tioned for success. And at Horizon, we get that. Whether through new programs, new services, or just unrivaled devotion to service, we pledge to do whatever we can to help get us all through this economic turmoil.

If you don’t know the local Horizon folks, I encourage you to take the time to drop by your nearby store. Ask them about the new BizPro training program or the new finance options for equipment.

Horizon Distributors is a professional dis-tributor that sells a variety of products and services to the green industry professional with over 60 Horizon Sales Centers in the Western US, including 10 here in Arizona. It offers customers the industry’s widest choice of irriga-tion, landscape, specialty and power equipment products, including top quality brand names like Hunter, Toro, Irritrol, Exmark, Echo, Shindaiwa, Pavestone, Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting, Barrett Pumps, Tucor and Monsanto. For more information, please visit www.horizononline.com.

Horizon

Wednesday, September 16 5:30—8:30 pm

Mountain Preserve Reception Center 1431 E Dunlap Ave, Phoenix

Learn What ALCA can do for you: * Improve Your Business * Don’t let your competitors outpace you * Meet and greet fellow members of the Green Industry * Air-Conditioned center * Cold & Refreshing Beverages * Excellent Hors D’oeuvres * Fabulous raffle Prizes

Please RSVP by Friday, September 4th to ALCA at 602-626-7091

ATTENTION LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS You are invited to attend ALCA’s

Mini Trade Show/New Member Recruitment Night

SCF Arizona launched on May 1, three wholly-owned subsidiaries, mak-ing it possible for the state’s largest and oldest workers’ compensation provider to price its coverage more equitably.

With the success of SCF Premier Insurance Co. launched in 2007, the addition of SCF Western, SCF General and SCF Casualty insurance com-panies to the SCF Arizona group allows the company to fully depart from a “one-size-fits-all” pricing model, so businesses can be charged and rewarded more appropriately based on their size and loss histories.

“This new way of pricing is fairer for all,” said Rick Jones, SCF Arizona’s senior vice president, Chief Sales & Business Development. “We now can price our product like any other line of insurance. For example, when you get your car insurance, if you have a record as a safe driver, your rates are going to be lower than a driver with a record of a lot of accidents or tickets. “Our goal is to provide the lowest priced workers’ compensation coverage to companies of all sizes and industry with the new company model,” Jones added.

Companies moving to SCF Premier and SCF Western are unlikely to receive dividends, as they are rewarded with upfront pricing breaks. SCF Premier, SCF Western and SCF Arizona policyholders are provided discount pricing from set rates.

SCF General policyholders can apply for membership into an ASP, and if they are accepted, they become eligible for discount pricing on their next

policy anniversary. Policyholders in SCF Arizona in an Association Safety Program (ASP) become eligible to participate in any potential bonus safety dividend declared.

SCF Casualty policyholders, which have a history of safety challenges, will not receive pricing discounts, nor are they eligible to enroll in an ASP and are unlikely to receive dividends. This will help ensure that associations’ safety programs will not be compromised by companies that have failed to achieve ASP safety standards.

“Offering quality service and fair pricing is critical for business and eco-nomic growth throughout Arizona,” Jones said. “For years SCF was restricted and able to offer only a one-price strategy to support the Arizona market, but increased competition and customer service expectations required a broader approach.”

Policyholders in the new SCF’s companies will receive the same levels of service from the same dedicated employees as they do today,” Jones promised. The current SCF personnel who manage claims or provide loss control ser-vices will remain the same. The only change is in the pricing structure.” All SCF Arizona companies have access to new on-line features at www.scfaz.com which now include: Pay on line, Report on line, Claims View on line and Certificates of Insurance.

New Companies Launched for Pricing Fairness

member uPdATes


New Companies Launched for Pricing Fairness

MAY MEMBER MIxER

corporate Statement Kichler is a world leader in decorative lighting.

The Kichler® brand encompasses more than 3,000 products, including chandeliers, wall sconces, bath lighting, ceiling fans, under cabinet lighting, landscape lighting and lamps and accessories. Kichler products can be purchased at independent authorized lighting distributors nationwide. View Kichler products, as well as interactive electronic catalogs, at www.landscapelighting.com

Professional Product lineKichler is The Premium choice in landscape

lighting™. Kichler manufactures products intended for the outdoors using die-cast aluminum to solid brass, including copper and waterproof materials. Our fixtures are made to withstand the elements. Kichler made its mark in landscape lighting by offering the broadest selection of styles and finishes. now Kichler offers a complete selection of professional quality low voltage and line voltage landscape lighting fixtures, as well as transformers and accessories with extended warranties that back up the professional.

Kichler’s most recent expansion of Design Pro leD products include the best warm white leD technology available in path, accent, deck, and step lights. Design Pro leD provides the ultimate in energy savings, precise light affects and the longest life of any landscape lighting available today (40,000 hours or approximately 18 years). lighting professionals are adopting these products for their durability and quality of light as they also provide improved installation management.

light Pro Rewards loyalty Program

Professional lighting installers that purchase Kichler landscape lighting will receive value points for every dollar of Kichler landscape lighting they purchase from a Kichler Authorized Distributor throughout the year. light Pro Rewards members can redeem points for a variety of valuable prizes to choose from such as electronics, sports and outdoor accessories, jewelry, product samples, lighting demo marketing kits, and other printed consumer marketing materials.

light Pro Rewards members also have the option to accumulate points and redeem them for fabulous trips to premium resorts in fabulous destinations! Past trips with Kichler management and other light Pros in the industry have included Panama, Jamaica, St. Thomas, Puerto Vallarta, los cabos and new in 2010 – Punta cana, Dominican Republic. for those professionals who are dedicated to growing with Kichler year over year, we have added an elite and Diamond elite level with even greater rewards points per dollar than ever before.

for additional information, please contact Tom Rowe at 303-319-5896 or visit their website at www.kichler.com.

kichler held the attention of 93 ALCA members by sponsoring the May mixer at Black Forest Mill in Phoenix.


AlCA neTworking


AlCA neTworking

NEW MEMBER NIGHT

The Arizona landscape contractors Association held its 3rd Annual Tucson new Member network night on Thursday, May 18th at The Randolph Golf clubhouse in Tucson. nearly 100 members and guests enjoyed food, drinks, fabulous door prizes and fellowship with friends in the landscape industry. Thank you to all of the sponsors who supported this event.

Auto Safety houseBingham equipmentDesert Trees nurseryDitch Witchevergreen Turfewing irrigationforeverlawn AZfX luminairehD Supply Waterworkshorizon Distributors inchunter industriesMountain States Wholesale nurseryRain Bird Services corporationRepnetScf ArizonaSprinkler WorldWestern Tree companyYoung Block AlcA’s mission is to provide the education and

government representation resulting in the enhanced professionalism of members and the public’s perception of landscape contractors and the Green industry. AlcA also provides services and benefits to members that can reduce their cost of doing business.


APRIL MEMBER MIxER

AlCA neTworking

Hunter Industries sponsors the April member mixer at CHASE Field.

Over 70 AlcA members gathered at friday’s front Row at chase field. Grant Trenbeth, head groundskeeper, explained the processes and care of the ball field and provided a tour of the facility.

Many thanks go to nate Gould, Brad Godaire and Bob Schottke with hunter for sponsoring the event.

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of irrigation equipment for the landscape and golf course industries, hunter has enjoyed a well-established reputation as the innovation leader in irrigation. They continue to focus on the needs of the irrigation professional, just as they have every day since being founded 25 years ago as a small ‘start-up’ by industry pioneer edwin J. hunter.

Today, with Richard e. hunter, edwin’s son, at the helm as the company’s President and ceO, hunter’s core purpose and mission is clear: To be the landscape professional’s first choice for irrigation products and services.

headquartered in San Marcos, california, hunter produces a full range of water-efficient products for residential and commercial use, as well as for golf course applications, including its legendary pop-up gear-driven rotors, spray sprinklers, valves, controllers, central controllers and weather sensors. As the innovation leaders, hunter holds more than 250 product patents and 40 trademarks, starting with the hunter PGP® in 1983 – the pop-up gear-driven rotor that revolutionized the irrigation industry.

Since then, hunter has developed more than 100 innovative products that meet the needs of professional installers worldwide.

26

BARBEQuES AnD OuTDOOR LiVinG

Barbeques Galore(760) 795-3466www.bbqgalore.comPlease see our ad on page .........5

EROSiOn COnTROLHyDROSEEDinG

Western Sere(888) 448-SEREwww.westernsere.comPlease see our ad on page .........3

iRRiGATiOn PRODuCTS/SySTEmS

DiG Corp.(800) 322-9146www.digcorp.comPlease see our ad on page .......17

Ewing irrigation(800) 343-9464www.ewing1.comPlease see our ad on page .......27

Horizon(800) PVCTURFwww.horizononline.comPlease see our ad on page .......19

Hunter industries(800) 733-2823www.hunterindustries.comPlease see our ad on page .........4

John Deere Landscapes(800) 347-4272www.johndeerelandscapes.comPlease see our ad on page .......13

LAnDSCAPE EQuiPmEnT

Ditch Witch(602) 437-0351www.ditchwitchaz.comPlease see our ad on page .......14

LAnDSCAPE mAinTEnAnCE

The Gardener’s Touch(602) 750-0574Please see our ad on page .......18

LAnDSCAPE SuPPLiES

Target Specialty Products(800) 352-3870www.target-specialty.comPlease see our ad on page .........2

LiGHTinG

Cast Lighting(800) 914 CASTwww.cast-lighting.comPlease see our ad on page .......14

Focus industries(888) 882-1350www.focusindustries.comPlease see our ad on page .......13

FX Luminaire(858) 535-8000www.fxl.comPlease see our ad on page ...Insert

nuRSERiES

All Season Wholesale Growers

(602) 276-0230www.allseasongrowers.comPlease see our ad on page .......26

Arid Zone Trees(480) 987-9094www.aridzonetrees.comPlease see our ad on page .......13

PLAnTERS

Kornegay Design(877) 252-6323www.kornegaydesign.comPlease see our ad on page .......15

POTTERy

international Wholesale Pottery

(602) 454-0528www.iwpottery.comPlease see our ad on page .......16

SOD/TuRF

Evergreen Turf, inc.(480) 456-1199www.evergreenturf.comPlease see our ad on page .... Back Cvr

Western Sod(800) 832-TURFwww.westernsod.comPlease see our ad on page .........5

TRuCK BODiES, TRAiLER PARTS & EQuiPmEnT

Auto Safety House LLC(602) 269-9721www.autosafetyhouse.comPlease see our ad on page .......13

Drake Equipment of Arizona(602) 278-2552www.drakeequipment.comPlease see our ad on page .........3

TRuCKS

Camelback Ford(480) 455-4777www.camelbackford.comPlease see our ad on page .......15

AD inDEX

All Season Wholesale Growers ..26Arid Zone Trees..........................13Auto Safety House LLC ..............13Barbeques Galore .........................5Camelback Ford .........................15Cast Lighting ...............................14DIG Corp. ..................................17Ditch Witch ................................14Drake Equipment of Arizona ........3Evergreen Turf, Inc. .....Back CoverEwing Irrigation ..........................27Focus Industries ..........................13Fx Luminaire ........................ InsertHorizon ......................................19Hunter Industries .........................4International Wholesale Pottery .16John Deere Landscapes ..............13kornegay Design ........................15Target Specialty Products .............2The Gardener’s Touch ................18Western Sere ................................3Western Sod .................................5

Advertiser Index and Resource Guide

resourCe guide

Do Away With Voice MailI hate voice mail.

You have to call in to retrieve it, if it’s for your cell phone getting your voicemail is burning minutes.

A lot of the messages aren’t worth returning, and some people leave their whole life history in each voice mail.

I don’t do voice mail any more.

I switched over to PhoneTag (http://www.phonetag.com), until just recently called Simulscribe).

They sent me a magic “code” to key into my cell phone, which set it to call forward calls when I don’t answer to a special telephone number they assigned me when I signed up.

So if you call me and I don’t answer you hear the same message I would have used for my cell phone. You leave your message. PhoneTag transcribes it. I get the message via text message and email (the email includes an MP3 recording of the message).

Because the text message arrives silently, I can see your message while in a meeting… Or while overseas.

Feel free to use my referral code to sign up https://apps.simulscribe.com/signup/r/184315

I even promise to return your call.

Gregg Marshall, CPMR, CSP, is a speaker,

author and consultant. He can be reached

by e-mail at gmarshall@repconnection.

com, or visit his website at http://www.

repconnection.com.

Tech Tip


ALCA Influence Jul/Aug 2009

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