COVID-19 Statement

The situation around Coronavirus (COVID-19) has continued to quickly change within our local communities. More states and local governments have begun to implement stringent regulations to limit the spread of this virus—including closing of schools, nonessential businesses, and work from home requirements. 

As business owners, we understand your concerns about your own businesses. Our paramount goal has been for the health and safety of our customers and employees, as we continue to monitor the situation closely. 

First and foremost – it has been verified: 

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation COVID-19 Response Team (IEDC) has clarified that Landscaping and Lawn Care Service Providers ARE considered essential businesses under the Governor’s Executive Order. Here is a letter from them: 

Landscaping and lawn care service providers are considered essential businesses under the Governor’s Executive Order. 

We urge Indiana employers and businesses to use their best judgement in determining their ability to comply with social distancing requirements. Along with the Governor’s executive order, businesses should also abide by any orders or mandates established by local governments. All residents and businesses should continue to maintain best practices or implement policies as recommended by the CDC. 

The Executive Order may be viewed online here: https://www.in.gov/gov/files/Executive_Order_20-08_Stay_at_Home.pdf. 

Thank you, IEDC Response Team 

During these extraordinarily challenging times, we would like to address the following three areas concerning the needs of our customers, employees and our industry. 

Employee & Customer Safety 

We will be continuing to follow recommendations from the CDC, to minimize the risk for our customers, employees, and families. While this is not a complete list, here are some of the precautions we’re taking across our business. 

Our Shop 

• We briefed our team on recommendations from the CDC, regarding handwashing, social distancing, and other preventative measures.

• We have increased cleaning and sanitizing all areas such as restrooms, counter areas, door handles, tables, office space, etc.

• We have given our local teams the ability to access any cleaning or sanitizing products they need to ensure their materials are sanitized throughout the day.

• We have delegated one employee to be in charge of the loading and unloading of materials during a night shift so no interaction will occur with amongst crews.

• Equipment and vehicles are being sanitized daily as well as being assigned to one crew rather than being shared amongst crews.

• No more than 10 people are permitted in the building at a time, of which must remain at least 6 feet apart. Of the employees working, we are only allowing management and crew foremen to access the building at this time. No other employees are permitted.

Our Employees 

Our team members are our family, and we want them to stay safe and healthy. To help with this:

• All of our employees were provided with a consequence-free choice on whether or not they wanted to work.

• We have allowed any and all employees time off without penalty if they feel the safety of themselves of others could be compromised.

• Any and all meetings have been canceled or moved to virtual settings.

• Our office staff has moved to a minimal staff with the remaining admin working remotely.

• We have put all of our employees on a travel ban over the next 14 days and will adjust this time according to CDC, state and national requirements.

• We are working closely with our teams to ensure that anyone who is not feeling well understands that we support them staying home.

• We have reduced our crew sizes to no more than 3 people in a truck.

• We have staggered our starting times so crews are not coming in contact with one another.

• Our crews are not allowed to help other crews when their work is complete. Only permitted to work on the assigned properties.

• Management is available to the crews 24 hours a day.

Our Clients 

•  Our clients and their families are important to us, and we want them to stay safe and healthy. To help with this:
  • Before sending any crews larger than one employee, we are contacting clients to receive authorization for services.
  • We are currently only allowing phone calls with clients.
  • We are asking for our clients to not talk with our employees upon their arrival to a property. We ask that if there are concerns or questions, they contact the office.
  • We are restricting contact with clients and if contact does not occur, we encourage our employees to avoid shaking hands with a client and remaining at least 6 ft from the client.

Financial Stability 

The economic impact of the virus has been fast and hard in many industries throughout the country, with business already shutting down or filing bankruptcy. As a company, we pride ourselves on being fiscally responsible, upholding our financial commitments to our employees, vendors, and clients. We are focused on mitigating a negative financial impact to our employees, vendors, and clients for as long as possible, but to do this we must remain open for as long as we can. 

We’re working hard to do everything we can to limit any hardship for our team members, customers, vendors, and our industry. 

Protection of the Green Industry 

We believe the Green Industry is a vibrant and vital industry, and we want to do whatever we can to ensure its protection during this crisis. We will continue to supply and fulfill the needs of our customers, pay vendors, and support our local and national associations. 

As more people are required to remain at home, we realize your outdoor and green spaces will become invaluable. We want to ensure you that we are available to help you keep these spaces clean, healthy, and safe from pests so your spaces can be enjoyed without worry. 

Finally, we are monitoring our customers and manufacturing partners and their response to this situation. At this time, most of our customers and manufacturing partners remain open. As more information becomes available, we will continue to make adjustments to support the safety and well-being of our customers and employees. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding, particularly during these challenging times. 

Sincerely yours, 

Dean W Ricci