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  • 25 Feb 2021 1:36 PM | Denise Downing (Administrator)

    All currently licensed NJ Landscape Irrigation Contractors recently received a letter by mail notifying them of the following changes to the regulations affecting your certification:

    1. They will be assessing a LATE FEE of $300.00 beginning with the 2022 certification renewal cycle. This assessment will be done on March 1, 2022 to any certification not renewed for either not submitting a renewal application and renewal fee by that date or for lacking the proper number of required continuing education credits (CECs) by that date. Please make every effort to renew your certification in a timely manner and avoid any such assessment.
    2. There is a new CEC requirement that will affect each renewal cycle. There will still be a total of 16 CECs required each cycle, with at least 8 of those CECs in water conservation topics. The new requirement is that 2 of the CECs will need to be related to NJ BUSINESS LAW/OR BUILDING CODES. IANJ will be adding courses of this nature to their class roster over the coming year to make sure this requirement can be fulfilled before the January 2022 renewal date.

    The Business CEC change was instituted for two reasons. First, the Board felt that certified landscape irrigation contractors needed to be up to date on these topics. Second, the Board no longer will administer the examinations required to achieve certification. The Irrigation Association’s Certified Irrigation Contractor examination will now be required. Obviously, this does not directly affect those who are already licensed, but the Board thought it would be good information to share, should you have employees that are seeking certification in the future.

    Should you have any questions regarding this notice, please contact the Licensing Division of the DCA office by email at LIC@dca.nj.gov or by calling (609) 984-7834.


  • 19 Feb 2021 1:34 PM | Denise Downing (Administrator)

    Register today for this virtual conference for the irrigation markets in the Northeast, taking place next week. IRRIGATION NE! is designed to be a networking and educational event focused on engaging the industry professional in the Northeastern US irrigation markets with their local reps and peers. With over 20 hours of irrigation technician and supervisor training with many of the tech track classes in Spanish. There are also round table forums set up for business owners to discuss relevant topics, and a virtual trade show component!

    Live Online Education Courses focused on two different experience groups. The Technician Builder Courses are for those with 0 to 2 years of irrigation experience, and the Manager/Lead Technician courses are for those with 3 or more years of experience.

    Click this link for all the details!

    Questions on this event should be directed toward the event organizers, found at the link above.


  • 17 Feb 2021 1:35 PM | Denise Downing (Administrator)

    Last month, the Irrigation Association of New Jersey (IANJ) held its Annual Business Meeting as a virtual ZOOM event. In the interest of time, it was a brief agenda, focusing on key items that appeal to the members. This report will expand on some of the topics of the evening, and touch on several additional ones to present a “State of the Association” to the members of IANJ.

    A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER

    2020 was a year like no other, with all of us adapting to a new normal we never expected nor wanted. In naming the Association’s Board and staff accomplishments, the most important achievement in 2020 was the mission to keep our members working. An early Executive Order threatened to take away the right to work for irrigation contractors due to the Covid19 Pandemic. IANJ’s Board of Directors (both current and former members) teamed up with MBI-Gluckshaw, our legislative lobbyist firm, appealing to the office of the Governor with a strong list of reasons that irrigation services are crucial and necessary, and successfully got this determination reconsidered and reversed. At a time when so many found themselves out of work, our industry stayed in business!

    EDUCATIONAL OFFERINGS

    Another challenge that we tackled was how to provide continuing education, one of our main member services, to the contractors in need of CECs for license renewal. We took on virtual sessions, starting with Summer Tech in early September and continuing with Winter Tech just last month. Both events ran smoothly and were praised by the participants as a successful alternative to in person learning. Feedback was so positive that we hope to be able to continue virtual sessions in an altered capacity even once we are able to learn in person again.

    FINANCIAL PICTURE

    The Association finished 2020 with just over $116,000 in income and $117,000 in expenses. Despite a very challenging year, IANJ ended 2020 with a net loss of only $1,521. One of the new initiatives was an expanded Partnership program, offered in tiers. Over 20 companies responded, which exceeded our expectations. The support from those companies was a crucial component in helping our Association come out the other side of 2020 in a better place. We are encouraged by this and hope to continue to grow this initiative in future years. The official IANJ financial statement is on file with the management office and is available upon request.

    MEMBERSHIP

    Our membership numbers have remained steady over the past few years, with some fluctuation up and down, usually in line with the contractors who were due for license renewal in that given year. In order to address these year to year attrition and return, the Board of Directors has voted to change the IANJ Membership to be a 2-year membership. The dues amount for Contractors will remain at $205 per year, but two years will be required for renewal. The Supplier dues amount has increased to be more in line with other similar organizations, and is now set at $450 per year ($900 for the 2-year renewal). Invoices were sent digitally beginning at the end of November 2020, and paper reminders will continue through March.

    BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    Online elections commenced in December, with the 2021 Board of Directors being determined and announced at the Annual Business Meeting in January. Subsequently, the Executive Committee was selected two weeks ago from the trustees.

    The 2021 IANJ Board of Directors consists of:

    EXECUTIVE BOARD:

    PRESIDENT - Gaetano Virone (Environmental Designers Irrigation)

    VICE PRESIDENT – Gregg Rogers (Garden Irrigation)

    TREASURER - Bill Smith (Central Turf & Irrigation)

    SECRETARY - Ron Cannella (R & G Irrigation)

    IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT – Paul Garris

    TRUSTEES:

    Art Elmers (NetaFim USA)

    Mark Canzano (Aspen Landscaping)

    John Gumm (The Toro Co/Irritrol)

    James Gurzler (Aqua-Mist Irrigation)

    Frank Jacheo (SiteOne Landscape Supply)

    Roy Nau (Allen Irrigation Specialists)

    Eric Pizzolongo (Central Jersey Irrigation)

    SUMMARY

    The Association is starting 2021 on a high note with a very successful Virtual Winter Tech event already in the books, and plans for expanded education over the course of the year in the works. We thank all of our members who have renewed their membership and continued to support the organization, even in what was a tumultuous year for all around us.


  • 10 Sep 2020 1:37 PM | Denise Downing (Administrator)

    It is with heavy hearts that we share that longtime IANJ member and irrigation contractor Kevin H. O'Neill of Berlin, NJ, passed away suddenly on September 5, 2020. He was 50 years old.

    Formerly of Winslow Township, Kevin owned and operated American Lawn Irrigation, located in Atco, NJ. He is the beloved husband of Joanne (nee Heston), the devoted stepfather of Shawn Van Kirk, father of Kerrianne and Kellianne O'Neill and dear brother of John O'Neill (Heidi Ploder), Kate O'Neill, Mark O'Neill (Jessica Jennings), Sarah O'Neill (Stefan Arnarson) and Mara Saltzgueber (Ed). He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, and many life-long friends, particularly the Bowling family. Relatives and friends are invited to the visitation 1pm-2pm and to the Memorial Service at 2pm on Sunday, September 13 at American Legion Post 311, 2225 Atco Ave., Atco, NJ 08004. If desired, donations in Kevin's memory may be made to Post 311 at the above address.


  • 29 Apr 2020 1:38 PM | Denise Downing (Administrator)

    As you already know, we were successful in ensuring that irrigation work may continue during the current shutdown of many state businesses and industries. We trust that all are doing their very best to adhere to the recommended safety precautions and social distancing guidelines, as outlined in prior correspondence.

    It has come to our attention that some individual towns and municipalities may be resistant to allowing irrigation work. With all of the ongoing changes, there may be some confusion as to what they believe is allowed to continue.

    If anyone runs into this type of situation, PLEASE reach out to us here at IANJ and let us know the name of the town/municipality, and what they . The Governor's Office has been diligent in following up with these instances and informing them right away that irrigation work may continue. We are here to make sure that's true for ALL of our members!


  • 13 Jul 2018 9:45 AM | Candi Calderone (Administrator)

    GOVERNOR MURPHY DECLARES JULY SMART IRRIGATION MONTH

    The NJ Senate and Assembly have both unanimously passed Assembly Joint Resolution 137, which permanently designates July as Smart Irrigation Month. This is in addition to the Governor’s usual annual proclamation.

    To view the official Smart Irrigation Proclamation, click here.

    CLICK HERE to learn more about how the IA (Irrigation Association) is leading the way as our industry heads into this very important initiative!

    Smart Irrigation Month is an initiative of the Irrigation Association of New Jersey and the national Irrigation Association, both non-profit industry organizations dedicated to promoting efficient irrigation. The IANJ has over 300 certified irrigation contractor members throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.


  • 14 Sep 2017 2:06 PM | Anonymous

    This year, 100% of the state’s legislature is up for election and IPAC wants to be 100% there for you in these unpredictable political times. In order to do that - to be an effective voice for you in Trenton, we need 100% participation from IANJ members in this year’s IPAC drive.

    Currently, if every member of the IANJ gave just $50 to IPAC, we would more than triple our treasury, making sure that your voice is heard in what is certain to be a very noisy election season.

    IPAC helps the Irrigation Association to be successful in all of that work and more. We are 100% in this for you, and we need each and every one of you to be 100% in this with us. Please join our 100 for 100 drive today and do your part to ensure New Jersey’s irrigation contractors will be heard in today’s noisy political landscape. No amount is too small…we want all to contribute to this important industry campaign.

    Click here for the IPAC brochure and donation form or use the link to the left (under the IPAC logo) to use the PayPal link to donate.



  • 14 Sep 2017 1:49 PM | Anonymous

    Are you planning to take the October 24th Landscape IrrigationContractor Exam?  IANJ is offering multiple prep course option for you to be prepared - in person, online or BOTH!

    IN PERSON:
    Monday & Tuesday, October 16th & 17th
    8:00am - 5:00pm both days
    Atlantic Irrigation - 5010 Industrial Road - Farmingdale, NJ

    ONLINE:
    The online course offers you the flexibility to work on the material on your own timetable.  Once you purchase this course you will have 90 days to complete it.  The entire course is 20 hours long and consists of 25 lessons that you can access any time convenient for you, on any device and with an ability to view each lesson multiple times. 

    Chris Pine will be the instructor for the two day in person course, as well as the online course. In addition, he will be offering a virtual (online) "refresher" course on Monday, October 23rd to provide a last minute review the day before the exam!  The review is complementary to anyone registered for either the in person or the online course (or the combined package).

    Already licensed? The study course can also fulfill your 16 required CECs for license renewal.

    For those who plan to take the exam on Tuesday, October 24th, please be sure that you are registered with the state. Registering for this study course does not automatically register you to take the exam - that is a separate registration that must be completed by September 1st through the state web site.  Click this link for more information on the exam registration procedures.

    Click here to review the option for study course registration.

  • 1 Jul 2017 12:00 AM | Anonymous

    Governor Chris Christie has proclaimed July to be Smart Irrigation Month in New Jersey to draw attention to the importance of using water efficiently. July is traditionally the month of peak demand for watering lawns, gardens and landscapes in North America. This initiative is meant to increase public awareness about simple practices and innovative technologies homeowners, businesses and property managers can use to:

    Save money on utility bills.

    Minimize or defer investments in infrastructure to store and carry water, typically paid for by property taxes or municipal bonds.

    Protect their community's water supply for generations to come.

    Homeowners typically overwater lawns and landscapes by up to 30 percent. By selecting and planting carefully, watering wisely, and maintaining and upgrading automated irrigation systems, consumers can save money, save water and see better results.

    View the Proclamation

    View the Conservation Tips

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