Our Story
Over thirty years ago, a group of successful landscape industry veterans created an entity to provide their community with specialized business services. The type of services they knew from years of experience were needed to thrive in the business: Insurance, OSHA compliance, Legal and HR Consultation, Safety Training, Vehicle and Equipment Financing, and more.
Since that time, Golden Oak Co-operative (now known as the Green Industry Co-Op), has helped the Green Industry grow and prosper, by playing a substantial role in supporting and giving back to the industry and its Members. And, it’s not just about longevity and tradition, it’s about professionalism, quality, integrity and service. Just ask the thousands of Co-Op Members who have benefited from accessing a world-class assortment of relevant services.
So we encourage any member of the green industry, including landscape contractors, tree trimmers, nursery owners, and others to CONNECT with your industry peers and join the Green Industry Co-Op. We’re a community of industry people helping each other with invaluable services, peer advice, support and friendship.
Look around this website and see if you would like to join us. We’d love to have you as a part of our green industry family.
Our Family of Companies
Our Team
The Board of Golden Oak
Timothy F. Nord, Chairman/CEO
Tim is President of Nord Landscape Services, Inc., the company he formed over thirty years ago to provide landscape, maintenance, hydro-seeding, and landscape architecture to the greater Bakersfield area as well as other communities in Southern California. Tim was elected President of CLCA in 1982, was selected Knight of the Garter by the Women’s Auxiliary in 1986 and was selected as the Association’s Allegiance Award recipient in 1995. He is also a founding director of LCIS and Birch Financial.
Tim was Chairman of the Board of the CLCA Welfare Insurance Trust, the predecessor of Golden Oak Co-op Corporation in 1996 and 1997. Currently Tim serves as director for Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc., Birch Financial Inc. as well as being a director of Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation.
MEMBERSHIP, AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Tim was Chairman of the Board of the CLCA Welfare Insurance Trust, the predecessor of Golden Oak Co-op Corporation in 1996 and 1997. Currently Tim serves as director for Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc., Birch Financial Inc. as well as being a director of Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation.
MEMBERSHIP, AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
- California Landscape Contractors License
- California Landscape Architects License
- California Pesticide License
- F.I.B.
- Professional Pesticide Applicators Association
- National Rifle Association
Tim Nord
Chairman, President & CEO
Pete Dufau, Chairman/Birch Financial
Pete’s involvement in horticulture began at an early age. He grew up on an Oxnard, California row crop and orchard farm. Since 1972 he has been intimately involved with the care of living plants and trees.
He graduated Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Horticulture with a concentration in the Landscape industry and founded Dufau Landscape in 1990 as a landscape maintenance service provider after a two-year stint at Valleycrest. Since its inception, Dufau Landscape has consistently won awards while landscaping schools and colleges in every major city in Ventura County.
2014: CLCA Allegiance Award
Graduate Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Degree in Horticulture with Landscape industry Concentration
1994: CLT Certified Landscape Technician
2010: CWM, Certified Water Manager
CLCA Chapter Level
1994-1996: Ventura County Chapter Membership
1996-1989: Ventura County Chapter Legislation
1998-2000: Ventura County Chapter President
2000-2014 Channel Islands Chapter Legislation
2010-2012: Channel Islands Chapter Ambassador
1996-1998: Created and managed VC Chapter trade show
Merger of Santa Barbara Chapter and Ventura Chapter into Channel Islands Chapter
CLCA State Level service
2000-2002: CPC Director South
2002-2006: Membership Director
2007: President Elect
2008: President
2009: Past President
2012-2016: Director of Legislation
2000-2016: Legislation Committee
2010-2016: LandPac Committee
2012-2016: LandPac Chairman
2006-2007: Immigration Task Force
2009: CLCA Liaison to Golden Oak/LCIS
2007-2013: Bylaws Committee
2009, 2010, 2011: Bylaws author/editor
State Board Member for 15 years, in 6 different positions
2006: Created Chapter participation points rebate program
1998-2012 + 2014: Attended Legislation Conference
2007: Development of Benevolent Fund
2007: Travel to Washington D.C. as representative of Immigration Task Force
Development of Contractors search participation points ranking program
2008: Created Membership/Marketing position
2008: Sequestered State budget expansion, moved 10% of revenue to reserves
Negotiated Endorsement language & extension for CLCA with Golden Oak/LCIS 2009
Represented Industry interest in passing of AB 1881 State water model ordinance
Development and funding of Water Management Program
2011: Terminated Sponsorship/membership in CILC, now defunct, before it failed
2012: Development, funding and Founding of CLCA’s first Legislative Action Day
2013: Development of and authored policy for Mickey Strauss Grassroots Award
2013: LandPac’s 4yr fund transfer, w/ Chapter Fundraising Campaign near $10,000
2013: Trophy Awards EmCee
2010: Wrote CLCA’s position paper to LATC on APLD’s demand for legality in residential design
2014: Drafted CLCA’s white paper for legislators on drought response
2012-present: LCIS, Landscape Contractors Insurance Services Board member
2013-present : Golden Oak Cooperative Board member
2008-present: Ventura County Lincoln Club President
He graduated Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Horticulture with a concentration in the Landscape industry and founded Dufau Landscape in 1990 as a landscape maintenance service provider after a two-year stint at Valleycrest. Since its inception, Dufau Landscape has consistently won awards while landscaping schools and colleges in every major city in Ventura County.
- California Landscape Contractors Assoc. service
- 2000-2002: CPC Director South
- 2002-2006: Membership Director
- 2007: President Elect
- 2008: President
- 2012-present: Director of Legislation
- 2000-present: Legislation Committee
- 2012-present: Chairman, LandPac
- 2015: President, Landscape Water Conservation Foundation
- 2004, 2006: Planet Certification Judge; Pierce College
- State Board Members for 15 years, in 6 different positions
HONORS, AWARDS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
2014: CLCA Allegiance Award
Graduate Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Degree in Horticulture with Landscape industry Concentration
1994: CLT Certified Landscape Technician
2010: CWM, Certified Water Manager
CLCA Chapter Level
1994-1996: Ventura County Chapter Membership
1996-1989: Ventura County Chapter Legislation
1998-2000: Ventura County Chapter President
2000-2014 Channel Islands Chapter Legislation
2010-2012: Channel Islands Chapter Ambassador
1996-1998: Created and managed VC Chapter trade show
Merger of Santa Barbara Chapter and Ventura Chapter into Channel Islands Chapter
CLCA State Level service
2000-2002: CPC Director South
2002-2006: Membership Director
2007: President Elect
2008: President
2009: Past President
2012-2016: Director of Legislation
2000-2016: Legislation Committee
2010-2016: LandPac Committee
2012-2016: LandPac Chairman
2006-2007: Immigration Task Force
2009: CLCA Liaison to Golden Oak/LCIS
2007-2013: Bylaws Committee
2009, 2010, 2011: Bylaws author/editor
State Board Member for 15 years, in 6 different positions
2006: Created Chapter participation points rebate program
1998-2012 + 2014: Attended Legislation Conference
2007: Development of Benevolent Fund
2007: Travel to Washington D.C. as representative of Immigration Task Force
Development of Contractors search participation points ranking program
2008: Created Membership/Marketing position
2008: Sequestered State budget expansion, moved 10% of revenue to reserves
Negotiated Endorsement language & extension for CLCA with Golden Oak/LCIS 2009
Represented Industry interest in passing of AB 1881 State water model ordinance
Development and funding of Water Management Program
2011: Terminated Sponsorship/membership in CILC, now defunct, before it failed
2012: Development, funding and Founding of CLCA’s first Legislative Action Day
2013: Development of and authored policy for Mickey Strauss Grassroots Award
2013: LandPac’s 4yr fund transfer, w/ Chapter Fundraising Campaign near $10,000
2013: Trophy Awards EmCee
2010: Wrote CLCA’s position paper to LATC on APLD’s demand for legality in residential design
2014: Drafted CLCA’s white paper for legislators on drought response
2012-present: LCIS, Landscape Contractors Insurance Services Board member
2013-present : Golden Oak Cooperative Board member
2008-present: Ventura County Lincoln Club President
Pete Dufau
Chairman/Birch Financial
Ronald Dietz, Chairman/Finance Committee
After attending San Fernando Valley State College, in 1973 Ronald Dietz began working in the hydroseeding business in North Hollywood, CA. He supervised operations and projects throughout California and helped develop a branch office in Escondido, CA.
Ron was a founding partner of Environmental Seeding Co. in May of 1979, which became Dietz Hydroseeding Co. in 1984. Dietz Hydroseeding performs private, commercial and public works projects throughout California and after 42 years in the business, Ron has well established relationships with many prominent architects, government agencies, contractors and developers.
Dietz Hydroseeding Co. has extensive experience with re-vegetation, habitat restoration, fire remediation and native plant establishment projects throughout California. The company has worked with numerous private and public entities on post-fire erosion and remediation projects including: US National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife, Cal Trans, County of Orange, County of LA, County of San Diego, Metropolitan Water District, Yorba Linda Water District, LADWP, City of Los Angeles, City of Laguna Beach, City of Malibu, City of Alta Dena and City of San Diego.
Ron is a member of the International Erosion Control Association and is a life member of the California Landscape Contractors Association. He was the CLCA San Fernando Valley Chapter President in 1984 and was CLCA State President in 1989. He is a Director of Golden Oak Co-op Corporation in Chatsworth, CA, a position he has held for 29 years. Ron has been on the Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation Board (formerly CLCA Insurance Board of Trustees) for over 25 years. He also has served as Director of LCIS and Birch Financial, Inc. Prior to becoming a trustee, Ron served as CLCA Liaison to the TRUST.
Ron lives in Orange County with his wife Colleen Doherty. They have three adult sons, Kennen, Hunter, and Parker. When Ron is not working he spends his time enjoying his family and all their activities. The principal office of Dietz Hydroseeding is located in Sylmar, California with a satellite office in Orange, CA. Dietz Hydroseeding holds California State Contractors License, number 493207, C27 and is a Certified Micro-business with the California SBA, Number 35503.
Ron was a founding partner of Environmental Seeding Co. in May of 1979, which became Dietz Hydroseeding Co. in 1984. Dietz Hydroseeding performs private, commercial and public works projects throughout California and after 42 years in the business, Ron has well established relationships with many prominent architects, government agencies, contractors and developers.
Dietz Hydroseeding Co. has extensive experience with re-vegetation, habitat restoration, fire remediation and native plant establishment projects throughout California. The company has worked with numerous private and public entities on post-fire erosion and remediation projects including: US National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife, Cal Trans, County of Orange, County of LA, County of San Diego, Metropolitan Water District, Yorba Linda Water District, LADWP, City of Los Angeles, City of Laguna Beach, City of Malibu, City of Alta Dena and City of San Diego.
Ron is a member of the International Erosion Control Association and is a life member of the California Landscape Contractors Association. He was the CLCA San Fernando Valley Chapter President in 1984 and was CLCA State President in 1989. He is a Director of Golden Oak Co-op Corporation in Chatsworth, CA, a position he has held for 29 years. Ron has been on the Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation Board (formerly CLCA Insurance Board of Trustees) for over 25 years. He also has served as Director of LCIS and Birch Financial, Inc. Prior to becoming a trustee, Ron served as CLCA Liaison to the TRUST.
Ron lives in Orange County with his wife Colleen Doherty. They have three adult sons, Kennen, Hunter, and Parker. When Ron is not working he spends his time enjoying his family and all their activities. The principal office of Dietz Hydroseeding is located in Sylmar, California with a satellite office in Orange, CA. Dietz Hydroseeding holds California State Contractors License, number 493207, C27 and is a Certified Micro-business with the California SBA, Number 35503.
Ron Dietz
Chairman/Finance Committee
Mickey Strauss, Secretary-Treasurer
Ask anyone in the green industry and they’ve probably heard of Mickey Strauss. In fact, Mickey was recognized as one of the most influential people in the Green Industry throughout the United States by Landscape and Irrigation Magazine.
Mickey started his career working part-time for a local nursery while attending high school and college in the San Fernando Valley. He later worked with his father who built custom homes, but his first love was the green industry. In 1967 he joined Valley Crest Landscape (where he met his future partner) as chief estimator and purchasing agent. In 1971 he joined Sid Galper and Associates as a project manager. 2013 is Mickey’s 50th year in the landscape industry.
in 1973 Mickey and partner Gary Peterson, founded American Landscape Companies to provide Landscape and Maintenance to the Greater San Fernando Valley, as well as other communities in Southern California, and eventually working throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
Since launching his landscape career, Mickey has been involved in planning, estimating, purchasing and executing millions of dollars worth of projects. His experience in corporate finance and contract law is a complimentary balance to his
Mickey has served as a judge for many of CLCA's Certified Landscape Technician Tests. A program designed to test landscaper's abilities, to certify their qualifications and to maintain high standards throughout the industry. He has also served as a judge for numerous local and Statewide CLCA Trophy Awards programs, as well as the Los Angeles Beautiful Awards programs and California Landscape Architectural Student Scholarship Fund (Class Fund) Landscape awards.
Mickey served as President of the Greater Los Angeles Green Industry Council (CGIC), a coalition to facilitate the interaction of member professional associations dedicated to the enhancement of the landscape environment. Mickey was also appointed as Director and Secretary of the Council for a Green Environment (CGE), a coalition of businessmen and associates in the ornamental horticulture industries with its main purpose to promote the benefits of a green environment and to counteract negative publicity generated by the drought throughout California.
Mickey continues to be an active member of CLCA, serving as Vice Chairman of CLCA’s Landscape Political Action Committee (LANDPAC), member of CLCA’s Immigration Task Force and Legislation Committee. In
Mickey also serves on The Board of Directors of Golden Oak Co-op Corporation, an industry co-op to provide services, information, and education and negotiate the best insurance value for members of CLCA, Birch Financial, Inc., an Insurance premium and equipment finance company. Landscape Contractors Insurance Services Inc., an insurance brokerage company designed to provide CLCA members the best and most complete group insurance programs. Mickey is also the Chairman of CLCA’s Benevolent Fund, a program to offer assistance to members in time of need.
As a Contractor, Mickey holds a A-General Engineering, B-General Building, C8-Concrete, and C27- Landscape Contractors License. Mickey is an award winning contractor and has received hundreds of awards over the years for excellence in craftsmanship.
Mickey resides in Chatsworth with his wife of 47 years, Lucinda (Cindy). They have two sons, Jeff who works for a small landscape contractor in the San Fernando Valley, and Jason who does business development for American Landscape, Inc. At end of 2006, Mickey sold his interest in American Landscape, Inc., for which he owned for 34 years. Unable to sit still Mickey started a new landscape venture the end of 2007, MSM Landscape Services, Inc., located in Sylmar, CA.
HONORS, AWARDS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
1975: Named "Man of the Year" by the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA)
1976: Elected President of the Valley Chapter
1980: Named California's "Member of the Year" for his statewide involvement and efforts to improve the landscape industry throughout California
1981: Elected State President of CLCA
1985, 1990, 1995, 1999: President of the California Landscape and Irrigation Council, Inc. (CLIC)
1985-2007: Chairman of the Labor Negotiating Committee for CLIC
1987: Recipient CLCA Woman’s Auxiliary Knight of the Garter
1992: Recipient of CLCA Allegiance Award
1996: Appointed to serve on the California State Assembly's "Select Committee for Construction Issues" to further improve the construction industry in California
2005: Recipient of CLCA Orange County Chapter’s Meridian Award
2008: Recipient of “Distinguished Service Award” from the Landscape & Irrigation Council.
2009: Inducted into the Green Industry Hall of Fame
2011: Voted one of the “Most Influential People in the Landscape Industry” by Landscape & Irrigation Magazine
2013: Recipient of the “Mickey Strauss Grass Roots Award” an award named after Mickey for a lifetime of dedication for political action for the benefit of the landscape industry
Mickey started his career working part-time for a local nursery while attending high school and college in the San Fernando Valley. He later worked with his father who built custom homes, but his first love was the green industry. In 1967 he joined Valley Crest Landscape (where he met his future partner) as chief estimator and purchasing agent. In 1971 he joined Sid Galper and Associates as a project manager. 2013 is Mickey’s 50th year in the landscape industry.
in 1973 Mickey and partner Gary Peterson, founded American Landscape Companies to provide Landscape and Maintenance to the Greater San Fernando Valley, as well as other communities in Southern California, and eventually working throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
Since launching his landscape career, Mickey has been involved in planning, estimating, purchasing and executing millions of dollars worth of projects. His experience in corporate finance and contract law is a complimentary balance to his
Mickey has served as a judge for many of CLCA's Certified Landscape Technician Tests. A program designed to test landscaper's abilities, to certify their qualifications and to maintain high standards throughout the industry. He has also served as a judge for numerous local and Statewide CLCA Trophy Awards programs, as well as the Los Angeles Beautiful Awards programs and California Landscape Architectural Student Scholarship Fund (Class Fund) Landscape awards.
Mickey served as President of the Greater Los Angeles Green Industry Council (CGIC), a coalition to facilitate the interaction of member professional associations dedicated to the enhancement of the landscape environment. Mickey was also appointed as Director and Secretary of the Council for a Green Environment (CGE), a coalition of businessmen and associates in the ornamental horticulture industries with its main purpose to promote the benefits of a green environment and to counteract negative publicity generated by the drought throughout California.
Mickey continues to be an active member of CLCA, serving as Vice Chairman of CLCA’s Landscape Political Action Committee (LANDPAC), member of CLCA’s Immigration Task Force and Legislation Committee. In
Mickey also serves on The Board of Directors of Golden Oak Co-op Corporation, an industry co-op to provide services, information, and education and negotiate the best insurance value for members of CLCA, Birch Financial, Inc., an Insurance premium and equipment finance company. Landscape Contractors Insurance Services Inc., an insurance brokerage company designed to provide CLCA members the best and most complete group insurance programs. Mickey is also the Chairman of CLCA’s Benevolent Fund, a program to offer assistance to members in time of need.
As a Contractor, Mickey holds a A-General Engineering, B-General Building, C8-Concrete, and C27- Landscape Contractors License. Mickey is an award winning contractor and has received hundreds of awards over the years for excellence in craftsmanship.
Mickey resides in Chatsworth with his wife of 47 years, Lucinda (Cindy). They have two sons, Jeff who works for a small landscape contractor in the San Fernando Valley, and Jason who does business development for American Landscape, Inc. At end of 2006, Mickey sold his interest in American Landscape, Inc., for which he owned for 34 years. Unable to sit still Mickey started a new landscape venture the end of 2007, MSM Landscape Services, Inc., located in Sylmar, CA.
HONORS, AWARDS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
1975: Named "Man of the Year" by the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA)
1976: Elected President of the Valley Chapter
1980: Named California's "Member of the Year" for his statewide involvement and efforts to improve the landscape industry throughout California
1981: Elected State President of CLCA
1985, 1990, 1995, 1999: President of the California Landscape and Irrigation Council, Inc. (CLIC)
1985-2007: Chairman of the Labor Negotiating Committee for CLIC
1987: Recipient CLCA Woman’s Auxiliary Knight of the Garter
1992: Recipient of CLCA Allegiance Award
1996: Appointed to serve on the California State Assembly's "Select Committee for Construction Issues" to further improve the construction industry in California
2005: Recipient of CLCA Orange County Chapter’s Meridian Award
2008: Recipient of “Distinguished Service Award” from the Landscape & Irrigation Council.
2009: Inducted into the Green Industry Hall of Fame
2011: Voted one of the “Most Influential People in the Landscape Industry” by Landscape & Irrigation Magazine
2013: Recipient of the “Mickey Strauss Grass Roots Award” an award named after Mickey for a lifetime of dedication for political action for the benefit of the landscape industry
Mickey Strauss
Secretary/Treasurer
Barry L. Cohen, PhD
President and Founder of The Celtis Group, San Jose, California, Barry Cohen has served on the Golden Oak Cooperative Board of Directors and the predecessor to Golden Oak, the CLCA Insurance Welfare Trust, for more than twenty years. He was State President of CLCA in 1988 and was one of three members to be given the CLCA Allegiance Award in 1990, the year it was initially awarded. He is also a Life Member.
Barry served as Chairman of the Board for Birch Financial, Inc. from 1994 through 2009 and is currently a Director of Golden Oak Co-op, Birch Financial, Inc. and Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc. (LCIS). Barry is a founding member of LEAF and is a LEAF Life Member.
Barry lives in Saratoga with his wife Mary. He is the proud father of four daughters and three grandchildren. He enjoys raising birds and tropical fish and collecting coins.
Barry served as Chairman of the Board for Birch Financial, Inc. from 1994 through 2009 and is currently a Director of Golden Oak Co-op, Birch Financial, Inc. and Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc. (LCIS). Barry is a founding member of LEAF and is a LEAF Life Member.
Barry lives in Saratoga with his wife Mary. He is the proud father of four daughters and three grandchildren. He enjoys raising birds and tropical fish and collecting coins.
Barry Cohen
Chairman/LCIS
Directors
Barry L. Cohen, PhD
President and Founder of The Celtis Group, San Jose, California, Barry Cohen has served on the Golden Oak Cooperative Board of Directors and the predecessor to Golden Oak, the CLCA Insurance Welfare Trust, for more than twenty years. He was State President of CLCA in 1988 and was one of three members to be given the CLCA Allegiance Award in 1990, the year it was initially awarded. He is also a Life Member.
Barry served as Chairman of the Board for Birch Financial, Inc. from 1994 through 2009 and is currently a Director of Golden Oak Co-op, Birch Financial, Inc. and Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc. (LCIS). Barry is a founding member of LEAF and is a LEAF Life Member.
Barry lives in Saratoga with his wife Mary. He is the proud father of four daughters and three grandchildren. He enjoys raising birds and tropical fish and collecting coins.
Barry served as Chairman of the Board for Birch Financial, Inc. from 1994 through 2009 and is currently a Director of Golden Oak Co-op, Birch Financial, Inc. and Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc. (LCIS). Barry is a founding member of LEAF and is a LEAF Life Member.
Barry lives in Saratoga with his wife Mary. He is the proud father of four daughters and three grandchildren. He enjoys raising birds and tropical fish and collecting coins.
Barry Cohen
Ronald Dietz, Chairman/Finance Committee
After attending San Fernando Valley State College, in 1973 Ronald Dietz began working in the hydroseeding business in North Hollywood, CA. He supervised operations and projects throughout California and helped develop a branch office in Escondido, CA.
Ron was a founding partner of Environmental Seeding Co. in May of 1979, which became Dietz Hydroseeding Co. in 1984. Dietz Hydroseeding performs private, commercial and public works projects throughout California and after 42 years in the business, Ron has well established relationships with many prominent architects, government agencies, contractors and developers.
Dietz Hydroseeding Co. has extensive experience with re-vegetation, habitat restoration, fire remediation and native plant establishment projects throughout California. The company has worked with numerous private and public entities on post-fire erosion and remediation projects including: US National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife, Cal Trans, County of Orange, County of LA, County of San Diego, Metropolitan Water District, Yorba Linda Water District, LADWP, City of Los Angeles, City of Laguna Beach, City of Malibu, City of Alta Dena and City of San Diego.
Ron is a member of the International Erosion Control Association and is a life member of the California Landscape Contractors Association. He was the CLCA San Fernando Valley Chapter President in 1984 and was CLCA State President in 1989. He is a Director of Golden Oak Co-op Corporation in Chatsworth, CA, a position he has held for 29 years. Ron has been on the Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation Board (formerly CLCA Insurance Board of Trustees) for over 25 years. He also has served as Director of LCIS and Birch Financial, Inc. Prior to becoming a trustee, Ron served as CLCA Liaison to the TRUST.
Ron lives in Orange County with his wife Colleen Doherty. They have three adult sons, Kennen, Hunter, and Parker. When Ron is not working he spends his time enjoying his family and all their activities. The principal office of Dietz Hydroseeding is located in Sylmar, California with a satellite office in Orange, CA. Dietz Hydroseeding holds California State Contractors License, number 493207, C27 and is a Certified Micro-business with the California SBA, Number 35503.
Ron was a founding partner of Environmental Seeding Co. in May of 1979, which became Dietz Hydroseeding Co. in 1984. Dietz Hydroseeding performs private, commercial and public works projects throughout California and after 42 years in the business, Ron has well established relationships with many prominent architects, government agencies, contractors and developers.
Dietz Hydroseeding Co. has extensive experience with re-vegetation, habitat restoration, fire remediation and native plant establishment projects throughout California. The company has worked with numerous private and public entities on post-fire erosion and remediation projects including: US National Park Service, US Fish and Wildlife, Cal Trans, County of Orange, County of LA, County of San Diego, Metropolitan Water District, Yorba Linda Water District, LADWP, City of Los Angeles, City of Laguna Beach, City of Malibu, City of Alta Dena and City of San Diego.
Ron is a member of the International Erosion Control Association and is a life member of the California Landscape Contractors Association. He was the CLCA San Fernando Valley Chapter President in 1984 and was CLCA State President in 1989. He is a Director of Golden Oak Co-op Corporation in Chatsworth, CA, a position he has held for 29 years. Ron has been on the Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation Board (formerly CLCA Insurance Board of Trustees) for over 25 years. He also has served as Director of LCIS and Birch Financial, Inc. Prior to becoming a trustee, Ron served as CLCA Liaison to the TRUST.
Ron lives in Orange County with his wife Colleen Doherty. They have three adult sons, Kennen, Hunter, and Parker. When Ron is not working he spends his time enjoying his family and all their activities. The principal office of Dietz Hydroseeding is located in Sylmar, California with a satellite office in Orange, CA. Dietz Hydroseeding holds California State Contractors License, number 493207, C27 and is a Certified Micro-business with the California SBA, Number 35503.
Ron Dietz
Pete Dufau, Chairman/Birch Financial
Pete’s involvement in horticulture began at an early age. He grew up on an Oxnard, California row crop and orchard farm. Since 1972 he has been intimately involved with the care of living plants and trees.
He graduated Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Horticulture with a concentration in the Landscape industry and founded Dufau Landscape in 1990 as a landscape maintenance service provider after a two-year stint at Valleycrest. Since its inception, Dufau Landscape has consistently won awards while landscaping schools and colleges in every major city in Ventura County.
2014: CLCA Allegiance Award
Graduate Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Degree in Horticulture with Landscape industry Concentration
1994: CLT Certified Landscape Technician
2010: CWM, Certified Water Manager
CLCA Chapter Level
1994-1996: Ventura County Chapter Membership
1996-1989: Ventura County Chapter Legislation
1998-2000: Ventura County Chapter President
2000-2014 Channel Islands Chapter Legislation
2010-2012: Channel Islands Chapter Ambassador
1996-1998: Created and managed VC Chapter trade show
Merger of Santa Barbara Chapter and Ventura Chapter into Channel Islands Chapter
CLCA State Level service
2000-2002: CPC Director South
2002-2006: Membership Director
2007: President Elect
2008: President
2009: Past President
2012-2016: Director of Legislation
2000-2016: Legislation Committee
2010-2016: LandPac Committee
2012-2016: LandPac Chairman
2006-2007: Immigration Task Force
2009: CLCA Liaison to Golden Oak/LCIS
2007-2013: Bylaws Committee
2009, 2010, 2011: Bylaws author/editor
State Board Member for 15 years, in 6 different positions
2006: Created Chapter participation points rebate program
1998-2012 + 2014: Attended Legislation Conference
2007: Development of Benevolent Fund
2007: Travel to Washington D.C. as representative of Immigration Task Force
Development of Contractors search participation points ranking program
2008: Created Membership/Marketing position
2008: Sequestered State budget expansion, moved 10% of revenue to reserves
Negotiated Endorsement language & extension for CLCA with Golden Oak/LCIS 2009
Represented Industry interest in passing of AB 1881 State water model ordinance
Development and funding of Water Management Program
2011: Terminated Sponsorship/membership in CILC, now defunct, before it failed
2012: Development, funding and Founding of CLCA’s first Legislative Action Day
2013: Development of and authored policy for Mickey Strauss Grassroots Award
2013: LandPac’s 4yr fund transfer, w/ Chapter Fundraising Campaign near $10,000
2013: Trophy Awards EmCee
2010: Wrote CLCA’s position paper to LATC on APLD’s demand for legality in residential design
2014: Drafted CLCA’s white paper for legislators on drought response
2012-present: LCIS, Landscape Contractors Insurance Services Board member
2013-present : Golden Oak Cooperative Board member
2008-present: Ventura County Lincoln Club President
He graduated Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Horticulture with a concentration in the Landscape industry and founded Dufau Landscape in 1990 as a landscape maintenance service provider after a two-year stint at Valleycrest. Since its inception, Dufau Landscape has consistently won awards while landscaping schools and colleges in every major city in Ventura County.
- California Landscape Contractors Assoc. service
- 2000-2002: CPC Director South
- 2002-2006: Membership Director
- 2007: President Elect
- 2008: President
- 2012-present: Director of Legislation
- 2000-present: Legislation Committee
- 2012-present: Chairman, LandPac
- 2015: President, Landscape Water Conservation Foundation
- 2004, 2006: Planet Certification Judge; Pierce College
- State Board Members for 15 years, in 6 different positions
HONORS, AWARDS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
2014: CLCA Allegiance Award
Graduate Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Degree in Horticulture with Landscape industry Concentration
1994: CLT Certified Landscape Technician
2010: CWM, Certified Water Manager
CLCA Chapter Level
1994-1996: Ventura County Chapter Membership
1996-1989: Ventura County Chapter Legislation
1998-2000: Ventura County Chapter President
2000-2014 Channel Islands Chapter Legislation
2010-2012: Channel Islands Chapter Ambassador
1996-1998: Created and managed VC Chapter trade show
Merger of Santa Barbara Chapter and Ventura Chapter into Channel Islands Chapter
CLCA State Level service
2000-2002: CPC Director South
2002-2006: Membership Director
2007: President Elect
2008: President
2009: Past President
2012-2016: Director of Legislation
2000-2016: Legislation Committee
2010-2016: LandPac Committee
2012-2016: LandPac Chairman
2006-2007: Immigration Task Force
2009: CLCA Liaison to Golden Oak/LCIS
2007-2013: Bylaws Committee
2009, 2010, 2011: Bylaws author/editor
State Board Member for 15 years, in 6 different positions
2006: Created Chapter participation points rebate program
1998-2012 + 2014: Attended Legislation Conference
2007: Development of Benevolent Fund
2007: Travel to Washington D.C. as representative of Immigration Task Force
Development of Contractors search participation points ranking program
2008: Created Membership/Marketing position
2008: Sequestered State budget expansion, moved 10% of revenue to reserves
Negotiated Endorsement language & extension for CLCA with Golden Oak/LCIS 2009
Represented Industry interest in passing of AB 1881 State water model ordinance
Development and funding of Water Management Program
2011: Terminated Sponsorship/membership in CILC, now defunct, before it failed
2012: Development, funding and Founding of CLCA’s first Legislative Action Day
2013: Development of and authored policy for Mickey Strauss Grassroots Award
2013: LandPac’s 4yr fund transfer, w/ Chapter Fundraising Campaign near $10,000
2013: Trophy Awards EmCee
2010: Wrote CLCA’s position paper to LATC on APLD’s demand for legality in residential design
2014: Drafted CLCA’s white paper for legislators on drought response
2012-present: LCIS, Landscape Contractors Insurance Services Board member
2013-present : Golden Oak Cooperative Board member
2008-present: Ventura County Lincoln Club President
Pete Dufau
Tom Ellington
Tom has worked in the landscape industry for 45 years. He began his career on the supply side of the industry as a supplier of turfgrass to the trade. He subsequently became the owner of a sod farming operation in Davis, CA growing for contractors. Twenty-two years ago he switched over to the contracting side of the landscape industry when he became a partner in one of the largest landscape contracting firms in Northern California. He and his partner subsequently sold Coast Landscape Management and purchased the company from the corporation.
Bayscape Management, Inc. - dba: Bayscape Landscape Management Arbortek Tree Services
The Celtis Group -dba: Diablo Landscape, including: Cohen Landscape Services; Coast Landscape Management, and; Manilia Landscape Construction
Sierra Sod Farms, Davis, California.
HONORS, AWARDS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
California Landscape Contractors Association: Life membership with over 45 years of membership.
Board of Directors in 1984 to 1985 – Associate Director for the Board
Board of Directors again from 2000 to 2007 – Served as Treasurer for 4 years, President Elect for 1 year, President for 1 year, and Chairman of the Board for 1 year.
Chapter President for the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter 2015.
California Association of Nurseryman: Served on Board of Directors of the local chapter. President of the chapter in 1985.
Santa Clara Valley Water District Landscape Advisory Committee since 2013.
City of Milpitas Advisory Committee, providing expert advice on the landscape plan to enhance the Hwy 237 and Hwy 880 Interchange.
City of San Jose advising them on budgets and landscape management of various maintenance districts throughout San Jose. This includes water management implementation throughout the City.
Homeowners Associations and Property Managers on Water Management and the efficient use of irrigation for water conservation.
Holds certifications in Water Management through the California Association of Landscape Contractors, and Certification in Reclaimed Water for Santa Clara Valley Water.
Pesticide Applicators License (QAL) and a C-27 Landscape Contractors license, both issued by the State of California.
Bayscape Management, Inc. - dba: Bayscape Landscape Management Arbortek Tree Services
The Celtis Group -dba: Diablo Landscape, including: Cohen Landscape Services; Coast Landscape Management, and; Manilia Landscape Construction
Sierra Sod Farms, Davis, California.
HONORS, AWARDS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
California Landscape Contractors Association: Life membership with over 45 years of membership.
Board of Directors in 1984 to 1985 – Associate Director for the Board
Board of Directors again from 2000 to 2007 – Served as Treasurer for 4 years, President Elect for 1 year, President for 1 year, and Chairman of the Board for 1 year.
Chapter President for the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter 2015.
California Association of Nurseryman: Served on Board of Directors of the local chapter. President of the chapter in 1985.
Santa Clara Valley Water District Landscape Advisory Committee since 2013.
City of Milpitas Advisory Committee, providing expert advice on the landscape plan to enhance the Hwy 237 and Hwy 880 Interchange.
City of San Jose advising them on budgets and landscape management of various maintenance districts throughout San Jose. This includes water management implementation throughout the City.
Homeowners Associations and Property Managers on Water Management and the efficient use of irrigation for water conservation.
Holds certifications in Water Management through the California Association of Landscape Contractors, and Certification in Reclaimed Water for Santa Clara Valley Water.
Pesticide Applicators License (QAL) and a C-27 Landscape Contractors license, both issued by the State of California.
Tom Ellington
Rene J. Emeterio
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Rene majored in Landscape Design at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA and Ornamental Horticulture when he attended Pierce College in Woodland Hills, CA.
Rene joined Stay Green Inc. in Santa Clarita, CA in 1986 and performed the role of Branch Manager for 20 years. During that time he was responsible for overseeing two Landscape Maintenance supervisors with combined sales averaging $2 Million per year. The Stay Green Tree Division where sales averaged $2 Million per year, and the Plant Health Care Division where sales averaged $600,000 per year.
He developed a business model to attain sales goals; implemented staff training; targeted areas of highest return and provided sales/sales management for new account marketing while monitoring all Departments to ensure they met their budgeted goals.
Rene left Stay Green in 2006 to found his own company, Specialized Landscape Management (SLM) in Simi Valley, CA. As President/CEO he is responsible for sales, marketing, operations, budgeting, estimating, consulting, design, client walk through’s and the day-to-day operations. He also implements new marketing strategies.
HONORS, AWARDS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
1989: Acquired Certified Landscape Technician Certificate for Maintenance
1990: Acquired Certified Water Auditor Certificate
1994: Acquired Certified Arborist Certificate
2006: Purchased SLM Services
2006: Obtained Contractor’s License C-27
2007: President California Landscape Contractors Association SFV
2008: Certified Landscape Water Manager
2009: President California Landscape Contractors Association SFV
Rene joined Stay Green Inc. in Santa Clarita, CA in 1986 and performed the role of Branch Manager for 20 years. During that time he was responsible for overseeing two Landscape Maintenance supervisors with combined sales averaging $2 Million per year. The Stay Green Tree Division where sales averaged $2 Million per year, and the Plant Health Care Division where sales averaged $600,000 per year.
He developed a business model to attain sales goals; implemented staff training; targeted areas of highest return and provided sales/sales management for new account marketing while monitoring all Departments to ensure they met their budgeted goals.
Rene left Stay Green in 2006 to found his own company, Specialized Landscape Management (SLM) in Simi Valley, CA. As President/CEO he is responsible for sales, marketing, operations, budgeting, estimating, consulting, design, client walk through’s and the day-to-day operations. He also implements new marketing strategies.
HONORS, AWARDS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
1989: Acquired Certified Landscape Technician Certificate for Maintenance
1990: Acquired Certified Water Auditor Certificate
1994: Acquired Certified Arborist Certificate
2006: Purchased SLM Services
2006: Obtained Contractor’s License C-27
2007: President California Landscape Contractors Association SFV
2008: Certified Landscape Water Manager
2009: President California Landscape Contractors Association SFV
Rene Emeterio
Lebo Newman
Educated at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Lebo graduated Phillips Academy Andover in 1972, and entered the landscaping industry in 1974. He is currently a partner in two landscape companies stretching the Highway 80 corridor in the Northern California/Nevada area.
During the past forty+ years, he has been involved in the installation of Commercial and Residential Landscapes; Maintenance and Management of Commercial and Residential Landscapes; Tree Care; Pest Control and Plant Health Services; Holiday Lighting, and; Snow Removal. In addition to providing hands-on landscape management services, Lebo founded Liberty Enterprises, a Horticultural Industry consulting firm specializing in mergers and acquisition transactions as a Certified Business Intermediary and Business Consultant.
HONORS, AWARDS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
1974– Present: Member California Landscape Contractors Association
1983-1984: CLCA North Coast Chapter President
1990 – Present: Director, L.E.A.F.
1991: CLCA State President
1998: Allegiance Award Recipient
1998: CLCA Lifetime Member
2009 – Present: Member Northern Nevada Executive Council (NNEC), Reno, NV
1993 – Present: Director, Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation, Past Chairman, Finance Committee Chair
2014 - Present: Director, Builders Association of Northern Nevada
During the past forty+ years, he has been involved in the installation of Commercial and Residential Landscapes; Maintenance and Management of Commercial and Residential Landscapes; Tree Care; Pest Control and Plant Health Services; Holiday Lighting, and; Snow Removal. In addition to providing hands-on landscape management services, Lebo founded Liberty Enterprises, a Horticultural Industry consulting firm specializing in mergers and acquisition transactions as a Certified Business Intermediary and Business Consultant.
HONORS, AWARDS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
1974– Present: Member California Landscape Contractors Association
1983-1984: CLCA North Coast Chapter President
1990 – Present: Director, L.E.A.F.
1991: CLCA State President
1998: Allegiance Award Recipient
1998: CLCA Lifetime Member
2009 – Present: Member Northern Nevada Executive Council (NNEC), Reno, NV
1993 – Present: Director, Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation, Past Chairman, Finance Committee Chair
2014 - Present: Director, Builders Association of Northern Nevada
Lebo Newman
Timothy F. Nord, Chairman/CEO
Tim is President of Nord Landscape Services, Inc., the company he formed over thirty years ago to provide landscape, maintenance, hydro-seeding, and landscape architecture to the greater Bakersfield area as well as other communities in Southern California. Tim was elected President of CLCA in 1982, was selected Knight of the Garter by the Women’s Auxiliary in 1986 and was selected as the Association’s Allegiance Award recipient in 1995. He is also a founding director of LCIS and Birch Financial.
Tim was Chairman of the Board of the CLCA Welfare Insurance Trust, the predecessor of Golden Oak Co-op Corporation in 1996 and 1997. Currently Tim serves as director for Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc., Birch Financial Inc. as well as being a director of Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation.
MEMBERSHIP, AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Tim was Chairman of the Board of the CLCA Welfare Insurance Trust, the predecessor of Golden Oak Co-op Corporation in 1996 and 1997. Currently Tim serves as director for Landscape Contractors Insurance Services, Inc., Birch Financial Inc. as well as being a director of Golden Oak Cooperative Corporation.
MEMBERSHIP, AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
- California Landscape Contractors License
- California Landscape Architects License
- California Pesticide License
- F.I.B.
- Professional Pesticide Applicators Association
- National Rifle Association
Tim Nord
Mickey Strauss, Secretary-Treasurer
Ask anyone in the green industry and they’ve probably heard of Mickey Strauss. In fact, Mickey was recognized as one of the most influential people in the Green Industry throughout the United States by Landscape and Irrigation Magazine.
Mickey started his career working part-time for a local nursery while attending high school and college in the San Fernando Valley. He later worked with his father who built custom homes, but his first love was the green industry. In 1967 he joined Valley Crest Landscape (where he met his future partner) as chief estimator and purchasing agent. In 1971 he joined Sid Galper and Associates as a project manager. 2013 is Mickey’s 50th year in the landscape industry.
in 1973 Mickey and partner Gary Peterson, founded American Landscape Companies to provide Landscape and Maintenance to the Greater San Fernando Valley, as well as other communities in Southern California, and eventually working throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
Since launching his landscape career, Mickey has been involved in planning, estimating, purchasing and executing millions of dollars worth of projects. His experience in corporate finance and contract law is a complimentary balance to his
Mickey has served as a judge for many of CLCA's Certified Landscape Technician Tests. A program designed to test landscaper's abilities, to certify their qualifications and to maintain high standards throughout the industry. He has also served as a judge for numerous local and Statewide CLCA Trophy Awards programs, as well as the Los Angeles Beautiful Awards programs and California Landscape Architectural Student Scholarship Fund (Class Fund) Landscape awards.
Mickey served as President of the Greater Los Angeles Green Industry Council (CGIC), a coalition to facilitate the interaction of member professional associations dedicated to the enhancement of the landscape environment. Mickey was also appointed as Director and Secretary of the Council for a Green Environment (CGE), a coalition of businessmen and associates in the ornamental horticulture industries with its main purpose to promote the benefits of a green environment and to counteract negative publicity generated by the drought throughout California.
Mickey continues to be an active member of CLCA, serving as Vice Chairman of CLCA’s Landscape Political Action Committee (LANDPAC), member of CLCA’s Immigration Task Force and Legislation Committee. In
Mickey also serves on The Board of Directors of Golden Oak Co-op Corporation, an industry co-op to provide services, information, and education and negotiate the best insurance value for members of CLCA, Birch Financial, Inc., an Insurance premium and equipment finance company. Landscape Contractors Insurance Services Inc., an insurance brokerage company designed to provide CLCA members the best and most complete group insurance programs. Mickey is also the Chairman of CLCA’s Benevolent Fund, a program to offer assistance to members in time of need.
As a Contractor, Mickey holds a A-General Engineering, B-General Building, C8-Concrete, and C27- Landscape Contractors License. Mickey is an award winning contractor and has received hundreds of awards over the years for excellence in craftsmanship.
Mickey resides in Chatsworth with his wife of 47 years, Lucinda (Cindy). They have two sons, Jeff who works for a small landscape contractor in the San Fernando Valley, and Jason who does business development for American Landscape, Inc. At end of 2006, Mickey sold his interest in American Landscape, Inc., for which he owned for 34 years. Unable to sit still Mickey started a new landscape venture the end of 2007, MSM Landscape Services, Inc., located in Sylmar, CA.
HONORS, AWARDS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
1975: Named "Man of the Year" by the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA)
1976: Elected President of the Valley Chapter
1980: Named California's "Member of the Year" for his statewide involvement and efforts to improve the landscape industry throughout California
1981: Elected State President of CLCA
1985, 1990, 1995, 1999: President of the California Landscape and Irrigation Council, Inc. (CLIC)
1985-2007: Chairman of the Labor Negotiating Committee for CLIC
1987: Recipient CLCA Woman’s Auxiliary Knight of the Garter
1992: Recipient of CLCA Allegiance Award
1996: Appointed to serve on the California State Assembly's "Select Committee for Construction Issues" to further improve the construction industry in California
2005: Recipient of CLCA Orange County Chapter’s Meridian Award
2008: Recipient of “Distinguished Service Award” from the Landscape & Irrigation Council.
2009: Inducted into the Green Industry Hall of Fame
2011: Voted one of the “Most Influential People in the Landscape Industry” by Landscape & Irrigation Magazine
2013: Recipient of the “Mickey Strauss Grass Roots Award” an award named after Mickey for a lifetime of dedication for political action for the benefit of the landscape industry
Mickey started his career working part-time for a local nursery while attending high school and college in the San Fernando Valley. He later worked with his father who built custom homes, but his first love was the green industry. In 1967 he joined Valley Crest Landscape (where he met his future partner) as chief estimator and purchasing agent. In 1971 he joined Sid Galper and Associates as a project manager. 2013 is Mickey’s 50th year in the landscape industry.
in 1973 Mickey and partner Gary Peterson, founded American Landscape Companies to provide Landscape and Maintenance to the Greater San Fernando Valley, as well as other communities in Southern California, and eventually working throughout California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
Since launching his landscape career, Mickey has been involved in planning, estimating, purchasing and executing millions of dollars worth of projects. His experience in corporate finance and contract law is a complimentary balance to his
Mickey has served as a judge for many of CLCA's Certified Landscape Technician Tests. A program designed to test landscaper's abilities, to certify their qualifications and to maintain high standards throughout the industry. He has also served as a judge for numerous local and Statewide CLCA Trophy Awards programs, as well as the Los Angeles Beautiful Awards programs and California Landscape Architectural Student Scholarship Fund (Class Fund) Landscape awards.
Mickey served as President of the Greater Los Angeles Green Industry Council (CGIC), a coalition to facilitate the interaction of member professional associations dedicated to the enhancement of the landscape environment. Mickey was also appointed as Director and Secretary of the Council for a Green Environment (CGE), a coalition of businessmen and associates in the ornamental horticulture industries with its main purpose to promote the benefits of a green environment and to counteract negative publicity generated by the drought throughout California.
Mickey continues to be an active member of CLCA, serving as Vice Chairman of CLCA’s Landscape Political Action Committee (LANDPAC), member of CLCA’s Immigration Task Force and Legislation Committee. In
Mickey also serves on The Board of Directors of Golden Oak Co-op Corporation, an industry co-op to provide services, information, and education and negotiate the best insurance value for members of CLCA, Birch Financial, Inc., an Insurance premium and equipment finance company. Landscape Contractors Insurance Services Inc., an insurance brokerage company designed to provide CLCA members the best and most complete group insurance programs. Mickey is also the Chairman of CLCA’s Benevolent Fund, a program to offer assistance to members in time of need.
As a Contractor, Mickey holds a A-General Engineering, B-General Building, C8-Concrete, and C27- Landscape Contractors License. Mickey is an award winning contractor and has received hundreds of awards over the years for excellence in craftsmanship.
Mickey resides in Chatsworth with his wife of 47 years, Lucinda (Cindy). They have two sons, Jeff who works for a small landscape contractor in the San Fernando Valley, and Jason who does business development for American Landscape, Inc. At end of 2006, Mickey sold his interest in American Landscape, Inc., for which he owned for 34 years. Unable to sit still Mickey started a new landscape venture the end of 2007, MSM Landscape Services, Inc., located in Sylmar, CA.
HONORS, AWARDS, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS
1975: Named "Man of the Year" by the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA)
1976: Elected President of the Valley Chapter
1980: Named California's "Member of the Year" for his statewide involvement and efforts to improve the landscape industry throughout California
1981: Elected State President of CLCA
1985, 1990, 1995, 1999: President of the California Landscape and Irrigation Council, Inc. (CLIC)
1985-2007: Chairman of the Labor Negotiating Committee for CLIC
1987: Recipient CLCA Woman’s Auxiliary Knight of the Garter
1992: Recipient of CLCA Allegiance Award
1996: Appointed to serve on the California State Assembly's "Select Committee for Construction Issues" to further improve the construction industry in California
2005: Recipient of CLCA Orange County Chapter’s Meridian Award
2008: Recipient of “Distinguished Service Award” from the Landscape & Irrigation Council.
2009: Inducted into the Green Industry Hall of Fame
2011: Voted one of the “Most Influential People in the Landscape Industry” by Landscape & Irrigation Magazine
2013: Recipient of the “Mickey Strauss Grass Roots Award” an award named after Mickey for a lifetime of dedication for political action for the benefit of the landscape industry