The Teufel Times - Volume 2, Issue 1

An informative news-memo for customers, vendors, business associates and employees
 

Out with the Old - In with the New!

Let me start by wishing all of you a very Happy New Year!

I think it is safe to say that 2009 is one year that nobody will miss. There was no need to turn on the television or check the internet since the message was always the same - more bad news.

 
 

Larry Teufel, President

We began this News-Memo last year as a way to share what was going on here at Teufel. We featured projects that we have been privileged to be involved with, business partners we are proud to be associated with, and our talented team of landscape and nursery professionals who have held together during this darkest of times.

In talking with many of you over the past few months I have found out that we all share many of the same challenges. Business is down for us all, and as such, we must run our businesses at peak efficiency. What we can all learn from 2009 is that a well run business will survive and ultimately benefit once the economy recovers. Will we be stronger and wiser for what we have gone through? Yes!

Larry Teufel, President

 

 

Water, Water, Everywhere ...
So, why the concern over water quality? After all, we do live in the Pacific Northwest. Water falls freely from the air, collects as snow in the mountains, eventually melting to fill our reservoirs. So why is storm water control one of the hottest topics today?

The answer is that during the last century metropolitan areas systematically filled in and eliminated 95% of the natural marsh land in the name of development. At the time nobody realized the importance of these areas. Now we know that wetlands not only are a rich habitat for wildlife, but they play a critical part in natural cleansing of storm water run-off and actually perform as extremely effective flood control measures.
 

 

  
CSTC Wetlands, Renton, Washington. Installation and Maintenance by Teufel.

 

Developments today have no choice but to include a water quality management plan for their property. Teufel Landscape was involved in the construction of this man-made water quality control system south of Seattle in the mid 1990's. The original two holding ponds, water channels, and a 4.5 acre lake with adjoining drainage delta was created on a 17 acre parcel, planted with over 100,000 natives and 30,000 aquatics. It was later enlarged to accommodate a development expansion on the property.

Recently Teufel was brought back to control "wetlands gone wild" through a comprehensive year around maintenance program. There is a delicate balancing act that is required when dealing with wetland management. Our trained professionals know that you need to be heavy handed when it comes to controlling invasive species such as Himalayan blackberries, yet no chemicals can be utilized, period.

Timing is crucial for everything that is done when working around a wildlife habitat. We learn the nesting habits of water fowl, the best ways to persuade beavers to "move along", and even how to keep inquisitive visitors contained to the walking paths only. The native species that we planted years ago now need to be periodically looked after to keep them healthy and vigorous.

For a comprehensive wetlands management proposal for your property, contact your local Teufel representative.

Restructuring Update

It feels like a longtime ago. But, just seven months ago we had less than positive news to report. Our long time lender, Textron Financial, had decided to get out of the lending business, forcing us to seek protection from them in the US Bankruptcy Court. No surprise that other banks were unable to assist given the economic climate. Choices were limited. But one thing we knew for sure - failure was not an option.

Needless to say, a great deal of time and effort went into the resolution of this matter. From the start we knew that the plan must allow for complete payment to all vendors and must be resolved as soon as possible. We sincerely appreciate all of customers, business partners, and employees who have supported us during this period. The final vote of confidence came during the balloting process where we received acceptance for our restructuring plan from every class of creditors, something that is rarely achieved.

As of February 1, 2010, the US Bankruptcy Court has approved our financial restructuring plan. And now we can focus on the real work - continuing to provide the highest quality services and products to our valued customers.