September/October 2012 - California Landscape Contractor`s

september/october 2012
the
landscaper
The Official Publication of the Los Angeles/San Gabriel Valley Chapter CLCA
www.clca-lasgv.org
Join Us
Se
Chapter pt. 20
El
at the D ections
epot
(See Pa
ge 4)
INSIDE this issue:
Multi-Chapter Event:
“Day at the Beach” (pg 2)
CLCA Annual Convention
Schedule (pg 7)
and more…
LA/SGV CLCA – The Landscaper
P.O. Box 3699
San Dimas, CA 91773
Brandon Linz
president’s message
Well…summer is starting to wind down.
Fortunately for us, we live in Southern California so
there is still a lot of good weather left before it starts to
get cold. My company has been very busy lately with
end of summer tree trimming and other construction
projects. Hopefully you are all busy with construction
jobs too and getting ready to shift gears into fall and
prepare your client’s properties for the holidays.
No matter how busy you get in business, you
should always strive to attend our Chapter events.
We are continually planning and hosting events in an
effort to get YOU involved and we have a lot coming
up. On September 20, we will be having our Chapter
Elections at the Depot Restaurant in Torrance; please
be sure to participate by voting. I must say, the job of
President sure has kept me busy, but I love working
with my fellow contractors and helping improve the
industry for everyone. Having learned a lot during my
tenure, I look forward to continuing to serve CLCA.
Are you interested in serving on our 2013 Board? Let
me know! We are always looking for new volunteers
and fresh ideas.
Also on the horizon is our Chapter organized
“Day at the Beach” on Saturday, Oct. 13. This familyfriendly event will be held at Doheny State Beach in
Dana Point and is FREE to all members and vendors
Upcoming Events
September
20
Chapter Elections and Board Meeting
at the Depot Restaurant in Torrance
More info on page 4. 27
SFV Chapter Golf Tournament
Angeles National Golf Club in Sunland
More info on page 4. OCTOBER
8
Board Meeting
13
LA/SGV Sponsored Multi-Chapter “Day at the Beach,” at Doheny Beach
NOVEMBER
7-10
CLCA Annual Convention
Coronado, CA
For the latest events & info check
out our new chapter website at
clca-lasgv.org
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the l an d s c ap er of ALL CLCA Chapters! You definitely don’t want to
miss it! You should also plan to attend CLCA’s Annual
Convention at Loews Coronado Bay Resort this year
from Nov. 7-10.
I would like to end this month’s message by
thanking the 2012 Board Members. This year’s
members are dedicated to making our industry and
Chapter better for all of us. They are the unsung
heroes of our association, doing so much “behind-thescenes” work on our events in planning and execution
so that we are able to enjoy as many as we do; it is
definitely appreciated.
Join Us for a Family-friendly
“Day at the Beach” on Saturday
October 13 in Dana Point
This fun multi-Chapter event is sponsored by the LA/SGV Chapter!
Where:
Doheny State Beach When:
Saturday, October 13, 2012
11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr. Dana Point, CA 92629
Picnic Area “B”
Cost: FREE! Just pay $15 to park.
RSVP:
Barbara Alvarez at (626) 917-1614 by Oct. 9
The LA/SGV Chapter is sponsoring this fun event, which is
open to all CLCA members and their families! Food, drinks
and games will by supplied by the LA/SGV Chapter. All you
need to supply is an RSVP by October 9!
sept em ber / october 2012
2012 LA/SGV CHAPTER Board of Directors
President: BRANDON LINZ, Brandon’s Landscapes, Inc.
229 N. Shamrock Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016
626-256-6200 • [email protected]
Treasurer: ELIZABETH BURNS, Zone 24 Landscaping, Inc.
1505 Border Ave., Torrance, CA 90501 • Fax 310-328-2450
310-831-6132 • [email protected]
Chair
JESSICA CENTENO
Centeno’s Nursery & Landscaping, Inc.
17514 S. Figueroa St., Gardena, CA 90248
310-768-4089 • Fax 310-719-7147
[email protected]
V.P. Membership
DAN DVORAK
Landscape Contractors Insurance Services
1835 N. Fine Ave., Fresno, CA 93727
818-772-2121 • Fax 818-772-2221
[email protected]
Director
ERNIE BELTRAN
Ernie Beltran Irr. & Land Maintenance
P.O. Box 1492, Culver City, CA 90232
310-261-8137 • Fax 661-942-4518
[email protected]
Secretary
DAN GROMER
Dan Gromer Landscaping
1201 E. Magnis St., Arcadia, CA 91007
626-447-9067 • Fax 323-349-0881
[email protected]
V.P. Legislation
Edward Wallace
Midwest Landscaping
562-755-9914
[email protected]
Director
MIKE FORSBERG
Forsberg Landscape & Maintenance
P.O. Box 342, Harbor City, CA 90710
310-534-5058 • Fax 310-534-8540
[email protected]
Associate Member Rep.
JUAN GUTIERREZ
Landscape Warehouse
1673 E. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91106
626-792-3319 • Fax 626-792-4757
[email protected]
Chapter Ambassador
CHARLES NUNLEY
Lakshmi Landscape Co.
P.O. Box 6265, Altadena, CA 91003-6265
626-791-4886 • Fax 209-593-0603
[email protected]
V.P. Communications
BARBARA D. ALVAREZ
Alvarez Landscape & Maintenance
P.O. Box 3699, San Dimas, CA 91773
626-917-1614 • Fax 626-917-2611
[email protected]
President - Eric Watanabe
Majestic Pools & Landscapes Inc.
[email protected]
3054 Stevely Ave., Long Beach, CA 90808
2012 STATE Board of Directors
President-Elect - Frank Niccoli
The Village Gardener Inc.
[email protected]
Dir. of Chapter Srvcs./Events
Shari Collins
Verdant Landscaping
[email protected]
Immediate Past President
Robert Wade
Wade Landscaping Inc.
[email protected]
Dir. of Communications
Chuck Carr
ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance
[email protected]
Secretary/Treasurer
Ted Sandrowski
Sandrowski Landscaping, Inc
[email protected]
Dir. of Education - Stephen Jacobs
Nature Designs Landscape
[email protected]
Dir. of Legislation - Pete Dufau, CLT
Dufau Lanscape, Inc.
[email protected]
Dir. of Membership - Javier Lesaca
Lesaca Landscape Company
[email protected]
Dir. of Resource Mgmt.
Tom Noonan
Ewing Irrigation Products
[email protected]
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Co-Dir. of Chapter
Presidents Council (North)
Aaron Huxley
Hunter Industries/FX Luminaire
[email protected]
Co-Dir. of Chapter
Presidents Council (South)
Rene Emeterio
Specialized Landcape
Management Service
[email protected]
Executive Dir. - Sharon McGuire
CLCA Headquarters
[email protected]
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Chapter Elections are Sept. 20 in Torrance
• Chapter Board Meeting to Preceed Elections!
Our Chapter elections will be
held on September 20 at 6:30 p.m. at
the Depot Restaurant in Torrance.
A Board meeting will preceed the
elections at 5:30 p.m. Please RSVP
your attendance to Brandon Linz by
calling (626) 256-6200 or emailing
[email protected].
Put in your nomination now
to become a member of the
CLCA LA/SGV Chapter 2013
Board of Directors. Bring your
ideas, enthusiasm and passion
for our industry to the Board and
watch our Chapter continue to
grow. You’ll work with a great
team of landscape contractors
and suppliers in our area and
throughout the state, while honing
your leadership skills and building
life-long friendships.
Running for 2013
LA/SGV Chapter Office are:
Chairman of the Board
Jessica Centeno
President
Brandon Linz
Treasurer
Elizabeth Burns
Secretary
Dan Gromer
VP Communications
Barbara Alvarez
Below are postions that currently
do not have anyone running:
VP Membership
VP Public Relations
VP Legislation
VP Events
Associate Member Rep.
Dir. of Unlicensed Operators
Director at Large
At the July LA/SGV Chapter
Board meeting – held July 9, 2012
in San Dimas – Chapter President
Brandon Linz appointed the 2013
nominating committee. Committee
members are: Charles Nunley,
Jessica Centeno and Juan Gutierrez.
Anyone interested in serving on
the 2013 Board of Directors should
contact one of the nominating
committee members. Interested in
serving on the Board, but unsure
how? Call one of them to discuss a
position that would be a good fit for
you!
• Charles Nunley at (626) 676-1505
or [email protected]
• Jessica Centeno at (310) 768-4089
or [email protected]
• Juan (Joe) Gutierrez at (626) 7923319 or [email protected]
Make a difference and build long-lasting friendships with a great team of landscape
contractors along the way.
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the l an d s c ap er Join the 2013 LA/SGV Chapter Board!
sept em ber / october 2012
busy over
We’ve been
w months!
e
f
t
s
a
p
e
h
t
issed
M
u
o
Y
e
s
a
In C
It...
State President Eric Watanabe is welcomed to
the July 19 Chapter meeting in Torrance by
Chapter Ambassador Charles Nunley.
Ewing rep James Minnich and his wife Andrea
look forward to these highly informative
CLCA meetings.
Chapter AM Rep Juan Gutierrez and Chapter
President Brandon Linz prepare to dine on a
tasty dinner at the Depot Restaurant.
Meeting attendees enjoy lively conversation.
Netafim rep Bill Millward gets a quick bite in before
his presentation on successfully designing, installing
and maintaining a drip irrigation system.
John Marinovich and Past Chapter President
Jessica Centeno share a laugh.
LCIS rep Dan Dvorak listens intently as Chapter
Treasurer Beth Burns makes a point.
Attendees listen to FX Lighting rep David Oborn talk about the differences
between LED and Halogen lighting at the Aug. 24 meeting in Rancho Palos Verdes.
David Oborn demonstrates lighting designs using the traditional halogen lights
before redesigning the demo using the more efficient LED type lights.
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Jessica Centeno Candidate Statement
Running for 2013 State Director of Communications
Hello, my name is Jessica
Centeno and I am running
for the position of Director of
Communications.
While
our
company, Centeno’s Landscaping
Company, Inc., has been a member
of CLCA since 1995, I have been
active in my local Chapter since
2007. During that time, I served
as the Los Angeles - San Gabriel
Valley Chapter Treasurer for two
years and then moved on to serve
as Chapter President for another
two years. I chaired the 2010
Beautification Awards Committee
and worked diligently alongside
my fellow Chapter members to
produce a “Green Industry” event
at the Historic Greystone Mansion
in Beverly Hills, CA, which was
presented to the public.
I grew up in the Green
Industry; from a young age I would
spend time with my Dad on the
jobsites with my hands in the
dirt. Because of that opportunity,
I have been lucky to work in the
many diverse facets that are part
of our industry. I have worked in
maintenance, construction, design,
and as a nursery person. I am also
a former Board Member of the
Nursery Growers Association of
California and a current member
of the International Society of
Arboriculture and a certified
arborist. In addition, most recently,
I have received a postgraduate
certificate
in
Landscape
Architecture from the University of
California, Los Angeles – Extension
and am a member of the American
Society of Landscape Architects.
I never thought that I would
actually work in the family
business when I was growing
up, but life has a way guiding us
to what we are meant to do. I
received my Bachelor’s Degree in
Mass Communication from The
University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
with an emphasis in Public
Relations, Advertising and Print
Journalism. I gained experience
in this field while working at
Pacific Communications Group, an
integrated media-marketing firm.
During which time I contributed to
accounts such as Ford Automotive,
Seleen, and Hoteles Camino Real.
My experience taught me that
when it comes to marketing and
branding, it is important to always
keep the message simple and
consistent. I find that the greatest
challenge that CLCA will have in
branding is to keep the message
Jessica Centeno
consistent. That is particularly
difficult when there are 17 Chapters
that have their own unique
personality. Never the less, I do
not believe that it is impossible. I
do believe in the mission statement
that this organization was founded
on, “To serve and protect the
interests of its members, promote
professionalism,
and
advance
public awareness of the landscape
industry.” And it is with taking that
mission statement and holding it
close to my heart that I will work
towards advancing our profession
and our members to the public.
I would appreciate your vote
to allow me to serve as your 2013
Director of Communications. Thank
you. If you have any questions,
please call me (310) 989-9460.
SFV Golf Tourney Sept. 27 at Angeles National in Sunland
• Gary Vallen Memorial Scholarship Fund to Be Established with Net Proceeds
Everyone’s invited to participate in the
SFV Chapter Memorial Golf Tournament on
Thursday, September 27, at Angeles National
Golf Club in Sunland. Net proceeds from this
tournament will go toward the establishment
of a Gary Vallen Memorial Scholarship Fund.
The only thing resembling last year’s
SFV Chapter Memorial Golf Tournament is
its location. Big changes will be instituted
in SFV’s 14th Annual Golf Classic, including
participation by professional golfers who have
appeared on the Golf Channel’s Big Break TV
show.
Also new this year will be a number of
pre-shotgun activities hosted by the golf
celebrities. They will also manage several on-course
games to enhance your golfing experience. We’re not
done yet…there will also be several big-ticket prizes,
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the l an d s c ap er including an exciting mini-vacation getaway.
And last but not least, the event will also feature
a $10,000 hole-in-one prize!
Registration begins at 9 a.m., with shotgun
start at 11 a.m. (Modified Scramble). Following
the golf day, Valley Crest Tree Company will again
be hosting a delicious Southwest BBQ Dinner at their
Specimen Nursery located directly across the street
from the golf course. Tournament cost is $135 per
person and includes green fee, cart, lunch, range balls
and dinner.
Angeles National Golf Club is located at 9401
Foothill Blvd., Sunland, CA 91040. For more information,
please call the Chapter Office at (818) 772-7233, or Dan
Dvorak at (310) 480-7803. Registration is limited, so
please respond ASAP if you’re interested.
This event will really be unique, and is a fitting
tribute to Gary Vallen, who was a friend to us all.
sept em ber / october 2012
Discover the Difference
with FREE Rain Bird®
5004 PRS Rotors
Many areas of the United States,
including parts of California, experience
exceptionally high or fluctuating water
pressure. Pressure problems can wreak
havoc on an irrigation system’s overall
performance and efficiency, often leading
to higher water bills, uneven coverage and
unhappy customers.
Now, you can discover firsthand the
difference that pressure-regulating rotors
can make. For a limited time, Rain Bird is
offering CLCA members a FREE sample
pack of six (6) 5004 PRS Rotors.
Rain Bird’s 5004 PRS Rotors are the
only rotors on the market today featuring
in-stem pressure regulation. Simply install
these rotors on an appropriate zone, and see
how easy it is to help your customers use
less water and save money while enjoying
healthier landscapes.
To receive your free sample pack, visit
http://www.rainbird.com/CLCA-PRS then
complete and submit the online form. This
offer expires Friday, October 15, 2012, and
supplies are limited, so don’t wait - sign up
for your six free Rain Bird 5004 PRS Rotors
today. Some restrictions may apply; please
see the online form for details.
SC HED ULE OF E VENTS
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
11:30 a.m. Golf Tournament
5 – 6 p.m. Packet Pick-up & Welcome Reception
6 – 11 p.m. CLCA Auxiliary Fundraiser
Thursday, November 8, 2012
7:30 a.m. – noon Breakfast & Keynote Speaker
12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m Operations Tour and On-Bus Happy Hour: Tour of FX and Hunter Industries
Friday, November 9, 2012
7:30 – 8:45 a.m. Associate Members Meeting
9 – 11 a.m. Workshop 1
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Recognition Luncheon & Round-table
Discussions
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. General Membership Meeting
3 p.m. Auxiliary Meeting
6 – 10 p.m. Trophy Awards Dinner & Ceremony
Saturday, November 10, 2012
9 – 11 a.m. Workshop 2
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
State Board Meeting
Visit www.winwithclca.org/convention for more info. and to register!
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Netafim Introduces the Industry’s Smallest Water
Meter for On-Site Irrigation Management
Netafim USA introduces the
M Series, the industry’s smallest
sub-meters for residential and
commercial
dripline
irrigation
systems. The new mini-meters
communicate
directly
with
irrigation controllers and measure
water usage for more efficient
resource management.
The M Series can be installed
with all Netafim landscape dripline
and is also adaptable to other low
volume systems.
The meters are available in
¾” and 1” diameters and feature
durable plastic or corrosion-proof
metal bodies. The sub-meters
monitor flow rates from 0.2 to 20
gpm at pressures up to 140 psi.
Flow rates are reported in U.S.
gallons, based on multiplication
factors indicated on the meter dial
faces.
Netafim meters feature just one
moving part, an impeller that
contacts with the water flow, to
ensure minimal wear and tear and
longer life.
To prevent fogging, the
meter’s magnetic-driven registers
are hermetically sealed and
encapsulated within the metal or
plastic bodies.
Reed switch registers or photo
diode registers are available.
The reed switch register is a dry
contact or simple switch closure for
communicating with control and
monitoring equipment. The photo
diode register includes a photo
coupler sensor that provides pulse
output for communicating with
control and monitoring equipment.
The M Series includes the
industry’s longest warranty, three
years on the metering components
(register and metering assembly),
and five years on the meter body.
Netafim is a global leader in
the innovation and manufacture
of low volume irrigation systems.
Netafim USA is based in Fresno,
CA, and offers an extensive range
of products for water-efficient
landscapes, including Techline®
CV and Techline® EZ dripline, low
volume control zone kits, filters,
controllers and valves, point-source
emitters and hydrometers.
For
more
information
about Netafim products, visit
www.netafimusa.com
or
call
888.638.2346.
David Kirby Named
Vice President of
Sales for Monrovia
David W. Kirby, a longtime sales
representative with Monrovia, was
recently promoted to Vice President
of Sales. Kirby first worked at Monrovia as a college
intern in the early 90s while studying horticulture at
Texas Tech University. He joined the company in 1992
as an in-house sales rep for three years, and then was
awarded a sales territory in 1995. The past 17 years,
he covered the central coastal region of California,
consistently achieving top sales accolades including
several Regional Sales Craftsman awards.
Kirby has a breadth of knowledge about both the
retail and wholesale sides of the nursery industry.
He has worked with some of the best retail garden
centers in the industry to develop marketing programs
and sales promotions. “He’s a great leader – fellow
sales associates and garden center staffs frequently
look to him for his innovative ideas and horticultural
expertise,” said Miles Rosedale, Monrovia CEO.
The Landscaper is the official publication of the Los Angeles/San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the CLCA. It is published by Eyescapes. Opinions expressed within the context of this
publication are not necessarily those of the CLCA or its members.
The Landscaper is designed and printed by Eyescapes, 36419 Bay Hill Drive, Beaumont, CA 92223. Email: [email protected], phone: 949.466.1222.
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the l an d s c ap er sept em ber / october 2012
Remembering a CLCA Friend: Gary Vallen
Long-time CLCA member Gary Vallen, a pillar in
our industry and a friend to all who knew him, died of
a massive heart attack on Tuesday, July 24. He will be
greatly missed by CLCA and the entire Green Industry
who are shocked and saddened by his passing.
Gary was a member of both CLCA and the California
Association of Nursery and Garden Centers (CANGC).
As a CLCA Regular Member, Gary served as President
of the High Desert Chapter in 1992 and 1993 and as
co-chair of the Chapter President’s Council in 1993 and
1994. Gary sold his contracting business in 1993 and
joined the Superior Sod sales team shortly thereafter,
eventually becoming the company’s general manager.
At that point, Gary became an Associate member of
CLCA.
Gary was also very involved as a member
of the Landscape Industry Show Committee for
more than a decade and chaired the committee
for several years. A big proponent of the Trophy
Awards Program, Gary served as a judge for the
event on three occasions. He also served as the
Associate Member Director on the CLCA Board of
Directors in 2004 and 2005. In 2009, he was named a
CLCA Life Member.
Because of his 46-year involvement and leadership
in many facets of the Green Industry – from nursery and
sod sales to landscape contracting – Gary was honored
last year with induction into the Green Industry Hall of
Fame. His other awards include several from CLCA,
such as the Allegiance Award (2010), and Associate
Member of the Year (2005).
Gary Vallen having fun with long-time good friends Beth Burns and Gordon Larson.
Although Gary will be remembered by some for
his professional and institutional accomplishments,
it’s his beaming smile, love of life and gravelly voice
that his friends will miss most. Always ready to offer a
helping hand, often before he was even asked, Gary’s
vast network of industry contacts made him a go-to
informational person for anything green.
Speaking of green… Gary was recently referred to
as The Green Kahuna by some of his friends, a term
that merged two of his great loves…landscaping and
surfing. May he ride that big wave to paradise.
To honor the memory of their dear friend, the
San Fernando Valley Chapter is dedicating the net
proceeds from its 14th Annual Golf Tournament on
September 27 to the establishment of a Gary Vallen
Memorial Scholarship Fund.
LA/SGV LANDSCAPER 2012 ADVERTISING RATES
Advertise TODAY in the LA/SGV Landscaper. Reach the C-27
landscape contractors you are looking for in your service area.
Ad Size
Rate 1x
Business Card (Color).................... $ 90
1/4 Page (Color)........................... $ 150
1/2 Page (Color) .......................... $ 250
Full Page (Color) - Back Cover ....... $ 450
Full Page (Color) - Inside Page ....... $ 400
Inserts – Full Run
1x
(8 ½” x 11”) .................................$375
Business Card: 1/4 Page: 1/2 Page horizontal:
1/2 Page vertical: 1/3 Page: Full Page:
Ad Sizes – Width x Height
3 1/2” x 2”
3 5/8” x 4 5/8”
7 1/2” x 4 5/8”
3 5/8” x 9 1/2”
3 3/8” x 6 1/8”
8 1/2” x 11” + 1/4” bleed
For more information regarding advertising,
contact Bronwyn Miller at 949.466.1222 or via email
at [email protected] and request
The Landscaper Advertiser’s Media Kit.
Articles submitted are subject to approval and modification. Chapter
or Editor are not liable for misprints or errors, and do not necessarily
agree with opinions expressed in byline articles.
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t he l an d s c ap er sept em ber / october 2012
Keeping Up With Plant I.D.
By Jose Robles, Landscape Warehouse
We’ve talked before about building upon what is
working in your business by adding related activities
and product or service lines that can broaden your
market. Well, we have recently developed a new
line of business that is actually helping our regular
customers, while attracting new ones: EDUCATION.
Once we expanded our irrigation supply operation
to include nurseries, it became evident that many
landscapers and gardeners are in dire need of help
when it comes to certain elements of the profession,
such as plant identification. Thousands of dollars are
lost each year by landscapers and gardeners because
they thought one plant was another, planted some in
the wrong spot, or cared for them improperly because
they really did not know what plants they were
working with. There are also problems not knowing
which plants are kid and pet friendly, and which are
not.
Not staying abreast of your plant identification
– especially with the most commonly used plants in
your area – will not only lead to loss of money, but loss
of credibility with your clients…and ultimately, loss of
clients themselves.
So, we have begun a series of plant identification
classes at our Landscape Warehouse Nursery in
Duarte. The classes – six in all in the Plant I.D. module
– are being held on consecutive Wednesday nights;
in English with some translation in Spanish. Other
modules will include classes on irrigation, trees, safety,
plan reading, and turf management. These classes
are being taught by experienced Green Industry
professionals, including Past CLCA State President
and one of the founders of the Certified Landscape
Technician (CLT) program, Charles Nunley.
Our current Plant I.D. module is in its final sessions,
but I mention it here to let you know that it will be
coming around again, along with the other valuable
educational modules. Our next classes cover all
facets of Irrigation, and will be taught in six two-hour
sessions – on consecutive Tuesdays and Wednesdays,
October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, and 17 beginning at 6 p.m. at
Landscape Warehouse Nursery in Duarte. Classes are
$25 each two-hour session.
It is our belief that all landscapers, gardeners and
maintenance personnel can attain a higher level of
professionalism through comprehensive education and
training by experienced Green Industry professionals.
We are in the process of meeting that need.
Whether you’re in our area or not, get plugged into
a sound educational program near you to help take
you and your business to the next professional level.
You’re never too old or too smart to learn something
new…especially when it will set you apart from your
competition. If you want to learn more about our
educational programs, call (626) 792-3319 and ask for
Brenda. – Jose
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