CNLANEWS
worse or better, it’s not because of what you do for the environment, it’s what you do for people and their lives,” Becker said. “This group is doing something that’s tangible and it makes a difference.” When Caterpillar was growing into the smaller equipment business in the late-90s, the company realized there were a lot of customers they didn’t know. “I’ll be the first to admit that many landscapers saw us drive right by them to go see someone that built a road, or worked in a quarry, or had 50 pieces of equipment,” Becker said. “Our people, and people that we work with, did not see the landscaper that had one machine.” Becker said the partnership that began between Caterpillar and CNLA in 2001 had a big impact on how CAT sees the landscape industry now. Through smaller machine offerings like skid steers, compact tractors and mini excavators, CAT experienced continual growth trend of a new type of customer base: individuals or businesses that own between zero and five machines. Becker highlighted a persistent, global trend of growth from the landscaping service industry, which is projected to grow 6.7 per cent annually in the next five years. “We’ve seen a lot of trends come and go. But very few trends tend to go up and up and up, even in challenging times. This business is growing and it’s valuable around the world.” Through partnerships with landscape associations across North America, CAT learned that simply caring about the industry would be enough for the industry to then take care of itself. “It’s not about trying to sell a product, it’s about trying to care about the industry, be a part of it and be present,” he said. “And if you do that and you show up, things will work out very well for both. And these mutually beneficial relationships are what it’s all about.”
Anita Heuver (right) proudly accepts the CNLA president's gavel from outgoing president Bill Hardy.
Anita Heuver begins term as CNLA president
BY STUART SERVICE CNLA Media Coordinator
shaped by a family tradition of industry leadership. Her father, Tony Heuver, was president of Landscape Alberta (1987– 1988), while her uncle, Henry Heuver, founder of Foothills Landscaping in Calgary, Alta., served as president of the CNLA (1987-1988). Tony strongly believed in industry participation. “You owe the industry to participate,” he said in a 2021 interview. “Anybody in this business should at least become a member, and become involved to the extent that you can, and support the association.” Since attending her first CNLA board meeting in 2014 as chair of the Growers’ Committee, Anita has witnessed the
Anita Heuver was appointed president of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) on Feb. 4, bringing decades of industry leadership and experience in the family business. Eagle Lake Nurseries, established in 1970 in Strathmore, Alta., has grown from a 400-acre operation to nearly 1,000 acres, with 600 acres dedicated to caliper tree production. Despite Alberta’s challenging climate, the nursery has built a strong reputation for high-quality trees, shrubs and perennials, supplying wholesale buyers, municipalities and institutions. Anita’s involvement in the CNLA was
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