ALCC news center
Save the Date - H-2B Fly in Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Monday, March 11, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Save the Date and Book Your Room – H-2B Fly in

ALCC will be joining NALP on May 21 and May 22 in Washington D.C. for our annual “fly-in”. It is vital for Colorado’s landscape community to meet with its’ representatives to keep the pressure on! There are many new staffers we need to educate and our representatives need to understand the labor shortages continue in Colorado. Please save the date and make plans accordingly. 

This fly-in will be very similar to those in the past.  For new folks, we will provide you with lots of information.  Also, ALCC will be scheduling these meetings for you so there is no need for you to worry about that.  Here is the anticipated timeline and more details will come as the date gets closer. Please let me know if you plan to attend.

Tuesday May 21st

  • 5:00 – 7:00 pm Drinks (Location TBD)
  • Dinner on Own, we will organize dine arounds upon request.

Wednesday May 22nd

  • 7:00 – 8:30 am Breakfast and Briefing (Location TBD)
  • 8:30 – 4:00 Congressional Visits on the Hill

We will do our best to not book meetings past 3:00 so that you can fly home in the evening.  We want to minimize your time away from your Company and Family, but this is a crucial time to advocate for H-2B reforms.  This is a free event to attend; however, you do need to cover your own expenses for your hotel and transportation to DC.  We will provide you with drinks on Tuesday so you can meet other folks in the industry.  On Wednesday morning, we will be providing breakfast the morning of along with a briefing to prepare you for your meetings on the Hill.

We have a room block reserved for you at the Hamilton Hotel for a rate of $329 per night.  We only have 50 rooms available so if you plan to attend, please use the link to book your hotel quickly.  If we run out of rooms, we will try our best to either expand our room block or look for other nearby hotels.

Reserve your room with this link - Hamilton Hotel Washington DC - Reservations - Room Availability (synxis.com)

 
Designscapes Colorado Wins Gold ELITE Award Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Monday, March 11, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Residential Design/Build — Over $500K Designscapes Colorado | Kianna Creek Ranch, Sedalia

The design for this semi-sustainable working 200-acre ranch incorporated a newly remodeled home, an in-law home, historic barns and a newly constructed barn, a riding area, a round pin, Sedalia’s original homestead, and an existing seasonal pond. The landscape designer was challenged with connecting the ranch with a neighboring property to create one collective ranch, which entailed designing fields to rotate cattle and livestock.

A commercial-grade irrigation system that includes holding tanks and a cistern uses well water to irrigate 2 acres of lawn and gardens surrounding the main house. Stepstone paths lead to the stables, spa and sunken trampoline in one direction and to the chicken coop and orchard in the other. Vegetation and fencing make the house feel like part of the ranch while providing a safe space for the family’s four children.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

Save the Date - H-2B Fly in

Sungari redbead cotoneaster shrub

 
Sungari redbead cotoneaster shrub Email
Written by Plant Select   
Monday, March 11, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

SunGari redbead cotoneaster is a versatile shrub requiring minimal maintenance

Ctoneaster racemiflorus var. soongoricus is a versatile, durable and adaptable large arching deciduous shrub that will reduce your yard maintenance and look beautiful at the same time. The toughest cotoneaster available, it can be planted as a windbreak on the plains or as a casual hedge row to disguise a neighbor’s fence.

In mid-May, you will enjoy masses of half-inch white flower clusters tucked among ovate- shaped, army green leaves. And the bees will be buzzing.

Designers love to use this plant in smaller yards and south- or west-facing courtyards. It will a add a level of interest that active gardeners strive to achieve. Trained into a multistem ornamental tree, the 8-foot-tall size fits nicely under the eaves of a house or elegantly over a split rail fence. The graceful arching branches will crown a magical spot with basal plantings of flax, foxglove, primrose or golden storksbill. Let these low-maintenance perennials reveal their flowers and fall color for the full magical effect.

Redbead’s adaptability means this cotoneaster grows nicely in all the heat and wind that can occur on three sides of a house. It will not look pleasant on the shady north side of any tall solid structure, though it will probably live. After the leaves turn a prosaic yellow brown in the fall, they drop quickly, revealing why it’s called redbead. Small, bright red quarter-inch fruit will hang onto the branches until you pull the holiday lights off in January. Redbead is not as messy as you might surmise. The birds do a good job of gobbling up berries as they ripen. This is a perfect plant for all demanding steppe climates. Read more in our winter magazine issue.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

Save the Date - H-2B Fly in

Designscapes Colorado Wins Gold ELITE Award

 
GreenCO’s Annual Hill Visit March 20th! Email
Written by GreenCO   
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Act Now: Advocate for protection of your company at GreenCO’s Annual Hill Visit March 20th!

Your active participation in advocacy can make all the difference. ALCC-GreenCO's Annual Hill Visit at the state capitol on March 20th, from approximately 8:30 a.m. until lunchtime, presents a crucial opportunity for you to join forces with like-minded professionals and champion the interests of our industry. There are several key issues including pesticides, turf replacement, small gas engine conversion and others that could impact your business that ALCC and it’s GreenCO partners are actively working on. Here is a recent report (add Hicks and Assoc report) and real-time bills that are being tracked: https://app.coloradocapitolwatch.com/bill-tracker-votes/0/1550/2024/0/

Here's why your involvement is paramount:

  1. Empowerment Through Education: Dive deep into the legislative process and gain invaluable insights into how policies are shaped. Arm yourself with knowledge to effectively advocate for the issues that matter most to GreenCO.
  2. Direct Engagement with Decision-Makers: Your voice matters, and this event offers a direct line of communication with legislators. Seize the opportunity to express your concerns, share your expertise, and influence decision-making at the highest level.
  3. Strategic Preparation for Impact: We'll provide comprehensive briefing materials and equip you with persuasive talking points on current bills. Be prepared to make a compelling case for the changes our industry needs.
  4. Experience Democracy in Action: Step into the chambers and witness firsthand the legislative process at work. By observing the Senate or House in action, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving policy decisions.
  5. Collaboration and Networking: Connect with fellow advocates and industry leaders who share your commitment to advancing our collective interests. Forge alliances, share best practices, and amplify our impact through unified action.
  6. Exclusive Access to Decision-Makers: Enjoy a box lunch while engaging in meaningful conversations with legislators who are dedicated to addressing the concerns of GreenCO members. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping future policies.

Together, we can drive positive change and ensure a vibrant future for our industry. To secure your place, please RSVP by emailing John McMahon at [email protected].

Don't miss this opportunity to be a catalyst for progress. Join us as we advocate for a brighter tomorrow.

 
GreenCO 2024 Legislative Priorities Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Monday, February 26, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Through GreenCO, ALCC advocates for members and the industry at the state legislature. 

The following policy issues will be closely monitored by GreenCO lobbyists on behalf of ALCC during the 2024 session. There will be additional issues that will come up, and these will be identified by ALCC representatives in the GreenCO Legislative Committee meetings. (Follow them in real time at https://coloradocapitolwatch.com/bill-tracker-votes/0/1550/2021/0/

The landscape industry in Colorado is facing a pivotal moment as the 2024 legislative session gets underway, with numerous bills introduced, including several that directly affect the industry. Among the key highlights to date are Senate Bill 24-005 focusing on turf replacement, House Bill 24-1178 addressing pesticide regulation, and Senate Bill 24-106 concerning construction defects. Additionally, the sheer volume of bills introduced—nearly 500—underscores the breadth and complexity of issues facing the landscape industry and the broader community. As the session unfolds, stakeholders must navigate this complex and evolving regulatory landscape, remaining vigilant, engaged, and proactive in advocating for their interests. By working collaboratively with policymakers, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders, the ALCC/GreenCO are working to shape policies that promote sustainability, innovation, and resilience in Colorado's built and natural environments.

The Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) is poised to take final action on the Small Engine Rules in February, 2024. These rules hold particular significance for the landscaping industry, as they pertain to the use of equipment and machinery integral to landscaping operations. As such, landscapers must closely monitor the development of these rules and understand their potential implications on equipment usage and operational practices.

Legislative Update: HB24-1178, introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives, presents a significant shift towards local control in pesticide regulation within the landscaping industry. The bill prioritizes empowering local communities to enact stricter oversight and accountability measures concerning pesticide usage, particularly in outdoor spaces. By granting municipalities and counties greater authority, HB24-1178 is not supported by ALCC/GreenCO.

On the other hand, SB24-005, titled the "Water Conservation and Landscaping Practices Act," represents a significant effort to promote sustainable water usage in outdoor spaces across Colorado. Introduced concurrently in the Colorado Senate, SB24-005 proposes measures to incentivize water-efficient landscaping techniques and establish guidelines for the use of drought-tolerant plants, mulching practices, and smart irrigation systems.

Through rebates, tax incentives, and other incentives, the bill aims to encourage property owners and landscaping professionals to adopt environmentally conscious landscaping practices, contributing to water conservation efforts in the state.

HB24-1008 Wage Claims Construction Industry Contractors Bill Description: Concerning measures to expand general contractor accountability for wage claims involving contractors in the construction industry. GreenCO- Opposes

HB24-1014-Decptive Trade Practices Bill Description: Concerning the elimination of a judicially created requirement that a significant number of consumers be harmed before remedies may be available under the "Colorado Consumer Protection Act" GreenCO-Opposes

HB24-1041- Streamline Filing Sales & Use Tax Returns Bill Description: Concerning the streamlining of processes for filing sales and use tax returns.GreenCO- Monitor

HB24-1083 Construction Professional Insurance Coverage Transparency Bill Description: Concerning insurance coverage for construction professionals. GreenCO Opposed as Introduced

HB24-1178 Local Government Authority to Regulate Pesticides Bill Description: Concerning local government authority to regulate pesticides. GreenCO Opposes

SB24-005 Prohibit Landscaping Practices for Water Conservation Bill Description: Concerning the conservation of water in the state through the prohibition of certain landscaping practices. GreenCO Amending

SB24-023 Hold Harmless for Error in GIS Database Data Bill Description: Concerning the requirement that local taxing jurisdictions hold harmless vendors that rely on erroneous data in certain electronic systems related to sales and use tax that are managed by the department of revenue. GreenCO Monitoring

SB24-025 pdate Local Government Sales & UseTax Collection Bill Description: Concerning local government sales and use taxes administered by the department of revenue, and, in connection therewith, revising, modernizing, and harmonizing various state statues relating to the state-administration of local sales and use tax into one uniform statute. GreenCO Monitoring

SB24-081 Perfluoroalkyl & Polyfluoroalkyl Chemicals Bill Description: Concerning measures to increase protections from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals. GreenCO Is Reviewing Bill

SB24-100 Commercial Vehicle Highway Safety Measures Bill Description: Concerning commercial vehicle safety measures on Colorado highways. GreenCO is reviewing.

SB24-106 Right to Remedy Construction Defects Bill Description: Concerning legal actions based on claimed defects in construction projects. GreenCO is reviewing-Suggesting Support Position.

 
ALCC to host electrical equipment conversion educational session Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Monday, February 26, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Is your company in the process of converting a crew to electric equipment? Would you be interested in sharing your story with other ALCC members? ALCC is planning to host an educational session on the considerations of conversion to electric equipment and is looking for panelists who have either converted all or part of an existing crew to hand-held electric equipment or is in the process of doing so.

Please contact Melissa Emdin at 720 307-5092 or email [email protected] if you are interested in participating in an educational session.

 
New rules for lawn and garden equipment Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Sunday, February 25, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

ALCC in the news - 

New rules for lawn and garden equipment get approval from Colorado Air Quality Control Commission Friday. Read More

 
LatiKnows members network and relax at happy hour Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Sunday, February 25, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

LatiKnows, an ALCC committee created to elevate and empower Latinos in the landscaping industry through education, training and networking, held a happy hour at Raices Brewing Company in Denver this fall, providing a much-needed opportunity for members to relax and talk with peers. Co-chaired by Luis Estrada and Mari Medrano, the committee is planning more events like this one and perhaps some lunch-and-learns in the coming year.

The LatiKnows committee’s goals include providing relevant and applicable bilingual educational and training opportunities for Latinos in the landscape industry, monitor and advocate for issues that impact them, showcase the benefits of a landscaping career and promote community. LatiKnows organizers are making efforts to partner with other organizations, committees, individuals and government agencies to further its goals.

This year, 12 ProGreen EXPO sessions will be held in Spanish. “We need the community to attend so we can grow the program,” Estrada says.

To learn more, contact Luis Estrada, [email protected]

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

ALCC to host electrical equipment conversion educational session

GreenCO 2024 Legislative Priorities

 
Train your irrigation techs Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Train your irrigation techs! 

Join us for our 32-hour Irrigation Boot Camp over two weeks from Thursday, March 14 until Saturday, March 23, 2024. Space is limited. Open to ALCC members. 

Dates/Times: 
Thursday, March 14, 2024 - 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Friday, March 15, 2024 - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, March 16, 2024 - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Friday, March 22, 2024 - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Saturday, March 23, 2024 - 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Instructor: Kyler Neumann
Location:
 DBC Irrigation Supply
Address:1890 W. Hamilton Pl., Sheridan, CO 80110
Fee: $525 per student. Register now. Deadline to register is Thursday, March 7, 2024
Questions: Contact Melissa Emdin at 720-307-5092.

Sponsored by: DBC Irrigation Supply

All participants will receive Training Manual for Irrigation Technicians ($70 value).

Due to the limited number of participants, this program is open only to ALCC members.

 

 

 
NALP Women Leader of the year Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Monday, February 12, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Lifescape Colorado COO LeAnn Ostheimer named NALP Woman Leader of the Year

The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) presented Lifescape COO LeAnn Ostheimer with the Woman Leader of the Year Award, given to female members who demonstrate inspirational spirit, initiative and passion for the landscape industry, at its annual ELEVATE Conference in Dallas this fall.

“Winning NALP’s Woman Leader of the Year was a huge surprise and honor for me,” Ostheimer says. “I hope my story can serve as inspiration for young women considering a career path in the green industry and for companies looking to hire or promote.”

Ostheimer grew up on a dairy farm in Northern Colorado and earned her degree from Colorado State University, then began her career as a landscape designer at Lifescape 17 years ago. She was honored for her dedication to the industry and leading her company as it grew revenue tenfold and crafted award-winning landscape designs.

“Her design talent, determination and solutions-oriented approach are the DNA of Lifescape,” says Michael Hupf, owner and CEO of Lifescape, one of the largest locally owned residential landscape firms in Colorado. “Plus, she is a great mom, community member and inspiration to our team.”

Bringing in more women at all levels will help the industry prosper, Ostheimer says. “I am sure the next generation of women leaders will be even more innovative and inspiring,” she adds. “It is a privilege to share my success with my team and create more opportunities for all.”

 
ELITE Award Stanley Brown winner Frank Kinder Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Monday, February 12, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

ELITE Award Stanley Brown winner Frank Kinder

Though he graduated from the University of Colorado with an undergraduate Business degree, Frank Kinder’s interest in the outdoors and urban planning led him to pursue a master’s in Geography with a focus on sustainable development. He was a sustainability consultant at Fort Carson and had a commercial water conservation role with Colorado Springs Utilities before he moved to Northern Water to implement a new Water Efficiency Department five years ago.

Under Kinder’s guidance, Northern Water has initiated a range of water conservation programs for northeast Colorado, expanded its campus to feature low-water landscapes and created a forthcoming Native Grass Guide in collaboration with multiple parties. Kinder has been one of ALCC’s greatest advocates for water conservation. Northern Water is the only water district that supports SLM through subsidy agreements, covering a portion of the registration fee for all SLM attendees.

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now

 NALP Women Leader of the year

 Women in Horticulture Luncheon

 
Women in Horticulture Luncheon Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Monday, February 12, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

GA holds 28th Sunshine Legacy Women in Horticulture Luncheon

The Colorado Gardening Association held its 28th annual Sunshine Legacy Women in Horticulture luncheon at Denver Botanic Gardens in October. This year’s luncheon was dedicated to the memory of Michelle Krumdick, Mandy Gerace and Cheryl Puckett, who made a big impact on horticulture in Colorado.

Terri McEnaney, CEO and president of Bailey Nurseries—and the fifth generation of her family to take the helm of the nursery—gave a talk about Bailey Nurseries’ origins, what it was like to grow up in the company and the joys and challenges of running a family business.

Attendees received plants from Britton Nursery, gloves from BFG Supply and a gift bag of seeds from Botanical Interests.

Sponsors for this event included AgRisk Advisors, Alameda Wholesale Nursery, Altman Plants, Aquatic and Wetland Nursery, Arbor Valley Nursery, Ball Seed Company, BOK Financial, Botanical Interests, Echter’s Nursery & Garden Center, Fort Collins Nursery, Gulley Greenhouse, Harrell’s, Heidrich’s CO Tree Farm Nursery, LMI Landscapes, Park Creek Nursery, Plantivity, Syngenta Flowers, Tagawa Greenhouse Enterprises, The Tree Farm and Welby Gardens/Hardy Boy Plants

 
CSU HLA Departmental Mixer Email
Written by Colorado State University   
Monday, January 22, 2024 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

The Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Professional Mixer has been a Horticulture and Landscape Architecture signature annual event where employers meet students, staff and faculty while networking with Colorado State talent. At this event we will provide each employer with a table so only bring handouts, smaller items and a healthy stack of business cards to share!  Tables, company name table tents, and fillable name tags will be provided.

We will have hors d’oeuvres and light refreshments.

Please register and join us on February 21st between 5pm-7:30pm (employer check-in will start at 4:30pm) at the Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Building.

As a new addition to the event this year is a Faculty - Industry Happy Hour from 4 p.m.-5 p.m. Colorado cider, wine, charcuterie will be provided, (rsvp required during registration payment processing). The Happy Hour event will be held in the Alpine Garden Community Hub located on the second floor of Nutrien Agricultural Sciences Building.

Please follow the steps below to register and pay for the event. Event descriptions, agendas, instructions and additional information about the event is contained in each of the registration and pay links. 

STEP 1 – Register through Handshake Hyperlink: Employers Registration Here

STEP 2 – Pay Online https://www.eventbrite.com/e/774546297827?aff=oddtdtcreator

STEP 3 – Send your Updated Company Logo to Karen Allison at [email protected]

STEP 4 – See you at the event! Additional information on parking and day of operations will be provided in the weeks prior to the event.  

If you have questions in preparation for this event, please contact Scott Curry at [email protected] and/or Karen Allison at [email protected]

We Look forward to seeing you there!

 
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