Landscape Ontario - December 2020

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

December 2020

CONNECT

WITH PROS

for all of 2021 Congress Connect

virtual marketplace and conference set to launch in January

PM 40013519

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Our engineers never rest on their laurels. Whatever laurels are.

2015

2018

2019

2020

2021

It’s Zevolution: the evolution of the ZTrak™900 Series.

Ever since the first Z900, we’ve always kept the pedal down in terms of product improvements. We don’t look back: we look forward.

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We do this because we know you’ve got places to be, lawns to mow, jobs to finish. And John Deere is right there every step of the way, with not only great products, but also NEVERSTOP™ Services and Support – from financing to parts and service, even loaners.

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John Deere’s green and yellow color scheme, the leaping deer symbol, and JOHN DEERE are trademarks of Deere & Company.

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JohnDeere.ca/MowPro

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

December, 2020 • Volume 38 - No. 11 HortTrades.com

Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural profession in Ontario.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The wonderful world of podcasts

Features 4 Congress Connect Profile

Departments 7 12 13 14 15 18 22

Association News New Members Scholarship Profile Volunteer Profile Professional News Columns Advertisers

Editor Robert Ellidge rellidge@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-5645 Creative director / IT coordinator Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Sales manager Greg Sumsion gsumsion@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-6977 Communications coordinator Angela Lindsay alindsay@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5305 Accountant Joe Sabatino jsabatino@landscapeontario.com, 647-724-8585 Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLM lak@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Andrea Annis, Darryl Bond, Grace Bruch, Amy Buchanan, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Cassandra Garrard, Meghan Greaves, Sally Harvey CLT CLM, Chantal Jorgensen, Keri MacIvor, Heather MacRae, Katarina Markovic, Kathy McLean, Shalini Mehta, Patrick Roche, Joe Salemi, Ian Service, David Turnbull, Lissa Schoot Uiterkamp, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE Gerald Boot CLM, Laura Catalano, Lindsay Drake Nightingale, Jeremy Feenstra, Mark Fisher, Hank Gelderman, Marty Lamers, Bob Tubby, Nick Winkelmolen Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department Landscape Ontario 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Canada Phone: 905-875-1805

I

“Successful companies look so polished and perfect from the outside. What mistakes have you made along the way?” So often the answer to that question is something that we are going through right now or stumbled through at some point in our careers.

Listening to Grant and Jeff (both personal friends of mine), it’s like they are along for the ride or sitting with me at the bar during Congress, dissecting an issue over a drink.

And, once you get past Landscape Disruptors’ Stanley “Dirt Monkey” Genadek’s surfer dude sound, you realize he is very smart, and adds great depth to the conversation, often expanding on a guest’s point. I find his episodes to be the most entertaining, with an equal mix of employees, owners, small companies and big companies.

What has drawn me to this “new” form of personal education is the isolating effect of the Coronavirus pandemic. I can’t travel to a conference to get my head filled with new ideas, so I listen instead. Next up, I plan to download the Audible app, and tackle a long list of business books I have not read yet. So, thanks Grant for the nudge from your email newsletter, and yes, Jeff did tell me about this new form of learning a couple of years ago, but it all came down to timing.

If you haven’t already, I challenge you to find the perfect podcast or Audible book, and to never stop learning.

Do we add a mention of Landscape Ontario’s podcast? I am at a loss how Dave wrote a whole column about podcasts and didn’t mention it.

’m a little slow to hop on the bandwagon, so I’m just going to own it and tell you I just started listening to podcasts. I had heard all about them, but it never really clicked for me until a few weeks ago. I downloaded Google podcasts and started listening. I’d heard of all kinds, from The Joe Rogan Experience to TED talks, but I found a treasure trove of podcasts related to the landscape business with information that I have already started rolling into my daily operations.

It started with an email invite I received from LO Associate member Grant Harrison’s firm, Nextra Consulting, for a podcast called Nextra Presents…! I started there and moved on to the LMN-sponsored Landscape Disruptors, then Jeffery Scott’s The Ultimate Landscape CEO. As landscape professionals, we all spend a lot of time driving around to various job sites, to meet with clients, or just to and from work. I used to call it my thinking time in which I mostly listened to the local radio station, but rarely actually heard what was being said. I was always deep in thought.

For the last few weeks I have been listening to all kinds of great topics. With a playlist about 25 episodes deep, I am doing a lot of listening. The odd episode is a bit of a bomb, but that is usually because the person being interviewed is not an engaging speaker. Grant has a wider breadth of topics, while Jeffery has settled into a standard format. You can tell the older podcast from the new as the presenters get more polished over time.

There are many commonalities to the good episodes — an interesting backstory followed by a discussion of mistakes or challenges that have been overcome.

I especially like Jeffery Scott’s question:

Dave Wright LO President davew@wrightlandscape.ca

ISSN 1928-9553 Publications Mail Agreement No. PM40013519 Views expressed are those of the writer concerned. Landscape Ontario assumes no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 2020, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 11x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $43.51 per year (HST included).

For subscription and address changes, please e-mail subscriptions@landscapeontario.com

HEAR MORE CONVERSATIONS ON THE ISSUES SHAPING THE PROFESSION WITH THE LANDSCAPE ONTARIO PODCAST. VISIT HORTTRADES.COM/PODCAST

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2021

CONGRESS V I R T U A L

E X P E R I E N C E

IS A YEAR-LONG EVENT

R

Both virtual events include several breaks throughout the day, plus a lunch break, where attendees can network with each other, follow up with presenters or panelists, or simply take a break to catch up on other business.

egistration is now open online for Congress Connect — Landscape Ontario’s virtual marketplace and conference, launching Jan. 12-14, 2021.

Congress Connect registration is free. Registration will gain you access to exhibitors, marketplace, new product showcase, Drive LIVE, Hardscape LIVE and Green LIVE education sessions, plus the two keynote speakers in the Congress Connect Conference program. What’s more, access continues for a full year.

CONGRESS CONNECT CONFERENCE Each year, leading experts and well-respected leaders of various industries and sectors draw hundreds of landscape professionals to attend the Congress Conference. With a new virtual format, the Congress Connect Conference will feature the same great information, but on a whole new level.

The purchase of a Congress Connect Pass ($199 until Dec. 18, then $225 after) provides on-demand access to all 30 of the one-hour presentations for a full year.

That means you can rewatch your favourite sessions, replay part of the presentation that you are particularly interested in, and watch any of the sessions you were unable to get to during the launch days.

Plus you can do so at your own convenience and in the comfort of your own home, office, or vehicle. How’s that for an improvement!

When attending the conference sessions Jan. 11-14, you’ll also have the tools at your fingertips to interact with other attendees via chat and ask questions to presenters and panelists — something that’s not easy to do in a ballroom full of 120 people.

The Conference program will run from 9:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Jan. 12, and 13, with a keynote session from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., and from 9:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Jan. 14. (See sidebar).

S AV E T I M E A N D M O N E Y Congress Connect is not a trade show: it’s a year-long marketplace and conference for members of the landscape and horticulture profession to connect, learn, buy, share and grow.

This exciting new format means you will save time and money on travel. You’ll also save money on hotel accommodation and food. Why not invest some of those savings into your team in the form of continuing education and skills upgrading via the sector specific conferences on Jan. 11 or the Congress Connect Conference.

S E C T O R C O N F E R E N C E S J A N U A RY 1 1 As in previous years, the informative educational sessions at Congress actually start the day before trade show. “Warm-Up Monday” will take place on Jan. 11, 2021, featuring the IPM Symposium and Designers Conference.

These virtual all-day events will feature the same great topics, speakers and discussions as the live events.

In addition, those who register for either event will also get full access to the Congress Connect exhibitor marketplace, new product showcase, Drive LIVE, Hardscape LIVE and Green LIVE educations sessions, and both keynote sessions from the Congress Connect Conference — all for up to one full year after the event.

The cost to attend either event is $50 until Dec. 18, 2020, then $75 after. A student pass is $25.

The IPM Symposium on Jan. 11 will run 8:30 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. and qualifying attendees will earn six Continuing Education Credits (CECs) from the IPM Council of Canada. Due to the virtual nature of the symposium, there will be a test portion to the CEC process this year.

The event is presented by Lawn Life, with supporting partners: Plant Products, Target Specialty Products, Rittenhouse and Nutrite.

Presented with recognition of the OALA, the 2021 Designers Conference on Jan. 11 will kick off with the Designers AGM at 9 a.m., followed by an amazing lineup of presenters.

Supporting partners of the event include Aquascape, NVK Nurseries, Unilock, and Proven Winners.

NEW PRODUCTS The main reason industry pros attend trades shows is to see the latest new products from exhibitors. With Congress Connect, you’ll have access to pictures, videos, spec sheets and sales reps who can answer your questions all year long. No more walking the aisles to find a particular product, supplier or exhibitor. Simply search and click and you will be able to chat with a representative or schedule a meeting or video call.

H E L P I S A LWAY S B Y Y O U R S I D E With Congress Connect, help is only a click away. Live support staff will be available to help you navigate the platform and to answer any questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

For more details or to register for Congress Connect or the Congress Connect Conference, visit LOcongress.com.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

CONGRESS CONNECT CONFERENCE SCHEDULE TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021 9:45-10:45 a.m.

GET NEW CLIENTS AND RETAIN THEM WITH EFFECTIVE MARKETING

Catherine Luzena-Hall, Practical Marketing Group EAT THAT YARD: EDIBLE HOME LANDSCAPES

Steven Biggs, Food Garden Life Media TO BE ANNOUNCED

Mark Bradley, LMN 11:00-12:00 p.m.

COLLABORATION BETWEEN TRADES

Paul Brydges, Brydges Landscape Architecture Inc MTO FACILITY AUDIT — WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Ian and JoAnn Walters, Ian Walters Commercial Vehicle Consultant DETAILS TO MAKE WOOD LAST LONGER

Yuill McGregor, North on Sixty 12:30-1:30 p.m.

KEYNOTE: EMBRACE THE UNEXPECTED

David Bastedo, Photographer for the Tragically Hip 1:45-2:45 p.m.

IF ONLY TREES COULD TALK

Jennifer Llewellyn, OMAFRA OPEN BOOK MANAGEMENT

Grant Harrison, Nextra Consulting TO BE ANNOUNCED

Mark Bradley, LMN 3:00-4:00 p.m.

SPECIALIST FRUIT TREE PRUNING

Susan Poizner, Orchard People PROFESSIONAL SALES FOR THE PROFESSIONAL

Rob Redden, in-lite Outdoor Lighting SUSTAINABILITY: LEADING YOUR TEAM, CLIENTS AND COMMUNITY TO A BETTER WAY

Paige Parker and Scott Wentworth, Wentworth Landscapes

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2021 9:45-10:45 a.m.

THE ACCOUNTABILITY FIX

Jacki Hart, CLP, Consulting by Hart 2020 TRIAL GARDEN RESULTS

Rodger Tschanz, University of Guelph MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

Dana Hurst, People Corporation 11:00-12:00 p.m.

HOW TO INCREASE YOUR PROFIT PER EMPLOYEE BY $1,000 PER YEAR

Domenic Richichi, EIO Solutions STORIES THAT SELL

Alyssa (Twist) Light, The Profitable Innovator LANDSCAPING FOR CRIME PREVENTION

Amy Boudreau

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2021 9:45-10:45 a.m.

WHY SOME COMPANIES RISE TO THE TOP

Peter Guinane, Oriole Landscaping Ltd THE ‘UNFAIR ADVANTAGE’ OF USING AUGMENTED REALITY FOR LANDSCAPE PROJECTS

Mansoor Ma, LANDinc HOW TO IMPACT YOUR PERFORMANCE IN REAL TIME

Laura Cole, Your Latitude 11:00-12:00 p.m.

USING ECOLOGICAL REFERENCES IN PLANTING DESIGN

Jonas Spring, Ecoman THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT CRISIS IN ONTARIO

Kyle Vander Linden, Credit Valley Conservation

12:30-1:30 p.m.

KEYNOTE: WHY WHAT YOU DO AND WHO YOUR ARE MATTERS

James Orbinski, York University 1:45-2:45 p.m.

WHICH COMES FIRST? THE DISENGAGED EMPLOYEE OR THE FRUSTRATED EMPLOYER?

Jacki Hart, Consulting by Hart

BUILDING A LANDSCAPE EMPIRE — HOW IT’S DONE!

George Urvari, Oriole Landscaping Ltd MARKETING SYSTEMS FOR ATTRACTING HOMEOWNERS

Vanessa McQuade and Robert Murray, Intrigue Media Solutions Inc. COORDINATING SUPPLY & DEMAND OF LOCAL AND ETHICALLY SOURCED NATIVE PLANTS

Stefan Weber, Ontario Plant Restoration Alliance 3:00-4:00 p.m.

THE CONSTRUCTION ACT

Josh Winter, JD, Kennaley Construction Law LANDSCAPE LIGHTING — ANOTHER LAYER OF CREATIVITY

Carl Hastings, Moonstruck Lighting Ltd Ken Martin, Ken Martin Landscape Lighting and Design Jamie Riddell, SiteOne Landscape Supply

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 IPM SYMPOSIUM Speakers include: Eric Lyons, University of Guelph; Nancy Cain, Cain Vegetation; Guillaume Grégoire, Université Laval; Scott Olan, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; Jen Llewellyn, OMAFRA, and John Bladon, The Chimera Group.

DESIGNERS CONFERENCE Speakers include: Ron Koudys, Ron Koudys Landscape Architects; Danée Marie Lambourne, Eden Projects; plus two panel discussions and a closing keynote by Mark and Ben Cullen.

TO BE ANNOUNCED

Mark Bradley, LMN

Cost: $199 until Dec. 18, then $225 after. Student/Educator: $50.

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Cost: $50 until Dec. 18, then $75 after. Student, $50.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

A D VA N TA G E S O F A

C

VIRTUAL MARKETPLACE

ongress, Landscape Ontario’s annual trade show and conference has moved to a virtual marketplace format for 2021. Organizers of Congress Connect investigated many

SAVE MONEY

Most people who visit the in-person Congress trade show for the first time are amazed at just how well the show looks. This is primarily due to the hard work, time and money exhibitors invest into their booths. Booths are a reflection of each company and Congress exhibitors are clearly committed to quality products and customer service.

Even if you have an existing booth, with a virtual show, there’s no labour required to pack it up, no transportation costs to get those materials to the exhibit hall, and no fees for carpet, electrical, internet access, A/V equipment rental, booth cleaning, or to hang a banner. Of course, there’s also less labour costs to set up and dismantle your booth, plus having to once again transport it back to the shop or office.

NO TIME CONSTRAINTS

Like everything else in cyberspace, a virtual trade show or conference does not simply disappear once it’s over. Participants in Congress Connect will have access to the new products, free demos, exhibitors, videos, lectures, keynote speakers, and more for an entire year. With a virtual format, exhibitors who typically only had time to meet with clients in their booth could potentially access the full conference program at their own pace throughout the rest of the year. The same goes for attendees. How many times have you had to choose between two sessions that were taking place at the same time? Now, you actually get access to the entire conference, not just the sessions you were physically able to attend over the conference days.

That’s better value for your money and its more convenient.

different formats to find one that was right for the profession. While both in-person and virtual events have their own sets of pros and cons, one thing is certain, there are many benefits to a virtual platform.

TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATIONS

Not only will you save on the travel required to set up and dismantle your booth, you also won’t need to fight traffic to attend a virtual trade show from the comfort of your own home. That alone is a huge benefit. You’ll save travel time and money, plus the costs that come with having to put yourself and other members of your team up in a hotel for a few days.

You’ll also save money on meals. Since you won’t be able to take clients out for dinner this year, why not invest some of the savings to send out gift baskets?

With the travel, accommodation and food savings, you also allocate some funds to purchase conference passes for team members to give them the opportunity to add new skills and ideas from industry experts from around the world.

CONNECT WITH

THE RIGHT PEOPLE

With a virtual marketplace, you can still interact with people face-toface. We’ve all been connecting via Zoom, Facetime and other video conferencing tools for the better part of 2020. We’ve been texting and chatting via our smartphones for years, and use online chat to solve technical issues, ask questions and get customer service. While it can’t replace the real thing, it’s pretty darn close. And with the ability to schedule meetings and access contact information, you’ll have an instant record of quality leads you can follow up on immediately. At a live event, maybe the sales rep you usually connect with was not working that day of the show, or was too busy with another person to talk with you. At a virtual marketplace you can schedule meetings or connect with that person a day, a week, or even months later.

EXPOSURE TO A MUCH LARGER MARKET

Any trade show is only as good as the quality of the people who attend.

If 50,000 people walk the aisles, but only 10,000 are a part of the industry, then you actually have to spend what little time you have weeding out the quality leads and serious buyers from the tire kickers. A virtual marketplace is also not limited to the people who battle traffic to walk the aisles. You can now connect with potential customers, distributors and suppliers from across the country, and even around the world.

LET TECHNOLOGY WORK FOR YOU

With a handy search function at your fingertips, a virtual marketplace allows you to simply enter all or part of a company name, or refine a product search based on your own individual needs. No more walking bus aisles to find a particular exhibitor, only to find you walked right passed them because there was so much congestion.

HELP AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

A good virtual platform comes with help to support you along the way — and it’s even easier to access than a live event. How many times have you been directed to the show office, then to the registration desk, or been given directions to something at the opposite end of the exhibit hall. Congress Connect includes real, knowledgeable people just waiting to help you at the click of a button. These experts have been through this before and may even understand what you are trying to accomplish even before you do.

and person lives for years. Keep an open mind, take things one at a time, and ask for help when you need it.

While any new experience can be a little overwhelming, think back to the first time you attended a live trade show. Chances are you were overwhelmed and not really knowing what to expect back then. The same goes for a virtual marketplace. While they are new to many of us, the tools and technology used have been a part of our business

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CONGRESS CONNECT AND THE CONGRESS CONFERENCE, VISIT LOCONGRESS.COM. 6

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Forest Ridge Landscaping takes health and safety to a new level

Forest Ridge Landscaping construction teams members, Taylor K., Rick M., Taylor R., Carl S., and Carl J., demonstrate on-the-job physical distancing.

Robertson says the values and processes of COR aligned with those of the company.

“If you look at our government’s statistics, it’s still fairly alarming how many folks get injured every year and how many folks actually die on the job. So the government has really started to emphasize getting on board with a really strong and vibrant health and safety program, and that’s what COR is all about. It’s all about education and training and prevention,” Robertson explains.

With about 45 employees in summer and up to 90 in winter, communicating health and safety information, especially with Covid, is a challenge for most companies. Forest Ridge investigated a number of technologies, and recently implemented an electronic health and safety program called SiteDocs, which Robertson says will help to streamline some processes.

In order to maintain COR, the company is required to complete an internal health and safety audit each year and have an external audit conducted every three years. They are also required to submit daily equipment inspection forms, conduct daily tool inspections and perform ongoing training.

Earlier this year, both the City of Vaughan and the City of Oshawa added COR from IHSA as a requirement for contractors bidding on municipal construction projects.

Congratulations to Landscape Ontario member, Forest Ridge Landscaping for recently obtaining IHSA COR certification.

The family-run Mount Albert, Ont.-based firm joins a list of some much larger construction companies who have also achieved the certification.

Administered by the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA), the Certificate of Recognition (COR) is a national accreditation standard that verifies full implementation of an employer’s Occupational Health Management System.

Carole Robertston, Health and Safety Coordinator at Forest Ridge Landscaping, says the entire process took about two years to complete. “It’s like the Cadillac gold standard of health and safety initiatives. It’s very detailed, very specific.

There are a lot of larger organizations who have obtained COR,” and Robertson believes Forest Ridge Landscaping is the first landscaping company to do so.

“We’ve always had an eye to health and safety. We started out as most companies do, very small and very modest, and each year we continued to grow and grow,” says Robertson.

The majority of the growth has occurred over the last five to 10 years in commercial landscape construction and maintenance and municipal contracts. With the government’s growing emphasis on a proven health and safety track record,

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Annual Report goes digital

In Memoriam — Margaret Stinson

Each year, Landscape Ontario’s Annual Report features details of the activities and finances of your association’s fiscal year.

Once a standalone publication, in more recent years, the Annual Report has been included as a special section within the pages of the December issue of Landscape Ontario magazine.

This year, Landscape Ontario’s 2020 Annual Report, covering the fiscal year from Sept. 1, 2019 to Aug. 31, 2020, will appear exclusively online via the association website at HortTrades. com/2020-annual-report. There you will find individual reports from the executive, plus individual Chapter, Sector and Committee reports, as well as the full gamut of audited financial statements with proposed budgets, volunteer list and membership breakdown.

Under association bylaws, the financial statements must be made available to members at least 30 days prior to the association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will likely be scheduled for late January or February 2021.

Walter (deceased), Lorne (deceased), Margaret Catherine (Bolger) Stinson Mabelellen (Humphries) (deceased) entered into eternal happiness on and William Ross Bolger. Margaret November 4, 2020. Margaret and her impacted many lives through her beloved husband Ivan, who passed teaching and mentoring. away in 2018, pursued She was a beautiful, very active post-retirement radiant woman who volunteer careers. Both brought her passion to felt a special fondness everything she did and for Landscape Ontario, inspired people to help and donated countless others. Margaret strongly volunteer hours toward believed in volunteering the association’s green and ‘community’ in order initiatives. Margaret also Margaret Stinson to make the world a better served on CNLA’s Green place. Margaret has joined Cities Foundation Board.

Ivan and the team is back together.

Margaret was the loving mother of In lieu of flowers, donations may Ross (deceased 2010) and Lisa (Brock) be made to The Arboretum at the Crawford and dear grandmother University of Guelph or a tree planted of Rebecca (Mark) Degani, Victoria at the Arboretum (U of G) or a tree (James Edwards) Stinson and Laura planted at any location of donor’s Crawford, and great grandmother of choice. A tree will be planted in Claire and Neil Degani. Margaret was memory of Margaret C. Stinson in the the daughter of the late Robert and Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.

Emily (Lasby) Bolger, sister of the late

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Attend a sector group conference and access learning for one full year Landscape designers and turf management professionals have an opportunity to learn the latest in their respective fields via two online conferences taking place Jan. 11, 2021. Attendees will earn Continuing Education Credits (CECs), and receive on demand access to the full day’s programming for up to one year after the event.

2021 IPM Symposium For over 50 years, the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Symposium has provided attendees with the latest information on research, technology, practices and products. With the switch to an online format due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s symposium will still provide the same wealth of information.

Attendees will still earn six CECs from the IPM Council of Canada and will be able to access the wealth of content and connect with expert speakers, sponsors and other attendees for one full year after the event.

With an early bird price of only $50 and the ability to view content at one’s own pace, the event is the best value around.

The symposium will kick off with keynote speaker, Eric M. Lyons from the University of Guelph, and feature many other wellrespected speakers in the field including Jennifer Llewellyn, Scott Olan and more.

The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:50 p.m. and will include several breaks for attendees to network or simply take a break.

Set yourself up for success in 2021

Jennifer Llewellyn

Scott Olan

Landscape Designers Conference Another amazing deal for off-season networking and education is the Landscape Designers Conference, presented with recognition of the OALA. Attending sessions qualify attendees for OALA Continuing Education Credits. The early bird price tag of only $50 gains attendees access to some huge names in the profession, including Haig Seferian, Ron Koudys, Sean James and Paul Brydges, plus a keynote presentation by Mark and Ben Cullen.

In addition, two panel discussions, “Landscaping Our Future,� and “If you could change one thing given your experience, what would it be?,� are sure to provide a wealth of tips and experiences that will benefit landscape designers and architects of all ages and talents.

The online event on Jan. 11 will run from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., but attendees are able to access presentations and connect with supporting partners, speakers and other participants for one full year afterwards.

The Conference will kick off with the Landscape Ontario Designer Sector Group annual general meeting and includes several breaks throughout the day to connect with other attendees or supporting partners, or to catch up on email or phone calls.

To take advantage of the special early bird rate of $50, attendees must register online via LOCongress.com by Dec. 18, 2020. After that, the price goes up to $75. The student price is $25.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

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Technology connects members across the province Over 130 landscape professionals from across the province attended Landscape Ontario’s first-ever virtual All-Chapter Meeting on Nov. 17, 2020. The two-hour Zoom event featured three informative and relevant speakers, plus break out rooms for participants to network and discuss relevant topics and issues.

First up, Nick McCullough, owner of McCullough’s Landscape and Nursery in central Ohio gave a 40-minute presentation on his growing residential designmaintenance company. The stunning images in McCullough’s presentation received a lot of comments from attendees, which McCullough also uses on social media to attract and win over new clients.

“Ninety per cent of my design clients viewed my Pinterest or Instagram pages before contacting me,” he said, “so when I meet with clients, I’m a 95 per cent close rate. It’s a great situation to walk into where they are showing you pictures of your jobs.”

The company also has a greenhouse that grows about 20,000 annuals each year, which enables McCullough to do a lot of large containers and offer unique plant material to construction and maintenance clients.

Windsor Chapter president, Jay Terryberry, commented: “Nick was great!

Very entertaining, great photos and excellent information.” Durham Chapter president Jon Agg, was equally impressed: “Nick was inspirational. The greenhouse, the yard, the mulcher, my brain exploded at it all!”

Jon Durzi, Toronto Chapter Provincial Board Rep, attended the first half of the meeting and said, “It was nice to get his [Nick’s] eye on detail from his experiences, and the whole presentation was very well put together. It was a great way to involve all sector groups at one time. I think it was very successful.”

Next, Diana Rea and Vanessa Blount from Workplace Safety and Insurance

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Board (WSIB) explained their organization’s Health and Safety Excellence program in which small businesses can earn significant rebates on WSIB premiums and stand out as a safe employer to attract employees and clients.

The framework of the program involves three stages with a total of 36 topics.

For every topic implemented, a company receives a minimum $1,000 rebate, to a maximum of $50,000 per topic. The rebate factors in current premiums, company size and the company’s existing predictability rate. In general, a company can save up to 75 per cent of annual premiums. Using an example, Blount illustrated how a company paying $7,500 in annual premiums would receive $5,000 in rebates by implementing just five topics.

For the second-half of the meeting, attendees dispersed into break out rooms — one for each of the nine regional chapters. Some held brief chapter meetings to discuss things like budgets, new business or to plan projects and initiatives.

The format also provided a forum for members to discuss trials and tribulations of the past year, including what sales were like in 2020, what sales expectations are for 2021, and what to expect from suppliers.

Kaneisha De Leon, LO membership engagement coordinator, says initial feedback is good. “It was incredible to see so many professionals tune in for the first-ever All Chapter Meeting. We received many compliments on the relevant content, event format, and the opportunity for members to reconnect after such a crazy year. It’s safe to say members can expect to see many more All-Chapter Meetings in the future.

A replay of the introduction and speaker presentations can be found online at gfl.me/h9cU

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Annual General Meeting goes virtual for 2021 Landscape Ontario’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) is typically an in-person event held on the Wednesday morning in conjunction with the Congress trade show and conference. With large indoor gatherings cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the 2021 AGM will take place in an online format.

LO’s membership services team and Provincial Board of Directors are in the process of finalizing details, and expect the AGM to take place in late January or early February of 2021.

On November 17, the association held its first ever all-chapter virtual meeting with over 130 people in attendance. LO Deputy Executive Director, Joe Salemi says the event was very helpful in paving the way for the first virtual AGM. Stay tuned to HortTrades.com/evens and LO’s weekly enews for details.

Virtual Awards Ceremony coming in February Typically held in conjunction with the Congress trade show and conference in January, Landscape Ontario’s annual Awards of Excellence Ceremony will move to an entirely online event for 2021 due to public gathering restrictions under the Covid-19 pandemic.

Awards for the 48th edition of the member recognition program will be announced online Feb. 4, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

Despite the many challenges and restrictions of Covid-19, program coordinator Amy Buchanan says the total number of entries submitted by LO members for this year’s program exceeded expectations and is not far off from previous years. Buchanan says some of the changes included the creation of a new online system for judges who could not congregate in person.

The same production company that has produced the live event for many years is working on the virtual ceremony, which promises to be just as entertaining as the in-person event. For the past few years the awards ceremony has also been live streamed via YouTube and Facebook because the maximum seating capacity of the venue had been reached.

The awards ceremony is presented by G&L Group, with supporting partners: Connon Nurseries, SiteOne Landscape Supply, and Miller Compost.

Full details on the event will be posted to LOawards.com, HortTrades.com/events and in LO’s weekly enews.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

NEW MEMBERS Landscape Ontario welcomes the following newly approved companies and individuals to our community Georgian Lakelands

London

1507681 Ontario Limited O/A Naves Service Jodi Naves / Tel: 519-422-1469 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Diamond Concrete Inc Douglas Campbell / Tel: 519-441-3684 Membership Type: Member Joe Reinhardt Construction Joe Reinhardt / Tel: 519-357-6449 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

A L Property Care Inc Alex Latanville / Tel: 416-801-0191 Membership Type: Member

Malcolm Holdings Inc Andrew Malcolm / Tel: 519-424-5000 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Blue Flame Gas Maxine LaLonde / Tel: 705-949-6598 Membership Type: Associate

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Emilio’s Masonry Emilio Cimino / Tel: 705-690-2538 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

McNally Excavating Ltd Dan McNally / Tel: 519-383-9373 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

First Class Property Maintenance Daniel Vanier-Cholette / Tel: 705-796-8557 Membership Type: Sole Proprietor Member

Toronto Green Warriors (11746006 Canada Inc) Stanislav Bazaev / Tel: 416-823-4099 Membership Type: Introductory

Haliburton Septic Pumping David Elstone / Tel: 705-457-6895 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

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Greenbird Contracting Inc Gagandeep Singh / Tel: 647-384-6795 Membership Type: Member

Hamilton Construction Ltd Megan Bishop / Tel: 705-445-3220 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

www.millgroveperennials.com • 905.689.1749

Ladcon Lance Perrault / Tel: 705-623-3551 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Hanlon Group Benjamin Hanlon / Tel: 905-506-5067 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Lawson Contracting Jacob Lawson / Tel: 416-938-7411 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Lakeside Tree Service Wayne Anthony / Tel: 416-450-3062 Membership Type: Professional Member

MacFarlane Construction Matthew MacFarlane / Tel: 705-493-0448 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

MK Property Maintenance Ltd Misel Klisara / Tel: 647-519-8874 Membership Type: Member

Outram Tree Solutions Jacob Outram / Tel: 705-457-7087 Membership Type: Professional Member

Regency Custom Homes Inc Melanie Ingster / Tel: 416-871-0837 Membership Type: Associate

Total Home Centre Inc Denis Payment / Tel: 705-560-5222 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

State Building Corporation Barry Zagdanski / Tel: 416-787-0256 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Van Druenen Construction Inc Chris Van Druenen / Tel: 705-677-8394 Membership Type: Member

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Mascore Helical Piles Inc Max Hill / Tel: 905-807-4389 Membership Type: Member

Lamer Landscaping & Snowplowing Ltd Chris Lamer / Tel: 613-967-5209 Membership Type: Professional Member

Risi George Construction Risi George / Tel: 226-922-1918 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Waterloo

Urbanscapes Landscaping Company Alan Saeed / Tel: 289-700-9432 Membership Type: Sole Proprietor Member

Anna K. Marshall Holdings Inc & Marshall Renovations David Marshall / Tel: 519-589-9261 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

VELD (Valeri Exteriors & Landscape Design) Steven Valeri / Tel: 289-489-9298 Membership Type: Member

B.A.P. Heating & Cooling Services Ltd Paul Palmer / Tel: 519-835-4858 Membership Type: Chapter Associate Pinestone Construction Shayne Deboer / Tel: 519-994-0798 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

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RTS Companies EnviroWirx Mackenzie Lobban / Tel: 226-808-0242 Membership Type: Member Wheeler Construction Inc Luke Wheeler / Tel: 519-546-9691 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

12

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE

Brent Wursten learns from others in the profession

“I credit my dad for teaching me most of what I know about landscaping and construction.”

— Brent Wursten

Brent Wursten enjoys working outside. He also enjoys using his knowledge and skills to transform and beautify outdoor spaces.

Wursten recently finished his second year in the Horticultural Technician program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ont. — an apprenticeship program that combines in-class learning with on-the-job training.

“I like the program at Mohawk because the teachers are professionals, and most work in or own a business, and they know all the tricks of the trade. They are more than happy to pass on their knowledge,” Wursten says.

Wursten also learns a lot from his dad, who used to be a carpenter. “He enjoys building things, and I would help him every once in a while, whether it be hammering nails or whatever the job entailed. I always enjoyed seeing projects come together as a whole,” Wursten explains. “I credit my dad for teaching me most of what I know about landscaping and construction.”

Wurstens’ dad eventually started his own landscaping business. “I respect anyone who owns their own landscaping business, as there is a lot of stress and work behind the scenes,” Wursten says.

“I would help him every once in a while, while still going to high school, so I started working with him right after I finished.”

Wursten now has three years experience in the profession despite his high school not having any landscape or horticulture program. “The closest course that I took was construction, which helped grow my basic knowledge of building things,” he says.

Now, Wursten is focused on accumulating the on-the-job hours required in order to complete the apprenticeship program and write the Red Seal Exam —

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an interprovincial standard recognized across Canada. He feels obtaining the designation will demonstrate his commitment to learning and his passion for what he does.

His long-term goal is to own his own business. “What makes a good leader in my opinion is that they have to be very strong mentally. They have to be able to make tough decisions, listen to other people’s ideas and options. They should be working just as hard, if not harder than the rest of the company. In general, they have to be really good in dealing with people,” Wursten says.

Looking back on the impact of Covid19 on businesses and society in 2020, Wursten says, “It has shown me that plans and routines can change so suddenly, and we as people, but also companies, have to be ready for these things so we can still put food on the table, and a roof over our heads.”

In 2020, Wursten was awarded a $600 Apprenticeship scholarship from the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation..

“It has helped with paying for the tuition and it will get my name out there,” he says.

“If I own my own business, I can use the scholarship as a company boost.”

Outside of landscaping, Wursten continues his love of the outdoors through participating in many sporting activities, including: snowboarding, basketball, volleyball, and baseball. Wursten says the common theme with sports and landscaping is trust. “You trust your teammates on the court, but you also trust your colleagues to do their part of the job correctly. Another one is teamwork. We have to all work together to make sure the job gets done efficiently and accurately.”

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Industry involvement has been a big part of Gavin Dawson’s career How did you get involved with the LO Turf Management sector group?

After working with other groups in our industry through most of the 90’s, I joined Landscape Ontario’s lawn care group in the late 90s. There is no question that the changing regulatory environment through the 90s and beyond brought industry groups and competitors together like never before.

What are some of the projects you have been a part of with the sector group?

The chair of Landscape Ontario’s Turf Management sector group, Gavin Dawson has been involved with many industry groups, including the IPM Council of Canada, Ontario Vegetation Management Association, OMAFRA’s Turf sector Minor Use Commodity Liaison Committee, and the Box Tree Moth Industry Working Group.

How did you get started in the lawn care profession?

Shortly after college in 1987 I accepted a position with ChemLawn as a Tree and Shrub Specialist. My responsibilities involved the complete care of customers’ landscapes, their landscape plant material and turf. Over the past 33 years, although our name has changed, I have been fortunate to work for a science-based industry leading company that knows the value of people development.

It has exposed me to challenges and opportunities across the green industry not just locally but on a provincial, national and international level.

I was part of the formation of a few industry councils such as the Pesticide Industry Council (PIC) and IPM Council of Canada.

Many projects that brought together industry colleagues, university researchers, and allied industries seeking to promote the benefits of turfgrass with publications, events and initiatives, which of course includes the annual IPM Symposium. communitybased projects such as the St. James Park renewal, the National Military Cemetery Day of Tribute, and Source Water Protection Committees. Government communication initiatives at the municipal, provincial and federal level to further the professionalism of our industry, promote the benefits we provide communities and protect the interests of our employees and customers.

What is the biggest challenge currently facing turf management professionals?

While the labour work force is likely the most apparent day-to-day challenge and the on-going regulatory environment that prohibits viable pest control products for our industry in Ontario is likely the most commonly discussed challenge, I feel the demonization of turfgrass is the most threatening to our industry and our urban environment. The misrepresented role, misunderstood benefits, and the decreasing value of turfgrass in the eyes of policymakers is at the core of all challenges faced by our industry the past 25 years.

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How do you find the time to participate in meetings and sector group initiatives?

It’s about time management. For me, that wasn’t something taught, but learned through experience. Certainly your priority is the health and prosperity of your own business, employees and customers. But with the understanding of the importance of a sound industry comes the acknowledgement and commitment to invest the needed resources to participate and lead where necessary.

And it doesn’t hurt when you develop great business relationships with those industry colleagues that share in this commitment.

Have you formed any business or personal relationships with others through your volunteer work with LO? Many. Over the years, you see people come and go and some remain, however at the end of the day, probably the greatest benefit from industry involvement is the personal, professional, and business development you gain from your associates.

Why is it important for members of your sector to meet on a regular basis?

Staying engaged is critical to the benefit of a group’s efforts. Covid-19 has certainly challenged that, but like other challenges facing our industry, it brought us together.

Perhaps not in group settings, but it certainly demanded an increased level of communication between members, colleagues and competitors.

What is the best part of your work day?

Task completion is what drives me, large or small. Whatever time of day a task is completed, is the best part of my day. The bigger the task completed the better the day.

Do you have any hobbies, talents or interests outside of work that you are passionate about?

I enjoy hockey, fishing and gardening, but my greatest interest has been watching my two boys graduate from university and now progress down their own career paths. I like all kinds of music, which is reflective by my two favourite bands, Blue Rodeo and Goddo.

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

PROFESSIONAL NEWS

Latest research projects featured online

Technician Elizabeth Huber-Kidby prepares to take water samples from each of the eight cells, each one containing a different filter media as part of a research project led by Dr. Ann Huber of the Soil Resource Group.

The Canadian Ornamental Horticulture Alliance (COHA) released its quarterly update on research projects via its COHA Connections website at cohaconnections.ca.

The bilingual research website is designed to strengthen communication between industry, funding partners and the research community.

In the latest update, Dr. Ann Huber of the Soil Resources Group shares her most recent updates on a project which employs an exciting new water filtration technology of interest to greenhouse and nursery growers.

The goal is to provide growers with a valuable and affordable approach to realize clean recycled water for their production needs.

Also, Dr. Youbin Zheng and his research

team at the University of Guelph are part of a North American, multi-disciplinary team to reimagine and redefine Soilless Substrate Science to better meet the expanding range of crops and productions systems that are transitioning from traditional field soils into soilless substrates.

Read more about these research projects and more at cohaconnections.ca.

Changes to Fertilizer Act now in effect Stakeholders will have a three-year transition period (until fall 2023) where they can comply with either the old or the updated regulations on a product-by-product basis. This applies to the manufacture, sale, import or export of fertilizers and supplements regulated under the Fertilizers Act. Guidance on how to meet regulatory requirements during the transition period is posted on the CFIA’s website at inspection.gc.ca.

For links to My CFIA, to sign up, or for more information, view the online version of this article at gfl.me/h9ib.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has updated the Fertilizers Regulations to reduce red tape and provide more flexibility to industry while focusing on product safety and environmental protection.

The CFIA is also making it easier for industry to submit, track and pay for new product registrations through My CFIA, the Agency’s secure and convenient digital platform. In order to take advantage of the new fertilizer and supplement online services, industry will need to sign up for a My CFIA account.

15

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Aurora Borealis named 2021 Plant of the Year by Canada Blooms

Aurora Borealis is the third addition to Vineland's 49th Parallel Collection.

The latest release in Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection of bred-inCanada garden and landscape roses promises to steal the spotlight in Canadian gardens when it is released next spring. Aurora Borealis, the third addition in the collection, has been named 2021 Plant of the Year

by Canada Blooms.

Named for the Northern Lights, this rose captures the bright dancing lights of the aurora in its dramatic, sunset pink blooming clusters set against dark green and glossy foliage. Aurora Borealis is low-maintenance and grows to one metre tall with a one-metre spread. It’s also black spot resistant and winter hardy across Canada.

“Aurora Borealis will be a stunning addition to any garden from St. John’s to Victoria, as more and more Canadians rediscover a passion for gardening during this unprecedented time”, says Ian Potter, President and CEO of Vineland Research and Innovation Centre (Vineland), located in Vineland Station, Ont. “This rose is a beauty, just like the natural phenomenon after which it was named.”

Aurora Borealis will be available in gardening centres and greenhouses throughout Canada in time for the 2021 growing season.

It succeeds Chinook Sunrise, released in 2019, and Canadian Shield, the inaugural release in Vineland’s 49th Parallel Collection that was unveiled for Canada’s 150th anniversary.

The collection is the result of a national rose breeding program in collaboration with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA). Roses are selected following field trials throughout Canada thanks to this partnership. For more information on Aurora Borealis, including retail partners across the country, visit 49throses.com.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

Canada Blooms cancelled for 2021 Organizers of Canada Blooms, the largest flower and garden festival in Canada, announced the 2021 edition scheduled for March 12-21, 2021 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place in Toronto has been cancelled.

The Canada Blooms Horticultural Society made the decision due to the ongoing concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am heartbroken after having to cancel 2020 that we are unable to have an in-person event in 2021,” said Terry Caddo, Executive Director of Canada Blooms. Canada Blooms is exploring online/virtual options for 2021.

One of the top garden events in the world, Canada Blooms connects people with the joys and benefits of nature through experiences with gardens and flowers by promoting, educating, inspiring and celebrating all aspects of horticulture. A not-forprofit organization that gives back to the community throughout the year by funding community garden projects around Ontario, Canada Blooms is also dedicated to providing the community with horticulture expertise, education and resources on an ongoing basis.

Canada Blooms was founded by Landscape Ontario and The Garden Club of Toronto and is supported by a committed group of partners, sponsors and volunteers.

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

EXECUTIVE DESK

Remembering Neil Vanderkruk

Mark, Rick, Case and Neil Vanderkruk pictured here at the company’s 100th anniversary celebration in 2006.

I

n everyone’s life there are special individuals of influence. They change your perspective, provide guidance, mentor and inspire. They encourage, support and challenge you. They act as a role model and change your life for the better. One of those individuals for me was Neil Vanderkruk.

Last month Neil passed away at home surrounded by family. He was 84 years old.

Neil was special. He was unique. He was kind, considerate and empathetic. He cared deeply about his family, his church, his community, his profession and his trade organization. He was one of the founding members of Landscape Ontario. He spent his entire working life volunteering on various committees and boards of the association. He served as president of the association in 1988 and 1989. He received all the honours and awards the association bestows, including the prestigious Life Membership. Neil made immense contributions to Landscape Ontario from the founding of the organization until the present.

I first met Neil in 1988 when I was working at Humber College and volunteered for Landscape Ontario’s

Promotion Committee. The committee held its meetings at Connon Nurseries (now NVK Nurseries). Neil had a special interest in attracting enthusiastic and bright young people to the profession. He had a passion for education, excellence and professionalism. He encouraged the promotion committee to organize a recruitment campaign targeting high schools and students with summer jobs in the horticulture profession.

In 1989, Neil made a phone call that changed my life forever. He offered me the job as Executive Director of Landscape Ontario. At first I said no, because I had an excellent job as Coordinator of the Landscape Technology Program at Humber College. He persisted, and finally I said yes.

My Dean was also kind enough to give me a year off to try out the new job.

In September of 1989, I started working for Landscape Ontario. Neil was the president. That fall, I got to know Neil well as we travelled in his blue Cadillac visiting Chapters. What struck me about Neil was his uncompromising vision for what the profession should be reflecting. He hated the “fly-by-night” image of the landscape

18

industry. He encouraged high standards and a professional image. He practiced what he preached. That year, we started an Apprenticeship program for the Golden Horseshoe area. He was so committed to education that he had a classroom built on his property to host the program.

Neil was also an excellent business person and excelled in financial competency. His skills benefited the Association as well as his own businesses.

He taught me the importance of budgeting conservatively. Under his presidency, Landscape Ontario prospered. His approach was to never spend money you don’t already have. I still follow that guidance professionally and personally.

What impressed me the most about Neil was his generosity and his care. Even though he drove a Cadillac, had a pipe organ in his living room and owned one of Canada’s largest and most successful nurseries, Neil was humble, authentic and down to earth.

He was one of the most spiritual individuals I ever met. He was not one to wear his religion on his sleeve, but I could tell he was deeply influenced and guided by an inner voice and his faith was strong.

Neil was a great mentor. He had more faith in my ability than I had. He was always complimentary and encouraging.

One time he asked for my home phone number. He then called my wife Maxine to let her know how much he appreciated my work and that it was important she try and balance the time I spent away from home.

To him, family life was more important.

Another time, a cheque for $5,000 arrived from Neil. I asked him why. He simply wanted to support Landscape Ontario.

One of my career highlights was being asked by Neil to be the master of ceremonies at the 100th anniversary of Connon Nurseries. What an honour and what a class act. In typical fashion, Neil donated the proceeds of the bar to the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation’s Scholarship Fund. The entertainment included music by the Jim Cuddie Band and an awesome fireworks display.

Neil has left a legacy of benefit. His wisdom, vision, spirit and memory will live on in the thousands of people he has touched. He was truly a community builder.

The profession and the world is a better place because of his many contributions.

He will be missed.

Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO Executive Director

tony@landscapeontario.com

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

MEMBERSHIP

Enabling growth starts with mindset

L

earning is at the heart of entrepreneurial success. Entrepreneurs are continuous learners. Not only do successful entrepreneurs know how to learn, they know what to learn, and they organize their work/ life schedule so they have time to learn. Well, they make the time to learn. There are lots of blogs and articles written, as well as videos and podcasts produced, about what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. They talk about great teams, innovative products and services, compelling market opportunities, hard work, passion, imagination, timing, luck, and so many other notable aspects of what it takes to be successful. I think we can all agree — the point is that in business today, change is constant, and to keep up with change, we need to keep learning.

Fixed Mindset vs. Growth Mindset A book that had a profound effect on my leadership style is titled, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, by Carol S. Dweck, Ph. D. The book is an inquiry into the power of our beliefs, both conscious and unconscious, and how changing even the simplest of them can have a tremendous impact on nearly every aspect of our lives.

According to Dweck, a Fixed Mindset describes people who see their qualities as fixed traits that cannot change. With a fixed mindset, talent is enough to lead to success and effort to improve these talents isn’t required: one is born with a certain amount of skill and intelligence that can’t be improved upon.

Dweck describes a growth mindset as “people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. Brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.”

A culture of continuous learning or Growth Mindset is vital to an organization that strives to be innovative. Knowledge is the breeding ground for new ideas, and the learning that

produces knowledge is what keeps our minds agile enough to create innovative and disruptive solutions.

Today’s business world moves much faster than it did 20 years ago. Businesses must be nimble, able to adapt, pivot, and grow into new market spaces if they hope to survive. Employees who are learning new technologies and solutions are the employees who will help solve the problems a business doesn’t even know it has. Knowledgeable employees make a business flexible.

Continuous learning through Landscape Ontario

previous years. We, like everyone, had to adapt and embrace the delivery of education virtually. Through Congress Connect and the Landscape Ontario Professional Development Series, we are gearing up to offer over 80 virtual learning opportunities through the winter and into the spring. The Congress Connect conference sessions will be available on-demand all year long.

Let’s all embrace a growth mindset and invest in our personal and professional development over the winter months.

Let’s empower the amazing people on our teams to invest in their own personal and professional development.

The team here at Landscape Ontario has been working around the clock to build a vast selection of professional development opportunities for the growth minded entrepreneurs within our community. This year, of course, is much different than

Joe Salemi LO Deputy Executive Director and Director of Operations jsalemi@landscapeontario.com

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LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

SMART ABOUT SALT

The case for investing in training

E

mployee training is synonymous with professional development. Many professions require clear and verifiable annual on-going professional development.

Improving knowledge is one of the best ways to advance a career. Why should the winter maintenance industry be any different?

When things get financially tight in business, training is often the first thing to get cut from the budget. However, this is often not a sound business strategy, especially within competitive business and demanding environments.

Training and developing your employees could be critical to the future success of your business for a variety of reasons.

Years ago, it was enough to know the fundamentals of reading, writing and arithmetic. These skills are no longer enough for any one of us to succeed in today’s ever-changing marketplace. Today, we have to continue to demonstrate our ability as individuals and businesses to provide professional solutions in a rapidly changing technological, social and economic landscape.

For employees to be efficient, productive and adaptable, new and enhanced skills are required, such as:

• • • •

Critical thinking and problem solving.

Communication.

Collaboration.

Creativity and innovation.

As a professional, you understand that people are an organization’s biggest asset, and key to achieving its goals. This is especially true for the winter maintenance contractors. All the new equipment, be it “live-edge” plow blades, GPS systems, trucks, etc., are meaningless without knowledgeable and dedicated people. The research is clear: Effective training designed specifically for your organization can provide employees with essential next-generation skills, while bringing with it a host of business benefits.

Some critical reasons why any business should invest in developing a professional and knowledgeable workforce through regular investments in employee training include:

Increased employee value While effective training/professional development can be used to “up-skill” or “multi-skill” your employees, it can also attract employees. In a competitive sector like winter maintenance, employees often have choices and will seek out employers who are willing to make investments in the growth of their people. Up-skilling involves extending an employee’s knowledge of an existing skill, providing more experts within a subject area. Multi-skilling is the process of training employees in new or related work areas to increase their usability within the organization. Employees with diverse skill sets can perform a variety of tasks and transition more easily into other roles within an organization.

Reduced attrition rates Attrition in the winter maintenance profession can be a real challenge. Investing in the development of employees can reduce attrition rates. Well-planned training can provide career pathways for employees, thereby reducing attrition. A tangential benefit is a reduction in the expense (both time and cost) of recruitment and employee onboarding.

Enhanced operational efficiency Training employees can increase their efficiency and productivity. Training can also help your organization achieve greater consistency in process adherence, making it easier to project outcomes and meet organizational goals and targets. This is especially important in the context of the litigious environment winter maintenance contractors face. Ensuring that employees fully understand best management practices (BMPs) can offer a due-diligence defence to slip and fall claims.

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Exceeding industry standards They are called Best Management Practices (BMPs) for a reason. Training employees in industry-standard BMPs builds your professional reputation, and can offer differentiation to competitors that can be demonstrated. Increasingly, the commitment an organization has to its people and best management practices is a request included in tender responses.

Supports succession planning Providing ongoing employee training and development supports succession planning by increasing the availability of experienced and capable employees to assume senior roles as they become available. Increasing your talent pool reduces the inherent risk of employees perceived as “irreplaceable” and leaving the organization. Areas of training that support succession planning include: leadership, strategic decision making, effective people management, and role-specific skills.

The Smart About Salt Council (SASC) is a unique not-for-profit dedicated to helping the winter maintenance industry. SASC offers affordable award-winning training grounded in best management practices online, by webinar and in-person. The training programs are the foundation for recognized certification and verification efforts.

Those wishing to learn more about the unique programs and services offered by the Smart About Salt Council (SASC) are encouraged to visit smartaboutsalt.com, where you can register for training which is priced at $375 (less than the price of a cup of coffee a day) and “Register Intent to Certify” for $226.

Lee Gould Executive Director, Smart About Salt Council

lee.gould@smartaboutsalt.com

LANDSCAPE ONTARIO

PROSPERITY PARTNERS

Are you taking care of yourself?

M

a few quiet minutes for self-reflection, and think hard about how you’re doing, how you’re feeling, and how well you’re ready to cope for the weeks and months ahead. Even the fast approaching holiday season brings with it another level of stress and extra activities.

Please take a few minutes to answer these questions, and think about what you should/will act on to either improve or change:

any, many businesses across our profession have had an awesome year for sales, but it has been a marathon roller coaster ride for the leaders of these businesses. So, I want to end 2020 by talking to the leadership teams on a different level — about how well you take care of yourself when the pressure is high.

Seriously. Self-care, it’s a ‘thing.’

Unfortunately, it can be difficult for many entrepreneurs to find time for self care at the best of times, let alone in such an unprecedented year such as this.

In a profession where the annual peak business season seems like an impossibly-hard, uphill marathon, most of us manage to toss self-care to the sidelines and run on adrenalin for a couple of months, knowing that things will eventually settle down and we’ll make it through. Drive-thru diets, caffeine top-ups, and dirty truck consoles are all sure signs of a life in overdrive without any self-care.

In so many ways, this year has been a pressure cooker for stress and self-neglect. And based on the fact that Covid-19 case numbers surging across the country, I think we’re in for a longer Covid marathon than any of us hoped would actually happen.

Stress manifests in many ways, often taking a toll on our health silently until rearing its ugly head. It’s human nature to experience stress when we’re shoved unceremoniously and unwillingly from the familiar into the unfamiliar. And here we all are — without a playbook on managing the intricacies of stress induced by the pandemic on all levels.

We have the playbook on managing the risks and exposure to Covid itself, but not it’s ripple effects.

My concern lies in the cracks in the armour of bold and brave entrepreneurs. I could have been the poster child for how to not manage stress 20 years ago. I have the scars to prove it. And now, in my late 50s, I know as with most other things, with managing stress, hindsight is 20/20.

Self-care for some is a daily routine. For others, it’s a foreign concept. Many waft somewhere in between a cherished, solid, self-care routine and running on empty.

So why am I blabbing on about stress and self-care? It’s because I want you to take a few minutes to ‘check in’ with yourself as we close in on the end of a stressful year. Take

●• D o I take at least 15 minutes of quiet time for myself every day — without my phone, other people, devices, a task at hand, or noise? ●●• A m I conscious of the stress I may be feeling that comes from change, fear or uncertainty? ●• A m I eating properly and managing my nutrition for a healthy outcome? ●●• W hat routine could I change or begin in order to improve my mental health? ●●• W hen I’m stressed about things I can’t control, who supports me? ●●• A re others around me leaning on me for support and reassurance? Can I keep it up? ●• W hat is happening daily/weekly that fills my cup? (makes me happy/feel rejuvenated) ●●• W hen was the last time I had a ‘physical’ exam, or over-all health consultation with my health care provider? Is it time to talk to him/her about how I’m feeling? ●●• W hat one thing should I stop doing that’s unhelpful to managing stress? ●●• W hat steps do I need to take to align myself and my family (without stress) to health ministry recommendations?

We are all in this pandemic management journey together. It’s still new. It’s unsettling. It’s enduring longer than we’d hoped. It brings unique and new challenges to our lives and routines. Please take some time alone, and with your family, to assess where you are, how you’re feeling, and what steps you need to take to be and to do your best this winter.

Onwards!

Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager info.peertopeer@landscapeontario.com

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GoGPS John Deere Corporate

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VIRTUAL NURSERY GROWERS SHORT COURSE

DESIGNERS CONFERENCE January 11, 2021 SUPPORTING PARTNERS

REGISTER TODAY February 17, 2021 HORTTRADES.com/event

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PRESENTING PARTNER:

The 2021 Landscape Designers Conference is Presented with Recognition of the OALA. Sessions qualify for OALA Continuing Education Credits.

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SUPPORTING PARTNERS:

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JANUARY 12-14, 2021 L O C O N G R23 E S S . C O M

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