friday takeout

The new issue of Solutions Magazine, a publication produced by Business and Community Solutions, Marketing and External Relations, dropped in mailboxes this past week. The overall theme of the issue is workplace and organizational culture. Threaded through the magazine are stories about building a culture of customer service and one with a strong sense of purpose, creating a workplace environment that keeps all employees engaged and the many ways customized training for the workforce builds and retains talent.

Check out the Spring/Summer issue!

No Mow May. If you've ever wanted an excuse not to mow, look no further than No Mow May®. Started by UK conservation charity, Plantlife, it has now crossed the pond and No Mow May® is gaining more traction locally. According to Bee City USA, due to habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change, up to 40% of pollinator species may be at risk of extinction in the coming years. By not mowing part or all of your lawn in May, you create a safe habitat and give plants and pollinators the opportunity to flourish and do their pollination dance. However, given the wet, rainy spring we've had, not mowing in May is not entirely feasible, so Iowa State Extension office recommends Mow Less May. They also offer great suggestions on how you can participate, including tips on creating a pollinator garden and ideas on transitioning part of your turf into spaces that support native insects and wildlife. So, before you mow, get out there and enjoy the symphony of colors, wonderful buzz of bumblebees and catch a butterfly flitting around before they're gone!