On the economic side, Most 'scapers and vendors agreed this is the economy from Hell and they are looking at several ways to increase revenue. Choices are pretty much influenced by the market you are in, the capabilites and talents of your employees, and some "seed" money. Yes, Green roofs are an option but only if you are willing to learn, study, test, and slowly move forward. And, oh yes, you will need $$ and patience. A project potential that seems "hot" one day just might be cut due to budget or put on a slow boat to China. Cut florals depend on client need, a local fresh flower supply, and a talented someone to put them together. Exterior the same but sosts for equipment go up exponentially as you add more services like "mow, blow and snow". Many companies prefer the containerized/blooming bed routes. And so on and so on.

Along with all that, Jerry Shipe and his presenters and facilitators made their 1 hour 15 minute segment informative and it was very well done.

The Hall of Fame was very moving as Rich Parker, Parker Plantscapes, Tom Acklin, Autograph Foliages, and posthumously, Todd Bachman were inducted. All their respective families were there and as a former recipient of that honor I know how moving it is to be honored by your peers.

The Trade Show was well attended, all booths were sold, and it was great to see everyone. My booth was busy from opening to close as 'scapers who have been testing Joeys and Freedom Squares came and shared their positive results and ordered more. It took a year and a half but, finally, lots of us "get it".

The Awards presentations were a tad long but just seeing so many wonderful, creative projects is a real treat. May I suggest you plan to enter one of your jobs next year. The entry fee is only a couple of hundred bucks and the marketing potential to you for existing and new clients is MAJOR! Plan now. And just so you know, several of the entries featured large material on cranes being hoisted aloft and into the building. That shot is a real crowd pleaser. Holiday and Special events accounted for a large number of entries and two companies were given extra recognition with special "Judges" Awards. Congratulations to Planterra, for their entry Horseshoe Casino and to John Mini Distinctive Landscapes for The Water Club by Borgata.

The hotel used this year, the Flamingo, was so much better than the poor old, tired Riviera (or as we Las Vegans call it, the RIV) used in year's past. Food was well done and my congratulations to all the PIA volunteers and staff for an outstanding job. Guys, please know, these key people (I'm in trouble if I start naming names, you know I'll leave one out inadvertently), take time and resources from their businesses to give back to you and the staff handle so many details so very efficiently. Kudos to all. And this year BYU (Brigham Young University Landscape Management etc students) served as volunteers. They were everywhere helping, guiding, monitoring rooms, handing out evaluation sheets and a couple of them entered and won prizes in the Color Bowl Competition.

Great Calscape. Next year the Sheraton in San Diego and please note it is early in Sept unlike prior Calscapes. so you can attend and then go back and get your Holiday on track.

Best as always, Barb