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JANUARY 2024 CIA QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

CIA kicks off the year with industry events

The irrigation industry is off to a busy start and the Carolinas Irrigation Association is thrilled to be involved!

The Green & Growin' event, hosted by the NC Nursery & Landscape Association on January 15-19, was another success. CIA coordinated six irrigation education sessions, led by a number of CIA volunteers, and enjoyed reconnecting with colleagues in the new year.

The SC Green Conference & Trade Show was held January 24-25 in Columbia, SC. CIA President Clark O'Neill represented CIA at the event and led an irrigation-specific session, Five Steps to Irrigation Repair Success, during the conference and networked with landscape professionals throughout the event.

Save the date for CIA hosted events happening on April 17 (Charlotte Golf Tournament), August 21 (Raleigh Golf Tournament, and Waterpalooza (October 14).

Gain valuable contractor insights for 2024

In November, the Irrigation Association released it's 2024 Green Industry Outlook - Contractor survey, which is focused on providing contractors with insights on how to prepare for the future and overcome obstacles.

Contractors faced another year where the work was there if they had the capacity, reined in largely by labor limitations. While many put more effort into finding new ways to bring in employees, it was a season of moderate growth and generally moderate expectations for the future.

Click here to download the full report.

THIS MONTH’S TIPS

Time for a tune up

Approaching owners with the suggestion of an irrigation audit might be a daunting proposition. But with the right approach, along with information on how audits translate to a savings, the conversation should go much more smoothly. READ MORE

Software synergy

Assess your needs and goals when upscaling your business management software. Choosing the correct software platform can make all the difference in streamlining operations, improving productivity, expanding customer development and deepening client relationships. READ MORE

Make an exit plan

Often, small business owners such as those run by irriga tion contractors get to the end of their run with the industry and think they have a big book of business to sell. It turns out all they really have to offer is a customer list as opposed to a company. READ MORE

UPCOMING DEADLINES/EVENTS

IA Scholarship Program Application Deadline

March 31, 2024, Online Application

LEARN MORE

CIA Charlotte Golf Tournament

April 17, 2024, Warrior Golf Club

REGISTRATION COMING FEBRUARY

CIA Raleigh Golf Tournament

August 21, 2024, Wildwood Green Golf Club

REGISTRATION COMING JUNE

CIA Waterpalooza Conference

October 14, 2024, Raleigh, NC

REGISTRATION COMING AUGUST

INDUSTRY/MEMBER NEWS

The U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, D.C., has proposed changes to federal overtime pay requirements, potentially impacting wholesaler-distributors and other industries, including irrigation. READ MORE

Privately owned housing starts in November were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,560,000, 14.8% above the revised October estimate. READ MORE

The comment period for the WaterSense draft specification for spray sprinkler nozzles was extended to March 1. READ MORE

Thank you to our 2024 Associate Members!

Gold Sponsors: Heritage Landscape Supply Group and The Toro Company

Silver Sponsors: Central Turf & Irrigation Supply, Ditch Witch Sales of North Carolina, Ewing Outdoor Supply, HARCO Fittings LLC, Hunter Industries, K-Rain Manufacturing, Rain Bird, SiteOne Landscape Supply and Smith Turf & Irrigation

Basic Sponsors: IrriTech Training and Simmons Irrigation Supply

Learn more about becoming a CIA associate member today!

Carolinas Irrigation Association

www.carolinasirr.org

8280 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Suite 630 | Fairfax, VA 22031

703.536.7080 (p) | 703.536.7019 (f) | [email protected]