Just because Earth Day 2015 is behind us, it doesn't mean that we, as business owners, should forget the importance of planting and maintaining a beautiful outdoor landscape and presentation.

The warmer weather is all the excuse you need to get out of the office for a few hours and spruce up your storefront for spring.Just a few simple steps can go a long way with your current and future customers.Clean up the trash, weekly if not daily.Sometimes those visiting our main streets and frequenting our businesses miss the trash cans; it's up to us to keep things looking neat and clean.If you see a stray water bottle or rogue plastic bag in front of your property or anywhere on your block, picking it up will instantly increase the appeal of your property and business.If you don't already have one, adding an outdoor trash can to your property isn't a bad idea.Did you know that at every Disney park in the world, there is a trash can every 30 steps?Plant colorful flowers that are low maintenance but create an eye-catching and natural décor.Remember that the outside of your business, particularly the frontage, is the first impression for new and returning customers.Low maintenance bushes or flowers can create a lasting impression; you want to be sure that it is a positive one! Just like your home, landscaping your business can increase the value of your space and is likely to draw in a higher volume of customers.Don't have time for weekly upkeep?Hire a local landscaper, someone who will care about your property as much as you would if you had the time to focus on it all year.This will not only save you time so you can devote it to what you really love and are really good at but you will also be contributing to the local economy by circulating dollars locally.By hiring local, you will also often save money as prices can be lower because of the location.If you are looking for a local landscaper, contact the chamber.We provide free mailing lists and referrals to (and for) our trusted members.Not yet a chamber member?Attend an upcoming networking mixer to learn more and possibly meet a local landscaper to connect with.Visit us online for details on membership or to find out about our next networking event at

www.carboncountychamber.org.