Updated March 18, 2020
Amid the cancellation of public events, professional sports events, concerts and a variety of other gatherings due to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), many companies are in the process of considering what the implications are for their employees and businesses.
Real Green Systems will be hosting a learning webinar to help businesses prepare on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at 3:00 PM EST.
Real Green Vice President of Business Development Beth Barry and President and CEO Bill Nunan will share tactical preparations already in progress at Real Green to protect both its employees and customers’ businesses. They will also review workplace disease prevention tips, key customer communication tactics and an overview of how integrated technologies can minimize the impact of a disruptive event. Register for the webinar.
On Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. EST, the Herring Group will present “Navigating COVID-19 for Landscape Business Owners.” During the webinar, The Herring Group will provide industry-specific financial and operational recommendations, describe financial assistance that is available or may be forthcoming from the federal government, and more. This webinar is only open to business owners and the company will verify your ownership following registration. Register here for business owners.
Bayer committed to providing business continuity
As of March 17, Bayer remains committed to providing business continuity in its daily operations and ensuring it delivers on commitments to customers around the world to the greatest extent possible under these challenging circumstances.
For its Crop Science product supply, R&D and seed production sites, the company has staffing plans in place to maintain plant and facility operations in order to provide customers with the products and services they depend on.
Bayer is also committed to keeping customers informed of any changes that may come in the days or weeks to follow. The safety and well-being of its employees, customers, business partners and the communities in which they live and work remains a top priority.
Updated March 17, 2020
National Association of Landscape Professionals’ (NALP) is offering a webinar on Dealing with the Coronavirus in Your Landscape or Lawn Care Business, scheduled for Wednesday, March 18, at 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm EST.
The Irrigation Association (IA) is transitioning the majority of its Fairfax, Va., staff to working remotely beginning March 17. The IA office phone and fax lines will remain open, and employees will be available via email and phone. Orders through the IA store will continue to be filled until further notice.
Future 2020 IA events, such as the Faculty Academy (June 18-19) and Irrigation Show and Education Week (Nov. 30-Dec. 4), have not changed as of yet. Continue to watch the IA website and the 2020 Irrigation Show website for updates. Regarding IA exam dates or computer-based testing through May 15, individuals registered may reschedule without penalty or be fully refunded.
Originally posted March 13, 2020
Response from the National Association of Landscape Professionals
The National Association of Landscape Professionals’ (NALP) website features a link for guidance on dealing with the coronavirus.
The measures include:
• Compliance with all federal, state and local advisories;
• Monitoring the health of employees;
• Encouraging sick employees to stay home; and
• Asking employees to notify supervisors if they have had contact with someone who has contracted COVID-19.
NALP has canceled the National Collegiate Landscape Competition, which was scheduled for March 18-21 at Michigan State University.
Landscape companies mobilize
How are some companies dealing with the concern with their employees?
“We haven’t seen an immediate impact but rather, lots of questions,” said Paul Fraynd, CEO and partner at Sun Valley Landscaping in Omaha, Neb. “We believe it is part of our role as leaders to ensure our staff has timely and factual information, not just what they read on their newsfeed.”
Sun Valley has discussed strategies in its leadership meetings, emailed a list of preventive practices to employees and offered additional information in company safety meetings.
Fraynd says that he has contacted the company’s insurance professionals about the company’s business income insurance coverage and discussed some worst-case scenarios in case Sun Valley has staff that becomes ill or are required to self-quarantine.
The company is allowing office staff to work from home and is encouraging its sales team to implement a no-handshake policy when out meeting with clients.
“For now, we are encouraging everyone to stay mindful and healthy,” he said. “In a pinch, we will have to look for additional staff or subcontractors if our staff members can’t come to work.”
Marty Grunder, CEO of Grunder Landscaping in Dayton, Ohio, is carefully monitoring reports from health officials and is in close communication with his attorney and insurance professional.
“We’re relying on our governor and health experts to direct us as to what to do,” he said. “We’re trying to remain calm and deal with facts and be as proactive as we can. In times like this, we rely on other experts to help us and share as much logical and practical information as we can with our team.”
For additional information on COVID-19 and how you can communicate preventive measures to your employees, visit CDC.com.
The Centers for Disease Control is offering Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers, which includes strategies such as cleaning your workspace regularly and staying home when sick. The statement also includes information on preparing a response plan should COVID-19 pose an immediate risk to your community.
