Get ready to learn and get ready to grow when you attend the first NHLA Field Day on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at Shaker Village in Canterbury.

Whether you’re new to the Green Industry or an old pro, a one-horse show or a large company, you’ll find workshops and vendors to help expand your knowledge and business abilities.

Canterbury Shaker village

Do you have clients who want to see what you have in mind for their project? Graham Pellettieri of Pellettieri Associates will demonstrate how you can incorporate drones and virtual reality design software into your designs using state-of-the-art equipment and programs that may whet your appetite to move into 21st-century gardening. He’ll do a morning workshop and be around all day to demonstrate the equipment and answer your questions.

Concerned about global warming? Sean Tumblety of Eco-Smart will talk about the benefits and challenges of using all-electric tools in the Green Industry. Some clients are increasingly concerned with the noise and pollution of gas-powered equipment. And California and other states have legislation that will eventually eliminate traditional gas tools. He’ll talk about why migrating to all electric may be a smart move.

What’s the best way to train new employees, especially those without experience? The Canadian company Greenius, in partnership with NHLA, will offer a workshop about their on-line training programs for workers, managers owners, and other staff. This is a great opportunity to move into consistent training about basic practices, worksite safety, and other training issues.

Wondering how to offer quality benefits to attract and retain workers? Our new partners with the National Automotive Road Fuels Associates (NARFA) will give a workshop and be available all day to talk with you about how to tailor an affordable, attractive benefits package for yourself and your employees.

What’s the best way to lay down a walkway or patio? Bill Gardocki will provide hands-on demonstrations about the latest best practices in flatwork.

There will also be workshops and vendors offering job site first aid, how to safely use chainsaws, and how to become a New Hampshire Certified Landscape Professional. Vendors will showcase the newest equipment, including remote mowing. Several affinity groups will meet during lunch, which is on your own. We’ll have two food trucks offering a variety of fare. Or you can bring your own.

Affinity groups include:
• How to Succeed as a One-Horse Operation
• Challenges of Growing in a Competitive Market
• How to Use Greenius to Train Employees
• How to Use NARFA to Offer Benefits
• Tour the Shaker Village Gardens with Cooperative Extension experts

We’ll also have a brief NHLA-member business meeting and a ballot vote to adopt several bylaw changes that will help membership grow.

The day will open at 7 am when vendors and exhibitors arrive to register and set up. Each outdoor exhibit area is 25 feet wide and 20 feet deep for a reasonable cost of $400. Vendors provide their own tent, table, and chairs.

General admission registration opens at 8:30 am with fees of $25 for individual members and $40 for non-members.

Vendors can contact NHLA leaders Jim Moreau (jimmoreau@northeastnursery.com) or Scot Fleweling (scotf@dirtdoctorsnh.com) for exhibit space information.

Don’t miss this opportunity! Vendors and participants can register here.