The monthly newsletter of the Tree Care Industry Association – a member-only publication TCI EXPO 2016 draws near record January 2017 crowds to Baltimore! Number 386 CI EXPO 2016 drew 3,387 tree care Tprofessionals from across the globe for four days of business, safety and ar- boriculture workshops and seminars; live tree climbing demonstrations; network- ing opportunities; and the chance to visit 235 exhibitors showcasing the latest tree care products and services. TCI EXPO, the world’s largest tree care industry trade show and conference, just wrapped up its 26th year. Held in Balti- more, Maryland, in November, this 2016 show had more exhibitors than ever before, the largest show fl oor yet, and attendance was second only to the 3,413 at Hartford, Connecticut, in 2007. “Congratulations on a great (TCI EXPO) in Baltimore!” says Doug Long, The opening of the trade show fl oor of TCI EXPO 2016. Let the ruckus begin! global sales director for Zenith Cutter, a TCI EXPO exhibitor. “Awesome crowd, Membership Raffl e Monster Tree Service, a seven year TCIA and great people resulting in record sales! Congratulations to the attendees who member based in Fort Washington, Penn- This was our best year in my 16 years won prizes at TCI EXPO! sylvania. Enjoy your Garmin watch! of participating. Thanks to (TCIA) and The Membership Raffl e was open to any TCIA staff for another superb event.” member who attended the show. All that Game On! was required was to stop by TCIA’s mem- This contest was available to those who Accident Survey Results, page 11 bership booth and fi ll out a raffl e ticket. attended TCI EXPO and downloaded the Congratulations to Timothy Marino of (Continued on page 4) New PPE Selection pocket guide yours free! hat are you wearing to the job- minders as you read through free. Combine it with other “Wsite today?” the newest pocket guide in the TCIA training tools to stay “Oh, I don’t know – hard hat, or some- series. The PPE Selection, Use “a head” of potentially un- thing hi-vis, or maybe something that keeps and Care guide was developed safe actions on the job site. me from falling out of the lift bucket.” to provide practicing arborists One copy of the new When it comes to safety, the most im- with important information Pocket Guide for “Person- portant thing is not what’s on your head about PPE required for safe tree al Protective Equipment but what’s in your head. A copy of the new work. Crew leaders can use the (PPE) Selection, Use and TCIA Pocket Guide guide to ensure they are leading Care” is included with for “Personal Pro- a properly equipped crew. the print version of this tective Equipment It is your responsibility as an month’s Reporter. (PPE) Selection, Use employer to provide training and To order additional and Care” is yours the proper equipment for your copies, shop online at free as this month’s employees. This pocket guide is an afford- www.tcia.org or call 1-800-733-2622. For Member Benefi t. able tool you could hand out to everyone more information contact Tom Dunn, Your head will be fi lled with PPE re- in your company, and you get this fi rst one membership director, at [email protected]. www.tcia.org Board of Directors Andrew Ross, CTSP Chair Musical chairs in DC [email protected] Peter Sortwell very two years, TCIA members de- • Department of Vice Chair [email protected] Escend upon Washington to make our Agriculture, which Andrew Felix priorities known to our elected Represen- houses Animal Senior Director tatives and Senators. We’re planning that and Plant Health [email protected] again for June 2017. Inspection Service Bill Weber Associate Director Before that happens, every two years (APHIS), Forest [email protected] a game of musical chairs is played in the Service, and Co- Directors corridors of power, as the newly elected operative Extension System. Phil Chambers replace retirees, defeated pols and those TCIA is currently leading an indus- [email protected] moving on to other offi ces. Those remain- try-wide initiative to write a new safety stan- Jeff Wilson ing gain seniority and try to grab more dard for commercial arboriculture. From [email protected] powerful or more interesting committee its initial stages, more than a decade in the Steven Marshall [email protected] assignments. All of this means that we’ll making, TCIA and our members have en- Alan H. Jones, CTSP have some familiar faces when we return gaged in open and honest discussions with [email protected] to Capitol Hill, along with a whole new OSHA regarding the general hazards in the Mundy Wilson Piper crop of people who don’t know anything tree care industry. This dialog has formed [email protected] about our industry or the important work the basis of a relationship whereby OSHA Tim Gamma we do in their communities. Once again, compliance offi cials now contact TCIA [email protected] it will be up to you to educate them. seeking information and knowledge of the Staff TCIA is primarily interested in the tree care industry. Our next step is a clear Mark Garvin, committees with direct jurisdiction over: and effective safety standard for all. President & CEO • Department of Labor, which houses Professional arborists maintain our ur- [email protected] Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment ban forests by preserving valuable trees Tom Dunn Membership & Training Administration, Occupational in cities and towns and protecting ma- [email protected] Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), ture landscapes and green spaces. Tree Peter Gerstenberger and Wage & Hour Division. care workers maintain vegetation around Safety, Standards & Compliance • Environmental Protection Agency, power lines to minimize future power dis- [email protected] which houses the Offi ce of Chemical Safety, ruptions and work with property owners Sachin Mohan Corporate Relations & Marketing Offi ce of Water, Federal Insecticide, Fungi- and municipalities to create defensible [email protected] cide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and Of- spaces around structures to mitigate the Diane Morgan fi ce of Land and Emergency Management. spread of wildfi res in vulnerable areas. Meetings [email protected] • Department of Transportation, which We have an inspiring story to tell our Brigitte Orrick houses the Federal Motor Carrier Safety elected representatives. We hope you will Workforce Development Administration (FMCSA). join us for our Legislative Day on the Hill [email protected] • Department of Homeland Securi- in Washington on June 14, 2017, to add Mike Rennie ty, which houses the Federal Emergency your voice to the narrative. Marketing [email protected] Management Agency (FEMA) and Citi- Mark Garvin Robert Rouse zenship & Immigration Services. President and CEO Chief Program Officer [email protected] Susan Scacchi A chance to win an iPad mini with your Wage & Business Development & Finance [email protected] Benefi t survey submission by January 31, 2017 Amy Tetreault Development he Wage & Benefi t survey deadline has access to this information for free, you [email protected] Tbeen extended to January 31, 2017, in will be entered to win a brand new iPad order to provide its participants with more mini, another tool that can be utilized to The REPORTER is the offi cial monthly newsletter accurate and valuable information. The in- improve your business. of the Tree Care Industry Association. All materi- als contained herein are for the information of the formation provided by the survey results To enter, please use the form included with members of TCIA. Copyright 2017 by the Tree Care will help the participants critique their this issue of the Reporter and fax to (603) Industry Association. UNAUTHORIZED REPRO- business and ensure they are compensating 314-5386 or email to [email protected]. DUCTION WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION IS PROHIBITED. Pictures, articles and other data are their employees competitively with the rest If you have any questions about the in no way to be construed to be an endorsement of of the industry, as well as offer insight into survey, contact TCIA at 1-800-733-2622 products, services, techniques or members. TCIA, the benefi ts other employers in their area or email [email protected]. Void where pro- 136 Harvey Road - Suite 101, Londonderry, NH are providing to employees. hibited by law. All federal, state and local 03053. Phone: (603) 314-5380; 1-800-733-2622; Fax: (603) 314-5386; www.tcia.org. By participating, in addition to having laws apply. Don Staruk Publications Editor Th e mission of the Tree Care Industry Association is [email protected] to advance tree care businesses.
2 JANUARY 2017 TCIA REPORTER Director’s Forum TCIA Accreditation in today’s regulatory climate
By Phil Chambers the industry for years, and rightfully so. It is their job to assure that safe standards TCIA On the Road n 2013, Townsend Tree Service became and workplace environments are properly Ithe fi rst company in the U.S. to be ac- in place, updated and adhered to. credited under TCIA’s Utility Contractor In recent years, this involvement has ex- Accreditation program for tree service ponentially increased as regulations and fi rms. We just recently received word that policies involving the workplace continue this Accreditation had successfully been to be added or modifi ed, often as a dis- renewed for another three years. cretionary reaction to concerning trends. TCIA Accreditation is the only program With these changes comes increased en- of its kind in the tree care industry. The forcement activity on the part of govern- process evaluates businesses to ensure ment agencies; and tree companies face that professional the need for increased safety training and practices and stan- education to understand and comply with dards are met in the changes. every department While there is no direct correlation and at every lev- between meeting government regulatory el of the company. standards and having TCIA Accreditation, An independent it is not hard to see the value of Accred- Sachin Mohan, seated, TCIA’s vice auditor checks the itation relative to regulatory compliance. president corporate relations & company for proper In order to know, understand and prop- marketing, gets a tour of Morbark’s insurance, applica- erly comply with workplace regulations, manufacturing facilities during a ble licenses, reliable companies (large and small) need to have visit to Morbark’s Winn, Michigan, headquarters in October. With him Phil Chambers and ethical custom- the departments, functions, policies and er service practic- procedures in place to assure that they are are Casey Gross, center, Tree Care es, strict operating capable of implementing and complying Products sales manager, and John Foote, VP of Sales and Marketing. standards, formal employee training, ad- with the morass of workplace standards Photo by Mark Garvin, TCIA pres- herence to safety and quality standards, and regulations. This includes reacting to ident and CEO, who was also on compliance with industry standards, and changes and responding to reporting re- the visit. employment of best business practices. quirements. As proud as we are of achieving and TCIA Accreditation is an affi rmation maintaining this Accreditation, it is partic- that companies have the organization, tion better positions a company to be able ularly important in the current environ- business practices, training programs and to deal with today’s regulatory climate. ment of heightened regulatory oversight. compliance policies in place to operate Again, it is not a guarantee of compliance, Government agencies such as OSHA, safely within industry standards. It is rea- but it demonstrates a climate and culture DOT and others have been enmeshed in sonable to infer that having the Accredita- exists to deal with these challenges.
Phil Chambers is president of Townsend Calendar of upcoming TCIA events Tree Service Co., LLC, an accredited TCIA member company based in Muncie, Indi- March 28, 2017 ana, and a member of TCIA’s Board of Di- January 18-19, 2017 A300 Planting & Transplanting Summit rectors. Certifi ed Treecare Safety Professional Reno, NV (CTSP) Workshop* Milwaukee, WI June 14, 2017 Legislative Day on the Hill Don’t miss this month’s press release, February 5-9, 2017 Washington, D.C. “Don’t Use Climbing Spikes” Winter Management Conference 2017 November 2-4, 2017 included with the emailed version of this Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa Reporter. Puerto Rico TCI EXPO Conference & Trade Show Columbus, Ohio
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TCIA REPORTER JANUARY 2017 3 Does your tree care website need parallax design? TCIA Social Media Highlights arallax design is not a new concept, Pbut it is starting to gain popularity as a Web design strategy. In parallax design, multiple focal points move at different paces as the user scrolls through the con- tent. This distortion of depth and motion creates an immersive, and hopefully en- gaging, experience for the end-user. “Parallax design is still in the early adopter phase,” writes the Content Mar- keting Institute, “so it currently offers a great opportunity for brands that are willing to take a risk to stand apart from the crowd.” But does this mean your tree care web- site needs parallax design? Maybe. It de- pends on your marketing goals and acqui- sition strategy. Consider the following: Pros of Parallax Design: It’s visually stunning and makes a great fi rst impres- sion. This can hook new potential clients Follow TCIA on Instagram @treecareindustry for more photos like this one! #arboristsofi nstagram. Photo courtesy of @altec-inc. by immediately engaging them when they visit your website. Cons of Parallax Design: Using par- TCI EXPO 2016 Student Career Days allax compromises search engine opti- In addition to the trade show and con- mization (SEO) for the sake of design. (Continued from page 1) ference, this was the 20th year that TCI Depending on your marketing goals, how- offi cial TCI EXPO app. Participants could EXPO has hosted a Student Career Days ever, that may not be a bad thing. Parallax network, attend educational sessions, visit (SCD) event. SCD drew 213 college and may also hamper your Web analytics by exhibitors and post content to earn points vocational students representing 21 providing fewer data points for analysis. with the app’s Game On! feature. The par- schools from across the country. Because of these drawbacks, many brands ticipant with the most points won. Students participated in tree climb- elect to only use parallax design on one or Congratulations to Marcelo Leao from ing competitions, attended educational a few pages, and use static Web pages for the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Have seminars, networked with potential em- the rest of their website. fun with your Apple Watch Series 2! ployers, and explored career opportu- nities at a job and internship fair. (See Need help with your Web marketing Arborbucks article, page 7) strategy? Contact the TCIA Marketing de- Every attendee received a form for the Thank you, as always, to our industry partment at [email protected]. Arborbucks drawings. All they had to do partners. TCI EXPO was supported in was fi ll it out, put it in the big gold bin, then part by Crown PACT Partners Altec, Ban- be around at the Climbing Tree in the mid- dit Industries, Husqvarna, Morbark, Util- Make use of the TCIA logo dle of the trade show fl oor for the drawing. ity One Source and Vermeer, and Branch Four drawings were made over the course PACT partner Green Manufacturing; in your promotions of the show, each for $600 in Arborbucks, Root and Seed partners include Arbor- jet and George Fern, and Weaver Leath- Promote your affi liation with TCIA which could then be spent at any of the er Supply, Northern Atlantic Financial, by displaying the TCIA logo on your participating exhibitors at the show. Mauget, Fanno Saw Works, and Liberty website and business cards, and in Congratulations to the four winners: Financial, respectively. newspaper ads, Matthew Leonard, Leonard Trees LLC in View photos of TCI EXPO on Facebook. newsletters, etc. If Ashby, Massachusetts; Sara Daugherty com/TreeCareIndustryAssociation, or on you need the logo, with Cumberland Valley Tree Service, Inc., Flickr.com/TreeCareIndustry. you can down- a 17-year TCIA member company based Ready for the next TCI EXPO? Join the load it on www. in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania; Tony Tree Care Industry Association in Colum- tcia.org in the Member Only section, Hayden, Hayden’s Tree and Woodland bus, Ohio, for TCI EXPO 2017, November at Resources\Business\Marketing. Or, Management Services, a previous four- 2-4 (with pre-conference workshops No- email [email protected] if you year TCIA member company based in New vember 1). need different types and sizes. Richmond, Wisconsin; and Tyler Gerz of T. Gerz Landscaping in Lancaster, Pa. See you in November!
4 JANUARY 2017 TCIA REPORTER WORD FROM WASHINGTON OSHA bans body belts and lanyards in lifts n its announcement of a Walk- In our comments, TCIA said, “… arbor- of the bucket. Iing-Working Surfaces and Personal ists often work in aerial lifts that are elevat- OSHA is revising the requirement in § Protective Equipment (Subpart D) fi nal ed to work positions directly above high 1910.67(c)(2)(v) to allow workers to use rule on November 18, OSHA put tree care voltage wires, trees, buildings and other either travel restraint or personal fall ar- employers on notice that conventional structures to trim trees.” We argued there rest systems, but not positioning systems. body belts and lanyards used for fall pro- was a unique and unavoidable job haz- For questions concerning compliance, tection in aerial lifts would no longer be ard intrinsic in this typical work position, please contact Peter Gerstenberger, TCIA’s acceptable as of the effective date of the and that OSHA should allow the use of a senior advisor for safety, compliance & rule, January 17, 2017. body belt and two- to three-foot lanyard. standards, at 1-800-733-2622, ext. 109, or The traditional body belt-lanyard This PPE combination, we reasoned, pro- [email protected]. combination is referred to as a position- vided for the shortest overall fall distance, ing system, and all other current OSHA and thus provided the greatest protection standards restrict the use of positioning against fatally dropping into nearby elec- systems to work performed on “vertical tric wires or any other potentially injurious surfaces.” Aerial lifts are deemed to be object at a lower level. The short lanyard Reminder for OSHA- horizontal work surfaces. would minimize free fall, thereby reducing compliant record keeping In our comments to OSHA in 2010, the arresting force in the system. Finally, TCIA expressed concern that workers in the attachment at the operator’s waist al- If your company had more than tree care would not be allowed to use “po- lows for the possibility of self-rescue. 10 full-time employees in calendar sitioning systems” as these systems were OSHA did not fi nd our arguments on year 2016, you are required to com- defi ned in the proposed rule. TCIA was arresting force or self-rescue persuasive plete and post OSHA’s Form 300A commenting on the proposed revision to and actually devised a solution to the haz- Summary of Work-Related Injuries §1910.67(c)(2)(v) that presently permits ard of contacting a lower level we did not and Illnesses in a conspicuous lo- workers to use positioning systems or per- contemplate in 2010: the travel restraint cation, even if you had no injuries sonal fall arrest systems when working in (or work restraint) system. This is a sys- during the calendar year. aerial lifts. tem that prevents any fall whatsoever out Here is the basic requirement: At the end of each calendar year, you must review the OSHA 300 Log Save $5 on any Pro (or equivalent) to verify that the entries are complete and accurate, Arborist Series volume and correct any defi ciencies identi- fi ed; Create an annual summary of tart 2017 right by saving $5 on any • Vol. 5 Safety Man- injuries and illnesses as recorded on SPro Arborist Series publication agement and Loss the 300 Log using the appropriate throughout the month of January! Protection (8.5 ISA form (found on OSHA’s website) or These collections of authoritative ar- and CTSP CEUs) the equivalent; certify the summary; ticles, previously published in TCI Mag- • Vol. 6 Tree Man- and post the summary where em- azine, contain practical information agement with ANSI Standards (7 ployees can see it from February 1 for the working arborist. The articles ISA/CA CEUs, 7 BCMA CEUs, and until April 30, 2017. are accompanied by comprehension 2 CTSP CEUs) On OSHA’s website there are quizzes that can be used to earn tons of • Vol. 7 The Business of Safety (5 ISA three options for download, each CEUs at an affordable rate! and CTSP CEUs) containing the forms and instruc- Stock up on the following: • Vol. 8 Insects & Diseases (9.25 ISA CEUs) tions for Forms 300, 300A and 301 • Vol. 1 Climber Safety (11 ISA and To access this great benefi t, use the (an incident reporting form): order form that accompanies this 1) Conventional PDF fi les that Product Promo issue of the Reporter, or order one can print and fi ll out by hand online at www.tcia.org or by calling 2) Forms that can be completed CTSP CEUs) 1-800-733-2622. online • Vol. 2 PHC and IPM (7.5 ISA CEUs) *Discount is on retail and TCIA 3) Excel-format forms • Vol. 3 Crew Safety (9.75 ISA and member pricing. Each publication is For more information or CTSP CEUs) sold separately and the discount will the forms, visit www.osha.gov/ • Vol. 4 Soil Management Fertilization be applied to each purchased. This recordkeeping/RKforms.html. (8.25 ISA CEUs) month’s promotion ends 1/31/17.
TCIA REPORTER JANUARY 2017 5 Awards, nominations and reserve funds top November Board agenda he TCIA Board of Directors met Request for a seat on ANSI TNovember 9, 2016, at the Baltimore A300 Convention Center in conjunction The Board discussed a re- with TCI EXPO. Andy Ross, Chair of quest to create an addition- the Board, called the meeting to order al seat on the ANSI A300 at 9:29 am. Board members present in- Committee for the Society of Those at the November Board meeting included, from left, Bill Weber, Alan Jones, Tim Gamma, Mark cluded Senior Director Andy Felix, and Commercial Arboriculture Garvin, Andy Ross, Andy Felix, Mundy Wilson, directors Phil Chambers, Steve Mar- (SCA). The Board explored Steve Marshall and Jeff Wilson. Phil Chambers is shall, Alan Jones, Mundy Wilson Pip- balance and fair representa- not shown and Peter Sortwell was not present. er, Tim Gamma, Bill Weber and Mark tion of all sectors of the pro- Garvin, president. Vice Chair Peter fession and voted to approve Sortwell was absent. a seat on the committee for the SCA. to Director for 2017-20. (Associate Member The Board ratifi ed the email vote ap- director ballots are due January 17.) proving June 1, 2016, Board of Directors Presentation of the audit Presentations by Investment Advisors Meeting Minutes. The Audit Committee reported on their on TCIA Reserves conversations with Tammy Michaud of The Board reviewed the current TCIA Strategic Partnerships, Alliances, & Roy- Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker. The audi- reserve policy. Presentations were made alty Agreements: Annual Affi nity Pro- tors presented the audit to the committee by Harvest Capital, Eaton Vance and gram Review covering TCIA’s fi scal year ending Aug. 31, Morgan Stanley for TCIA and the TCIA Per policy, TCIA is to annually review 2016. The auditors encountered no signif- Foundation. The companies reviewed its affi nity programs against an established icant diffi culties in dealing with manage- allocation strategies, fees, investment set of criteria for continuation. Because the ment in performing and completing the philosophies and anticipated returns. Af- Board approves all affi nity programs based audit. There were no signifi cant audit ad- ter discussion the Board voted to move on the established policy, the results of this justments as a result of audit procedures TCIA’s reserves and TCIAF’s reserves to review and management’s decisions are that were material, either individually or Harvest Capital. provided annually to the Board. The fol- in the aggregate, to the consolidated fi - lowing programs will be continued: nancial statements taken as a whole. The Discussion and update on SWOT & cur- Market Hardware Board voted to approve the 2016 Audit rent Strategic Plan Outcomes Midwest Arborist Supplies Report as presented. The Board held its annual discussion of SherrillTree the 2016 Strengths, Weaknesses, Oppor- American Arborist Supplies Nominations Committee recommendations tunities and Threats (SWOT) identifying Benchmark Payment Systems Andy Ross presented the results of the impacts that may affect the future of the Nominations Committee’s interview pro- association. The discussion included an TCIA Awards cess to the Board of Directors for a new update on TCIA’s six strategic outcomes The Board approved recipients for the Ad- Associate Member director. The Board vot- and updates on the newest initiatives on vancing Arboriculture, Legislator of the Year, ed to select Jason Showers, Boxer product Accreditation, Associate Members and and Award of Merit, which will be offi cially manager with Morbark, to be presented to Workforce Development. announced at WMC 2017 in Puerto Rico. the TCIA associate membership for election The Board reviewed the previous list of issues the association might address in the future. The consensus of the Board Current ANSI A300 standards for tree care was that the new workforce development TCIA is the secretariat for the ANSI A300 tree care management standards, initiative and other ongoing initiatives which are divided into the following parts based on tree care practices: should be the focus of new strategic ef- forts for the immediate future. ANSI A300 (Part 1) - 2008, R2014 Pruning ANSI A300 (Part 2) - 2011 Soil Management (includes Fertilization) Executive Session: Annual Evaluation of ANSI A300 (Part 3) - 2013 Supplemental Support Systems (includes Cabling, Bracing, Guying and Propping) the President’s Performance ANSI A300 (Part 4) - 2014 Lightning Protection Systems The Board completed its annual per- ANSI A300 (Part 5) - 2012 Management of Trees and Shrubs During formance evaluation of the President and Site Planning, Site Development, and Construction made compensation determinations for ANSI A300 (Part 6) - 2012 Planting & Transplanting the coming year. The offi cers met with the ANSI A300 (Part 7) - 2012 Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) President to convey the results. ANSI A300 (Part 8) - 2013 Root Management ANSI A300 (Part 9) - 2011 Tree Risk Assessment Adjournment ANSI A300 (Part 10) - 2016 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Andy Ross adjourned the meeting at For more A300 information, click on the Business tab at www.tcia.org. 3:40 p.m.
6 JANUARY 2017 TCIA REPORTER Student Career Days a hit at TCI EXPO tudents enrolled in arboriculture, for- Sestry and related programs displayed their skills and knowledge at another successful Student Career Days event in Baltimore, Maryland, in November. The 20th annual Tree Care Industry Associa- tion Foundation (TCIAF) Student Career Days (SCD), held in conjunction with TCI EXPO, offers students a chance for hands-on practice, friendly competition and an inside look at their area of study. A total of 213 college and vocational students representing 21 schools from across the country attended SCD, tak- ing full advantage of the opportunity to test their knowledge, converse with pro- fessionals and participate in a variety of skills competitions. The Student Skills Competition was comprised of three main events: Safety Gear Check, Belayed Scramble and Work Climb. Top fi nishers in each event received The Student Career Days climbing skills contests were held in Federal Hill Park. gift certifi cates for Stihl merchandise. The park is just a short walk around the Baltimore’s Inner Harbor from the Con- vention Center where TCI EXPO was taking place. Overall winners included Drake Martin from The Crossing School (Vocational fantastic to see so many students invest- safety and reduce accident rates in the tree Men’s); Alexandra Scatena from Wamo- ed in their careers and the future of pro- care industry, and to disseminate infor- go Regional High School (Vocational fessional tree care,” says Chisholm. “This mation key to practitioners and consum- Women’s); Linus Glady from Cuyahoga event highlights the strength and future ers about proper tree care. Community College (Collegiate Men’s) growth of our industry.” Student Career Days 2016 partners in- and Johanna Smith from Milwaukee Area Student Career Days also hosts a Job & cluded Stihl, Ahlum & Arbor, Bartlett Tree Technical College (Collegiate Women’s). Internship Fair during TCI EXPO, which Experts, Bandit Industries, Inc., Bright- A full list of winners and scores can be allows students to meet with some of the View Tree Care Services, Davey Tree Ex- viewed at www.tcia.org under the Events biggest names in tree care and gives them pert Company, the International Society tab (click TCI EXPO 2016, then Students). the chance to interview for potential ca- of Arboriculture, SavATree and Vermeer. Mark Chisholm, CTSP, Stihl spokesper- reers. There’s no better way for a company to son, ISA Certifi ed Arborist and three-time Student Career Days is hosted by the help enhance the future of the industry ISA international tree climbing champi- TCIA Foundation whose mission is to than becoming a SCD partner. To learn on, was on site during the Student Skills advance education and professional de- more, contact TCIA at (603) 314-5380 or Competition to offer climbing tips. “It’s velopment in the green industry, improve [email protected]. TCIA Board nomination forms available
Who will help TCIA lead this industry of Directors Nominator Form” and re- forward over the next three years? turn it to TCIA by April 1, 2017. Candi- Send us your tree We are currently accepting nomina- dates will receive a package to complete tions for TCIA’s Board of Directors. The due no later than April 15, 2017. The positions currently open are for active Nominations Committee will then sub- care photos! member companies. We need your com- mit at least two nominations per vacancy Want to see your tree care company mitment to serve and your support in to the Board. featured in TCIA publications and social identifying others who have talents we The Board will decide which candi- media? Send us your photos for a chance should bring into leadership. dates to recommend to the membership to appear in TCI Magazine, our monthly Enclosed with this Reporter is a nom- at their June 2017 Board meeting. Elec- Reporter member newsletter or even as ination form along with a listing of the tions will be completed by September 30, the cover photo for the TCIA Facebook qualifi cations sought in Board members. 2017, and the new Board members would page. If you would like to serve from 2018-2021 begin serving their terms in February Email [email protected] with pictures or as a TCIA Board member, please fi ll out 2018, following induction at the 2018 for directions for uploading fi les. the enclosed “Candidate for TCIA Board Winter Management Conference.
TCIA REPORTER JANUARY 2017 7 Congratulations to these new CTSPs! Got Safety? Upcoming The following new Certifi ed Treecare Safety Professionals earned their credential after CTSP workshops: attending one of two concurrent workshops held in conjunction with TCI EXPO in Bal- timore, Maryland, in November. January 18-19, 2017 Milwaukee, WI Samuel Carr Brown and Company Ltd. St. George’s Bermuda Michael Lee Arborworks, Inc. Coarsegold CA February 22-23, 2017 Charlotte, NC Chriso Lee Arborworks, Inc. Coarsegold CA Conway Lopez General Tree Service, Inc. Bakersfi eld CA March 15-16, 2017 Dustin Matthews Mountain High Tree, Lawn & Landscape Co. Colorado Springs CO Windsor, CT Mike Dutil Mountain High Tree, Lawn & Landscape Co. Colorado Springs CO April 4-5, 2017 Charley Wagner Aspen Tree Service, Inc. Carbondale CO Arcadia, CA Joseph Michael Shoup Cypress Tree Care, LLC Frankford DE May 16-17, 2017 Logan R. Fisher Bartlett Tree Experts Wilmington DE Apopka, FL Daniel Berrios Lewis Tree Service, Inc. North Lauderdale FL July 11-12, 2017 John Freeman JP Trees and Landscaping LLC Winter Garden FL Andrew Tellier Arbor Experts, Inc. West Palm Beach FL Get CTSP certifi ed in 2017! Call 1-800- Robert Wilson Appleseed Tree Service, Inc. Lilburn GA 733-2622 or email [email protected]. Check Kevin Lee Myers ACRT Inc. Training Services Monroe GA www.tcia.org and click on the Training tab for the most up-to-date schedule. Mark Collins Appleseed Tree Service, Inc. Decatur GA Joe Caslow Oak Bros Tree Removal & Stump Grinding LLC Downs IL Bryan Hendrickson K.C. Arborist Tree Care Olathe KS Stephen Lightfoot Bofi nger’s Tree Service Baton Rouge LA William Joseph Lynch Landscape & Tree Service, Inc. Sudbury MA Michael Melito Maltby & Co., Inc. Stoughton MA Dan Ripa Favreau Forestry Sterling MA TCIA On the Road Adam Winship Barrett Tree Service East, Inc. Medford MA Dan Zaccagnini, IV Carroll Tree Service, Inc. Owings Mills MD Christopher Sprague Bartlett Tree Experts Finksburg MD Patrick Turner Arbortecture, Inc. Myersville MD Rick Sephton Mead Tree and Turf Care, Inc. Woodbine MD Matthew Jay Morrison Ex-cel Tree Expert Co., Inc Jessup MD Patrick J. Quin Bartlett Tree Experts Gaithersburg MD (Continued on page 9)
Peggy Drescher, TCIA Midwest regional outreach coordinator, with Dan O’Brien, arbor and turf specialist with Russo Power Equipment, during a visit by Peg- gy to Russo’s shop in November. Russo, based in Schiller Park, Illinois, is a distributor of arborist Accidents in the tree care industry that occurred during the month of November supplies and power equipment. 2016. Graphic compiled from reports gathered by, or submitted to, TCIA staff.
8 JANUARY 2017 TCIA REPORTER ASTI application deadline approaching e’re looking to provide affordable Safety Training Institute (ASTI). cialties such as chipper operator basics, Wsafety training and educational ASTI provides grants for job and safety felling, rigging, chain saw safety, aerial opportunities for tree care companies na- training to minimize consequent deaths lift operation and aerial rescue, and many tionwide. Interested? and injuries, and to promote overall other safety training disciplines. If the answer is yes, consider applying workforce safety. ASTI grants fund a va- for a grant through the TCIAF Arborist riety of workshops, encompassing spe- Congratulations to these new CTSPs! (Continued from page 8) Tina L. Graver Mead Tree and Turf Care, Inc. Woodbine MD Justin Harris A & A Tree Experts, Inc. Pikesville MD Eric Jewell Ballard Enterprises, LLC Crownsville MD Paul L. Fox, Jr. Ballard Enterprises, LLC Gambrills MD The next application deadline is Juan Argueta Lewis Tree Service, Inc. Pasadena MD March 1, 2017, for workshops tak- Terry Bohner Bartlett Tree Experts Stevensville MD ing place August 1, 2017, through Joseph Modeen Lucas Tree Expert Co., Inc. Portland ME January 31, 2018. Learn more and complete your application online at Ben Read Read Tree Service, Inc. Traverse City MI www.tcia.org/foundation/asti. Matthew Brugger Rainbow Treecare Minnetonka MN Johnathon R. Walker Walker Tree Service Inc. Liberty MO Michael Snook John Brown & Sons Inc. Weare NH Glenn Pearson Forest Glenn Arborists, LLC Milford NJ Ken M. Barber Ken’s Tree Care, Inc. Northvale NJ Peter Chuck Beucler Beucler Tree Experts LLC Tenafl y NJ Meet TCIA Staff at these Ryan Duff Almstead Tree & Shrub Care Company North Haledon NJ upcoming events Dominick M. D’Alonzo Dom’s Tree Service Port Washington NY Duane S. Brown Rick Turk Tree Service, Inc. Rome NY Brian Rath Jackson Dodds & Company Southampton NY January 25, 2017 Grow Maine Green Expo Brad Nagle Independent Tree LLC Newbury OH Augusta, ME Alan Kraus Independent Tree LLC Newbury OH January 18-19, 2017 Michael Brown The F. A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company Canada Ltd Scarborough Ontario, Certifi ed Treecare Safety Professional/ Canada CTSP Workshop Lyle Blum Lyle Blum LLC Allison Park PA Milwaukee, WI Arch Autenreith, II Lyle Blum LLC Pittsburgh PA January 19, 2017 CT Tree Protective Assn Meeting William Croop, III Jafl o, Inc. Orefi eld PA Southington, CT Ryan Kruljac Kruljac Tree Services Pittsburgh PA January 24-26, 2017 Tadd Leaman John B. Ward & Co., Inc. King of Prussia PA Indiana Arborist Association Conference Derek Furry Bartlett Tree Experts Chambersburg PA Indianapolis, IN Matthew G. Giroud Giroud Tree & Lawn Huntingdon Valley PA January 27-28, 2017* Dale Kinney Greater Pitt Tree Service Pittsburgh PA Maryland Arborist Association Conf. Benjamin Miklos Arborist Enterprises, Inc. Manheim PA Ellicott City, MD Robert Rush Jafl o, Inc. Allentown PA January 29-30, 2017* B.J. Schaltenbrand BeaverJack Tree Service, LLC Tarentum PA NY State Arborist Association Annual Conference Daniel A. Shaw Townsend Tree Service Co., LLC Gibsonia PA Suffern, NY Karl Weaver Arborist Enterprises, Inc. Manheim PA January 31, 2017* Jeffrey Van Dusen Bartlett Tree Experts Broomall PA Ohio Tree Conference Andrew Tomaskovic Bartlett Tree Experts Imperial PA Cincinnati, OH Sean Woodbridge Jafl o, Inc. Simpson PA February 1-3, 2017* Jack Kornahrens Lucas Tree Expert Co., Inc. Charleston SC Midwestern ISA St. Louis, MO David Mauk Jones Road Tree Service LLC Houston TX Jason LaRose Bartlett Tree Experts Charlottesville VA Michael Hernandez Pittman’s Tree & Landscaping, Inc. Front Royal VA For details on these and other events, William Higgins Asplundh Tree Expert Co Glen Allen VA contact Tom at 1-800-733-2622 or Jacob D. Stokes Bartlett Tree Experts Powhatan VA [email protected], or visit www.tcia.org and click on Events Alexander Morrow Bartlett Tree Experts Henrico VA then Industry Calendar. Greg Ranallo Teacher’s Tree Service Shelburne VT
TCIA REPORTER JANUARY 2017 9 Member News Accreditation Updates Jim Skiera retiring from ISA Newly Enrolled Companies in the Residential/Commercial Category Company City State Date After more than 22 years of service, Sam Hill Tree Care Dallas TX 11/14/16 James Skiera has announced his retire- Arborworks, LLC Downers Grove IL 11/14/16 ment as executive director of the Inter- Hiawatha Tree Services Minneapolis MN 11/14/16 national Society of Arboriculture (ISA) effective by the end of 2017. Organic Plant Care, LLC Frenchtown NJ 11/15/16 Skiera began his career at ISA as associ- Bristol’s Tree Service Canton Center CT 11/22/16 ate executive director in 1994. His prima- Greenleaf Landscaping & Tree Care, Inc. Bellmore NY 11/22/16 ry responsibilities were public relations Reaccredited Companies in the Residential/Commercial Program and product and program development. Nels Johnson Tree Experts, Inc. Evanston IL He became executive director of the or- Newly Enrolled Companies in the Utility Contractor Program ganization in 2004. Under Skiera’s leader- ship, ISA has grown to serving more than Clearway Industries LLC Glenwood NJ 12/6/16 37,000 members and credential holders. Reaccredited Companies in the Utility Contractor Program “It has been an honor to serve ISA for Townsend Tree Service Co., LLC Muncie IN much of my professional life,” said Skiera. “It was a diffi cult decision to leave, but the Are you accredited yet? Do you know who is accredited in your area? Find out. Go online to www.tcia.org and, at right, click “Find Qualifi ed Tree Care,” then search by area code or state. Don’t be last in your state! timing is right. I have been working on a succession plan with ISA staff and the Board of Directors for several years. The Kent, Ohio, died October 16, 2016, at his the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at Society is stronger today than it has ever home after a long illness. the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, been, and there is a foundation of talent Abbott was founder and owner of ACRT, died October 17, 2016. in both staff and volunteer leadership. Inc and a former vice president of the En- King, of Livingston, New York, and for- The future is bright and I am certain ISA vironmental Services Division at Davey merly of Leverett, Mass., earned a Bache- will continue to make the world a better Tree. Prior to joining Davey Tree he was a lor’s Degree in Forestry from University of place one tree at a time.” forester supervisor for American Electric North Carolina and a master’s in Urban “Jim’s contributions to the success of ISA Power and Central Hudson Gas & Electric. Forestry from Michigan State. One of his have been invaluable,” said Michelle Mitch- He was instrumental in forming and fi rst jobs was managing a 5,000-acre rub- ell, ISA Board president. “His passion and instituting safety standards for the in- ber tree plantation in Liberia for Firestone dedication to the profession of arboricul- dustry. He was vice-chairman of the as it geared up for America’s anticipated ture is widely recognized and appreciated.” Z133 Committee when the committee entry into World War II. While in Liberia, The ISA Board has appointed an Ex- was first organized in 1969, and be- he met and married the late Frances Jolly, ecutive Director Transition Committee came chairman after the first publica- a missionary engaged in building schools to manage the search process for Skiera’s tion of the standard in 1972 until its and educating young children. Upon their successor. Inquiries about the position revision in 1982. return, King joined the faculty at the Uni- can be sent to [email protected]. He was a member of the United Meth- versity of Massachusetts where he headed odist Church of Kent, a past president and up the two year Arboriculture and Park ACRT employees honored by member of the ISA, Buckeye Chapter ISA, Management Program at the Stockbridge Utility Arborist Association Kent Rotary Club, Garden Club of Kent School, a position he held until his retire- and a past director, Portage County Parks ment in 1985. While teaching at the Uni- Two ACRT employees were recently hon- District Board and a Board member of versity, he earned his Doctorate in Urban ored by the Utility Arborist Association Coleman Professional Service. Forestry. Professor King, as he was thereaf- (UAA). Richard Hendler, an ACRT consul- He was honored with and received the ter known, took a keen interest in his stu- tant, was honored with the UAA President’s Distinguished Alumni Award from the dents and became a dear friend and men- Award, which recognizes individuals that University of Massachusetts-Amherst. tor to countless individuals over the years. have assisted the UAA or the industry in ex- He is survived by his wife, Sue Carol King was an energetic individual who traordinary ways during that president’s term. (Morse) Abbott; son, Richard F. Abbott of worked with numerous organizations to Kevin Myers, ACRT’s newest training Kent; daughters, Mary Jo (Dr. John) Er- promote the professional development of instructor, received the Silver Shield Safe- ickson, Susan Casey, Ann (David) Meix- the arboriculture industry including the ty Champion award, which is awarded to ner, Sally (Jeff) Saltzman, Jane (Michael Massachusetts Arborists Association, the those who have a signifi cant role in pro- Wulk) Abbott and Patricia (Donald) ISA and the Massachusetts Tree Wardens moting and infl uencing safety culture Andrews; 18 grandchildren; nine great and Foresters Association. Also, in the late within their organizations and across the grandchildren; and many other family 1960s, he worked with Robert Felix, ex- industry. Congratulations to both. members and friends. ecutive director of the then National Ar- borists Association, now TCIA, and Dick We regret to report… Gordon S. King Abbott of Davey Tree on the creation of Richard Edward “Dick” Abbott Gordon S. King, 98, longtime teacher the Z133 Committee. (See a full profi le of Richard Edward “Dick” Abbott, 87, of and mentor in arboriculture program at (Continued on page 16)
10 JANUARY 2017 TCIA REPORTER TCIA 2016 Accident Survey Results: What are the best predictors of a safe company? By John Ball and Gemechis Djira therefore should have a lower incident that what the data shows you is true, so rate compared to other companies? A re- a variable with a p-value of 0.05 or lower Every tree worker knows, or should view of the TCIA’s 2016 Accident Survey is a good predictor. By contrast, a variable know, that our work sites may harbor a data revealed some interesting results. The with a p-value greater than 0.05 is not a multitude of hazards. A hazard is any- companies were surveyed for their num- good predictor. thing that can cause harm, and there are ber of injuries that resulted in days away A Days-away-from-work, Restrict- lots of things that can cause harm during from work, job transfer or work restric- ed-work-activities, job-transfer (DART) arboricultural operations. They can be as tions; number of employees; the type of rate was calculated for each company minor as the tripping hazard of a down- work the company did; whether the com- or municipality. The typical conversion spout to the far more serious hazard of pany was a member of TCIA; whether the assumes that each full-time employee energized conductor contact. company held TCIA Accreditation and/or works 2,000 hours a year, but actual hours Risk is the probability that the hazard employed a Certifi ed Treecare Safety Pro- worked can differ among companies and will cause harm. Unfortunately the risks fessional (CTSP), and how often the com- geographical locations. Northern compa- in tree work are very high due to the daily pany conducted training, if at all. nies may only work 1,500 hours per em- exposure to hazards. But risk can be man- ployee per year due to the winter weather aged, and every tree worker wants to re- curtailing production. Municipalities may duce his or her risk. The point to all this is that be employing full-time tree workers for A good start to reducing risk is the crit- 2,000 hours a year, but some of that year ical pre-work inspection and job briefi ng. a culture of safety is key to might be spent plowing snow or engaged The downspout hazard is identifi ed and worker safety. Companies in other activities that are not tree related. the pipe removed before the work begins. that make safety a priority, We utilized an average of 1,800 hours The electrical conductors are recognized, for all employers, regardless of company the nominal voltage determined and the not a pass, tend to have the size or type of work. The U.S. Bureau of minimum approach distance (MAD) fewest incidents. Labor Statistics reports their DART as per observed. These actions can reduce inci- 100 workers so that unit will be followed dents. in this discussion. Incidents, unintended events that result The survey was online and TCIA mem- in personal injury or property damage, bers were informed of the survey via the What variable was not a good predictor? are due to unsafe acts and/or unsafe con- Reporter member newsletter. The survey Membership in TCIA (p-value 0.6090). ditions. An unsafe act is the performance was also announced in TCI Magazine While there is certainly value in being a of a task in a manner that may result in and company owners, regardless of their member of TCIA, membership does not an incident. Unsafe acts are often actions membership in TCIA, were invited to necessarily translate into fewer incidents. by a worker. Examples: failure to follow an participate. The response was voluntary The reasons a company joins a trade asso- established command and response pro- and the data provided was self-reported ciation are as numerous as there are com- cedure while pruning or not wearing per- by companies. A total of 245 companies panies. A company may join for marketing sonal protective equipment (PPE) when or municipalities responded to the survey. tools, business resources or networking operating a chain saw. We analyzed the data using a zero-in- opportunities to name a few. While being Unsafe conditions are conditions in fl ated Poisson regression to determine a member may be good for the company the workplace that may result in an un- which of these variables (e.g. Accredita- and the tree care industry, membership in intended event. Examples of unsafe con- tion, training, etc.) were the best predic- TCIA, in itself, is not a good predictor of ditions are not having a company com- tors that a company would have fewer safety. mand-and-response procedure in place or days-away-from-work cases. The number not providing the required PPE – cut-re- of employees is used as an offset vari- What variables were good predictors? sistant leggings, helmet, eye protection able since larger companies tend to have TCIA Accreditation/CTSP (p-value and hearing protection – for workers op- more incidents. The respondents ranged 0.0097). A Culture of Safety has become a erating chain saws. These are generally the from companies with a single employee buzzword in arboriculture but it is really responsibilities of the company, so where to more than 3,000. In other words, an true. Safety begins with the employer. A a tree worker is employed can affect risk incident-rate statistic allows us to make culture of safety is a shared commitment as much as what they do. Every tree work- valid comparisons between different size to safety where safe behavior is encour- er can name a few companies they would companies. aged and followed by fellow tree workers, never work for, or left fairly quickly, since While we don’t want to go into a long supervisors and management. there seemed to be little concern for safe- discussion of statistics, it’s helpful to TCIA Accreditation requires companies ty. Some companies put their workers at know a little about p-values before read- to meet a number of criteria that speak to unacceptable risk and have more than ing the results. professionalism, including adherence to their share of incidents. A p-value is the probability that what state and federal safety standards and reg- What are some of the best predictors the data shows you is true. A small p-val- ulations. The Accreditation process also that a company cares about safety and ue (<0.05) means there is strong evidence (Continued on page 14)
TCIA REPORTER JANUARY 2017 11 TCIA annual fi nancial statement information
elow and on page 13 is a portion of the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Tree Care Industry Association, Inc. and Subsid- Biary for the year ending August 31, 2016 (TCIA’s fi scal year runs September 1 through August 31). The audit was conducted by the fi rm of Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker, LLC. The accompanying notes, not included here, are an integral part of these fi nancial state- ments and can be obtained from TCIA. The TCIA Board of Directors accepted the complete audit report and accompanying fi nancial statements at the November 2016 Board meeting.
TREE CARE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
August 31, 2016 and 2015
ASSETS 2016 2015
Current assets Cash and cash equivalents, unrestricted $ 1,167,917 $ 1,558,196 Cash and cash equivalents, temporarily restricted 292,629 272,039
Total cash and cash equivalents 1,460,546 1,830,235
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of $7,175 and $7,182 in 2016 and 2015, respectively 183,954 187,907 Current portion of contributions receivable 260,000 250,000 Deposits, prepaid expenses and inventory 394,323 314,373
Total current assets 2,298,823 2,582,515
Property and equipment Computer and software 1,129,098 730,867 Office furniture and equipment 138,935 110,360 1,268,033 841,227 Less accumulated depreciation 822,331 762,634
Net property and equipment 445,702 78,593
Other assets Investments 6,193,321 4,927,336 Permanently restricted cash 262,593 104,919 Contributions receivable, net of current portion and present value discount 413,327 650,805 Program development costs, net 16,950 28,547
Total other assets 6,886,191 5,711,607
Total assets $ 9,630,716 $ 8,372,715
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 592,312 $ 480,937 Deferred revenue 2,516,368 2,382,889
Total current liabilities 3,108,680 2,863,826
Net assets Unrestricted Undesignated 4,274,217 3,381,656 Board-designated 554,563 548,355 Total unrestricted 4,828,780 3,930,011 Temporarily restricted 315,600 272,039 Permanently restricted 1,377,656 1,306,839
Total net assets 6,522,036 5,508,889
Total liabilities and net assets $ 9,630,716 $ 8,372,715
12 JANUARY 2017 TCIA REPORTER TREE CARE INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
Consolidated Statement of Activities and Changes in Net Assets (Deficit)
Year Ended August 31, 2016 (With Comparative Totals for the Year Ended August 31, 2015)
2016 2015 Total Temporarily Permanently Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Total Total Association Foundation Revenues Accreditation and related products $ 886,234 $ - $ 886,234 $ - $ - $ 886,234 $ 829,634 ArborMAX program 125,859 5,000 130,859 125,859 - 256,718 248,974 Grants 135,872 - 135,872 - - 135,872 112,043 Winter management conference 377,830 - 377,830 - - 377,830 292,072 Safety certification and related products 363,271 - 363,271 - - 363,271 287,562 Contributions - - - 99,255 - 99,255 91,450 Membership dues and related products 1,664,993 - 1,664,993 - - 1,664,993 1,562,545 Advertising 1,334,872 - 1,334,872 - - 1,334,872 1,255,005 Sponsorships 150,000 - 150,000 - - 150,000 129,167 Trade shows 1,711,837 - 1,711,837 - - 1,711,837 1,530,091 Golf tournament - 37,810 37,810 - - 37,810 40,395 Foundation revenue - 43,386 43,386 - - 43,386 36,254 Other revenue ------6,490 Net assets released from restriction 79,955 125,859 205,814 (205,814) - - - Total revenues 6,830,723 212,055 7,042,778 19,300 - 7,062,078 6,421,682 Expenses Program services 4,591,290 339,602 4,930,892 - - 4,930,892 4,484,843 Supporting services Management and general 1,315,156 143,431 1,458,587 - - 1,458,587 1,320,318 Fundraising 30,712 6,338 37,050 - - 37,050 42,514 Total expenses 5,937,158 489,371 6,426,529 - - 6,426,529 5,847,675 Excess (deficiency) of revenues over expenses 893,565 (277,316) 616,249 19,300 - 635,549 574,007 Nonoperating revenues Contributions and gifts - - - - 70,817 70,817 766,463 Investment income 76,320 16,035 92,355 6,795 - 99,150 101,069 Net unrealized and realized gains (losses) on investments 189,735 430 190,165 17,466 - 207,631 (233,874) Change in net assets (deficit) 1,159,620 (260,851) 898,769 43,561 70,817 1,013,147 1,207,665 Net assets (deficit), beginning of the year 5,077,041 (1,147,030) 3,930,011 272,039 1,306,839 5,508,889 4,301,224 Net assets (deficit), end of the year $ 6,236,661 $ (1,407,881) $ 4,828,780 $ 315,600 $ 1,377,656 $ 6,522,036 $ 5,508,889
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years Ended August 31, 2016 and 2015 TCIA On the Road 2016 2015 Cash flows from operating activities Change in net assets $ 1,013,147 $ 1,207,665 Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization 71,294 65,932 Net unrealized and realized (gains) losses on investments (207,631) 233,874 Contribution revenue for long-term purposes (70,817) (766,463) Decrease (increase) in Accounts receivable 3,953 (84,256) Deposits, prepaid expenses and inventory (79,950) (9,494) Increase in Accounts payable and accrued expenses 111,375 33,257 Deferred revenue 133,479 283,983
Net cash provided by operating activities 974,850 964,498
Cash flows from investing activities Acquisition of equipment and program development costs (426,806) (72,649) Purchase of long-term investments (1,785,820) (2,986,816) Proceeds from sale of long-term investments 727,466 2,022,317
Net cash used by investing activities (1,485,160) (1,037,148) Bob Rouse, TCIA chief program Cash flows from financing activities offi cer, with Natalie Carey, of Proceeds from contributions for long-term purposes 298,295 322,834 World Tree Service, Inc., a brand Net change in permanently restricted cash (157,674) (21,719) new TCIA member based in San Net cash provided by financing activities 140,621 301,115 Anselmo, California. They were at the TCIA booth during the Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (369,689) 228,465 American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) meeting in Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 1,830,235 1,601,770 Boston in early December. World Tree Service joined at the show. Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 1,460,546 $ 1,830,235
TCIA REPORTER JANUARY 2017 13 There’s still time to register for WMC! he excitement for Winter Manage- modate our growing attendance at WMC, Tment Conference 2017 is palpable, but they won’t last long. Learn more and Write a Caption for this... and we are anticipating another excel- book your hotel room at www.tcia.org. lent event this year in Puerto Rico. With Still not convinced? WMC offers a one- a month to go, there is still time to book of-a-kind educational experience for busi- and plan your trip to the beautiful Wynd- ness leaders in the tree care industry. Take ham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa, part in poolside forums and round-table but you are cutting it close! discussions on industry issues, or attend If you are still debating attending WMC seminars led by some of the most innova- 2017, consider the following: tive and experienced professionals in the Register by January 6 for the best sav- business world. ings! While the knowledge and relation- Oh, yeah, did we mention have some ships you will gain at WMC are priceless, fun in the sun! registering by January 6 augments the Learn more and register for WMC at value by saving you $100. www.tcia.org. Questions? Call (603) 314- TCIA has added more rooms to accom- 5380 or email [email protected]. We know it was at Winter Man- agement Conference last year, Accident Survey results weekly, at least once a month, when need- but what do you think is being ed or never. said here? Send your caption to [email protected]. (Continued from page 11) Frequent training translates into fewer assists in creating and maintaining safety days-away-from-work cases. The aver- training. Companies are subject to audits age DART for companies having weekly 100 full-time workers, respectively. to be sure criteria are being met. Orga- training sessions was 1.9 per 100 full-time nizational safety has been shown to be a workers, about a quarter of the rate among Putting it all together good predictor of worker safety in other companies that never trained. Further- In the TCIA survey data, the average surveys and it clearly was in this case. more, the DART almost doubles when days-away-from-work case rate for tree A requirement for Accreditation is to training frequency drops from weekly to companies was 2.4 per 100 workers, about have one or more CTSP. Having a person biweekly-to-once-a-month. There was double the nation’s all-industry aver- dedicated to safety is an essential part of not much difference in the rate between age, which is about 1.1 per 100 full-time the safety culture, but a CTSP role is more companies that trained as-needed and workers. than just knowing safety regulations and those that never trained. Clearly training What were the characteristics of the standards. The old adage, “You can lead has value, but relatively high frequency is companies with the lowest DART? Utility a horse to water, but you cannot make it a critical factor. line-clearance companies that employed drink,” makes the point that you cannot The type of work (p-value < 0.0001). CTSPs and had weekly training experi- make people do what they don’t want to Tree workers are employed in differ- enced less than 0.1 days-away-from-work do. A key focus of CTSP is eliciting safe ent sectors of the industry: residential/ cases per 100 full-time workers. That is a behaviors – getting the horse to drink. commercial, utility line clearing and remarkable achievement and clearly illus- Companies need to foster behavioral safe- municipal. Regardless of the sector, all trates the value of training and CTSPs. ty, and this is a key function of a CTSP. tree workers are exposed to similar haz- The characteristics of companies with Companies that employed a CSTP had a ards, including struck by falling trees and the highest? Companies that were not days-away-from-work rate of 2.2 per 100 branches, falls from trees or aerial lifts or TCIA members, were not TCIA accred- full-time workers, about half that of com- contact with an energized conductor. But ited, did not employ CTSPs and never panies that did not have a CTSP. the risk levels differ to some degree among trained. These companies had 13.6 days- Training (p-value 0.0092). Not only is these three sectors. Municipal tree work- away-from-work cases per 100 full-time this an Occupational Safety and Health ers, for example, work on street trees so workers, more than a hundred-fold dif- Administration (OSHA) requirement, it’s their exposure to the risks of being struck ference! also a good idea. A tree worker has to be by passing traffi c is high. Residential/ The point to all this is that a culture of trained when he or she starts, when the commercial tree workers run a gauntlet of safety is key to worker safety. Companies employee is assigned new tasks or equip- hazards in their varied work, from angry that make safety a priority, not a pass, ment or when the employee has been dogs (and customers) to rigging out large tend to have the fewest incidents. observed following unsafe work practic- limbs over houses. Utility line-clearance es. The training must cover hazard rec- workers have a greater exposure to con- Dr. John Ball is professor of forestry at ognition, prevention and control as well tact with energized conductors. South Dakota State University. He is a as safe work procedures. Training should The sector that had the least lost-time Board Certifi ed Master Arborist and a be documented and should be provided cases was utility line clearance, at 0.1 days- CTSP. Dr. Gemechis Djira is an associate at least on a monthly basis. TCIA asked away-from-work cases per 100 full-time professor in the Department of Mathemat- companies how often they trained, and workers. Residential/commercial and mu- ics and Statistics at South Dakota State we divided responses into four categories: nicipal had similar rates of 5.7 and 4.6 per University.
14 JANUARY 2017 TCIA REPORTER Welcome these new TCIA members! Active Members Greenleaf Landscaping & Tree Pure Life Palm and Tree Care Woodie’s Tree Service Care, Inc. 18 Kai Makani Loop Apt 103 3106 Lanvale Ave 5 Saplings, LLC 2232 Legion Street Kihei, HI 96753-5517 Richmond, VA 23230-4217 503 Crestview Ct Bellmore, NY 11710 Dan Robert Kolp Farran Davis, Jr. Jeffersonville, IN 47130 Toniann Battaglino Phone: (808) 633-6958 Phone: (804) 690-1600 Eric Bitner Phone: (718) 345-2000 Phone: (502) 264-2986 Fax: (718) 649-2565 Recinos Landscaping & Tree Affi liate (International) http://fi vesaplings.com Services, LLC Members Hilty Tree Service 1162 Carrs Wharf Rd Glenwood Tree Services 6514 Boston State Road Edgewater, MD 21037-4505 ALM Tree Pros 663 Winston Churchill Blvd. Hamburg, NY 14075 Hector E. Recinos 1092 Saxonburg Mississauga, ON L5J 4P9 Michael Hilty Phone: (410) 858-3537 Saxonburg, PA 16056 Canada Phone: (716) 867-0243 James O’Connor Steven Lukac Rite-A-Way Tree Service Phone: (724) 841-0234 Phone: (905) 855-8711 J & J Tree Service Specialists, Ltd. PO Box 373 Fax: (905) 855-2921 Alpine Arborists Professional PO Box 817 Cottleville, MO 63338 Tree Care Valley Stream, NY 11582-0817 Bradley Stricker Associate Members 11585 Clayton Ct Jason S. Santiago Phone: (636) 237-3237 TriLink Saw Chain Denver, CO 80233-2301 Phone: (516) 779-2013 Fax: (636) 352-2043 Centinnial Tower Luke LeFebvre www.riteawaytreeservice.com 101 Marietta St NW Ste 2425 Phone: (303) 638-5433 JR’s Tree Service, LLC Atlanta, GA 30303-2708 Fax: (303) 920-0865 3286 W Mount Morris Rd Steve & Son Tree Terry Melen Mount Morris, MI 48458-8240 38 Warford Rd Phone: (520) 638-6258 Apex Arborist Season Roy Frenchtown, NJ 08825 7 Forest View Ter Phone: (810) 547-1100 Steve Novack TriState Forestry Equipment Hanover, PA 17331-7463 www.jrstreeservicemi.com Phone: (908) 246-8573 207 Garfi eld Ave Joshua Grager West Chester, PA 19380 Phone: (443) 340-6199 M & L Tree Service Tim’s Tree Care LLC Christina Ward 125 Cannon Rd PO Box 60512 Phone: (484) 905-2292 ATS Tree Services, LLC Chapin, SC 29036-9182 King of Prussia, PA 19406-0512 Fax: (610) 696-7247 215 Frontier Rd Brian Larmon Timothy S. Bennett www.tristateforestryequipment.com Perkasie, PA 18944 Phone: (864) 710-4060 Phone: (215) 353-1382 Adam Thor Servin Phone: (267) 679-6223 Mac’s Services Timber Tender Fax: (215) 249-3250 15317 Little Egypt Rd PO Box 572 Your TCIA regional outreach Orange, VA 22960-2636 Woodstock, VT 05091 coordinators (ROCs) Everett Tree Service McPherson Frye Al Romero Phone: (540) 717-5102 Phone: (802) 457-3789 David Lee, national outreach & retention 7044 Wildlife Trail manager, and New England/New York region Raleigh, NC 27613-5684 [email protected] Jimmy Everett Merrill Tree Experts, LLC Tree Tech Services of Peggy Drescher Phone: (919) 271-6108 14826 Jarrettsvl Pike Northeast Ohio, LLC Midwest (Minnesota, Iowa, Monkton, MD 21111-2409 PO Box 2502 Wisconsin, Illinois) www.everetttreeservice.com [email protected] Aaron Merrill Canton, OH 44720 Margaret Spencer Excel Tree Care LLC Thomas P. Brown, IV Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma 5050 Wright Bridge Rd Monster Tree of the Research Phone: (330) 316-2326 [email protected] Cumming, GA 30028-7904 Triangle Danae Jackson Tyler Lamb 106 Parkbow Ct Under the Sun Tree Care Florida, Georgia [email protected] Phone: (404) 964-6508 Cary, NC 27519-6663 P.O. Box 934 Lesa Scarbrough Richard Baldyga Niwot, CO 80504-5655 California – [email protected] Phone: (919) 600-0949 Stephen Reynolds Fielder Tree Services LLC Dawn Thierbach 2509 Barrington Circle, Ste 112 Phone: (303) 775-7929 Great Lakes (Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Tallahassee, FL 32308 Peachtree Arboriculture dba Kentucky) [email protected] Adam Fielder Peachtree Tree Service White Oak Tree & 750 Hammond Dr Landscape LLC Travis Vickerson Phone: (850) 656-8737 North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia Fax: (850) 656-8737 BLD 17 33 Ezra St [email protected] www.fi elderlandscapes.com Atlanta, GA 30328 North Haven, CT 06473 Tim Anderson Michael Orme Jim Dean Mid-Atlantic (Maryland, Delaware, Phone: (843) 284-3153 Phone: (203) 654-6345 New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania) [email protected] Fax: (203) 239-7900
TCIA REPORTER JANUARY 2017 15 Member News (Continued from page 10) Amy Tetreault rejoins TCIA as King in the November 2014 TCI Maga- zine at www.tcia.org, under Publications/ director of development TCI Magazine/Magazine Archives.) King was honored with TCIA’s Award of Merit in 1983. Amy Tetreault, TCIA’s former director of special programs, Amy King is survived by a son, John King of marketing, is the association’s new director is responsible for leading Alva, Florida, and a daughter, Muriel La- of development and special programs. She the association’s fund- verty of Nicaragua. He was predeceased fi lls the position left by Sarah Winslow, raising and development by another son, James. He is also survived who is pursuing a position in development efforts and cultivating Zealand by numerous grandchildren, great grand- with the University of Massachusetts. and strengthening rela- children, nieces and nephews. Amy started at tionships with current and potential do- Donations in his memory can be made to TCIA as a mar- nors. She works to coordinate awareness The Gordon and Frances King Scholarship keting assistant for TCIA’s Partners Advancing Commer- Fund administered by the Mass Arborists in 2010, moved cial Tree Care (PACT) program, the Voice Association, www.massarbor.org; to the up to senior for Trees Political Action Committee, the Massachusetts Tree Wardens and Forest- marketing co- Arborist Safety Training Institute, and ers Association Scholarship Fund, http:// ordinator, then other TCIA Foundation programs. Amy masstreewardens.org; or to The Town of Le- director of mar- also works with the entire TCIA team to verett Blueberry Fund, www.leverett.ma.us. keting. She left manage large, long-term projects that TCIA in April aim to further the tree care industry. Robert Reeder 2016 to explore When she’s not staring intensely at Robert S. “Bob” Reeder, 82, of Houston, Amy Tetreault an opportunity her MacBook screen, Amy is reading, Texas, , former safety director at Trees, Inc. at an integrated listening to NPR, volunteering, hanging of Houston, through 2000, passed away Sep- marketing fi rm, but determined that she out with her dog, Zealand, and husband, tember 6, 2016. He was a long-time member missed the tree care industry and returned Kris, or hitting the trails for a run. of the National Arborist Association (now to TCIA in early November. She can be reached at (603) 314-5380 TCIA) Safety Committee. After leaving As the director of development and or [email protected]. Trees, Inc., Reeder served as a safety con- sultant in Texas. He was a TCIA Privileged served proudly in the Army, and had a grandchildren: Arya Reeder, Eve Coffey, Member. great passion for singing, animals, and his Deckard Reeder, and Jonathan Coffey. He received his Bachelor of Arts and work as a teacher and safety consultant. Master of Arts degrees at the University He is survived by his son, Joseph Reed- Send your company’s Member News to of Houston. He was a devout Catholic, er, daughter, Stefanie Coffey, and four [email protected]. Choosing fall protection when using a bucket to access a tree
e fi nd that many TCIA members do from the bucket, but that at least some with shoulder straps and a dorsal at- Wnot know or truly understand all work will have to be completed by put- tachment point) may be a more effi cient that TCIA can do for them. Our “Call of ting a line in the tree and working aloft solution. the Month” highlights a request for help outside of the bucket. Instead of wear- In either scenario, the arborist must from a member – and TCIA’s response to ing the FBH, they attach their climbing fi rst be secured against falling in the tree that request. This month’s call was handled harness to the lift anchorage, antici- and check/test their climbing system by Peter Gerstenberger, TCIA’s senior advi- pating a small climb. before releasing their securement to sor for safety, compliance & standards. the lift. The time interval during which they are secured to both the tree and the This question from a member stems Call of the Month lift should be as minimal as possible, to from the revised federal OSHA “walking/ avoid any issues that might be caused working surfaces” rule requiring the use of Could the arborist wear a FBH over by movement of either the bucket/plat- either a “fall arrest system (with a full body their saddle, in an effort to comply with form or the tree. harness, or FBH) or a “work restraint sys- OSHA without having to purchase an tem” while aloft in an aerial lift. entirely new harness? When no longer Remember, TCIA staff are here to help Q: We supply FBHs for our bucket needed, they could remove the FBH. with just about any question you may trucks and our operators use them have. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll when they are working out of the A: TCIA believes the member’s solution do our best to help you fi nd it. Call us at bucket. The problem I foresee, and a is feasible and compliant. For compa- 1-800-733-2622. And, if you have an an- situation that I have personally found nies that encounter this scenario more ecdote about how a staff member helped myself in, is when the arborist knows frequently, a climbing harness that also you with a question or problem, please they can do the majority of their work functions as a full body harness (i.e., email [email protected].
16 JANUARY 2017 TCIA REPORTER
Dear Fellow TCIA Members,
TCIA is currently seeking nominations for positions on its Board of Directors for the term running 2018-21. The positions currently open are for active member companies.
The Board of Directors is comprised of nine industry active tree care company members, one associate member representative (vendors and suppliers) and the association president. Its primary role is to establish the association’s strategic direction to influence such things as how we are perceived by the general public and government, our positioning within the green industry and the overall advancement of our member tree care businesses.
The TCIA Nominations Committee is charged with identifying leaders to advance these efforts over the next three years. Accompanying this letter is a listing of the qualifications for Board members. Serving on the TCIA Board has been a wonderful experience for me. I have had the opportunity to work with some great people who have a tremendous insight to our industry. This experience has allowed me to work with colleagues from across the coun- try who bring unique perspectives to the problems and challenges we all face. The friendships that I have developed through this process are priceless.
To express your interest in serving on the 2018-2021 Board, or should you wish to nom- inate a fellow member, please complete and return the accompanying “Candidate for TCIA Board of Directors Nominator Form” by April 1.
We seek active tree care company members who are ready to serve in a leadership capacity and who have talents and experience that will compliment and expand the breadth of our existing team. As senior director and Chair of the Nominations Committee, I can tell you that we are committed to assembling the most talented team possible to help ensure our industry continues to grow and prosper well into the future.
Please consider serving.
Sincerely,
Alan Jones 2017-2018 Senior Director Chair, TCIA Nominations Committee BOARD OF DIRECTORS QUALIFICATIONS
TCIA seeks and values the following qualities and chara cteris tics in its Board members:
Strategic - Focusing on the big picture.
Visionary – Looking to and anticipating the future. Embracing change and studying past history to learn what has been wor king well and why.
Communication – Possessing oral and written communication skills to communicate a broad vision to fellow board members and the membership, while also seeking to be a good listener.
Integrity - Supporting an environment of honesty and openness; following through with com mitments.
Commitment – Dedicating oneself to the industry, professional leadership, and responsibilities of being a Board member.
Time – Setting aside adequate time to participate in three Board meetings annually, review monthly financial statements, engage in environmental scanning, and devote time to read quarterly reports on the strategic progress of the Association.
Involvement – Having a clear understanding of the TCIA goals and objectives
Team-orientation - Having a collaborative spirit and being interested in coming to the best decision. Being respectful and welcoming of differing ideas and opinions but having the ability to funnel this energy to stay within the TCIA's core values and mission. Leveraging fellow board members' talents and tactfully assisting in the development of their weaker points.
Contributor – Willing to draw on personal experience and support and mentor new Board members.
Expertise – Being active and respected in their particular area of expertise.
Personable – Being approachable and in touch with members at large to mentor and educate them about TCIA's objectives and encourage them to participate
Enthusiasm - Having the desire to serve the TCIA membership
The Nominations Committee should con sider the following factors:
1. Is the candidate a principal or corporate officer in a member tree care company? 2. Personal Recommendations 3. Res ume Revie w 4. Diversity of Board Representation – cultural, geographic, size of company 5. Overall Composition of the Board - styles, positions, backgrounds, length of time in business 6. Relevance to TCIA’s Governance Needs – in other words, having qualities that contribute to a well-rounded team is most important. Qualities needed for decision-making in the next three years may be very different from qualities needed in the past or in the succeeding three years. TCIA Board of Directors member position description
Purpose: To act with full authority and responsibility to establish the strategic direction of TCIA; to develop policies, procedures and regulations for its operation; to monitor the organization’s financial health, programs, and overall performance; and to provide the President with the resources to meet the goals and objectives of the organization. Mission: To advance commercial tree care companies. Board Responsibilities: Believe strongly in the vision and mission of TCIA. Establish the strategic direction. Establish policies regarding the guidelines and limitations on operations in accomplishing the strategic direction. Regularly evaluate the accomplishment of the organization’s goals and objectives. Attend all Board meetings, orientations, retreats, and industry meetings. (The Chair’s reception at Winter Management Conference, associate member breakfast and reception, ribbon cutting for trade shows, all TCI EXPO’s, Legislative Conference, VFT-PAC events and to serve as moderators as requested.) Publicly represent TCIA consistent with Board policy and position statements and provide any statements for review in advance by the Chair or the President. All actions by any individual will be consistent with the best interests of the membership. Become knowledgeable about all aspects of TCIA including fiduciary and legal responsibility, program- ming, bylaws, policies, orientation materials, and etc. Hold the contents of Board meetings in the strictest of confidence, while publicly supporting the final deci- sion made by the entire Board. Annually review the conflict of interest policy and sign a statement indicating there are no conflicts of interest or disclose any conflicts for review by the Board. Arrive at Board meetings well prepared, well informed, and ready to actively participate by contributing your expertise and knowledge. Hire and evaluate the President. Budget for adequate funding for the association’s goals and objectives. Monitor financial management, including investments. Designate depositories/portfolio managers for the investment of TCIA funds. Authorize the President to enter into binding contracts on TCIA’s behalf. Author articles for the Reporter. Support the Voice for Trees Political Action Committee Make Committee member, Committee Chair, TCIA Representative, and Task Force Appointments May chair or serve on task forces as needed. CANDIDATE FOR TCIA BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINATOR FORM
I recommend that the TCIA Nominations Committee consider the following candidate for a nominee to the TCIA Board of Directors. (Members can recommend themselves.)
Name of Candidate ______
Professional Title of Nominee at TCIA Member Company ______
Name of Nominee’s TCIA Member Company ______
Address ______
Phone ______Fax ______E-mail ______
Your recommendation for this Nominee: (Please include industry and association volunteer activities you are aware of at the local, state, and national levels; greatest attributes of the individual; and any professional expertise which TCIA may find valuable – financial, marketing, strategic planning, and etc.)
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I verify that I have contacted this person, and they are interested in serving on the TCIA Board. To nominate yourself, you do not have to provide a second signature.
Your Name ______Date______
Your TCIA Member Company ______
Phone ______Fax ______E-mail ______
Return by April 1 to [email protected]; fax: (603) 314-5386; or mail to TCIA, 136 Harvey Road - Suite 101, Londonderry, NH 03053. CTSP WS 2017 FULL pg JAN 2017 Reporter.pdf 1 12/13/2016 2:56:07 PM
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K As an added incentive, all 2016 Wage & Benefit Survey participants will be entered into Welcome to the TCIA 2016 Wage and Benefit Survey. a drawing to win an iPad Mini! (For drawing details, see page 5 of the survey online, Participating in this survey is FREE and is an investment in your organization. All data www.surveymonkey.com/r/D6P3HMM) will be treated confidentially and aggregated in a way that prevents identification of individual companies. The deadline to complete and return the survey is January 31, 2017. Participants will receive a FREE copy of the results. Non-participants must pay $99 to access results. As an added incentive, all participants will be entered into a drawing to win an iPad Mini! You will also receive the 2015 Wage and Benefit Survey results for free. Please include your company name and email address so the results can be emailed to you. Thank you for your participation!If you have any questions about the survey, contact TCIA at 1-800-733-2672 or email [email protected]. Void where prohibited by law. All federal, state and local laws apply. You can also enter the drawing by hand printing your name, address, daytime phone number and birth date on a 3-inch x 5-inch index card and mail to: TCIA, 136 Harvey Road Suite 101 Londonderry, NH 03053. Note: If you have already completed this survey, we have your information and you do not need to send it again. Thank for your participation!
Please fax completed form to (603) 314-5385
1. What were your firm's estimated gross sales in the last full 3. Which benefits does your company offer to hourly year of operation?? employees? (Please check all that apply.) o Less than $50,000 o 401(k) o $50,000 - $99,999 o Annual Bonus o $100,000 - $199,999 o Cell phones o $200,000 - $499,999 o Clothing/boot allowance o $500,000 - $999,999 o Company vehicles o $1 million - $2.9 million o Continuing education/training o $3 million - $9.9 million & tuition reimbursement o Over $10 million o Dental Insurance o Employee-only Health Plan o Family Health Plan The following questions are about the benefits available o Fuel allowance to your employees. o Life insurance o Paid Holidays o 2. Which benefits does your company offer to salaried Paid Sick Leave o Paid Vacation employees? (Please check all that apply .) o Profit Sharing o 401(k) o Other (please specfy)______o Annual Bonus o Cell phones o Clothing/boot allowance 4. Would you like to share any additional comments regard- o Company vehicles ing employee benefits offered at your company? o Continuing education/training & tuition reimbursement o Dental Insurance o Employee-only Health Plan o Family Health Plan o Fuel allowance o Life insurance o Paid Holidays o Paid Sick Leave o Paid Vacation o Profit Sharing o Other (please specfy)______The following questions apply to starting 2016 salaries 7.Please fill in the lowest hourly wage paid in starting 2016 (i.e. January, February, March 2016 salaries). salaries (January, February, March 2016) to the following field positions: (Please exclude independent contractors and 5. Annual Salaries by Job Title. Please include total annual officers of the company . Where "other" is specified, please compensation including salary, commission, bonus and indicate title and hourly wage.) profit sharing. (Please exclude independent contractors and Full-time Aerial Lift Operator ______officers of the company. Where "other" is specified, please indicate title and hourly wage.) Full-time Tree Care Foreperson ______
President/CEO/Owner ______Full-time Landscape Foreperson ______Production/Operations Manager ______Full-time PHC/Spray Foreperson ______Office Manager______Full-time Climber ______Supervisor ______Full-time PHC/Spray T echnician ______Sales Representative______Full-time Ground Person/Laborer______Accountant/Bookkeeper ______Other Full-time (Title, wage) ______Other (Title, wage) ______Other Full-time (Title, wage) ______Other (Title, wage) ______Other Full-time (Title, wage) ______
8. Please indicate in what region(s) you operate? 6. Please fill in the highest hourly wage paid in starting 2016 (select all that apply.) salaries (February/March 2016) to the following field posi- tions:(Please exclude independent contractors and officers of Great Lake States (IL, MN, WI, MI, IN, OH) the company. Where "other" is specified, please indicate title Great Plains States (ND, SD, NE, KS, MO, IA) and hourly wage.) Mid-Atlantic (MD, DE, DC, VA, WV) Full-time Aerial Lift Operator ______Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT) Full-time Tree Care Foreperson ______Pacific (AK, CA, HI, OR, WA) Full-time Landscape Foreperson ______Rocky Mountain (CO, ID, MT, NV, UT, WY) Full-time PHC/Spray Foreperson ______Southwest (AZ, NM, OK, TX) Full-time Climber ______Southeast (AL, AR, LA, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN)
Full-time PHC/Spray Technician ______9. Please indicate if your tree care company is TCIA Accredited. Full-time Ground Person/Laborer______My company is not TCIA Accredited Other Full-time (Title, wage) ______My company is TCIA Accredited Other Full-time (Title, wage) ______10.Please include your company name to ensure you Other Full-time (Title, wage) ______receive the results when finalized.
______Don't forget, as an added incentive, all participants will be entered into a drawing to win a iPad Mini! See 11.Please include the email address where you would like all the rules and regulations on page 5 of the survey online, www.surveymonkey.com/r/D6P3HMM) the results emailed when finalized. Please fax completed form to (603) 314-5385 ______136 Harvey Road Tel: (603) 314-5380; 1-800-733-2622 Londonderry, NH 03053 Fax: (603) 314-5386
Email: [email protected] Contact: Tchukki Andersen, CTSP, BCMA Website: treecaretips.org For immediate release Email: [email protected]
Don’t Use Climbing Spikes When Pruning Trees
Is your tree care provider using spikes to climb while pruning your trees? Ouch! Climbing spikes are sharpened steel spikes attached to the climber’s leg by leather straps and padded supports. A tree worker should only use them to access trees being removed. When these spikes are used on living trees, it is traumatizing to the tree and creates unnec- essary damage. Each puncture from a climbing spike produces a certain amount of tree tissue death, though this varies from tree to tree. In most cases, isolated wounds will seal, but over time, groupings of spike holes can cause the entire area on the trunk to die back with no chance of recovery. This happens when a tree is repeatedly climbed for pruning while using spikes. The likelihood of piercing the cambium (living tissue beneath the bark) is high, even with larger trees and thick bark. If soon after the work is performed with spikes there is sap oozing from the wounds, the tree is responding to spike damage. Repeated damage of this type is harmful to the tree.
So why would climbers use spikes if they are harmful to the tree? There are a few exceptional situations where using spikes is appropriate, such as: • when the tree is being removed. • when branches are more than throwline distance apart and there is no other means of climbing the tree (for example: when there are no branches lower than 50 feet), with no access for an aerial lift device or crane. • if the tree is too close to power lines and cannot be accessed safely by other means. • to reach an injured climber. Professional tree care companies are aware of the dangers of spikes and use proper tree equipment such as ropes and climbing harnesses to climb (or aerial lift devices or cranes, if accessible). This, coupled with their training and experience, contributes to the future health of the tree.
Homeowners searching for qualified tree care companies should look for the following: • Good References: Ask for references, and check on the quality of their work. Don’t be rushed by a bargain and don’t pay in advance. • Proof of Insurance: Ask for current certificates of liability and workers’ compensation insurance, if applicable. Be aware that if the tree care company you hire doesn’t have insurance or is not a legal company, you could be held responsible as a contractor. • Solid Reputation: Verify professional affiliations the company might have, such as memberships in business and/or professional organ- izations such as the Tree Care Industry Association. • Up-to-Date Knowledge: Ask if they follow ANSI Standards. A professional arborist will be aware of the current safety, pruning, fer- tilizing and cabling standards. • Contract: Insist on a signed contract as to cost, dates when work is to be performed, and exactly what is to be done. Insist that climbing spikes are used only if the tree is to be cut down.
Find a Professional A professional arborist can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the best trees and shrubs to plant for your existing landscape. Contact the Tree Care Industry Association, a public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture since 1938.
(Page 1 of 2) Editors: If you would like additional information or digital photos, please contact [email protected] TCIA arborists, safety and business professionals are also available as sources for tree related articles and issues: 1-800-733-2622 or [email protected]. Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, TCIA has more than 2,300 member tree care firms and affiliated companies who recognize strin- gent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. TCIA also has the nation’s only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on: adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices. For more, visit www.tcia.org or www.treecaretips.org.
(Page 2 of 2) Editors: If you would like additional information or digital photos, please contact [email protected] TCIA arborists, safety and business professionals are also available as sources for tree related articles and issues: 1-800-733-2622 or [email protected].