COVID-19 vaccines are now available to a larger segment of the population in Colorado. On March 19, Colorado moved to Phase 1B.4, the final phase before vaccines are open to the general public.

The letter that Senator Bennet has developed for DHS regarding the immediate release of the 64,000 discretionary visas closes tonight. We need to put pressure on Rep. Lamborn, Rep. Buck, and Rep. Boebert to sign. Please reach out to them immediately and urge them to sign the letter. Find each representative's contact information on this list.

We appreciate this extra push before the finish line.

Please see the release from US Small Business Administration regarding deferment for disaster loans:

WASHINGTON –The U.S. Small Business Administration announced extended deferment periods for all disaster loans, including the COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, until 2022.

• All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2020, including COVID-19 EIDL, will have a first payment due date extended from 12-months to 24-months from the date of the note.
• All SBA disaster loans made in calendar year 2021, including COVID-19 EIDL, will have a first payment due date extended from 12-months to 18-months from the date of the note.

Adding organic matter to a lawn or professional turf is arguably the most beneficial, natural soil treatment that science has to offer for lawn care. By returning soils to this natural process and applying ¼” to ½” of screened, highly microbial compost from your local professional organics recycler, you’re restoring the soils to their natural state. Compost top dressing will provide optimal soil water usage and storage, reduce runoff, restore soil structure, and deliver long-lasting biological power.

Several leading landscape industry organizations have partnered to provide a fact sheet about COVID-19 and vaccines that company owners can share with employees. The fact sheet, which is customized for the landscape industry, offers basic information about the dangers of the virus, discusses the importance of vaccination, and debunks myths about the vaccine.

The pandemic and related restrictions have limited the Landscape Career Pathways Programs in the last year, but Pickens Technical College has been able to continue its Urban Horticulture and Landscape Management Program with some modifications for safety and compliance with new rules.

Being a business owner is the biggest personal development component in my life,” says Cindy McCord, president and owner for 15 years. Over those years, McCord has realized how important it is for her to continually practice self-awareness, especially as the company grew. To modulate stress, “the most important thing is to manage the inner voice and thoughts in my own mind,” she says.

Matt Hiner founded his company to help others have a peaceful outside area on their own property. After all, he used his own outdoor living space to relax and de-stress. Who knew that after opening his business, it would feel like he was starting over each year for multiple years?

Attention ALCC Associate members:

At Colorado Green magazine, we are discussing the ways that the landscape industry supports each other during challenging times. We hope to share some resources with landscape contractors on how they can rely on their network to help them be successful.

We know that the supplier community offers more than just products, often including free resources to customers. We invite you to tell us about resources that your company offers beyond your signature products and services that can help landscape contractors succeed. Do you offer classes for CEUs? Online tools? Apps to show techs how to use your irrigation controller? Informational handouts that contractors can give to clients after install to help new trees do well? Do you have marketing expertise and tips to share?

“Fabulous!”

Among the recollections of Tom Trench that were shared in recent days, one anecdote was shared repeatedly. When he entered a room or answered the phone and ALCC peers asked, “How are you, Tom,” his reply was always a booming, “I’m fabulous!”