National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) has issued a call-to-action to support the H-2B visa program. 

Your help is needed today to ensure that you receive your H-2B Workers on-time in fiscal 2017.

NALP is working with DOL, USCIS and Congress to ensure that the H2-B program works as intended for our members next year and we need your help. First, we need you to weigh in again with your elected officials to ensure that Congress renews the H-2B returning worker exemption that is currently set to expire on September 30. Secondly, we recommend that you follow the tips below and work with your provider to create the best application possible.

Interacting with peers is a great tool for learning. Talking with colleagues can teach you a lot about the industry and about how to grow your business, making networking an important part of being a professional.

While networking may sound like an awkward, unpleasant experience, it need not be. Find a connection between you and the folks at the event. In addition to the common ground of the landscape industry, you can find a networking activity that fits your personality. Whether it’s a happy hour, volunteer project or an organizational committee, having a purpose to the networking event can give you an opening line to start a conversation with a colleague.

Learning is a lifelong process, even for those who have risen through the ranks to lead a company. Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) recognized that business leaders have a need for ongoing education as much as administrators, foreman, and technicians do.

Effective today (August 10, 2016), employers do not need to complete the additional employment verification for the State of Colorado. In June 2016, Governor Hickenlooper signed a repeal of this requirement. The verification form was determined redundant and unnecessary in light of the federal Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification.

An emphasis on safety can reap rewards in many forms. Preventing workplace injuries saves money, keeps employees content, and can even earn an award from colleagues and peers.

This summer, Houzz released its 2016 Houzz & Home Report, which surveyed Houzz users on what projects they are planning or completing on their homes. The data reveals helpful information about current consumer trends and preferences.

Tomorrow, August 10, is the day on which a number of laws change in the state of Colorado:

• Rain barrels are legal for residential use.
• The Colorado Affirmation Form, an employment eligibility verification form, is no longer required in addition to the federal Form I-9. (Related: Form I-9 has not yet been updated. You may continue using the 3/8/16 expired version of this form until further notice is given.)
• The Colorado Pregnancy Accommodation law takes effect.

Follow the links above for details on these laws and to be sure your business is in compliance. 

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Most landscape pros have been there: the job is nearly complete, and the client presents a list of “a few more things” that they would like to have done. In some cases, the list can grow as you work on it, and the job doesn’t seem to end. Or, even worse, it can delay payment that is due “upon completion of the project.”

Whether you call it a punch list, close-out list, walk-through check list or something else, it’s important to have a follow-up to close the contract. Review your work with the client, demonstrate that the expected work is complete, and have them sign the review. It’s an opportunity to show off your work, but also to have a customer sign off on a job, verifying that the contract has been fulfilled and the work has been completed as specified.

Heavy lifting without proper safety procedures can result in back injury; it’s the primary form of workplace injuries. One in five workplace injuries or illnesses involve a back injury. Since landscape laborers handle materials throughout the day (lifting, pulling, pushing and carrying), they are at risk for injuries if safety accommodations are not made and are not part of the company culture.

The 2016 Sustainability ELITE Award recipient is Environmental Designs, Inc. (EDI) for Wells Fargo Center. While Environmental Designs always strives to create low maintenance, sustainable and beautiful landscapes through best management practices, the Wells Fargo project was particularly appealing due to the clients desire to create a LEED certified space. In fact, they were not interested in doing the work at all if LEED could not be achieved. The goal was to create a low-water-use garden with permeable surfaces that would provide a peaceful and attractive getaway in the heart of downtown Denver.