California Landscape Contractors Association San Fernando Valley Chapter Volume 30, Number 12 December 2012 Valleyscape is now available online! www.eldoradocommunicationspublications.info The Next Event SFV CHAPTER INSTALLATION DINNER Thursday, January 24 • Radisson Hotel – Chatsworth • Details on page 3 RAIN SOAKED entryway at the Kinzler residence, the site of the December 1 Chapter Holiday Party, transformed by its special lighting into a palette of unique and dancing colors. (See Holiday Party photos on page 2.)
Transcript
California Landscape Contractors AssociationSan Fernando Valley Chapter
Volume 30, Number 12December 2012
Valleyscape is now available online! www.eldoradocommunicationspublications.info
The Next Event SFV CHAPTER INSTALLATION DINNER Thursday, January 24 • Radisson Hotel – Chatsworth
• Details on page 3
RAIN SOAKED entryway at the Kinzler residence, the site of the December 1 Chapter Holiday Party, transformed by its special lighting into a palette of unique and dancing colors. (See Holiday Party photos on page 2.)
JANUARY 31 IS THE DEADLINE
FOR RESERVATIONS!
2 December 2012 SFV CLCA Valleyscape
The Next EventWeather Cool, Spirits Warm at SFV Holiday Party
HOLIDAY GIFTS were donated by attendees to be delivered to the Haven Hills battered women’s
shelter…a tradition that has brought added meaning to the Chapter’s Holiday event.
STATE PRESIDENT Eric Watanabe and Director of Communications Chuck Carr (both
Past SFV Chapter Presidents) enjoy some Holiday Cheer while they continue to solve the problems of
the world.
CPC CO-DIRECTOR SOUTH Rene Emeterio and his lovely wife Wendy look like high school sweethearts as they share some Holiday lovin’ at
the Chapter’s big party.
MAKING NEW FRIENDS at the party are Debbie Calahan and Wendy Lopez, who
attended with their significant others.
VALLEYSCAPE EDITOR John Hernandez and Wendy Lopez got their Holiday picture taken
by multi-talented Rich Angelo. Thanks, Rich!
KEN & CINDY SKARIN aren’t able to attend all SFV meetings, but they seldom miss this one. You should plan to attend a few Chapter events
next year, as well.
MICKEY & CINDY STRAUSS, who have hosted this event in their home in the past,
get into the joyful Spirit of the Season in spite of the drizzly weather.
REPRESENTING THE YOUTH and stealing the hearts of everyone in attendance was little Bayla Klaidman, shown here with her dad,
Bob Klaidman.
NELSON & LESLIE COLVIN enjoy reminiscing with SFV members and friends
at the Chapter’s Holiday Bash.
GREAT HOSTS – Steven and Debilyn Kinzler opened their lovely Northridge home for the Chapter’s Holiday Party on December 1st.
The food was delicious and Steven’s bartending was outstanding.
INCOMING PRESIDENT and his First Lady, Alfonso and Lisbet Castillo, also worked hard
in the kitchen and elsewhere to ensure the event went smoothly, and that everyone was having
a good time.
RICH & CHARLENE ANGELO enjoy the warmth of the Holidays with 30 of their
closest friends.
SFV CLCA Valleyscape December 2012 3
Coming Events, Contact Numbers & More
Subject to Change – Check with Chapter Office First
2013
Jan. 9 Leadership Conference Los Angeles Airport Marriott
24 SFV Chapter Installation Dinner (see story below)
31 Deadline to sign up for SFX cruise
Feb. 13-14 LIS Show, Los Angeles Convention Center
Board Meetings are held the 1st Thursday at Golden Oak Offices in Chatsworth; Dinner Meetings are the 4th Thursday of the month, unless otherwise noted.
Chapter Installation Dinner Jan. 24• Alfonso Castillo to Lead SFV Board in 2013
Don’t miss the Installation of Chapter Officers and Directors – those individuals who will lead SFV to another successful
year in 2013. The event will be held Thursday, January 24 at the Radisson Hotel, 9777 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Chatsworth; (818) 709-7054.
The cost is $35 per person. Networking begins at 6:30 p.m.; dinner will be served at 7:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Jan at the Chapter office by January 21, (818) 772-7233.
Plan to attend the first Chapter event of the year, where attendees will be thanking the outgoing 2012 Board led by Steven Kinzler, who steps up to become Chairman of the Board. His commit-ment to the Chapter and to the goals and ideals of CLCA are to be commended. We also want to show our support for Alfonso Castillo, who is bringing new energy, great ideas and plans to increase membership and member involvement. Alfonso will continue the tradition of dynamic leadership for the San Fernando Valley Chapter.
The SFV Chapter Installations are always fun and full of surprises. We’ll see you there.
Planning for Profits in 2013 Webinar Set for Friday, December 21• Free Webinar Developed by Jeffrey Scott
Don’t miss a free webinar for Green Industry business owners and managers on Friday, December 21 at 8 a.m. The webinar
contains many practical ideas that can be used to help plan for success in 2013. Learn how the best operate!
There are a thousand ways to run a company, yet only a few proven ways to build your business profitably. You will learn the best practices, tools, techniques and stories on how to build your business profitably and plan for better results in 2013.
Immediately improve profitability and strengthen your business, by learning to
• Apply a balance of “Descriptive vs. Prescriptive” leadership styles
• Maximize the profit of each division
• Create “Ownership Thinking” with your staff
• Use “Triple Win Incentives”
• Increase employee accountability using “Relationship Contracts”
• Delegate authority using the “Decision Ladder”
• Use the “Adult-Adult Communication” model to increase effi-ciency and profitability.
Space is limited; reserve your spot at https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/982440465
ABOUT THE SPEAKERJeffrey Scott, Consultant, has traveled the continent observing what works and what doesn’t work. He grew his own landscape business into a successful 10 million enterprise and he now helps others contractors, smaller and larger, do the same. He runs landscape peer groups for landscape business owners. In their first year his members achieved a 27% profit growth. To learn more, visit www.GetTheLeadersEdge.com
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. For more information, call Corine Koornhof at (203) 220-8931.
Change is Constant
It seems like I was just saying, “Hello, I’m looking forward to a New Year.”
And now it’s over! That was fast.
We have seen many changes in our industry this past year as well as in our association. Watching these changes take place simply enforces the fact that change is the eternal constant. Whether it brings growth or downsizing, we had better pay attention to what is going on so that we
can continue to have the upper hand as the situation unfolds.
Something else I’ve learned: Don’t wait for things to get better…because they probably won’t without some immediate involve-ment and action on your part. And lastly, don’t be too proud to ask for help when you find yourself in a challenging situation. As
a member of CLCA, you are surrounded by sources of potential help, whether at the Chapter level or from the State. This is one of the benefits of relationships and friendships developed over the years as an ACTIVE member of our association.
In closing, it has been an honor to serve as your President for the past two years. I have learned so much and look forward to continuing on the SFV Board. Your incoming President, Alfonso Castillo, will be great for our Chapter. It can be said that Alfonso is “one of us.” He is hard working, sharp and has plenty of new ideas for bettering the Chapter, especially in the area of growth. Please continue to give Alfonso the support you have generously given me as your President.
Here’s wishing you all a very happy Holiday Season and a very prosperous New Year! – Steven
President’s Message
STEVEN KINZLER SFV President
SK Landscape Design, Inc.
JEFFREY SCOTT Consultant
Automatic Sprinkler Controls, Inc.
5914 Noble Ave. • Van Nuys CA 91411Ph (818) 994-1159 • Fax (818) 994-1809
In this perfect moment of reflection and awareness, I find there is one source of all life that resides in all its creation. It is God, the
Creator of all that is and was made, who is in us, around us and through us as we individualize life from its loving matrix. This is always a special time of year for me and my family. We take time to recognize an inner Presence of all good, of love that surrounds us – of embracing peace, joy, happiness and prosperity.
Christmas recognizes the birth of Christ and Christ consciousness, while Hanukah recognizes the individual awakening within. Both bringing the awareness of one divine source of all life made available by the individual choices we make. As we grow in conscious awareness we become fully awake to this moment within. The one source that flows through everything flows through everyone. This is the fabric of life that enlivens our daily activities in individual ways.
What better time to be aware of the qualities of our lives, experienced in the fullness and completeness of the recognition of the Creator in our lives. The beauty of enduring love is within us at all times. The desire in our hearts is always looking for expression through us…by the actions we take. Our happiness and enthusiasm are heightened at this time of the year and is meant to be shared with all of our families and extended families. Sharing and giving transcend any feelings of separation
and bring a sense of unity to our world.
Unity and friendships are found among our chapters and our association. Our allied tradesmen and women bring specialness to our landscape contractors association. Bruce Courter, a Past SFV Chapter President who now lives in the
Paso Robles area, shared his heart and heart-felt feelings in a letter that appeared in several chapter newsletters. It is the final and best point made about life…“You gotta’ have heart.” Even during periods of adjustment, during tragic times, the Eternal Voice within continues to speak and bring healing to and through our hearts.
I write about life. From our innermost being, it is the heart-felt response that impacts our lives.
Bruce hit a homerun with his shared awareness. And yes, I cried again.
Life is the miracle we are living right now. Maria and I feel honored with the friendships we have made. May the richness you have added to our lives be returned to you during this Holiday time of the year. – Dave
Just Takin’ a Moment
DAVID JUNOD Director
Sheridan Landscaping, Inc.Sharing and giving
transcend any feelings of separation and bring a sense of unity to our world.
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This Year Was a Year for Giving and Loss…By Beth Burns, Zone 24 Landscaping
With the Holiday Season upon us and color changes happening quickly, it is now time to take a moment to reflect on the
past year…? With so many of our fellow contractors unfortunately not being able to keep their doors open, and local businesses and nurseries closing, we who are busy and pushing along should all be so thankful for what we have.
Personally, this year has been an excellent year for business, even better than last year, and for that I am truly thankful. For my friends that have not been able to continue in business, I am truly saddened as we all wish that everyone would prosper.
I have taken a bit of a different outlook on life lately. As most of you know my life changed this year, losing someone who I deeply loved and thought of as my “forever.” So now I see things that I never saw through my eyes before because I am now seeing them through my heart. As bad as life seems sometimes the next day can bring a smile and maybe even a laugh. But most importantly I have found that it is giving, giving and more giving that is keeping me going.
While standing in a line at CVS last week, I noticed an Hispanic kid barely 20 years or so with his girlfriend or wife in front of me trying to purchase some diapers and formula for the baby they had in the stroller. His credit or debit card was run through three times
and each time it came up declined. There were about seven people behind me and no one said a thing. I asked the cashier how much his bill was and he told me $52.15. I told the cashier that I would pay for it and told the young man and his girl…Merry Christmas. Needless to say I know they will remember that day.
It was not about the money but it was about giving back to someone or something who does not have the things in life that I have.
This year my employees and I are giving back as well. My employees work hard and most of them have nice things and a warm roof over their heads. So now it was time to help others that are not as lucky as we all are… together with their children, each family will sponsor a family at our local shelter for abused women and families, to get them things that are needed.
That is Christmas to me…it is the time of year that I can randomly see someone that I know does not have much and give them a $100 bill and a hug, and it truly goes a long way. For some reason this helps to take away the sadness of a loss and make the days a little better. I hope you can all do a bit of giving this year, as it really does make you feel good.
Happy Holidays. – Beth
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Secretary Salazar Announces Release of Colorado River Basin Study
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently announced the release of a three-year study of the Colorado River Basin that
predicts major water supply shortages and explores water reuse, desalination and other water management tools as ways to offset future shortages. Salazar said the study projects an imbalance between water supply and demand from users of Colorado River water of 3.2 million acre-feet by 2060. The study also predicts that the largest increase in demand will come from municipal and industrial users due to population growth in the areas served by the Colorado River Basin.
The Colorado River Basin currently provides water to some 40 million people. The study, called The Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study, estimates that the number of water users could nearly double to 76.5 million by 2060.
“There is no silver bullet to solve the imbalance between the demand for water and the supply in the Colorado River Basin over the next 50 years – rather, it’s going to take diligent planning and collaboration from all stakeholders to identify and move forward with practical solutions,” Salazar said in a statement.
During a conference call with reporters, Salazar cited water reuse, desalination and reducing demand as practical ways to address what is expected to be a growing water shortage that will impact the communities served by the Colorado River Basin. He said some of the other proposals outlined in the study are likely impractical. For example, proposals to import water from the Missouri River or to transport Arctic icebergs to areas in need of
water likely are not feasible, he said.
Jeffrey Kightlinger, General Manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, called the study the “…most definitive assessment of vulnerabilities and options to address the projected supply and demand gap...” He went on to say, “California has made significant investments to reduce its reliance on the Colorado River water, lowering the state’s river diversions by more than 500,000 acre-feet per year since 2003. Existing programs and agreements, for example, enhance conservation, increase agricultural efficiency and allow districts like Metropolitan to store conserved water supplies in Lake Mead.
“Eventually, additional projects and programs will be needed for all the Basin states to adapt to an uncertain future that includes climate change impacts. This study lays out a roadmap showing how Basin states can work with Reclamation to meet future water supply needs throughout this vital watershed that provides water to 30 million people and 4 million acres of some of the national most valuable farmland.”
Salazar also cited agricultural conservation measures put in place in the Imperial Irrigation District in California as an example of measures that could be applied in other agricultural communities.
The study was funded and prepared by the Bureau of Reclamation and the seven basin states – California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. It also cited climate change as a factor in reducing water supply in the Colorado River Basin.
Jerry RobinCertified Molecular Hydration Specialist
The Next EventThe Next EventFun, Business & Awards Greet CLCA Conventioneers
ADULT BEVERAGES were generously served on the bus ride back to the Convention hotel.
Shown is Klaus Kumme getting a wine refill from Bucky Logan of CLCA Insurance Solutions as
Gordon Larson looks on.
PAST STATE PRESIDENTS Pete Dufau and Mickey Strauss enjoy reminiscing at the LCIS Reception. We understand that Pete took some
interesting photos at the well-attended event. Let’s see ’em, Pete!
LCIS RECEPTION drew several members and friends the evening of Day Two, including
State President and First Lady Eric and Noemi Watanabe.
HUNTER INDUSTRIES was also part of the tour and was visited by two busloads of
conventioneers, shown here waiting to break up into smaller tour groups.
LCIS PRESIDENT/CEO Kim Ayala and husband Mike spend some time at the reception with El Dorado Communications contributors
Michael and Bronwyn Miller.
MULTI-TALENTED Jon Goldstein of Jonny Appleseed Landscaping entertains LCIS Reception
guests. Jon rode down to the CLCAConvention from the Los Angeles area on his 10-speed bike!
The trip took two days.
PERENNIAL award winner and occasional lecturer Daniel Wilson, enjoys the Convention
held at Loews Coronado near San Diego with his wife DeAnn and son Dylan.
LCIS REPS Gil Gonzalez and Dan Dvorak (right) are visited at the breakfast by Past State President and current Director of Legislation
Pete Dufau.
`
DAY TWO BREAKFAST attendees Beth Burns, Gordon Larson and Rene Emeterio enjoy breakfast
and each other’s company as they await the morning keynoter’s address.
WELCOME RECEPTION at the CLCA State Convention Nov. 7-11 saw Women’s Auxiliary’s Wendy Emeterio, Nelson Colvin and Jill Hertzer laughing it up as they sold raffle tickets for LEAF
Scholarships.
KEYNOTER Taryn Voget, who incorporated “Genius Strategies” into her two back-to-back
morning presentations, is shown with San Diego Chapter’s Mimi Cortes, a frequent contributor
to the discussions.
GATHERING to enter the FX Luminaire plant as part of a company tour set up for Convention attendees, is this group of active and inquisitive
CLCA members.
SFV CLCA Valleyscape December 2012 9
The Next EventThe Next EventTrophy Awards are Part of Convention Experience
BOB BAIER MEMORIAL AWARD – Wilson Environmental Landscape Design, Daniel Wilson
(right); Sponsor is Aquasave.
MEDIUM RESIDENTIAL – FIRST PLACE, Visionscapes, Ruben Flores (right); Sponsor is Southland Sod, represented by Norm Lopez.
EXCELSIOR AWARD – BM Landscape & Maintenance (right); Sponsor is CLCA Insurance
Solutions, represented by Bucky Logan.
SPECIAL EFFECTS – Ciro’s Landscaping (right); Sponsor is Hunter Industries/FX
LIGHTING – O.A. Land Mechanics, Bryon Meyers (right); Sponsor is Hunter Industries/ FX Luminaire, presented by Jeff Calhoun.
SWEEPSTAKES – Stuart J. Sperber Memorial Sweepstakes Award goes to Sohnco Landscape
(right); Sponsor is Valley Crest Tree Company.
JON R. ALSDORF MEMORIAL AWARD – Richard Cohen Landscape & Construction
(right); Sponsor is the Landscape Industry Show, represented by Michelle Sykes.
JUDGES AWARD – Past the Gate (right); Sponsor is Norman’s Nursery.
NACHO LIBRE wrestlers (emcees Barry Elder and Steve Veltri) made a spectacular entrance
to enhance the Mexican themed Trophy Awards dinner that included music from a mariachi
band.
JOHN REDMOND MEMORIAL AWARD – Brickman (right); Sponsor for this award is
Landscape Contractors Insurance Services (LCIS), presented by Kim Ayala.
HERB FRANK MEMORIAL AWARD – Jonny Appleseed Landscaping, Jon Goldstein
(center) and son Gregory. Presenting for Sponsor Birch Financial is Nelson Colvin.
10 December 2012 SFV CLCA Valleyscape
The Next EventThe Next EventExcellent Speakers, Elections & More at Convention 2012
INCOMING STATE PRESIDENT Frank Niccoli and Executive Director Sharon McGuire
chat at the Awards dinner.
NEW DIRECTOR – Eyescapes’ Bronwyn Miller congratulates Jessica Centeno on her election to the post of Director of Communications. The election was held at the General Member Meeting on Day
Three of the Convention.
ASSOCIATES MEETING discussed a number of issues and was a good place for supplier
networking. Shown are Brett Hill of A-G Sod Farms and Jim Osweiler of Santa Barbara Stone
and Masonry Supply.
LCIS REPRESENTATIVES Dan and Robyn Dvorak, Kim and Mike Ayala, and David and Darlene Bloodgood enjoy the Awards evening
festivities.
DAY FOUR PRESENTERS included John Whitcomb speaking on “Large Landscape Efficiency in the World of Warcraft,” and
Dennis Pittenger, who spoke about “A New Way of Determining Landscape Plant Water
Requirements.”
CONVENTION LAUGHS are enjoyed by old friends John Vorbeck, John Gachina and Charles Nunley. There is plenty of business that happens at conventions, but there is lots of fun that takes
place as well.
LARGE RESIDENTIAL INST. – FIRST PLACE, Visionscape, Ruben Flores (right);
Sponsor is A-G Sod Farms, represented by Brett Hill.
SMALL RESIDENTIAL MAINT. – O.A., Visionscape, Ruben Flores (right); Sponsor Golden
Oak Cooperative Corporation, represented by Nelson Colvin.
APTS/CONDOS/TOWNHOUSES MAINT. – O.A., Stay Green Inc. (right); Sponsor is Landscape Contractors Insurance Services,
presenting is Kim Ayala.
UNLIMITED COMMERCIAL MAINT. – O.A., Marina Landscape, Bob Cowan (right);
Sponsor is Ewing Irrigation Products, presenting is Tom Noonan.
AWARDS PROGRAM CREWMEMBERS did another outstanding job. They are: Chair Barry
Elder and Jody Elder; with capable assistants Steve and Emma Veltri. Great job!
GOOD FRIENDS Shari Collins, Director of Chapter Services/Events, and Michelle Sykes of
the San Joaquin Valley Chapter, enjoy the Trophy Awards dinner together.
SFV CLCA Valleyscape December 2012 11
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY CHAPTER, CLCA
2013 SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
DEAR CHAPTER SUPPORTER: We value your membership and involvement in our local chapter and would like to offer this opportunity to participate in our NEW sponsorship program. Three sponsorship levels are available, each providing an array of benefits and opportunities to support our chapter as well as receive recognition for yourself and your company. We hope that you will give it a try.
GOLD SPONSOR – $2,000 • Golf Tournament Foursome + 2 Tee Signs (September) • Free attendance for two at all regular monthly dinner meetings (excluding Women’s Auxiliary
Chinese Auction and Holiday Party) – 7 meetings planned in 2013. • One Special Award Sponsorship or two Regular Award Sponsorships at Chapter Beautification Awards
Program – includes dinner for 2 (June) • Recognition in all SFV Chapter newsletters (Valleyscape) and at all dinner meetings. Placement of
one article in the Valleyscape (to be coordinated with Publisher).
SILVER SPONSOR - $1,200 • Golf Tournament -‐ 2 Entries + 1 Tee Sign (September) • Free attendance for two at all regular dinner meetings (excluding Women’s Auxiliary Chinese Auction
and Holiday Party) – 7 meetings planned in 2013. • One Special Award Sponsorship in Chapter Beautification Awards Program – includes one dinner (June) • Recognition in all SFV Chapter newsletters (Valleyscape) and at all dinner meetings.
BRONZE SPONSOR - $750 • Golf Tournament – Tee Sign (September) • Free Attendance for one at all regular monthly dinner meetings (excluding Trophy Awards,
Women’s Auxiliary Chinese Auction, and Holiday Party) – 7 meetings planned in 2013. • Recognition in Chapter Newsletter and at all Chapter dinner meetings.
-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐-‐ 2013 SPONSORSHIP COMMITMENT FORM
Please complete and return this form before January 15, 2013 with your check payable to:
CLCA San Fernando Valley Chapter 20946 Devonshire St., Suite 200, Chatsworth, CA 91311
818-‐772-‐7233
I/we are committing to be sponsors at the following level:
Company Name:____________________________________________________________ Contact:________________________________Phone:_____________________________ Address:___________________________________________________________________ E-‐mail:_____________________________ Signature:______________________________
12 December 2012 SFV CLCA Valleyscape
Rain Bird Introduces New Drainage Product Line
Many residential, commercial and municipal sites struggle with drainage issues. Poor drainage leads to standing or rushing
water, which can damage landscapes and cause structural damage to homes and businesses alike. Furthermore, the popularity of water harvesting has placed greater emphasis on capturing this water and re-using it for landscape irrigation. Now, Rain Bird is making it easier for contractors to provide an effective and efficient water management solution by introducing a new line of drainage products. These products are designed to both efficiently manage excess water and, if desired, harvest it for future re-use on the landscape.
Rain Bird’s new drainage product line includes grates, catch basins, pop-up valves and basin
adapters and accessories, all available in multiple sizes, shapes and styles to meet any landscape drainage need. Grates are available
in green, black, sand or gray colors to easily blend into any area of the landscape. All components are constructed to exacting tolerances to assure consistent, worry-free connections when used together. Rain Bird’s drainage products are also
compatible with components from most other leading manufacturers, saving the
day when a particular site needs an easy upgrade or fast replacement.
For more information about Rain Bird’s drainage product line, visit www.rainbird.com, contact your local Rain Bird
Representative or distributor or call 1-800-RAIN BIRD.
Ewing’s Ray and Sue York Honored with Industry Achievement Award
Ewing’s Ray and Sue York received the Irrigation Association’s Industry
Achievement Award during the Irrigation Show this past Nov. 5 in Orlando, Fla.
Presented by Irrigation Association (IA) President Philip A. Burkart, the Industry Achievement Award recognizes individuals whose careers demonstrate outstanding contributions to the advancement of the irrigation industry, products, practices, education, research or professionalism.
Celebrating more than 50 years of service in the Green Industry, Ray and Sue York have maintained a strong industry presence while guiding and growing the Ewing Irrigation Products brand as the nation’s largest family owned and operated distributor of landscape and water management products.
Accepting the award “on behalf of the employees of Ewing who made Ewing’s successes possible,” Sue York spoke of the three things she values in life most: her family; the Ewing company, and
its incredible team of caring people; and the landscape and irrigation industry itself.
“It’s exciting to see how far we’ve come,” said Sue, highlighting efforts in the areas of Smart Irrigation Month, Smart Water Application Technology (SWAT) programs, and more.
Honoring past recipients of the award, Ray York thanked Ewing customers for a lifetime of support. “We have some wonderful customers, some of them going back 34 years in Northern California,” he said.
He acknowledged Ewing suppliers and manufacturers, employees, and family members for contributing to his success.
Ray and Sue York served as Ewing Irrigation Products’ Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, respectively, for 40 years. Under their leadership, Ewing grew from two locations in 1963 to more than 115 locations in 2002, when they appointed Doug York as President and Richard York as Executive Vice President, estab-lishing a third generation of Ewing/York family leadership.
Ray and Sue remain active in certain aspects of the business, and now oversee operations for Landscape Products, a private-label manufacturer of professional grade landscape and irrigation products.
Longstanding landscape and irrigation industry supporters and advocates, Sue and Ray have served as president of the Irrigation Association in 1986 and 1998, respectively. Previously, they were named to the California Landscape Contractor Association’s (CLCA) distinguished list of Honorary Members in 2007 in recognition for their outstanding contributions to the landscape industry.
SFV CLCA Valleyscape December 2012 13
SFX 2013
Dread Pirate Niccoli here to invite ye ‘n ye mateys to join me on th’ poop deck th’ Carnival Inspiration fer an excitin’ four-nightfall cruise to Baja, Mexico.
Th’ search fer treasure starts now, at our first port o’ call – Los Angeles. We’ll take th’ Summer Extravaganza’s learn’in and network’in ‘n add in full ‘o awe onboard activities, delicious dinin’ choices, nightlife, comedy ‘n plenty ‘o places to just kick back – all as ye be off from one a ruckas destination to another.
‘bout th’ CruiseTravel onboard th’ Carnival Inspiration fer an excitin’ four-nightfall Baja Mexico cruise. A cruise isn’t just a vacation – ‘tis way better. ye get full ‘o awe onboard activities, delicious dinin’ choices, nightlife, comedy ‘n plenty ‘o places to just kick back – all as ye be off from one a ruckas desti-nation to another.
th’ onboard Youth Center has daily a ruckas-filled ‘n age-appro-priate activities fer children ‘n teens.
Cabins AvailableChoose from an: Interior, Ocean View, Mini-Suite or Suite stateroom.
A limited number of suites and mini-suites are available – contact CLCA Travel Consultant Pam Carter at [email protected] or (559) 907-7078.
All cabins include pamperin’ service, 24-hour room service ‘n unique towel animals.
Important Note: A passport is highly recommended for all travelers. However, you are able to cruise with a certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID (such as your driver’s license). The name on your travel documentation must match the name on your reservation.
To Sign UpSubmit the completed Travel Agent Info Sheet downloadable at www.winwithclca.org/summer/ (under “Book Yer Booth”) to CLCA Travel Consultant Pam Carter at [email protected] or (559) 907-7078.
Deadlines & CostsJanuary 31, 2013 – Last day to make reservations and deposits for cabinsApril 15, 2013 – Last day to submit final paymentsJune 1, 2013 – Last day to register for the CLCA Summer Extravaganza
Cruise Costs• Based on double
occupancy per cabin
• Prices include all taxes & port fees
• All dates are final – no extensions. You will lose your room if you miss a deadline.
Interior Cabins start at $588 per person. (First and second person in cabin). Third person in a cabin is
$377.44. Fourth person in a cabin is $377.44.
Ocean View Cabins start at $658 per person. (First and second person in cabin). Third additional person in a cabin is $447.44, Fourth additional person in a cabin is $397.44
Want Your Own Cabin?Interior Cabins: Single person in a cabin is $988.
Ocean View Cabins: Single person in a cabin is $1158.
Parking At The Port$12 per day
SFX Registration Fee$100 per person
Don’t be a Landlubber!Reserve your room and pay your deposit by January 31, 2013
Is This A Business Write Off?Please check with your CPA to see what portions of this trip may qualify for tax deduction.
Travel InsuranceIs always recommended, but not required. Pricing is determined by your age and the cost of your trip. Please contact Pam Carter, CLCA’s Travel Consultant, at [email protected] or (559) 907-7078.
Arrrr, Matey! Sail to Catalina & Baja, July 8-12
How to Get the Referrals YOU Want!! By Orange County ActionCoach Jay McDowell
Virtually every Owner has learned that generating referrals from clients and
prospects is a key to success, yet my experi-ence and also viewing KPIs indicate that less than 15% of Owners generate enough referrals to impact their business.
Traditional training has taught us to “do a good job and ask for referrals.” Using the traditional approach, the typical Owner will get an occasional “referral” or two from their clients, but these tend to be just names and phone numbers, rather than qualified prospects.
Even worse, this “do a good job and ask for referrals” approach creates five problems, they are:
1. The client is not prepared to give referrals. By waiting until the relationship with your Client is well under way and then asking for referrals, your client has not had an opportunity to prepare for your request. To the client, the request comes from out of the blue. When you approach your client with your request without giving him an opportunity to think about it, you are putting them on the spot. You are giving them only a
few seconds to go through their mental file cabinet.
2. The client does not know what you need. It may seem obvious to you, but your client has little idea of what makes
a good referral for you, even if they take a few seconds to think about it. You assume that because your business involves a number of services for small to mid-size businesses, your client is immediately going to think, “What other companies do I know or do I do business with that might need Jay’s products or service?” Wrong assump-
tion. What they actually think is, “What does Jay want from me?”
3. Your client does not have a reason to give referrals. We assume that if we have done a good job, the client will like and respect us and be willing to give us referrals. Again, this is far from the case. Most clients will not give quality referrals just because they like you or because you have done a good job for them. They need a reason to give you referrals. They need to understand why it is in their best interest to give you referrals. Clients assume that whomever they refer you to will be more demanding and critical than they have been. When a client gives a referral, they are putting their reputation and image on the line with the person to whom they are referring to you. They are concerned about what their friend or acquaintance is going to think of them and their judgment, particularly if you mess up.
4. The client doesn’t have an objective standard by which to measure your performance. The traditional referral genera-tion method does not give the client an objective standard by which to measure the quality of your performance. You and your client may “feel” you have done a good job, but when you ask for referrals, they begin to think back over the process more critically and question whether you have really performed up to standards they believe others would find acceptable.
If the two of you agree up-front on exactly what you need to do in order to “do a good job,” the client will have an objective basis to decide if they trust you enough and if you have performed well enough to earn the right to be sent to people they really know well and respect.
5. Most Owners do not ask for referrals, rather they suggest them. Instead of asking a direct question seeking referrals such as, “Bob, what other business owners do you know that I may be able help solve some crucial issues?” the typical professional will make a weak suggestion such as, “Bob, if you happen to know someone I can help would you mind letting me know?” Or, “Bob, if you run across someone, who could use my services, would you mind giving them my card?” Rather than a request for referrals, these are throwaway sentences, quickly
14 December 2012 SFV CLCA Valleyscape
…it is possible to generate a very large number of high quality referrals from your clients. You need to have a referral generation process…
It’s the Law!Business 101
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“Smart phones and tablets play an increasing role in the way landscape contractors run their business,” says Ross Hawley, Marketing Manager for Toro. “Our customers want easy access to information that keeps their crews working in the field, instead of sitting behind a computer screen. Our new mobile site will deliver that information in an easy-to-read format. There’s already a lot of great information
on the mobile site,” he reveals, “and we plan to continue making additions based on the needs of contractors.”
The new Toro mobile website is not an app, so there is no need to access the app store to download updates. As Toro continues
to enhance the features of the website, those updates will be instantly available to the site’s users. The easiest way to access the Toro mobile website is by book-marking it on the home screen of a smart phone.
For more information on Toro Landscape Contractor Equipment, contact your Toro Landscape Contractor Equipment dealer, call Toro at 1-800-348-2424, visit www.toro.com/professional or e-mail [email protected].
The new Toro mobile website is not an app, so there is no need to access the app store to download updates
Get New Mechanics Lien Release Forms from CSLB Website• Legal Changes Effective July 1, 2012 Submitted by Dan Dvorak, LCIS
The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is reminding licensees of revisions that were made to the state’s mechanics
lien laws on July 1, 2012. Legal revisions mainly change the wording and format of the mechanics lien notice. Because of the changes, CSLB has updated release forms to reflect the new language. Contractors can use these documents to protect their lien rights on construction projects. The forms are available on the CSLB website (www.cslb.ca.gov).
The 20-Day Preliminary Notice is now simply called Preliminary Notice. In addition, the wording of the Notice to Property Owner statement, required as part of the Preliminary Notice, has changed. Subcontractors and suppliers should use the newly worded Notice for private home improvement projects. The Preliminary Notice should be delivered to the homeowner in person or by certified, registered, or express mail, or overnight delivery, with a receipt of the mailing as proof. You may give notice any time before work starts or products are delivered, and up to 20 days after. If you give notice more than 20 days after work or delivery, your lien rights only apply to the work or products provided 20 days before the notice was given, and anytime thereafter.
The Notice of Mechanics Lien wording also changed in the new law. This notice must accompany the lien claim and be sent via certified, registered, or first class mail, with a certificate of mailing as proof. Failure to send the properly worded Notice with the lien claim could result in the lien being unen-forceable.
The conditional and unconditional lien release forms also have changed. Make sure subcontractors and suppliers sign the new conditional forms as progress payments are owed, and when the project is finished before they are given final payment. Have them sign the new unconditional release forms after they receive progress payments and their final payment. The new law gives homeowners 15 days instead of 10 to file a Notice of Completion with the County Recorder. If a notice is filed, the contractor has 60 days and subcontractors have 30 days to record a lien. If no notice is filed, all parties have 90 days to record a lien.
You and the Law
DAN DVORAKLCIS
16 December 2012 SFV CLCA Valleyscape
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Referrals, from page 14
Water Management Certification Program Upcoming Test Dates
The California Landscape Contractors Association’s Water Management Certification Program was established in 2007
and helps the Green Industry reduce landscape water usage by certifying individuals through performance-based water budgeting. This unique program carries the WaterSense Label from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is also approved for continuing education units by PLANET, Irrigation Association and the International Association of Arboriculture.
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forgotten by most clients.
Yet, it is possible to generate a very large number of high quality referrals from your clients. You need to have a referral generation process that:
• Informs your client ahead of time that you will ask for referrals • Lets the client know what your definition of a referral • Educates your client on why providing referrals is in their best
interests• Provides an agreed upon objective criteria to determine your
performance
By forming a process where you eliminate the problems associated with the traditional referral generating method, you will increase not only the number of referrals you receive from your clients, but
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