Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Director’s viewpoint l Steve SauterMembershipHas Its Benefits!TheKentucky Landscape Industries Winter Conference at the KentuckyInternational Conference Center — hosted by the Kentucky Nurseryand Landscape Association, Kentucky Arborists’ Association, Kentuckiana GreenhouseAssociation and the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service — had a greatturnout and excellent feedback. Along with fabulous educational speakers, exceptionalexhibitor displays ranged from new variations of plants to innovative and time-savingequipment for all types of operations.Conferences such as this are of great benefit to the green industry; they provide CEUcredits not only for pesticide license holders but also for certified arborists and landscapearchitects. They are also great sources of knowledge that allow green industry companies todistinguish themselves from their competitors. Knowledge gained at these conferences isnot just for owners and supervisors but also for every employee. Employees are the ones whohave more frequent interactions with customers, and having well-educated employees willtake a company to a new level in the eyes of the customer. Being well informed on the topicsof our industry and in your own company is critical in having a successful company andsuperior reputation that will set a higher standard for the industry as a whole.Organizations like the KNLAprovide its members with access tothese conferences and outings thatbenefit not only the members butalso, in turn, their customers andthe environment itself. Keeping thisin mind, boosting our membershipwould be of great service to the KNLAorganization and others, and whobetter to spread the word of an organizationthan the ones who truly reapthe benefits, its members? To help theKNLA continue to work for you, pleasetalk to your fellow horticulturists aboutjoining. People eligible for membershiprange from lawncare providers to horticultureeducators and horticulturestudents. Who better to join the KNLAthan the future of the horticultureindustry, the youth? Like I always say,“Many hands make light work,” so let’sband together and allow the KNLA tocontinue its great work.Nursery Views / Spring 20128Steve SauterLawnco, LLCLouisville, KY