Schedule of Events*

8:30 am - 9:00 am  Registration

Morning Track

9:00 - 10:00 am        Project Management: Solutions to Holes in the System
Kevin Schindler, Autumn Leaf Landscaping, Inc.; Jeff Stevenson, CLP, JSI Landscapes; and Stacey Werner CLP, CLT-E, Tryon Creek Landscape, Inc.
Each step of the “dirt to done” process has dynamic variables, but the understanding what elements won’t change will help insure an effective system.  This panel of landscape professionals will discuss how to manage handle these variables and successfully execute the project management for the landscape job.

10:05 - 11:05 am       Your Contracts: Safe Harbors in a Storm
Jeff Bennett, Jordan Schrader Ramis PC
Would you start a new job with dull tools and equipment with under-inflated tires?  If not, then treat your contracts the same way you treat your tools and equipment.  Don't start a job with a weak agreement.  Jeff Bennett, OLCA's General Counsel since 1995, will walk you through the key contract provisions needed to protect you should problems arise on the job.  He will address the LCB's minimum contract requirements, pricing options, scoping the work, dealing with differing site conditions, design/build considerations, change orders and extra work, warranties, use of sub-contracts, and special issues associated with public jobs.

11:05 - 11:15 am    Break

11:15 am - 12:15 pm Cash Flow – Avoiding Insolvency, Inviting Growth
Aaron Piazza, CPA, AKT CPAs and Business Consultants
Understanding the importance of cash flow for a landscape business is critical.  Financial tools for monitoring cash flow and strategies for ensuring cash is available to meet immediate needs will be discussed.  Techniques that work, don’t work, and why will be identified and templates to enhance the financial reports you currently use will be shared.

12:15 - 1:15 pm  Networking Lunch

Afternoon Track

1:15 - 2:15 pm       Making Bidding & Estimating Work for Your Bottom Line
Bob Grover, CLP, CLT-E, Pacific Landscape Management
Are you confident that your bid pricing will result in a profit?  Do you have a bidding system or do you just guess?  Bidding and pricing is an integral part of successful business and if you don’t have a scientific process, you are likely to over or underbidding jobs.  This session will provide insight into how to design your pricing structure and bidding process to insure success.  There will always be competition, but knowing that your price is accurate for your business is critical to ensure you get the jobs that are best for you.

2:20 - 3:20 pm       Oregon Construction Liens and Beyond
Hafez Daraee, Jordan Schrader Ramis PC
Getting contracted payments can be difficult under the most ideal situations, but add in a economic downturn and knowing the laws may be the only way you’ll see your money. This session will discuss the nuts and bolts of Oregon construction lien law, the CCB collection process, and several other liens that will help landscape contractors increase the likelihood of getting paid in our turbulent economic market. 

3:20 - 3:30 pm  Break

3:30 - 4:30 pm  How to Win In Commercial Landscape Contracting
Rod Bailey, CCLP, Alder Springs Enterprises, LLC
Looking to grow an existing commercial landscape business or possibly diversify your business and establish a commercial division?  This session will deal with developing opportunities to make and win bids and proposals to the commercial markets.  Participants will learn how to develop commercial opportunities and establish relationships that last.  Sharpening your pencil is essential in this new economy; understanding what the commercial customer is looking for will be explored.  Attend this session to understand your costs and identify what you have to offer in order to develop a competitive edge within the market.

4:30 pm  Seminar Concludes

General Information

Registration
Member and non-member registration includes education sessions and materials for the track(s) indicated on the registration.  All registration also include the Networking Lunch.

SAVE $$$! Discounts are available for those registering for the Entire Seminar, as well for those registering before April 1, 2010.

Networking Lunch
The Networking Lunch will provide seminar attendees with the opportunity to catch up with old friends and meeting ones and share best practice with fellow landscape professionals.

Location
Crowne Plaza Lake Oswego
14811 Kruse Oaks Drive
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
503.624.8400
Complimentary parking is available to OLCA attendees on a space-available basis.

Space Limitations
Space is limited – early registration is recommended. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event that space becomes filled to capacity, those registrants will be notified and fees will be refunded.
In the event of inadequate registration, weather problems or other events beyond OLCA’s control, a meeting may occasionally be moved or cancelled. Should this occur, an attempt will be made to contact registrants and fees will be refunded.

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received on or before April 8, 2010 will receive a full refund less a 25% administrative fee. Cancellations received after April 8, 2010 will receive a 50% refund of all fees. No shows and cancellations received after 5:00 pm on April 21, 2010 will not receive a refund.

Continuing Education Credit
Application has been made to the Oregon Landscape Contractors Board for up to six total hours of continuing education hours (CEH).  A CEH certificate will be issued for the number of hours attended.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Get your company name in front of these decision makers.  If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please contact the OLCA office at 800.505.8105 to learn more about this opportunity. Event sponsors receive special recognition at the event.