ANA SWH Nov/Dec 2012

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012VOLUME 29 NUMBER 5NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012VOLUME 29 NUMBER 5

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THIS ISSUE: 2012 Wrap Up

Arizona Wholesale GrowersTrees, shrubs and cacti for arid climates since 1982.

Suncrest Nursery 4204 Lone Mountain Cave Creek AZ 85331 tel 480-488-1968 fax 480-488-8859

www.azna.org November/December 2012 | 1

2 Frontline

3 Insights

4 Industry News

5 Legislative & Regulatory

6 ANAFUND News

6 In Memoriam

8 Promotion

9 Networking

11 Members Services

12 Insurance Update

13 Safety News

14 Education

16 Advertiser Index

southwestHorticulture

Arizona Nursery AssociationOfficers and Board of Directors

PresidentJoe Traficano ............................West Coast Turf

President-ElectJay Harper ............................ Harper’s Nursery

TreasurerEric Johnson ................. Western Tree Company

Past PresidentRob Johns....................................A&P Nursery

Board of DirectorsMatt Bigham ..........................Western GrowersJimmy Fox ................................. Evergreen TurfPhil Hemminghaus .......................... Wilbur EllisRob Palfreyman ..........Pima Valley GreenhousesRoger Ramsey ..........................Ewing IrrigationCindy Riding ......................V&P Nurseries, Inc.Dan SchollLes Shipley ........................Civano Nursery, IncScott Tenge .................... Queen Creek GrowersDon Waltemeyer ..................Treeland Nurseries Carol Ward-Morris ...... Arizona Municipal Water Users Association

Ex-Officio MembersBrett Cameron..Arizona Department of Agriculture

StaffCheryl Goar ......................... Executive DirectorSusan Chase .....................Communication and Education CoordinatorJudi Bateman ....................... Financial Assistant

Official Magazine of the Arizona Nursery Association

1430 West Broadway Road, Suite 110Tempe, Arizona 85282

480-966-1610 Fax 480-966-0923e-mail: [email protected]: www.azna.org

SouthwestHORTICULTURE MagazineMission Statement

SouthwestHorticulture Magazine is the official news and educational publication of the Arizona Nursery As-sociation, its members, affiliates and officers. It provides opportunities for academics to publish research of importance to ANA members, communicates significant information about ANA members and events, contains information that increases knowledge within the industry and presents a professional image of our members and affiliates. It offers advertising space to ANA members and non-members, which generates revenues in excess of publication costs.The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Arizona Nursery Association or its members. Likewise, the appearance of advertis-ers, or their identification as members of ANA does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured.SouthwestHorticulture is published bi-monthly by the Ari-zona Nursery Association. It is sent to ANA and ALCA members as a membership benefit. Subscription rate for non-members is $50 per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 1430 West Broadway, Suite 110, Tempe, Arizona 85282. Phone: 480-966-1610.

southwestHORTICULTURENOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012VOLUME 29 NUMBER 5

In this issue of Southwest Horticulture, we are taking time to tell you what the Arizona Nursery Association has accomplished this year and what is to come in 2013. We will cover the five main areas of focus, Education, Promotion, Member Ben-efits/Services, Legislative and Regulatory, and ANAFUND. As members of this association, you have the opportunity to reap the benefits that are available. Take a journey with us by reading this special edition of Southwest Horticulture and learn what your Dues Dollars are buying you!

Calendar DepartmentsDECEMBER

4 ADA Environmental Services Division Recertification and Training Yuma http://www.azda.gov/Main/ November12.htm

6 ANA’s Annual Member Meeting and Awards Dinner The McCormick Ranch Golf Club [email protected] or (480) 966-1610

13 ANA Board Meeting

Cover Photo: Courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company

2 | southwestHORTICULTURE Arizona Nursery Association

SSince my last message we finally have the weather changing in our favor, bearable daytime temperatures with beautiful nights when you can enjoy a nice relaxing chair outside with your favorite beverage.

Over the years the board has had several monthly meetings at various facilities around town and we have done that mainly to visit a new site for a possible SHADE conference or a Saturday Night Live event, but our October meeting place had a special meaning for all of you that knew Mike Berglund.

SummerWinds nursery was gracious enough to allow the ANA Board to use the Mike Berglund conference room for our meeting. Prior to the meeting several past presidents were there, Larry Woods and wife Sandy, Bart Worthington, Robin Franklin, Susan Chase, Cindy Riding, Phil Hemminghaus and Cheryl all spoke about

wonderful experiences they had over the years when Mike was on the board and as President. The common theme I heard from the group was Mike was someone you could rely on to solve problems, always thinking of ways to make things better in his business and our association. We were told the room was Mike’s vision and he wanted a place so the younger generation could learn about the nursery business and plants but more importantly life lessons. His wonderful wife Angie was on hand to accept a plaque with a picture of Mike and a thank you for his service to the ANA. The plaque is now hanging on the wall in that conference room. Please stop by Summer Winds on 16th Street and Bethany Home to take a look at the beautiful conference room. Again thanks to Summer Winds for letting us be a part of the special day.

I’d like to discuss a program that I think many are missing out on that is now available to all grower nurseries and could/will save you money. The program is called the On-Farm Energy Audit Implementation Program, which was brought forward by the Arizona Department of Agriculture in partnership with the USDA’s National

Resources Conservation Service and the Governors’ office. Its purpose is to assist ag-related businesses in finding ways to save energy, which also saves money.

This audit is free and is voluntary and

mainly a fact-finding program to help you discover any areas where you could save on energy. Please take a moment to research it and call Rusty Van Leuven with the Department of Agriculture. He will answer all your questions. If you want a personal experience from a nursery that has gone through the evaluation, give Board member Les Shipley at Civano Nursery a call. He was pleasantly surprised at the results.

Lastly, just a reminder that our Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, December 6th at McCormick Ranch Golf Club.

Hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday season. As always if you have a question or comment please do not hesitate to call the office.

Thank you,

frontline Joe Traficano, President

Joe Traficano


TThe President, President-elect and Executive Director of each of the Western Region Nursery Associations participate in an annual meeting each fall to share ideas, tackle common issues and network with other leaders who are “in your shoes”. Even though I have been attending this meeting for about 15 years, it seems I always leave with several take-a-ways for ANA.

This year a professional speaker, Patrick McCaughey from Idaho, shared with us business tips which he used in building local chambers with much success. While nothing Pat said was especially new to me, the way he challenged us to think was. He compared a trade association to an insurance company as well as to the LA police. Well, rest assured ANA is not going to arrest you and we are not going to solicit your insurance business (we already have Western Growers to do that). What was the take-a-way for me this year? ANA’s mission for 2013: To Serve, To Protect and To Promote the Arizona Nursery Industry. We have not hired police officers; however we do take this charge seriously.

To Service: ANA strives to be your Information center

Just today I fielded a call from a grower member about accounting issues for tax purposes. I was able to speak with several of our members and relay to him the industry norm. I also received an update from ANLA on the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on agricultural employers. Yes, it is confusing and still a work in progress, however if a member calls in and asks, “Will I be affected”? I now have a three fact sheets to locate the answers and pass along to members. Believe me; this is much better than sorting through the entire Congressional bill. These are just two issues which surfaced in one work day here at the office.

To Protect: ANA strives to be your Issue center

Currently ANA has a taskforce reviewing a new rules draft proposed by the Arizona Department of Agriculture’s Plant Services division. The ANA Board was the first to see this proposal, President Traficano appointed a taskforce, we have met once and now we are meeting with the department this week to ask them for the necessary changes and explanations we need for industry to be comfortable with the bill. I also have a legislative meeting this week to review the bills which will be run next session to move OPM into ADA as well as move the Golf Courses into ADA for their pesticide spraying issues. The affected companies are ANA Associate Members and/or customers of ANA members. We are involved at ground level. Also, if you develop an issue one day that we are not aware of, like a stopped truck, ANA wants to be your call to determine what laws or regulations should apply to you.

To Promote: ANA strives to be one of your Promotion centers

Over the past year, ANA has really added value to the Plant Something program for your retail business. Through the plant-something.org retail garden center locator, over $50,000 in advertising dollars for spring and fall coupled with promotion at local events, ANA has been driving traffic to our member retail nurseries. We also received positive press coverage working with the AZ Community Tree Council on several projects, highlighted by a Jason Mraz tree planting. Next year, advertisements in Phoenix Home & Garden and on-going radio promotion is planned to make sure consumers don’t just stand there…..they Plant Something!

To quote President Joe Traficano as he stated in your recently mailed 2013 dues billing, “This is your association and to be successful in our goal to Serve, Protect and Promote, it will take the entire industry banding together through membership in ANA”. Please send in your dues today to make sure you are investing in that premium through ANA. In a perfect world, perhaps you would have no issues, no regulation and no need for promotion next year; however we are predicting that you just might need us so we want to be here to serve, protect and promote you!

insights Cheryl Goar, CAE, Executive DirectorTo Serve, To Protect and To Promote

[email protected]


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Specimen Trees for Desert LandscapesArid Zone Trees

480.987-9094 Fax 480.987.9092 [email protected]

www.aridzonetrees.com

The Arizona Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) assists farmers, ranchers and growers with a broad spectrum of natural resource enhancements. These include increasing irrigation efficiency, dust abatement, nutrient management, IPM, grazing land management, wildlife habitat, forest management and many more.

Conservation planning is the fundamental starting point for maintaining and improving the natural resources that support agricultural production and the lifestyle we love and enjoy. Agricultural producers can request technical assistance and develop a conservation plan at any time. Once a conservation plan is completed, producers have the opportunity to apply for NRCS funding to help implement the improvements and structures needed to achieve their conservation plan.

Applicants interested in potential 2013 funding for NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) must have their applications submitted by January 18, 2013 for the first cycle. If funds are still available, applicants have a second opportunity to submit applications, with a deadline of April 19, 2013. There are two application cycles for 2013 financial assistance; however applications are accepted throughout the entire year.

NRCS encourages land users to visit an NRCS field office and to visit www.az.nrcs.usda.gov today to learn more about NRCS conservation planning and financial assistance.

Industry newsNRCS Assistance Available to Wholesale Growers

Arizona Community Tree Council announces a tree planting program, “Plant, Grow Cultivate - Establishing Roots in Rural Communities”, in partnership with Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation.

Tree plantings will be focused in the ten Arizona communities where Freeport-McMoRan has a presence, with the first planting in Globe-Miami in October 2012. Tree plantings will continue through the spring of 2013 or until all trees are in the ground.

The opportunity is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and is open to schools, nonprofit organizations and municipalities. The application can be found on the Arizona Community Tree Council website, www.aztrees.org/FCX, click on ‘PROGRAM APPLICATON’. The program includes trees from a pre-selected tree list, an educational handout, commemorative marker and a tree expert to assist throughout the program. Groups who wish to participate are required to have irrigation and maintenance available on site.

For more information about the program, please contact the Arizona Community Tree Council and ask for the Community Development Coordinator at 602.354.3023 or email [email protected].

Planting Trees in Arizona Communities

A Place All Our Own by Mary Irish

Looking for a great escape from year-end stress and the holiday rush? Former Arizona resident and Southwest Horticulture contributor Mary Irish has written a garden memoir about the evolution of a property in the upper Sonoran desert. This delightfully descriptive story follows Mary and Gary Irish’s move to Phoenix, the search for a new home and their gradual conversion of a nearly desolate lot into a welcoming garden, and gardens within the garden.

Mary’s latest publication is an adventure in horticulture and, ultimately, a love story. Love at first sight? No way, but definitely immediate and irresistible attraction. Years of experimentation, observance, adaptation and acceptance resulted in invaluable lessons from the garden which Mary shares with her usual wry wit and species-specific detail. Mary and Gary are weather watchers, as are all avid gardeners, and weather threads its way through the narrative in the rhythms of the seasons and the garden itself.

Mary Irish is a popular garden writer, lecturer and consultant who lived in Arizona for 25 years. She has authored numerous books on desert gardening and was Director of Public Horticulture at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix for over 11 years and is a past ANA board member. She and her husband, Gary, now live in Castroville, Texas.

New Book Release


AANA represents its members at regulatory agencies and at the State and Federal Legislature each session on issues facing the industry. Throughout this year, we have worked diligently on

of Agriculture

Arizona Department of Agriculture including movement of Golf Courses into ADA

We also worked with our partners in agriculture in educating the Legislature on the value of our industry. This was accomplished through events such as the Agriculture Legislative Luncheon and the Legislative Intern Agriculture Tour.

ANA truly wants to serve as an addition to your team on regulatory and legislative issues. Cheryl, ANA Executive Director, is a

registered lobbyist for the association and would like to encourage members to call their “extra staff person” at ANA to help resolve the issues they are facing. You can contact her at [email protected] or at (480) 966-1610.

Citrus Greening Issue/ACP/Fire Ants

While Arizona had no ACP activity this year, a good thing, other pests such as Fire Ants were found this year in member nurseries. ANA assists in making sure regulators take quarantine action necessary with the least impact on member business activities. We have been working on the revision of the ADA Plant Services Division Rules regarding transportation and packaging. No matter how large or small the issue may be, ANA will work as diligently as possible to lobby at all levels to resolve the regulatory issue for your business.

PoinsettiasEach December, ANA welcomes and recognizes legislative

leaders and the Governor with Arizona grown Poinsettias. Though the gesture may seem of little significance, it is actually of great benefit. ANA board members take the opportunity to visit each office, shake hands, and introduce themselves. This alone is a huge step in building credibility. It is an activity that sheds positive energy around our industry and our members so that when we need the elected officials’ support, initial contact has already been made.

Arizona Department of Agriculture Update

By John Caravetta, Associate Director, Plant Services Division

“Why are inspectors from the [State] ag department in my nursery?” is a common question, and one that has several answers. One common thread though, is that at each location Plant Services Division inspectors notify the person-in-charge of their presence, why they are there, and a Notice of Inspection Rights is presented if the facility has not already signed a waiver.

To the question at hand, Plant Services Division inspectors will visit various facilities, generally, either to conduct an inspection for general phytosanitary integrity of the material in the facility and the property (red imported fire ant surveys), to issue a certification (State phytosanitary certificate, pest-specific certifications such as Brown Garden Snail or Ozonium Root Rot, or a general nursery stock certification such as Arizona Certified), inspect an incoming shipment from a quarantine area outside of Arizona (receivers are required to notify the department of such shipments), or follow-up on the efficacy of a treatment prescribed for a pest detection in order to release the plant material. In some cases, these activities will put division inspectors in the same facilities more frequently than others.

Most nurseries receiving certifications will be subject to approximately two inspections during the year; more if the nursery is receiving high volumes of plant material from quarantined areas, has a previous history of pest infestations or non-compliance. In the case of incoming shipments that are required to be declared to the department, the load may or may not be scheduled for inspection based on a determination made, and communicated to the receiver, by the department.

In all, the objective is to contribute to the viability of Arizona’s nursery industry, maximize market access for nursery stock exporters, and prevent costly pest infestations from becoming larger, more pervasive problems that are more difficult and costly to eradicate. Your participation is critical and very much appreciated!

Legislative and regulatory


I know most people reading this magazine are all about trees in boxes, vines on stakes, fertilizer injection systems and cultivars in production. But take a few moments to remember a guy as proud of his profession as any soldier.

On November 12th, we lost Russell “Rusty” Chepeus, lately of Capitol Litho, and the Un-Official Printer of the Arizona Nursery

Association. Ink on paper guys don’t get any better than Rusty.

Until 2010, Rusty ran Southwest Litho in Phoenix, at a location his Mom and Dad, Nadine and Russ Sr., opened in 1961. They worked hard for a lot of Arizona people including ANA’s Don Johnson in the 60s, Deb Flowers in the 80s, Cheryl Goar in the present. He leaves behind a daughter, two grandchildren he loved to dote on, a sister, two brothers, plus many friends and business acquaintances.

Like his parents, Rusty was honest, helpful, genuine; these are three qualities anyone would be thankful to possess. Always a kind word, always a knowing smile, Rusty did what he could to make his customers look good in print.

In the early days, his parents would receive a shoebox full of handwritten stories and odd photographs and meld them into a magazine. Recently those stories were emailed to Rusty as Word docs and JPGs so that he could format and fix, change and arrange, until plates were burned, paper printed and bound, and a final product like you’re reading now could show up on your doorstop, and now for many on your desktop, a true sign of changing times in Rusty’s world and yours.

From the first issue of Southwest Horticulture Magazine you receive each year to the invitation you received this year for the

annual meeting in December, Rusty did his best to have ink on paper with a message so clear you remembered why you choose to grow, why you get up early to be sure irrigation is running, and why you attend each Annual Meeting to renew old friendships, make new ones, and celebrate the businesses and families that you grow and join, and come back each time to solidify.

Sure, others do an adequate job and push a quality product. But in this world of doing more with less, better than average, faster than last time/not as fast as next time, Rusty exemplified dedication to one’s profession, a quality that never goes out of style.

So raise your glass high for Russell “Rusty” Chepeus; the pressroom is a little more quiet, our world a little less bright, as a true stalwart of the printing world and friend to the green industry is no longer. Rusty, Rest In Peace, we miss you already.

-Bill Jones - Friend, Fellow Printer

ANAFund newsPlant Sales to Support Scholarships

ANA wholesale member, V & P Nurseries, is debuting “Sparky” their new Tecoma named after the ASU mascot for its burgundy and gold color. A percentage of proceeds from its sale will go to ANAFUND for ASU landscape architecture student scholarships. On October 22nd, George Hull from V & P was interviewed about “Sparky” by Channel 15 at ANA member Treeland Nurseries.

In Memoriam


Local Sales Representatives:

Dawn Hunter-Clark (480) 296-5233 & Jean-Marie Hing (480) 540-3710

Agave ‘Blue Glow’

RANCHO SOLEDAD NURSERIES, INCAlways growing since 1954

Rare & Unusual Aloes, Agaves, & Xerophytic Plants

18539 Aliso Canyon Rd., Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

(858) 756-3717 Fax (858) 756-4597

www.ranchosoledad.com

Agave Ferdinand-Regis Agave parryi truncata

Aloe ‘Hercules’ Agave bovicornuta

PREPARE FOR GROWTH.Ewing carries a full line of products to help your nursery thrive. From drip systems and tools to tree stakes and ties, we’ve got what you need to grow healthy, beautiful plants for any landscape project. Find us: www.ewing1.com/arizona

LOW VOLUME DRIP IRRIGATION | WATER FEATURES | FERTILIZER | ORGANIC SOLUTIONS | MP ROTATORS | TREE STAKES AND TIES


AANA is committed to promoting our members and the green industry. In addition to the association magazine, Southwest Horticulture and the annual Directory and Buyer’s Guide, ANA expanded the MARKETPLACE at SHADE. Additionally the Plant Something Campaign, especially designed for retail nursery use, continues to grow and diversify.

Southwest HorticultureSouthwest Horticulture magazine continued production with

6 issues this year. We remain proud of our publication and the information therein. We encourage article submission as well as fun items for inclusion in Industry News. We offer a classified section at $45 per posting. Advertising rates for the magazine can be found on our website www.azna.org. If you would like to submit anything to the magazine, you can do so by emailing the office at [email protected] or calling (480) 966-1610.

ANA Directory & Buyer’s GuideThe Directory & Buyer’s Guide is an annual publication. It

includes all the members of our association as well as the year’s board, committees and member benefits and services. It is a great reference. Advertising rates for the buyer’s guide can also be found at www.azna.org.

ANA WebsiteANA’s website, www.azna.org, is an excellent source of

information for members and non-members. ANA members may list employment opportunities on the website free of charge. Member companies may also offer links from the ANA site to their business site for a minimal charge of $100. If you would like to post something to the site, contact the ANA office at [email protected] or call (480) 966-1610.

ANA Facebook PageBetween e-updates and magazines, be sure to check out ANA’s

Facebook page to see what’s happening at the office and with our members. Whether it’s an ACNP test or a tree planting with Jason Mraz, Facebook is the place to keep us with industry happenings.

The MARKETPLACE at SHADEThe MARKETPLACE at

SHADE began in 2009 as a way for conference attendees to mix and mingle in a business friendly, yet fun and educational environment. This year, the MARKETPLACE again grew with 47 tabletop displays. Attendees continue to talk about how wonderful the MARKETPLACE was and

participants felt it was very worthwhile. ANA plans to enlarge the MARKETPLACE at SHADE 2013. If you are interested in having a tabletop display, please email [email protected] or call (480) 966-1610.

Plant Something CampaignANA has received four Specialty Crop Block Grants from

the US Department of Agriculture. These grants keep building on each other to make a $400,000 campaign as well as taking the promotion international this year with an expansion into 9 states and 1 province! This website was enhanced to accommodate all these new states as well as a spotlight 30-second PSA which was produced and distributed to media outlets statewide. If you have not yet seen the video, visit plant-something.org and check it out. Supplies to “stock up” members who have run out of promotional items are available by contacting the ANA office.

A new addition this year is a Plant Something Facebook page which is updated with new copy 3 days a week. Make sure to visit this page to see how ANA is encouraging people to think about planting every day of the year. Stay tuned in 2013 to see this campaign keep GROWING!

Promotion


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The Local Lunch Connections (LLC’s) continue to be a great venue to stay in-tune and tuned in. We held 6 events at varying locations including Tucson and Prescott. Members had the opportunity to brain storm about common challenges as well as get the latest in Arizona industry news and Association updates. How often these days do you get to sit down with your peers and catch up over lunch? The elusive free lunch really does exist…for ANA members or potential members. Let’s have lunch in 2013.

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been at a variety of locations with different themes and Casino Night was back by popular demand. The 2012 venue was the ASU Karsten Clubhouse with beautiful golf course views. It was a real fun-raiser with many networking opportunities as well as successfully raising $9,000 for ANA programs. If you haven’t attended yet, check it out in 2013!

Networking


Growing Native Desert Trees andOrnamental Shade Trees

Gilbert • Chino Valley • Queen CreekCorporate Sales 480-917-9847 • Fax 480-917-2856

V&P Nurseries, Inc.

{ruellia brittoniana ‘katie’} {bougainvillea ‘barbara karst’} {caesalpinia pulcherrima} {agave vilmoriniana}

Growing with the Southwest

QueenCreekGrowers

Wholesale NurseryProviding quality container grown groundcovers,

shrubs and trees 1 gallon to 36” box.Specializing in custom and contract growing.

Queen Creek Growers, Inc.2764 E. Sherry Lane, Queen Creek, AZ 85140


Member servicesWorkers Compensation

SCF of Arizona offers group rate discounts to ANA members as well as an Association Dividend Plan.SCF of Arizona Tod Dennis - 602-631-2212

Health, Life, Property, Casualty and Crop Insurance Benefits

Western Growers provides an array of medical insurance plans including major medical, HMO/PPO plans as well as competitive pricing on specially designed industry insurance packages.WGA - Matt Bigham 602-266-6147 x.7452 Chad Klein – Property, Casualty, General Liability602-266-6147 x 7453

Dental InsurancePreventive and emergency dental insurance for the whole family.American Dental Plan1-800-224-8810

ANLA Member Discount ProgramANA members are subject to the NIAP benefit program from the American Nursery and Landscape Association. There are multiple discount programs such as, PartnerShip, Live Asset Insurance, and Lands’ End Business Outfitters. There are also educational benefits offered such as the ANLA NewsBrief and monthly Webinars. ANLA - Amanda Flynn202-789-2900 x 3010

Social Events/Networking Opportunities

ANA member social events include the Saturday Night Live; Local Lunch Connections; and our Annual Meeting.ANA - [email protected]

Promotional AssistanceANA provides members with metal signs, window decals and use of the ANA logo to be displayed in their

businesses and on company literature.Specific Plant Something marketing materials include bright green 3-foot stakes, window clings and small pot stakes. ANA - [email protected]

Discount ProgramsANA offers numerous opportunities for members to receive discounts on various services and programs. Significant savings may be found when members use AMO, an office supply discount program; Hertz rental car discounts; and prescription drug discounts. ANA - [email protected]

Certification ProgramThe Arizona Certified Nursery Professional (ACNP) program is specifically designed for retail nursery employees, and those interested in improving their professional knowledge of general horticulture. Industry experts instruct this comprehensive program. Recognition of Certified Professionals is an important part of the program and is promoted to the public. Advanced levels of certification are available in Integrated Pest Management, Turf Management, and Irrigation Management. Discounts for class material and exams are provided to ANA members. ANA - [email protected]

LibraryThe ANA Library contains many videos and resource books that are loaned to members. Videos and brochures are also available in Spanish. ANA - [email protected]

ScholarshipsThe Arizona Nursery Association Foundation (ANAFUND) awards scholarships to qualified students who are pursuing careers in horticulture and related fields. The annual deadline for submitting scholarship applications is April 15. Scholarship applications are available online at www.azna.org.ANA - [email protected]

Website Services & Facebook Page

ANA’s website, www.azna.org, is an excellent source of information for members and non-members. ANA members may list employment opportunities on the website free of charge. Member companies may also offer links from the ANA site to their business site for a minimal charge of $100. Important information and publications such as the Container Grown Tree Guide are provided in a downloadable format from the website. For our social media members, the ANA Facebook page is available for those quick updates on what is going on in the industry. ANA - [email protected]


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Insurance updateMatt Bigham, Regional Sales Manager, West-ern GrowersWestern Growers Insurance Services is endorsed by the ANA to provide insurance to its members.

Stick’em Up! Plant Bandit on the Loose…Theft at Nurseries is on the rise

Have you ever been robbed? Have you ever had something stolen from your nursery? It appears that there are a few bandits out there going from nursery to nursery helping themselves to your wares under the guise of playing dumb. Andre Lugo, owner of the Green Goddess, in central Phoenix, nabbed one of them and turned him in. The kicker to the story is that this person, a professional landscape contractor, had been pulling the heist at other nurseries and getting caught, but was not being turned in to the authorities.

While I am glad to see that the cooler weather has brought increased business to the nurseries I have been visiting, this increased traffic can also bring more exposure to risk. The risk in this case is theft. As a business owner and manager your head has to be on a swivel and you’re trying your best to provide great customer service. An additional issue to keep an eye out for is the person who is taking a little more than they pay for.

Andre called me one day and told me how he had just caught a landscaper loading up his trailer with several more plants than he paid for because he said he lost track of what he bought. Andre immediately contacted the authorities and had the person prosecuted. “I am a bit old school in this industry, so when it comes to theft, I don’t put up with it”, said Lugo. “I also made a few calls to colleagues I know to warn them, and found out this person was caught doing the same thing at their nurseries as well, but none of them had reported him to the authorities”, he added.

Unfortunately, in our society there are those who plead ignorance, get away with it and move on down the road to the next victim. It is suggested that if you catch someone stealing at your place of business that you report them to the authorities with as much evidence as you can get. Lugo stated, “If our industry can call out those who feel they can steal from us and be good neighbors by letting other colleagues know, we can reduce the theft that is happening”.

By no means am I advocating that you put yourself in harm’s way and pull a citizen’s arrest, but understand that if you turn a blind eye, the potential exists for problems to move on down the road to your neighbor and nothing is solved. Theft accounts for over 50% of all claims made in property insurance, according to Property and Casualty 360 Daily eNews. Premium renewals are definitely on the rise in the P&C insurance world. This is due in large part to the market firming up due to reduced capacity from increases in claims. Basically, carriers have less capitol now than they did, resulting from the past several years.

You don’t necessarily have to file a claim on the theft with your insurance, but reporting theft to the authorities can help stave off increases on your insurance costs in the future. Less risk out there lessens the chance that you or your colleagues will have to face the peril of theft. If your neighbor has to file a claim, ultimately that will be taken into account in the industry as a whole and underwriters look at the exposure to theft as it relates to the industry by tracking how susceptible nurseries in Arizona are to theft.


IIf you are doing business and have employees working in the state of Arizona, expect to see some major changes in how workers’ compensation premiums are determined starting January 1, 2013. This change could be a good thing, or a bad thing, depending upon your circumstances and a couple of facts -- the most important being the number of employee injuries (workers’ compensation claims) your workforce has experienced, and not just the severity of each injury, but also the frequency. This is something of a departure from the past, and something that could increase an employer’s premiums significantly.

In Arizona and 37 other states, premiums are determined by factors, statistics and analyses of industry trends done by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). This 90-year-old nonprofit organization studies workplace injuries and other national and state factors affecting workers’ compensation. It then makes recommendations for premium rates. Insurance companies use these factors to do the best job it can for its clients and also to ensure it remains competitive and viable. The recommendations from NCCI on premiums give insurance companies a starting point in the underwriting process. Specifically, actuaries from NCCI make calculations using particular factors to determine premiums especially the Experience Modification Factor (a.k.a. X–Mod or E-Mod). Severity and frequency of injuries affect the E-Mod. Each employer has its own E-Mod that is calculated by

industry category, claim history, audited payroll by classification and other information. The higher an employer’s E-Mod, the higher the premium. The new rating plan will cause the E-Mod for most employers to rise starting in 2013.

So, what can you do to keep your workers’ compensation premiums from skyrocketing?

It benefits every employer to take a hard look at in-house safety and wellness practices and procedures before the beginning of next year. This is where Western Growers Insurance Services (WGIS) comes in. We provide a suite of loss control services, claims analysis and review and customer service support to help you stay on top of your open claims. Let WGIS work with you on ways your company can decrease and prevent workplace injuries and thereby keep you from feeling the financial pain that will be the consequence should your E-mod increase and your workers’ compensation premiums jump. Employing better loss control will also keep your employees injury-free and on-the-job providing you with a better return on investment. Our help is free, so what’s to lose except a higher insurance premium. Engage us in the dynamics of your business at your earliest opportunity. Let me coordinate a safety meeting for you. It is worth a little investment of your time and effort now in order to save you and your employees’ pain and cost in the future.

Safety newsAre You Prepared for Changes in Workers’ Comp?

By Dan Ramos, Western Growers Account Manager,

Workers’ Compensation Claims Professional

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EEducation is at the root of maintaining a qualified workforce and ensuring that future nursery and green industry professionals are well trained and knowledgable.

ANA has continued the Arizona Certified Nursery Professional program (ACNP) with the all-day class at SHADE on August 10th and exams on September 27th and November 5th. Participation was excellent with representatives from Phoenix and Tucson member nurseries. The comprehensive exam consists of four sections and takes over 3 hours. To become certified, participants are required to pass all four sections and have a minimum average score of 75%.

Thank you to all of our wonderful instructors, scoring volunteers and the providers of plant material for the Plant ID section, Desert Tree Farm and V & P Nurseries. Congratulations to this year’s graduates as well as the newest Certified Nursery Professionals:

Education

ACNP Exam in Progress

Eric Allen Moon Valley NurseryBo Barrett Moon Valley NurseryAnthony DeSilva Moon Valley NurseryNathaniel Johnson Moon Valley NurseryCaleb Nelson Moon Valley NurseryPatti Vance The Home Depot

The next all-day preparatory class is scheduled for August 9, 2013 at the SHADE Conference. For inquiries regarding ACNP please contact the ANA office at (480) 966-1610 or Susan at [email protected].

Over 400 industry professionals attended the 2012 Southwest Horticulture Annual Day of Education (SHADE) at the Renaissance Glendale Conference Center on August 10th. The extensive program included five trade-relevant tracks: Irrigation, Trending, Design, Trees & Plants, and Pest Management & Plant Health as well as a new Master Gardener track.

CEU’s were offered by ACLP, ADA, APLD, ASLA GCSAA, IA, ISA, OPM and SLM. SHADE continues to be the canopy of green industry education while maintaining affordable registration and providing full annual requirements for continuing education units.

SHADE 2013 will be held August 9th, again at the Renaissance Glendale. There will be another line-up of great topics and speakers. Mark your calendar!


Containers Today! No Delay!Wilbur Ellis has teamed up with Pro Cal Containers to

provide growers in Arizona a local sourcefor nursery containers.

No more waiting. Get your nursery cans when you need them with our convenient forklift delivery service.

For more info contactGlen Steffensmeier 602-918-5293

NURSERY LOCATION:

Jeff: 602-809-4150

8606 West McDowell Road

Phoenix, AZ 85037

CALL FOR PRICE QUOTES

Tree Farm: 623-936-1742

Jonathan Mobile: 602-903-3700

Fax: 623-936-4737

“Green and Growing”

www.elginnursey.com


Advertiser IndexMAY/JUNE 2012

A & P Nurseries ................................................................................. 13All Season Wholesale Growers ................................................................ 11Arid Zone Trees ....................................................................................4Arizona Wholesale Growers ................................................................. IFCArizona Dept. of Agriculture (Energy Audit) ................................................6Desert Tree Farm ................................................................................ 12Desert Trees Nursery ........................................................................... 16Elgin Nursery ..................................................................................... 15Ewing .................................................................................................7Kornegay Design ...................................................................................2Plants for the Southwest ....................................................................... 16ProCal/Wilbur Ellis ............................................................................. 15Rancho Soledad Nurseries, Inc. ................................................................7Queen Creek Growers .......................................................................... 10SCF Arizona ........................................................................................2Sonoran Studios ................................................................................. 13Southwest Forest Products .................................................................. IBCSunset Nursery ................................................................................... 16V&P Nurseries ................................................................................... 10West Coast Turf/Western Sod ............................................................... IFCWestern Growers ............................................................................... BCWestern Tree Company ......................................................................... 10Wilbur-Ellis .........................................................................................3Zvida Growers .................................................................................... 15

Providing quality plant material with quickand dependable service. Pick from a

large selection of plant material. 1 Gallon to 36” box. Specializing in plants that

thrive in our desert environment.

DESERT TREESNURSERY

9559 N. Camino Del PlataTucson, AZ 85742

1-800-873-3041 • 1-520-297-5664Fax 520-297-5035

DESERT TREESNURSERY

SINCE 1976

Desert Trees_ALCA Ad_136843.2 1/30/12 4:03 PM Page 1

726-4896

16777 S. Avenue 2EYuma, Arizona [email protected]

Wholesale Arizona-GrownCitrus Trees

Proud participants of the ArizonaClean Citrus Stock Program

Our Arizona-acclimated citrusis available for delivery

across the Southwest in4 sizes:contracted grove

trees, 5 and 15 gallon pots,and 24�” boxes

Over 50 years experience

office

Southwest ForestProducts

Serving Arizona, Southern California and Las Vegas

With Consistent Virgin MulchFor propagation and canning.In 1/4, 5/8 and 3/4 Inch.

Includes approximately 15% bark

Custom blends ready to use

Also bagged products including private label

We CareOffice Telephone: (602) 278-1009 Fax: (602) 278-0398

Jessica Van Der Toorn’s Cell: (602) 820-9178

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAIDPhoenix, AZPermit No. 1

ARIZONA NURSERY ASSOCIATION1430 West BroadwaySuite 110Tempe, AZ 85282

Change Service Requested

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAIDPhoenix, AZPermit No. 1

800.333.4WGA

www.weLOVEag.com

ADI No. 866343CDI No. 0E77959

WE AG

Western Growers Insurance Services is endorsed by the Arizona Nursery Association

LOOKING FOR AN AG-MINDED INSURANCE COMPANY THAT CARES ABOUT AG?

Western Growers Insurance Services is that company! We specialize in coverage for the ag-sector. If you haven’t reviewed your policies in a while, let us take a look. We’ll make sure you have the right coverage for your business, including workers’ compensation and other lines of property and casualty insurance. Schedule your complimentary policy review with us today. Stay protected. Stay ag.

AUTOMOBILE CROP PROTECT ION D IRECTORS & OFF ICERS EMPLOYMENT PRACT ICES

& L IAB IL ITY INSURANCE ERRORS & OMISS IONS GENERAL L IAB IL ITY HEALTH BENEF ITS

K IDNAP & RANSOM PROPERTY UMBRELLA WORKERS’ COMPENSAT ION

ARIZONA NURSERY ASSOCIATION1430 West BroadwaySuite 110Tempe, AZ 85282

Change Service Requested

ANA SWH Nov/Dec 2012

Documents

ana members

members of ana

alca members

suncrest nursery

civano nursery

arizona nursery association

significant information

educational publication