"It's long been an axiom that U.S.-made goods can't compete in a world where cheaper labor can be found elsewhere. Like many axioms, though, it isn't entirely true" said the Wall Street Journal in a recent story. "The dominant trend for the past couple decades, of course, has been the exodus of manufacturing from the U.S. to lower cost locales such as China."

However, many clever manufacturers are finding ways to make U.S. production work for them and their customers. "If the thing being sold to the U.S. market is locally customized, delicate or large, chances are it'll continue to be produced in the U.S." said Bruce Greenwald, professor of economics and business at Columbia University.

Vista Professional Outdoor Lighting, based in Simi Valley, California is one such example of a success story. Producing more than 320 different lighting fixtures that can be ordered in 13 different custom colors, the company is a model of efficient, customized production.

Vista's President Dan Cuņado prefers to manufacture in the United States because his team can carefully control the entire process and make changes to products as needed. "We pride ourselves in having the ability to ship custom products within 24 hours of receiving the order from a distributor. This allows the contractor to choose the exact fixture, mount, lamp and finish they want for the job without having to wait for delivery."

"Our ability to quickly customize provides us with a sustainable competitive advantage over other providers that offer a smaller selection, lower quality and long wait times" he added. "We're more nimble and more responsive, plus we're contributing to the overall health of the American economy."

Lighting design experts often refer to uplighting as the most dramatic technique.

Lighting planting materials and architectural features from below reveals unique characteristics and creates an effect that is completely different from natural light.

Tall trees, columnar shrubs, plants with unique branching structures, flagpoles, archways and other architectural features are all excellent candidates for uplighting. In planning uplighting on your project, consider these tips:

• Match the lamp size and beam spread to the task. Vista's photometric guides can assist in selecting the correct lamp.
• Choose in-ground well lights in areas where there is heavy traffic or where visibility of fixtures during daytime hours is an issue.
• Rather than relying on a single fixture/lamp for a task, install an array of multiple fixtures to effectively uplight large trees.
• Use repetition effectively. Rows of trees, cylindrical plants or architectural columns will be most dramatic if lit individually.
• Consider using colored lenses. Amber lenses bring out the richness of architectural brickwork and stucco. A green lens can be effective in with trees, especially tall palms.

Dramatic uplighting will set your projects apart. You can use this popular technique on every project.

As a landscape professional, you are missing a tremendous opportunity if you are not leveraging a company website as one of your best marketing tools. It's where you can promote your company's products and services with a great depth of information. Your site can cover every aspect of your selling "pitch" in words and pictures. Prospects can read as much or as little as they like to gather information. And if your site is done in a clear and compelling manner, customers will be pre-sold before they even pick up the phone.

Because your web site will often form a buyer's first impression, it is important to make sure it conveys the right image for your business. The right graphics, text and even use of color can make all the difference, giving even a small one-man operation the look of a larger corporation. A good site should build your firm's appearance of quality, professionalism and stability. But be sure it also makes your firm appear friendly, helpful and approachable.

Your lighting section on your web site should include quality photos that show the results of your efforts. Plus, you should include descriptive copy on the advantages and benefits of a professionally-installed lighting system.

In many cases, simply by advertising lighting on your site, customers that are looking for landscaping or an irrigation system will ask you to add lighting into your quote.

A well done web site will give buyers the chance to get to know you and your offerings better. You will find they will be ready to buy when they call.