Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/725835
However, our industry's best residential customers are Baby Boomers, so we need to keep our eye on the future and look at how Millennials use their lawns and landscapes differently; and we need to change the way communication and services are delivered. We have to adapt technologically, and we need to harness their interest in sustainability and the outdoors. Hamlin: The irrigation industry is adopting and embracing the use of new technologies that not only create business effi ciency, but are also benefi cial to the environment. Smart technologies like rain sensors, pressure regulation, soil moisture sensors and measuring sprinkler performance save time, but above all, save water. Public perception of the irrigation industry needs to improve. The message should not be that using water is a bad thing. Instead, the message should be that using water ineffi ciently is the problem. L&I: How will this year's elections impact our industry? Hickman: As with all presidential elections, this year is an important election for our country, and we currently have two distinct paths that are being laid out by the presidential candidates — especially when it comes to domestic policy. However, when it comes to issues of importance to landscape professionals, it is diffi cult to assess what a given outcome might mean. Here are several broad assumptions based on known candidate positions and partisan trends at the federal level: On immigration reform, Trump is anti-immigration and Clinton is a proponent on comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented workers in the United States. However, when it comes to H-2B, their positions aren't clear. When it comes to EPA and pesticide regulation; neither candidate has stated publicly their position related to the use of — or regulation of — pesticides and fertilizers. However, the balance of power in Congress is equally important as who becomes president. Currently, the Republican Party holds a narrow margin in the Senate, and has a much stronger majority in the House of Representatives. Regardless of which candidate emerges victorious in the presidential race, a change in Senate control is a real possibility. A swing in several contested districts could lead to a democratic Senate, which may be much more sympathetic to environmental activists, could lead to revisions to H-2B, and might result in even more stringent regulations from the EPA. A change in party power in the House is much less likely. Hamlin: Going to press, the media is predicting a democrat winner. With that in mind, we can expect more emphasis to be placed on environmental issues, and one can expect more regulations. L&I: What do you think will be the industry's biggest story in the coming year? Hickman: It is always hard to predict the future — especially in an election year — but I think the workforce shortage will continue to be a top issue. And whether with political changes we see changes in H-2B or other visa programs, comprehensive immigration reform, or rely on other solutions that we develop, we need to attract students in landscape and horticulture programs and employees to companies. Hamlin: Drought and water management will continue to be the industry's biggest story in the upcoming year, if not years. L&I: What is your overall outlook for the industry as we head into 2017? Hickman: The outlook for the industry is strong. The economy is stable, and demand for our services is strong. When there are regional weather issues or economic challenges, we have found that our members have a great ability to shift their business models to deal with those challenges, so we anticipate continued growth in the industry. We will support that by continuing to put the industry front and center with the media and the public, raising the visibility of managed landscapes, and we invite all landscape and lawn care providers to join us in doing so. Hamlin: Opportunities in the coming year will fl ow from an improved economy and increased new construction. SPECIAL FEATURE PHOTO ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/YGREK 12 October 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com