Landscape Ontario - November 2018

November 2018 HortTrades.com

RESPECTING

THE PAST Larry Varlese at Valleyview Gardens ensures second-generation business success.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Waste not, want not

By Warren Patterson LO President

A

s a young kid, I remember staring down at the food on my dinner plate, refusing to eat leftovers. My mother would always persist, quoting the old phrase, “Waste not, want not.”

You may be asking, what this has to do with our profession. When it comes to running a successful business, not measuring your waste or lost productivity is like leaving good food on your table.

I recently had the chance to talk to a number of suppliers and depots of bulk mulch and soil. I asked them if they knew what their waste was. Interesting enough, nobody was really tracking this key business metric.

Of all the products we sell at our garden centre, bulk products are my least favourite. I get reminded of this each and every year when we count our inventory.

Since we started to carry bulk soils and

November, 2018 • Volume 36, No. 10 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.

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mulches, we have also tracked our “book to physical” each year. This is simply what the computer says I have in stock versus what I actually have in the yard.

On average, we experience a 25 per cent loss on our bulk soils and mulches.

While this may seem to be a staggering amount at first, it’s actually not that hard to see why. When our supplier loads the truck with freshly screened material, the load settles a bit during transport.

The load also gets pushed to the back of the truck. Sometimes it gets rained on, a small portion may be spilt, and some gets compacted in the tiny corners of the truck. When our loader drives into the pile, the bucket slightly compresses the material as well. So now, our purchase of 100 yards of bulk product equates to only 75 yards that are sold.

However, this waste is not a problem if you know that out of every 100 yards you buy, you will only sell 75 yards. You can price it accordingly to recoup your losses.

Waste comes in many forms. Labour is an easy one. I am a real stickler, and each spring, I make sure my staff are aware of how many steps they take in a day. A large number of people who work in our profession spend a lot of time

Editor Robert Ellidge rellidge@landscapeontario.com, 647-722-5645 Multimedia designer/IT coordinator Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Sales manager Steve Moyer stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-0708 Account integrater 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 Darryl Bond, Amy Buchanan, Kim Burton, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Denis Flanagan CLD, Cassandra Garrard, J. Alex Gibson, Meghan Greaves, Sally Harvey CLT CLM CAE, Heather MacRae, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, John Russell, Ian Service, Myscha Stafford, Tom Somerville, David Turnbull, Lissa Schoot Uiterkamp, Martha Walsh,

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moving product. How can we move product more efficiently? Every unnecessary step could be considered a waste because it’s time spent on an activity that doesn’t add any more value to the business.

As a business owner/manager, your job is to identify where the waste is in your business. Many large manufacturing businesses have process engineers on staff to identify where waste is and how processes can be made more efficient.

As the season winds down, think about where your waste is and plan for ways to measure, cost and reduce it.

Remember, whatever waste is left over must be priced into what you sell. Every dollar of waste saved is an extra dollar in profit. In most business, this can easily add up to tens of thousands of dollars each year.

As I mentioned earlier, I’m a stickler for waste. With three kids in the Patterson household, leftovers are by far my favourite meal to cook. It’s fast, easy and cheap! Waste not, want not!

Warren Patterson may be reached at warrenpatterson@barriegardencentre.com

SPECIAL SECTION: Foundation Report Page 15

4 6 8 14 21 22 26 31 31

FEATURES VALLEYVIEW GARDENS CONGRESS

ASSOCIATION NEWS EVENTS NEW MEMBERS PROFESSIONAL NEWS COLUMNS ADVERTISERS CLASSIFIEDS

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oped a niche product line inspired by the desire to take risks, be different, but even more, to work from a smart marketing strategy. “We’re located in a very diverse area with a dense population, and a large multicultural community” says Larry. “We have a captive market here, and we do everything we can to cater to it. It really is that simple.”

Larry provides me with a great example, as he takes me to The Citrus House, which is in one of the production areas of the facility. “This is a Calamondin miniature orange given as a gift of prosperity,” which we began ordering in for Chinese New Year. We found we couldn’t out-source a reliable product, so we began growing these plants ourselves. In Chinese culture, these are given out as a gift, as the minioranges represent gold, and the sentiment is the wish of prosperity to the receiver.”

It’s hard to think of a more representative display of capturing your marketplace by providing a niche product to address their needs. This type of forward thinking is exactly what sets Valleyview apart from others. “We try not to chase the trends when it comes to the products we develop, grow, and offer,” Varlese says.

Inspiring new ideas Owners of Valleyview Gardens have always valued a strong work ethic.

Member profile: Valleyview Gardens, Markham, Ont.

Strong values continue success for second generation

By Kelli M. Maddocks Integrating a second generation of family into an already successful business can sometimes result in a difference of opinions, goals and philosophies. But at Valleyview Gardens in Markham, Ont., adhering to a business model that works, and valuing a strong work ethic while maintaining a highly regarded reputation, has resulted in continued growth and success.

There is something to be learned from respecting the ideals and vision of the previous generation.

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Larry Varlese, part of the second-generation of family members at Valleyview Gardens. I wanted to know just what business model they had adopted, and how they have managed to set themselves apart as an industry leader.

When you walk into their newly-renovated and remodeled 200,000 square foot facility, you know you’re entering a space

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

like no other. “We had two locations up until November of last year,” explains Varlese, “one of which was primarily a production/growing facility, while the other was our sales space. Now we have everything under one roof.” This renovated space represents a big difference from the one in which the first generation, comprised of Larry’s uncle Tony, uncle Jerry, and his father, Benny, began their small enterprise.

“An amazing attribute that remains common throughout this family business is that those three ‘pioneers’ are still very much a part of Valleyview Gardens, and are still the first ones in, and quite often, the last ones out [each day],” says Larry proudly.

The facility is staffed 365 days a year, and is open for business 362 days.

Throughout its 48 years in business, this family works hard, and it shows.

Catering to the local market

Looking beyond the size and beauty of this facility, we find that Valleyview has devel-

Larry and team attend the IPM Essen trade show in Europe. “We only go once every few years, but Europe is a part of the world that in many ways, is years ahead of us from a horticultural industry perspective,” Varlese explains. “We’re always looking to bring back new ideas to our own production model, so that we can continue to offer our clientele something innovative and different. We love being able to offer our clients something new and interesting,” says Larry, “something that they really can’t find anywhere else.”

“In any good business” continues Larry, “it doesn’t matter what you do. Just figure out what you love to do and be the best at it.” This sentiment was passed down to Larry from the first generation that started the company, and in turn, Larry has now passed this mantra on to his staff, as well as his children.

Staff

Valleyview Gardens has approximately 25 employees, the majority being full-time.

“It’s nice to be able to keep many of our employees working year-round, to match our business model,” explains Varlese. “In order to meet our seasonal staffing deficit, we utilize an eight-month placement program through the Foreign Agriculture Resource Management Services (FARMS), which provides us with offshore labourers, and it works very well.”

Larry, Jerry, Benny and Tony.

Euphorbia Lactea (grafted euphorbia).

The majority of staff have been with the company for several years. “Most of the staff began as general labourers and have worked their way up through many different roles,” says Larry. “We encourage our staff to stay with us, allowing them to take risks, make mistakes — and learn from them. I want to make myself redundant in the business, and in order to do that, I have to let my staff feel confident to grow.” It also helps that Larry and his family treat all employees in the same manner. “Our staff is family, and we treat them all with the same love and respect.”

where we all ‘fit’ within the profession, and promotes healthy business growth through new knowledge and by sharing innovative ideas.”

Larry goes on, “When you’re part of an organization like Landscape Ontario, there’s knowledge share not only when it comes to product, but also sharing our business knowledge, which I think is a positive for our industry. I think we should be an open book with one another, as it’s only a positive for our profession, and strengthens our position in the marketplace.”

One of the core principles that Larry applies to his business is something that resonates, and is really quite simple: “If you believe in yourself, invest in yourself. Be inventive, take risks, and double down. The benefits will come,” he says.

These strong, honest values that have been passed from generation to generation are a large part of what has helped make Valleyview Gardens an amazing success.

Sharing knowledge for the greater good

Supporting the industry, and the professionals within the landscape and horticulture profession, is something the team at Valleyview Gardens strongly believe in. “Being a member of Landscape Ontario helps to provide credibility, and elevates the profession as a whole,” explains Varlese. “It also provides a good framework as to

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

Industry pros get access to the latest products, practices and technologies at Congress each year.

Kick off the new year with Congress ’19!

In less than two months, thousands of professionals will explore over eight acres of products and services from leading suppliers at Congress 2019. For 46 years, Congress has continued to evolve with the growing needs of the landscape and horticulture profession, and the latest edition, running Jan. 8-10, 2019 at the Toronto Congress Centre, is no different.

Congress ’19 will include three unique, live demonstrations, each held twice daily directly on the show floor. In addition, a full, four-day conference program will feature many leaders and business experts who will deliver countless learning opportunities of value to each and every sector of the profession.

Warm-Up Monday conferences

The four-day conference program that runs alongside the Congress trade show actually begins the day before, on Jan. 7 with Warm-Up Monday. This series of industry-specific events includes: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Symposium, Landscape Designer Conference and the Peer to Peer Workshop. Each requires a separate ticket purchase and includes admission to the trade show that starts the following day.

Attendees of the IPM Symposium will earn six IPM Council of Canada CECs by attending all six technical sessions. The symposium includes time for delegates to visit with several suppliers as well.

The Landscape Designer Conference will

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

host five sessions, followed by a popular networking reception, and also includes supplier displays and time for guests to circulate throughout.

At the Peer to Peer Workshop, facilitator, Jacki Hart, will provide business owners with some face-time to work on their journey to continued business improvement.

On Jan. 9, the Garden Centre Symposium will feature prominent digital marketing expert, Zachary O’Connor.

O’Connor will dive deep into the changing landscape of the web and web advertising, including best practices for creating healthy digital ecosystems — a topic that applies to not only retailers, but to all other sectors as well.

Conference program

The full conference program (Jan. 8-10), presented in partnership with LMN, will help delegates learn valuable insights from leading industry experts. The program has options for owners, managers and key staff who want to stay one step ahead of their competition.

The schedule features a Luncheon Keynote on Tuesday with George Kourounis, an award-winning explorer, one of the world’s most active storm chasers, television presenter, and freshly-minted Explorer-in-Residence with The Royal Canadian Geographical Society. In his keynote titled, “Face Any Storm,” Kourounis will compare his storm chasing and

eco-exploration experiences to the types of challenges we all face—in both our personal and our professional lives.

Concurrent conference sessions are filled with business development and industry-specific topics, with inspirational and provocative speakers such as: Bill Hogg, Niki Jabbour, David Lammers, Michael Ormston-Holloway, Christina Salwitz, Frank Ferragine and Paul Zammit.

In addition to the Conference, many Congress exhibitors provide excellent education to their customers as well. These companies understand that their success depends on a prosperous and professional customer. This year, Congress organizers have dedicated a limited number of rooms on Jan. 10 for exhibitors interested in expanding their commitment to quality education. All new for 2019, these Congress educational partners will provide high-quality sessions, each led by a qualified instructor. Sessions will be available to all Full Conference and One-Day Conference Pass holders. Education Partners include: Techo-Bloc, LMN, Load Army, SiteOne Landscape Supply, Jim Pattison Lease, Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, Lawn Life Natural Turf Products, TradeWinds International, and Unilock.

Hardscape LIVE!

In partnership with Landscape Ontario’s Hardscape Committee, the fourth edition of Hardscape LIVE! will return to the show floor with daily instructions at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Featuring the latest in hardscape installation techniques, the live build over the three show days will enlighten audiences on many topics related to hardscape installation and maintenance.

Green LIVE!

Returning to the show floor for a second year, Green LIVE! will continue an up-close approach for landscape pros to re-learn the important basics of tree selection, preparation, planting and maintenance. Produced in partnership between the LO Growers Sector Group and International Society of Arboriculture Ontario (ISAO), Green LIVE! will feature several experts on-stage, twice daily at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Topics this year include: Selecting Quality Nursery Stock, Handling and Transporting Nursery Stock, Site Conditions and Soil Preparation for Tree Planting, Proper Planting Techniques, Maintenance Within the First Two Years of Planting, and How to Care for Established Trees. Sessions will highlight do’s and don’ts, and prepare contractors for the upcoming season.

Drive LIVE!

Proper vehicle safety continues to be one of the most popular topics for landscape professionals. Anyone who drives a vehicle should attend Drive LIVE! at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily for live instruction from Toronto Police and Ontario Provincial Police officers. This safe vehicle refresher demonstration uses a hands-on

approach that shows operators how to apply daily vehicle inspection rules, pretrip inspection reports and itemize defects in compliance with Ontario regulations.

Learn how to conduct a proper circle inspection, the difference between minor and major defects, and how to operate safely to help avoid costly tickets and fines. Bring key staff and crew leaders to ensure they are ready for the season ahead.

Evening networking events

Attending the trade show and conference is hard work, so be sure to mingle and unwind at “the Oscars of the green profession” — LO’s Awards of Excellence ceremony on Tuesday night and at the infamous Tailgate Party on Wednesday night. Both events include free food and entertainment.

Trade show and new products

Congress offers over eight acres with more than 600 exhibitors — the ideal community-building and purchasing environment for design-build, fence, landscape and pool contractors, grounds managers, landscape designers, irrigation and lighting contractors. The popular New Product Showcase area features the latest equipment, tools, products and technologies

available from Congress exhibitors. If you influence purchasing decisions, labour force issues, productivity or manage the budgets of your business, you won’t want to miss this event.

Canada Blooms College Campus

Check out what they’re learning in school these days by visiting the Canada Blooms Student Campus. The area showcases the vast array of skills of future leaders of the profession and is a testimony to the strong work ethic, vast knowledge base, and hands-on training learned in today’s institutions of higher education. Visit the Canada Blooms College Campus gardens to see for yourself the passion, talent and ability top employers are searching for.

Congress is strategically held each January so landscape and horticulture professionals can all kick off the new year together. Congress literally is a one-stop-shop for professional development, innovative products, education and community-building opportunities. Register online now at LOcongress.com where special early-bird pricing is available until Dec. 14.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

continued education in the field. It also benefits the environment and communities by supporting sustainable water use, and can create a new income stream for successful contractors.

The demand for WSIP services is increasing as property managers and homeowners look to find ways to address water waste, whether for environmental or monetary reasons. At this time, eligible contractors that service the Region of Peel and/or York Region can participate in the program at no cost to them. Landscape Ontario encourages any interested candidates to apply.

The next opportunity to become Water Smart Irrigation Professional certified is scheduled March 27-28, 2019. Online application is now open at HortTrades. com/wsip-application-page. If you have any questions, please contact Cassandra Garrard (Wiesner) at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2397, or wsip@landscapeontario.com.

FAREWELL TO SPECIAL VOLUNTEER IVAN STINSON

On average, an irrigation system assessment by a WSIP certified contractor can result in over a 50 per cent water savings opportunity.

Strengthening the irrigation industry one litre at a time The Region of Peel and the Regional Municipality of York are two of the fastest growing regions in Canada. With rapid population growth comes the need for costly infrastructure expansion. Looking for ways to reduce the load on municipal water infrastructure to accommodate the growing population, the Regions turned to Landscape Ontario to help develop a program that would engage the irrigation sector and create opportunities for market transformation.

While irrigation is a key element to maintaining the health and aesthetic of many landscapes, inefficient systems waste water. To address this concern, the Water Smart Irrigation Professional (WSIP) training and certification program was developed in 2014, with input from LO’s Irrigation Sector Group. Now in its fifth year of delivery, the program has 68 WSIP certified individuals from 34 irrigation companies, servicing the Region of Peel and York Region.

The WSIP training and certification program focuses on water conservation

8 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

principles, products and solutions. Participants are trained to perform irrigation system assessments using a new approach and an intuitive software program. This approach reduces the amount of time required to conduct a full irrigation system assessment, and the software assists the WSIP contractor to determine proper zone run times. Eligible WSIP certified companies have access to incentives from the participating regions for assessments and irrigation controllers.

The Region of Peel and York Region have been tracking the success of the program and the amount of water saved through WSIP contractor assessments.

Both regions have seen a combined average water savings opportunity of 56 per cent on commercial properties, and 54 per cent on residential properties, that have been assessed by a WSIP certified contractor. Imagine the amount of water that could be saved annually if every system complied with WSIP guidelines.

The WSIP program is a valuable certification program, proving dedication to

Ontario’s living landscape lost an outstanding volunteer last month, with the passing of Ivan Stinson on Oct. 4. While not landscape professionals, Ivan and Margaret Stinson made retirement careers out of volunteering Ivan Stinson with Landscape Ontario, Communities in Bloom, Canada Blooms, Village by the Arboretum, Canadian Nursery Landscape Association and many other organizations. They were prime organizers of Tree Canada’s National Tree Day. The couple received LO’s Legacy Award at the 2015 Awards of Excellence.

At the ceremony, LO member, Phil Dickie recognized the Stinsons for having more energy in their 80s than many people have in their 20s. He called them “professional volunteers, community builders and legacy makers. They are tireless stewards of the environment and enthusiastic supporters of gardens and community beautification.”

A tree will be planted in memory of Ivan Stinson in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest, University of Guelph Arboretum with a dedication service to take place on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 at 2:30 p.m.

time, hospitality and for opening up their businesses and sharing many great ideas, innovations and technologies with the group.

At mid-day, the tour stopped at Niagara College’s Benchmark Restaurant for a delicious lunch. The day ended with a reception and refreshments at Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington.

The LO Growers Group would like to thank the following sponsors who supported the event: Kam’s Growers Supply, Mother Nurture by Braun, and Gro-Bark (Ontario).

CONTRACTOR LECTURE CO-LOCATES WITH CONGRESS FOR 2019

Growers learn about production methods at Spring Valley Gardens in St. Catharines, Ont.

GROWERS TOUR OPERATIONS IN NIAGARA REGION Landscape Ontario’s Growers Sector Group held a sold out summer tour of nurseries, greenhouses and gardens, in and around the Niagara Region on Sept. 19.

The 60 attendees enjoyed a beautiful, sunny day as the tour made stops at host locations: Connon Nurseries/CBV Holdings, Aldershot Greenhouses, Bakker (J.C.) & Sons, Maple Leaf Nurseries, and Spring Valley Gardens. Organizers would like to thank the tour hosts for their

Landscape Ontario’s Landscape Contractors Sector Group is pleased to announce the 2019 lecture event will be co-locating with Congress 2019. The popular networking and learning event for landscape designers, architects and contractors is scheduled for the afternoon of Jan. 10, 2019, at the Toronto Congress Centre.

This year’s lecture will feature landscape contractor, Darren Bosch, sales and marketing manager at The Landmark Group, a successful, multi-award winning

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ASSOCIATION NEWS landscape construction, design and maintenance company located in Thornbury, Ont. Preceding Darren will be Lisa Rapoport, landscape architect with Toronto-based, PLANT Architect, an award-winning practice founded by Rapoport, and partners Chris Pommer and Mary Tremain in 1995.

Each presenter will offer inspiration and understanding as they walk attendees through their most memorable and noteworthy landscapes, providing valuable lessons, ideas and tips.

The half-day program includes light refreshments, and a networking break to visit with exhibitors and peers. The Contractor Lecture Series is an excellent platform for sharing information and exchanging ideas.

Tickets are now available for $15 per person until Dec. 20, 2018, then the price goes up to $25 per person. Registration and full details are online at LandscapeLecture.ca.

Georgian Lakelands Chapter members hit the greens Over 60 members of the landscape profession enjoyed a day of competitive minigolf at the Georgian Lakelands Chapter Putting Challenge, held Sept. 27. The annual event at Blue Mountain Cascades Putting Course was won this year by a team from Georgian Bay Outdoors. Following the round, members enjoyed dinner at Firehall Pizza in Blue Mountain Village. Thanks to all participants and companies who donated prizes for the event.

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SAVE THE DATE FOR GREENTRADE EXPO 2019

Business owners spent two days in Muskoka, learning, networking, and having fun.

PEER GROUP CARRIES OUT LEARNING PRIORITIES FOR 2018

A group of Landscape Ontario business owners and managers from across the province gathered in Muskoka, Sept.

20-21, for two days of energizing, informative and action packed workshops. LO Peer to Peer Network manager, Jacki Hart, facilitated the program driven by the group’s learning priorities for 2018, that were set at

the January session. This year’s Muskoka Summit included three guest speakers and included discussions on social media strategies, deepening leadership thinking, connecting profitable work with marketing strategies, and tools for evaluating and inspiring higher employee engagement.

The next Peer to Peer session will be held Jan. 7, 2019 as part of Warm-Up Monday at Congress. Join the group and help to set priorities of professional development goals for 2019.

The 26th edition of GreenTrade Expo, Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec’s premier green industry and construction show, will take place Feb. 13, 2019, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the EY Centre in Ottawa, Ont. Produced by Landscape Ontario’s Ottawa Chapter, the event will feature over 100 exhibitors displaying products and services to members of the landscape and horticulture profession.

The free one-day event provides great networking and educational opportunities, including access to a full schedule of business related seminars during trade show hours, plus the popular MTO Contractor’s Breakfast (a ticketed, pre-show event).

The fifth annual Awards of Distinction gala will be held the evening before on Feb. 12. The ticketed event recognizes members and suppliers of the Ottawa and Upper Canada Chapters. The fun evening also includes entertainment and dinner.

If you are interested in exhibiting or sponsorship opportunities at GreenTrade Expo 2019, contact Martha Walsh, LO Chapter Coordinator, at 613-796-5156 or visit GreenTrade.ca.

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Shortage of Trucks!

New trucks have become hard to come by, as the supply of 2018 models thins out and orders of the new 2019 models have been slow to come in.

While the reasons for the shortage vary by model, some common issues have been parts shortages at the factory, delays caused by 2019 model year revisions and high demand from commercial industries.

If you need a work truck for the spring, you may want to consider placing a factory order before the end of December.

Contact us so we can help you find and/or order the vehicle your business needs!

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SALT SHORTAGE A KEY TOPIC AT SNOWPOSIUM 2018

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Snowposium, the annual education and networking event for snow and ice contractors, was held Sept. 25 at Lionhead Golf and Country Club in Brampton, Ont. An initiative of the Landscape Ontario Snow and Ice Management Sector Group, this year’s event had over 260 attendees, 14 exhibitors, and a multitude of sponsors.

This year, conference attendees were treated to a comprehensive legislative update, including a Smart About Salt (SAS) overview, and a detailed session on “Understanding and Using the Landscape Ontario Standard Form Winter Maintenance Service Contract,” by Robert Kennaley from Kennaley Construction Law. During the day, there were two very informative legal sessions: Claims Management, with Greg Davis at ClaimsPro; and Civil Litigation, with Ian Main and Bronwyn Martin from Moodie Mair Walker LLP. This year’s conference schedule also included an important session on Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety, with Cst. Vito Pedano, a 20-year veteran of Peel Regional Police Service, 13 of those years spent in Road Safety Services.

The conference ended with an open discussion on the salt shortage issue, led

by Jamie Perras, Chair of the LO Snow and Ice Management Sector Group. The shortage is due to a number of factors, including a 12-week summer strike at a salt mine, and contractual obligations to municipalities. The supply of salt may be drastically reduced, and prices will likely be higher. LO’s Snow and Ice Management Sector Group met with key players and advisers in August to discuss operational strategies, as well as the risk factors and legal implications to contractors.

For more information and resources on the salt shortage, visit HortTrades.com/ salt-shortage-resources-page.

Snowposium also offers attendees the opportunity to visit one-on-one with suppliers, distributors and manufacturers. This year’s exhibitors and suppliers included: Holder Tractors, Tillson Brands, SiteOne Landscape Supply, HortProtect, WPE Landscape Equipment, Bobcat of Toronto, Duke Distribution, Pro-Power Canada, SpecBilt, Draglam Salt, Manulift, Metal Pless, Eloquip and B.R. Dickson Equipment.

Organizers would like to recognize the event sponsors: Holder Tractors, Tillson Brands, SiteOne Landscape Supply, HortProtect, WPE Landscape Equipment and Bobcat of Toronto, and thank Draglam Salt for donating the door prize: a set of two tickets to a Toronto Maple Leafs game, won

by Jay Todd of the City of Vaughan.

or existing distribution lists, or take a few minutes to customize the email even further to promote unique show-only offers.

Information for both exhibitors and attendees can be found online at LOcongress.com.

MEMBERS INVITED TO ATTEND 2019 AGM

Trade show admission includes access to live learning events for industry professionals.

LO MEMBERS CAN ATTEND CONGRESS ’19 FOR FREE

Landscape Ontario members have access to a special code that entitles them to a free trade show pass for Canada’s Green Industry Show and Conference.

Running Jan. 8-10, 2019 at the Toronto Congress Centre, LO members can simply visit LOcongress.com and enter code VIPMBR19 to get a free, one-day admission to the trade show floor, valued at $20.

With over 600 exhibitors spread throughout eight plus acres, the free pass also gains industry professionals access to the popular New Products Showcase and

three live demonstrations, each held twice daily on the show floor.

Congress exhibitors can also access free VIP passes in both printed form and electronic form to invite clients and suppliers to visit them at the show. Printed VIP passes are now available by contacting the LO Trade Show Department at 1-800-265-5656.

Building on the success of last year’s personalized e-marketing campaign, the Congress free digital VIP pass program for exhibitors has been further improved and simplified. A special email has been sent to exhibitors who simply need to approve the communication as is, then send to clients

Under the association bylaws, all Landscape Ontario members are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to take place Jan. 9, 2019 at the Delta Hotels Toronto Airport, International Ballroom, located at 655 Dixon Road, Toronto.

Registration and breakfast start at 7 a.m. with the meeting starting at 8 a.m. sharp. Members will get a recap of association activities from 2018 and hear what is planned for 2019 and beyond. If there are any issues that require a vote by members, one representative from each Active member company is eligible to vote. The AGM is just one of many events where LO members can provide feedback to help direct the initiatives and energy of the association on current and future endeavours.

Members who wish to attend are asked to RSVP by Dec. 28 to Kathleen Pugliese at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2309 or kpugliese@landscapeontario.com.

TO KEEP ROADS CLEAR AND PEOPLE SAFE Call your Account Manager today to pre-order and secure your supply.

416.798.7050 1.888.907 SALT (7258)

DraglamSalt.com

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 13

EVENTS Nov. 16

Full details and registration information for all events can be found online at HortTrades.com/events or at specific chapter or sector pages.

Nov. 29

Jan. 7

ICPI Certified Concrete Paver Installer Course Lexington Hotel, Sudbury LO’s Hardscape Committee presents a two-day certification course led by Frank Bourque.

Nov. 29

Jan. 8-10, 2019

Nov. 29

Jan. 7

Waterloo Fall Freeze Up Bingemans Conference Centre, Kitchener The 39th annual Fall Freeze Up includes cocktails, dinner, dancing and prizes.

Nov. 21-22

Growers Fall Dinner Piper’s Heath Golf Clubhouse, Milton All growers are invited to attend this year end celebration to network, enjoy dinner and learn from informative speakers. Register online.

Nov 29

Georgian Lakelands Chapter Awards of Distinction Casino Rama, Orillia TIckets are $25 each and include social hour, dinner and awards. Group tables also available.

Windsor Chapter Meeting Dominion Golf Course, Oldcastle Join fellow chapter members for a round table discussion on current challenges, trends and more. Please RSVP by Nov. 25. Dinner at 5 p.m.

Toronto Chapter Winter Social The Crooked Cue, Etobicoke Enjoy an evening of great food, networking and more. Tickets are $20.

IPM Symposium Toronto Congress Centre, Cohen Ballroom Attendees can earn up to six CEUs from the IPM Council of Canada. Register at LOcongress.com.

Jan. 7

Landscape Designer Conference Delta Hotels Toronto Airport, International Ballroom This full-day event includes lunch and a networking reception. Register at LOcongress.com.

Peer to Peer Workshop Delta Hotels Toronto Airport, New York Room Business owners will learn how to find new team members, implement new ideas, and make them stick. Register at LOcongress.com.

Congress ’19 Toronto Congress Centre Canada’s Green Industry Show features over 600 exhibitors, live demonstrations and a full conference program. Visit LOcongress.com.

Jan. 8

Awards of Excellence Ceremony Delta Hotels Toronto Airport, Plaza Ballroom Get inspired by the talent and creativity of LO members. Starts at 5 p.m. Purchase tickets online at LOcongress.com.

Jan. 9

Landscape Ontario AGM Delta Hotels Toronto Airport Enjoy a 7 a.m. breakfast, followed by an update on association activities and give your feedback to help with future initiatives and programs.

Contractor lecture series CO-LOCATING WITH CONGRESS 2019 Thursday, January 10, 2019

Toronto Congress Centre 650 Dixon Rd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 1J1

Join your peers for creative inspiration, education and networking!

LandscapeLecture.ca

REGISTRATION Early Bird Registration until December 20: $15 per ticket after December 20: $25 per ticket An initiative of the Landscape Contractor Sector Group of Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association

14 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

OHTF.ca

MANDATE

“To ensure a healthy future for the horticultural industry.”

2018

Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation

ANNUAL

REPORT WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 15

2018 FOUNDATION FOUNDATION REPORT About the Foundation

The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation is the research and scholarship arm of Landscape Ontario. The Foundation’s mandate is to ensure a healthy future for the horticultural industry, through financial support of research and scholarships funded by interest generated on capital investments.

Officers and directors for 2018 President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer :

David Turnbull Mike Thomas Bob Allen Hank Gelderman

Directors: Brian Cocks Tony DiGiovanni Ben Kobes Mark Ostrowski Audrey Partridge John Peets Neil Vanderkruk

Supporting the Foundation

The Foundation would like to thank all donors.

A donation is an easy and effective way to benefit Ontario’s horticultural community and is tax-deductible.

How to support the Foundation

Donations to the Foundation can be made online by visiting OHTF.ca and choosing Donate to the Foundation. Also at OHTF.ca, under Foundation Brochures you will find various information booklets on how to support the Foundation in a number of ways outlined below. With a donation to the Foundation, you have the satisfaction of knowing that you are “making a difference and leaving a legacy” for the profession that you love.

You can support the foundation by:

a) Sponsorship: Join the Foundation by making a pledge – an annual donation or a one-time gift. b) M emorial Gift: This is a meaningful way to honour a friend, loved one or professional contact while also helping to support the profession. c) L egacy Gift: Earmark funds through your estate to sustain the horticulture profession. Contact your estate planner or lawyer to include this legacy provision in your will. d) S tewardship Program: Many Foundation sponsors share their expertise by speaking to groups and directing their honorariums to the Foundation.

16 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

Scholarship program

Providing scholarships is particularly close to the hearts of Foundation supporters, who point with pride to the many recipients who are now successful industry members. A list of available scholarships can be found on the Foundation website at OHTF.ca. A new “Horticultural Scholarship Opportunities” brochure was developed this year, listing all available scholarships. The brochure was distributed to all post-secondary and secondary schools.

The scholarship program continues to grow, and now boasts a number of scholarships supported by individual people and companies: Bob and Ruby Allen Scholarship Fund Russel and Karen Loney Fund Peter Olsen Memorial Fund OJ Muller Memorial Fund Unilock/Landscape Designers Fund Crystal Lawn Care Scholarship Fund Introduced in 2015, a major component of the program is the Cullen Family Scholarships – distribution of approximately $26,000 per year. The program is designed to encourage and inspire leadership qualities in students who have a passion and enthusiasm for the landscape and horticulture profession, with candidates selected by their peers and teachers. Individual amounts are assigned to each school offering a horticultural program.

This year, the Foundation distributed a total of $40,100 in scholarships to students enrolled in horticultural programs across the province.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients.

2018 Scholarship Recipients Apprenticeship Program ($600) Tristan Collins, Mohawk College Bob and Ruby Allen Membership Scholarship ($500) Casey van Maris Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) Charles Linton, University of Guelph Graduate Research Assistant Program ($6,000) High School Program Scholarship ($1,000) Raven-Lyn Hunte, Fanshawe College Nicole Moore, University of Guelph Horticulturist Scholarship ($500) Domenic Capetola, Seneca College Kevin Currie, St. Clair College Tobias Edwards, Fanshawe College King Ho Lo, Humber College Russel Nash, Seneca College Lisa Norton, Fanshawe College Horst Dickert Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) Caressa Genova, Humber College

Unilock Collaborative Communications Scholarship ($1,000) Craig Klomp, University of Toronto Cullen Family Scholarship Program ($2,000) James Hughes, University of Guelph (Landscape Architecture) Jasmine Mah, University of Guelph (Horticultural Science) Destiny Lacasse, Niagara Parks School of Horticulture (Horticulture) Nolan Riggs, Fanshawe College (Landscape Design) Julia Hall, St. Clair College (Horticultural Technician) Jodi Wilson, Algonquin College (Horticultural Industries) Paul Wiench, Humber College (Landscape Technician) Melissa Beynon, Durham College (Horticultural Technician) Danielle Swaine, Seneca College (Environmental Landscape) Sarah Mantini, Niagara College (Horticultural Technician) Melanie Charbonneau, Ridgetown College (Assoc. Dip. In Horticultural)

John and Ruth Wright Turf Management Scholarship ($2,000) Post Graduate Scholarship ($1,000) Post Secondary Scholarship ($1,000) Sasan Salimi Benni, Seneca College Alexander Bryan, Seneca College Karly Gibbard, Fanshawe College Andrew Nunez-Alvarez, Durham College Russel and Karen Loney Scholarship ($500) Paula Pena Navarro, Humber College Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship ($1,000) Blaise Mombourquette, Algonquin College

Scholarship recipient reception

In previous years, the Foundation hosted The Legacy Lounge for pioneers of the profession and LO members during the annual Congress trade show and conference each January. Due to a decline in attendance, it was decided to promote the work of the Foundation and support scholarship recipients at the Scholarship Recipients reception.

This provides an opportunity for the students parents, spouses, friends, and faculty to meet the Foundation Committee, Landscape Ontario Board of Directors and scholarship sponsors.

At the 2018 reception, Foundation President, Dave Turnbull, provided information on the goals of the Foundation and introduced LO President, Paul Brydges; Executive Director, Tony DiGiovanni and Cullen Family Scholarship Sponsor, Mark Cullen. There were approximately 70 attendees at the event.

Following the reception, the scholarship recipients and their guests were invited to join the LO Awards of Excellence Ceremony and were invited on stage where they were acknowledged for their achievements.

Research programs

The Foundation has also contributed to numerous research programs.

Other programs under the Foundation

• Skills Canada. Cash prizes for the top three competitors in the horticulture sector of the Ontario Skills Canada competition.

• Since administrative structure is already in place, your Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation is collecting charitable donations for the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute (hohtribute.ca). This inspiring campaign seeks to plant 117,000 trees for each of Canada’s fallen soldiers, assisted by the proud efforts of Ontario nursery growers and contractors.

• Veterans Memorial Parkway (VMP), London, Ont. • JT Somerville Fund. Christmas tree industry.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 17

2018 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT Meet some of this year’s scholarship recipients Tristan Collins Apprenticeship Scholarship, $600 I am currently apprenticing with GelderLands of Burlington, Ont.; my employer continues to support my career path while providing on-the-job training experience. My plans include completing the Horticultural Technician program at Mohawk College, and then furthering my post-secondary education at Niagara College. I am interested in pursuing a career in landscape design and construction.

Tobias Edwards Horticulturalist Scholarship, $500 My interest in horticulture began with a desire to learn about sustainable food production.

With many of our basic needs dependent on importing foods from around the world, promoting Canadian agriculture is of critical importance. My goals aim to improve food security in northern communities of Canada by building hydroponic and aquaponic greenhouses.

Charles Linton Casey van Maris Memorial Scholarship, $1,000 I first became interested in horticulture riding around and helping my dad since I was five, and seeing creative work, whether it be lawn maintenance or brickwork. I also went with him to Connon Nurseries; so many sizes, shapes and smells of plants! I continue to this today, only now I drive the truck.

I have been accepted into the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus Associate Diploma in Horticulture program. I plan to take over my family’s business after graduation.

King Ho (Raymond) Lo Horticulturalist Scholarship, $500 Helping the Earth, saving the planet, creating ecological landscape to both human and nature with science and art. Not just using shovel and pruner, but also sketching pencil and camera to capture that prefect dimension and emotion. Great thanks to Landscape Ontario, for providing this encouragement to keep walking on the path.

Raven-Lyn Hunte High School Program Scholarship, $1,000 I’m from Lambton Shores and attend Fanshawe College for Horticulture Technician. I’m 19 years old and am very happy to go through school for this, as most of those years have been spent playing in the gardens with my mother and grandmothers. Thank you for choosing me to win this scholarship, it will help me continue my studies.

Nicole Moore High School Program Scholarship, $1,000 Firstly, I would like to thank Landscape Ontario for helping students to pursue their aspirations in the landscape and horticulture industry. I’m from the tight-knit community of Eganville, Ontario, where I was raised on a small-scale dairy and beef operation.

Currently I’m studying at the University of Guelph in the first year of the Landscape Architecture undergraduate program, with the hope of one day returning to the Ottawa Valley to help agriculture businesses become more sustainable.

Russel Nash Horticulturalist Scholarship, $500 It is an honour just to be recognized by the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation, but the scholarship is a blessing as well, and will help me focus my time and energy on what counts, my studies. I have begun my second year in the Environmental Landscape Management program at Seneca College. This program has taught me a great deal about caring for plants, as well as the vital roles they play in Ontario ecosystems.

After graduation, I hope to design landscapes and gardens that utilize native species and sustainable stormwater management strategies.

Caressa Lahaie Horst Dickert Memorial Scholarship, $1,000 Now in my final year of studies in the Landscape Technician program at Humber College, I also work in the greenhouses of the Humber Arboretum where I propagate plants for use around the college. I have also been fortunate enough to plant and maintain the new Humber Food Garden as well the Native Bird Garden. I look forward to expanding my knowledge of native plants, and incorporating them into sustainable urban designs.

18 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

Sasan Beni Post Secondary Scholarship, $1,000 I chose the Environmental Landscape Management program at Seneca College because I felt that it corresponded with my love for the natural world, and that it would help me reach my distant dream of one day becoming a park ranger. This scholarship will go a long way in strengthening my passion for horticulture and environmental work — it will go a long way in building the gardens of my future.

Alexander Bryan Post Secondary Scholarship, $1,000 I’d like to thank Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation for the financial support to continue my education and training. As a second year student in Seneca College’s Environmental Landscape Management program, and seasonal employee with the City of Barrie Parks Department, I look forward to using the award to fund my future education and training in the landscape industry.

Karly Gibbard Post Secondary Scholarship, $1,000 I am a second year student at Fanshawe College in the Horticulture Technician program. I grew up in small towns and always felt close to nature. My high school green industries teacher, Krista Ferguson, inspired me to continue into postsecondary. I’ve already learned so much in this growing industry and I’d like to thank Sue Millar and all of my professors for their guidance.

Scholarships like this are vital to a student’s success. Thank you very much for this award.

Paula Pena Navarro Russel and Karen Loney Scholarship, $500 Paula is currently in her second year at Humber College, in the Landscape Technician Diploma program, and is very grateful to be this year’s recipient. She has had a great season working at the Humber Arboretum and looks forward to her future involvement working in the landscape trade. Paula will like to focus on sustainable practices that place special emphasis on the establishment of gardens that host native species and water harvesting practices.

Blaise Mombourquette Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship, $1,000 Whether at work or at play, I love to spend as much time as possible outdoors. In my free time, I enjoy adventure sports and it is my passion and goal to share the joys and beauty of nature with my friends and clients. Ever since I was a young boy I wanted to work in the landscaping industry. To be recognized by Landscape Ontario with this scholarship means a great deal to me.

Julia Hall Cullen Family Scholarship, $2,000 I switched gears to pursue horticultural studies after spending most of my adult life in art school. The fascination I have always had with plants was unquestionably nurtured and propelled by the amazing staff and program at St. Clair College. Upon graduating, I was keen to continue my studies at the University of Guelph, where I am currently enrolled in the MLA program.

Craig Klomp Unilock Collaborative Communications Scholarship, $1,000 Craig Klomp is currently a fourth year undergraduate student in pursuit of a double major in architecture and environmental studies. He hopes to pursue post graduate education in architecture and landscape architecture. This scholarship will allow Craig to pursue more education and grow as a student. He is extremely interested in sustainable design in architecture, and looking at how eco-friendly services make up our built environment.

James Hughes Cullen Family Scholarship, $2,000 I am currently in my fourth year of Landscape Architecture at the University of Guelph.

The outdoors is a personal passion, and the exploration of Ontario greenspaces fills my leisure hours. If I am not outside, you will find me visiting various art and history exhibits. These interests led me to my Landscape Architecture education and my concentration upon the multiple usages of plants. I am planning to continue my education in this area with a Masters in Landscape Architecture.

Melissa Beynon Cullen Family Scholarship, $2,000 Melissa is in her second year in the Horticulture Technician program at Durham College.

An avid volunteer, Melissa is also a staunch supporter of native and edible plants, and enjoys combining beautifully designed hardscapes with vegetables as well as flora. Melissa is looking forward to reintroducing a Children’s Garden to Ajax next summer, and sharing her love of horticulture with our youngest generation. She appreciates the award, and the recognition that comes with it.

Destiny Lacasse Cullen Family Scholarship, $2,000 I am in my second year at the Niagara Parks Commission School of Horticulture. I was introduced to this career path while in high school and took a horticulture course when I was young; plants and nature had been always interest. The more I learn and gain experience, the more dedicated I become.

I hope to have a job one day where I can teach and improve people lives through horticulture and plants.

Paul Wiench Cullen Family Scholarship, $2,000 Paul would like to express his deep gratitude to his instructors and peers for the nomination, as well as Mark Cullen and Landscape Ontario for this great opportunity. Paul is currently a second-year student in the Landscape Technician program at Humber College. He takes special interest in native, edible and medicinal plants and would like to encourage others to incorporate such species into their landscapes and to inspire others to learn about what our plants have to offer.

Jasmine Mah Cullen Family Scholarship, $2,000 Mah is currently an M.Sc. candidate in the lab of Dr. Youbin Zheng at the University of Guelph. Her research investigates novel lighting strategies using LEDs to improve ornamental plant production, with a focus on bedding plants and their popular use across Canadian landscapes.

She enjoys sharing her findings with industry partners and hopes her work will contribute to energy efficient and sustainable practices for high quality bedding plant production.

Jodi Wilson Cullen Family Scholarship, $2,000 Inspired by her college experience, Jodi plans to continue learning design and maintenance with a focus on sustainable landscapes.

Receiving the Cullen Scholarship was a highlight of her studies. “I am very grateful for the support of Mark Cullen and the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation. It has been hugely helpful and encouraging! I have received great instruction from my teachers at Algonquin and am honoured to have been chosen for the scholarship.”

Melanie Charbonneau Cullen Family Scholarship, $2,000 I am so grateful to have been selected for this scholarship.

It means so much that there is support that comes from members of the horticultural industry to build a community with a passion for plants and innovation. I came into the horticulture industry with a background in fine art, unsure of where it would take me. But now, I plan on pursuing a career in research, conservation, or landscape design.

Nolan Riggs Cullen Family Scholarship, $2,000 I am honoured to be recognized and greatly appreciate the support from my teachers and peers. I am currently a second year Landscape Design student at Fanshawe College.

Bringing horticultural ideas into my designs is one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of what I do. Being able to capture a unique feeling and experience based on a variety of plant textures, colours, and smells is what I look forward to bringing to other people.

Danielle Swaine Cullen Family Scholarship, $2,000 Danielle’s horticulture and landscape interest started a few years ago when she began working on a golf course in Toronto. Although most of her work was done on the course, Danielle was able to spend time in the garden beds, which sparked her interest to learn whatever she could in the horticulture world. Danielle spent the summer working at Cabot Cliffs in Nova Scotia.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 19

2018 FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT FOUNDATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FUND BALANCES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION Year End Year End Aug. 31, 2018 Aug. 31, 2017

ASSETS

Year End Aug. 31, 2018

Year End Aug. 31, 2017

General Fund

($2,655) $15,846 Current

Bank $297,884 $442,507 Dunington-Grubb/Sheridan Nurseries Research Fund $243,570 $244,141 Accounts Receivable $62,693 $60,095

Growers’ Group Research Fund $387,245 $372,557 $360,578 $502,602

Long Term Ottawa Chapter Val Kirshner Scholarship Fund $69,914 $67,262 Investments $1,905,303 $1,243,592

Investment-Vineland Consortium $57,711 $57,711 Scholarship Fund $82,290 $76,814 Accrued Interest Receivable $7,045 $87,374

$1,970,058 $1,388,677 Casey van Maris Scholarship Fund $32,817 $32,553

Total Assets $2,330,636 $1,891,279 IPM Symposium Research Fund $198,195 $200,488

Turf Research Fund ($8,257) ($8,257) LIABILITIES

Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship Fund $104,801 $101,807 Current

Accounts Payable and Accrued Charges $12,961 $4,181 John/Ruth Wright Scholarship Fund $63,780 $61,361

Accumulated Fund Balances Horst Dickert Scholarship Fund $858 $1,807 Fund Balances-Regular Funds $1,373,183 $1,334,082

JT Somerville Fund $10,863 $10,451 Fund Balances-Special Projects $944,492 $553,017

$2,317,675 $1,887,098 Highway of Heroes (Trees for Life) $944,492 $553,017

Total Liabilities/Funds $2,330,636 $1,891,279 Unilock/Designers Group Fund $10,948 $10,533

Hensbergen/DeGroot Fund $25,493 $0 STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS & FUND BALANCES

Russel/Karen Loney Fund $9,890 $10,006

Year End Year End Cullen Family Fund $8,581 $4,332 Aug. 31, 2018 Aug. 31, 2017

REVENUES Robert/Ruby Allen Fund $21,726 $20,902 Interest/Gains (Losses) $81,382 $79,402

Miscellaneous $67,945 $59,230 Crystal Lawn Care Fund $2,190 $2,107 Research Grants $0 $25,000

Donations $852,769 $1,017,519 Peter Olsen Fund $30,242 $29,095

OJ Muller Fund $10,668 $10,263 Total Revenue $1,002,096 $1,181,151

Perry Molema Fund $0 ($1,769)

EXPENSES Waterloo Chapter Scholarship Fund $70,026 $71,785 Administration Fees/Expenses $309,116 $281,253

Disbursed as Research Grants $0 $30,000 Totals $2,317,675 $1,887,098 Event/Sponsorship Expenses $222,803 $388,775 Disbursed as Scholarships $39,600 $45,600 Total Expenses Excess of Revenue Over Expenses Fund Balances, Beginning of Year Fund Balances, Year End

$571,519

$745,628

$430,577 $1,887,098 $2,317,675

$435,523 $1,451,575 $1,887,098

For information on the Foundation, including scholarship applications, supported research programs or to donate, visit ohtf.ca 20 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

NEW MEMBERS DURHAM 1052399 Ontario Limited O/A Pavemar Paving Aldo Elia 130 Stephensbrook Cir Stouffville, ON L4A 0G4 Tel: 416-292-9050 Membership Type: Active

GEORGIAN LAKELANDS 964073 ON Ltd O/A Cox Roofing Systems Wayne Cox 1994 Valleystream Dr Sudbury, ON P3A 6A9 Tel: 800-461-8339 Membership Type: Active

Michelle’s Topsoil (1450967 ON Ltd) Michelle Mailhiot 8078 Hwy 26 RR2 Stayner, ON L0M 1S0 Tel: 705-444-4845 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Northern Rock Ltd

Patrick Bongers 1-2374 Highway 11 N Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1R1 Tel: 705-644-0103 Membership Type: Associate

Precision Grounds

Matthew Duits 63 Garbutt Cres Collingwood, ON L9Y 3Y9 Tel: 705-430-2121 Membership Type: Active

Taylor Sheet Metal Ltd

Darryl Taylor 2652 Lasalle Blvd Sudbury, ON P3A 4R7 Tel: 705-560-4435 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

The Tiny Gardener

Lisa Hunter 1 Little Lake Dr Barrie, ON L4M 7B9 Tel: 705-305-2822 Membership Type: Interim

GOLDEN HORSESHOE Lions Gate Construction Inc Noah Capuano 723 Glancaster Rd Mount Hope, ON L0R 1W0 Tel: 416-834-9251 Membership Type: Active

Nic’s Maintenance and/or Nicholas Micallef

Nick Micallef 522 Lakeside Rd Fort Erie, ON L2A 4Y1 Tel: 905-658-7546 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Van Dyk Renovations and/or Nicholas VanDyk

Nick Van Dyk 1099 Concession 8 Waterford, ON N0E 1Y0 Tel: 519-717-1793 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Zwierschke Bros Ltd

Ross Zweirschke 1395 Station St Box 23 Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0 Tel: 905-892-2634 Membership Type: Associate

LONDON General Maintenance Services (1075177 Ontario Ltd) Ed Britney 1185 Michener Rd PO Box 744 Sarnia, ON N7T 7J7 Tel: 519-330-9730 Membership Type: Active

Van Horik’s Landscaping Inc Matthew Teske 1458 Sunningdale Rd E London, ON N5X 3Y6 Tel: 519-871-7737 Membership Type: Interim

OTTAWA Ashton Insurance Inc

Stephanie LeBlanc 3055 Apple Hill Dr Ottawa, ON K1T 321 Tel: 613-247-1739 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Paw Snow Removal

Shane Gibb 7 Mcfarlane Crt Whitby, ON L1N 5T9 Tel: 289-385-2903 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Timberscapes Inc

Devin Ward 64 North St Box 223 Georgina, ON L0E 1R0 Tel: 905-251-7422 Membership Type: Active

Dirt and Snow Inc

Trevor Jacobs 230 Gage Ave Kitchener, ON N2M 2C8 Tel: 519-502-710 Membership Type: Active

HBW Services and/or H Brad Wright Brad Wright 8 Pine Forest Dr Sauble Beach, ON N0H 2G0 Tel: 519-387-0194 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Trucore Forming Inc

Intrigue Media Solutions Inc

Brayden Middleton 2057 Lakeshore Rd W Oakville, ON L6L 1G6 Tel: 905-334-2374 Membership Type: Associate

Stefan Wiesen 55 Delhi St Guelph, ON N1E 4J7 Tel: 519-265-4933 Membership Type: Associate

UPPER CANADA Jon Curtis

WATERLOO

Jonathan Curtis 2965 Burnbrae Rd E Campbellford, ON K0L 1L0 Tel: 705-653-1310 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Wouda Horticultural

Arnold Wouda 83 Harrisburg Rd Paris, ON N3L 3E1 Tel: 519-774-0849 Membership Type: Associate

D.L. MacDonald Construction Ltd Gordon McCosham 5741 Hwy 138 Cornwall, ON K6K 1R9 Tel: 613-932-3173 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Michel Gauthier

Ottawa, ON Membership Type: Horticultural

TORONTO Benoit Construction

Manon Frenette 25 Harrowsmith Pl Richmond Hill, ON L4E 2K1 Tel: 647-649-0197 Membership Type: Associate

Fourteen Contracting Inc

Michael Alati 128 Pelee Ave Vaughan, ON L4H 3Z2 Tel: 647-868-5751 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Hotwire Electric

Hanna Taylor 54-588 Edward Ave Richmond Hill, ON L4C 9Y6 Tel: 416-553-5533 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

MH Landscaping Group Ltd Christopher Harris 125 Cavell Ave King City, ON L7B 1A3 Tel: 866-433-2556 Membership Type: Active

josh.sparks@expresswaytrucks.com

www.expresswaytrucks.com Expressway Trucks Windsor 3817 Essex Rd 46, Maidstone, ON. N0R 1K0

Expressway Trucks Waterloo 2943 Cedar Creek Rd, Ayr, ON. N0B1E0

Expressway Trucks London 125 Towerline Place, London, ON. N6E 2T3

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 21

PROFESSIONAL NEWS Brisbin Brook Beynon Architects

Vineland reports on latest innovations Vineland Research and Innovation Centre recently released its latest annual report that shares updates and findings of a number of research projects dedicated to horticultural science and innovation.

The 2018-2019 Innovation Report contains articles of interest to landscape and horticulture profession, dealing with everything from automated harvesting to biological pest and disease control and urban tree survivability.

In the report, the availability and cost of labour are cited as two of the greatest challenges facing horticulture growers today. Vineland is working with mushroom and cucumber growers to create technologies that can help automate harvesting to deal with the labour issue.

Developing new crops for Canadian growers to sell on the world market is a large part of Vineland’s mission. Travis Banks, Vineland’s bioinformatics research scientist has been testing six new varieties of tomatoes that will result in one clear winner by 2020.

Only 60 per cent of consumers say they like the most common choices sold in grocery stores, and Banks is hoping his work will help to fill the void.

Darby McGrath, Vineland’s nursery and landscape research sci-

symposium Join us for the Awards of Excellence Ceremony for Garden Centres Retail program winners will be announced!

January 9, 2019 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Toronto Congress Centre

Digital Marketing for Garden Centres: Building a Healthy Ecosystem For details and registration, visit

LOcongress.com

Businesses of all sizes are converting traditional media budgets to digital marketing. Navigating the changing landscape of the web and web advertising is a challenge. We will examine some tips, tricks, and best practices for creating healthy digital ecosystems.

Presented by Zachary O’Connor, Web Conductors Inc.

22 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

Architects around the world are now considering plants as an integral part of a buildings design.

entist is working on a unique project pictured above with architect, Brian Brisbin, that integrates a vertical forest of up to 500 trees with a luxury condo building in Toronto. In an effort to grow the urban tree canopy in a new direction, cities around the world are incorporating plants and trees into the design of urban buildings that goes well beyond a green roof or balcony garden.

Work by a team of Vineland researches is helping ornamental greenhouse growers to use organisms instead of chemicals to control pests and diseases. Rose Buitenhuis, Vineland’s biological control research scientist, and Ashley Summerfield, biological control research technician, say not only can biocontrols help to reduce costs, growers are also very happy with the improved health and safety for workers.

For a number of years, Vineland has been looking into factors that determine the survivability of trees planted along roadways and in large urban areas. The report includes a case study that shows how species selection and planting practices developed as a result of that research has been used in partnership with Highway of Heroes Living Tribute Campaign. Adopting the guidelines developed through years of research will help to ensure trees planted along the stretch of Highway 401 from Toronto to Trenton will help to ensure a healthy, lasting memorial to Canada’s war dead.

Located in the Niagara Region, Vineland is an independent, notfor-profit organization, funded in part by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Vineland researchers work together to deliver innova-

tive products and production solutions that address the needs of the horticulture industry and advance Canada’s research and commercialization agenda.

The 40-page report can be found online at gfl.me/h4hd.

INTERNATIONAL PLANT PROPAGATORS RECOGNIZE PEGGY WALSH CRAIG

Peggy Walsh Craig recently received the 2018 Award of Merit from the Eastern Region of the International Plant Propagators’ Society (IPPS) at their annual meeting in Newark, Delaware.

The Award of Merit is the Region’s highest award, given for exceptional service to the Society and to the advancement of the field of propagation and production. Walsh Craig was previously elected as a Fellow of the Eastern Region of the IPPS at their 2009 conference in Cleveland, OH. An IPPS member since 1979, Walsh Craig has contributed unselfishly to IPPS. She served as a Director on the Eastern Region Board from 2007-2010, and as President of the Region in 2015. She has served on numerous committees over the years, most notably Long-Range Planning and as Chair of the Publicity Committee.

IPPS Eastern Region Past President, Dale Pierson presents the award to Peggy Walsh Craig.

She is currently completing a two-year term as Eastern Region Alternate Delegate to the IPPS International Board of Directors. The Eastern Region has benefited from Peggy’s keen editorial eye, which she turns toward the monthly newsletter and toward the Society’s Constitution and Operations Manual, where she has spearheaded reviews and revisions.

She has assisted in arranging area meetings, coordinated tours, and presented papers at annual meetings. Peggy served

on the IPPS Eastern Region Foundation Board of Directors for three years where she is currently serving as secretary.

Peggy is an advocate for IPPS, frequently telling growers, “You should belong to IPPS! It’s the very best organization in the business for production and propagation information.”

After graduating from the University of Guelph in horticulture in 1976, Walsh Craig worked for 10 years in wholesale nurseries in southern Ontario. She helped

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PROFESSIONAL NEWS grow, sell and ship tens of thousands of trees and shrubs. She also worked at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, Ont., for a year as a Plant Records Technician. Walsh Craig has published over 100 articles in trade journals and gardening magazines.

From 1991-2011, Walsh Craig was the Managing Director of the Canadian Ornamental Plant Foundation (COPF). COPF provided effective solutions in the management of propagation rights to growers and breeders for the benefit of the industry for 50 years. Peggy worked to educate the ornamentals industry both inside and outside Canada about plant patents and Plant Breeders’ Rights. Under Peggy’s direction of COPF, gross royalty income for ornamental plant breeders grew by 500 per cent as she turned a fledgling entity into a world-class organization.

Walsh Craig has also worked hard on numerous conservation issues. Peggy’s daughter, Mariah, states that her mother,

“has always been ahead of her time when it comes to being environmentally friendly.”

HELP TO BUILD A STRONG AGRICULTURE LABOUR FORCE

Canada’s agriculture sector is poised for growth, as the global market for Canadian agricultural products expands to meet the demands of an ever-increasing world population. However, this sector faces significant workforce challenges that could jeopardize its growth potential and contribution to the national economy.

Every province and commodity in Canada is affected by chronic and significant labour shortages.

To ensure a healthy future for agriculture in Canada, it is urgent that the agriculture industry find and implement solutions to address the looming workforce crisis.

The Canadian Agricultural Human

party '19

WED. JANUARY 9th

Join your fellow Congress delegates for a fun-filled evening!

Delta Hotels Toronto Airport, Plaza Ballroom (upstairs), 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Your trade show badge is your admission ticket.

That’s right; no fee to attend!

24 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

Resource Council (CAHRC) research is conducting a Labour Market Information (LMI) survey until Nov. 30, 2018. to help to better clarify labour shortage issues and to determine if the labour shortage and agricultural job vacancies are growing.

All farm owner-operators, agricultural workers and supporting stakeholder groups can help by providing valuable input to guide future action on workforce issues.

By understanding workforce needs, the agricultural industry can then present the new research to policy makers.

LMI for the agriculture industry helps us understand the current state of farm labour and accurately forecasts requirements for the next 10 years by province, commodity and occupation.

Please take 10-15 minutes to help in building a sustainable workforce of the future. A link to the online survey can be found online at gfl.me/h4j6.

The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) is a national, non-profit organization focused on addressing human resource issues facing agricultural businesses across Canada. Over the past ten years, the Council has worked with industry stakeholders to quantify labour requirements and trends.

Monday January 7, 2019

Tried, Tested and True

Join this interactive workshop — networking with other business owners just like you, for real-time frank discussions on business including: • Improving your bench strength • Make changes that STICK • Put ideas into action

Jacki Hart, CLM Consulting By Hart

REGISTRATION FEES $120 for Members until December 14 $160 for Members after December 14 Held in conjunction with Congress ’19.

Visit LOcongress.com to register or for more information.

LABOUR SHORTAGE SURVEY PROVIDES TIPS TO EMPLOYERS

A recent report by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) says there is no relief in sight for the country’s current labour shortage that affects nearly 40 per cent of all small and medium-sized businesses. The report also warns employers can expect the shortage to continue for at least a decade.

Labour Shortage: Here to Stay, shares the findings of a BDC survey conducted from over 1,200 entrepreneurs, as well as historical and projected data on the growth rate of the work force in Canada.

Released in Sept. 2018, the report says the shortage is “in part, due to the strong demand for workers generated by robust economic growth here and around the world.”

Data collected from the survey also helps to paint a clear picture of which provinces, sectors and business sizes are most affected by the long-term labour shortage.

Part four of the five-part report is titled, “What can you do?” and includes hiring strategies to empower business owners to help cope with the shortage. The report explains how to develop an employee

value proposition to sell the merits of the business to both new and existing staff, how to stand out from competitors with a flexible work environment, and tips on hiring immigrant workers as well as less-qualified and younger staff.

Statistics in the report also illustrate the benefits of having strong human resources policies to find and retain top workers, including an employee manual, detailed job descriptions and a clear organization chart.

For a link to the full report, visit gfl.me/h4mi.

A.M.A. PLASTICS REBRANDS AS A.M.A. HORTICULTURE

Landscape Ontario member, A.M.A. Plastics has changed its name to A.M.A. Horticulture. The Kingsville, Ont.-based supplier is known for propagation supplies, including Ellepots, Al’s Flower Pouch and the RootSmart system.

The name change reflects the company’s focus on solutions for horticulture professionals. “A.M.A. has always been fully immersed in horticulture,” said Connie Bradt-Monsma, Managing Director at A.M.A. “This name change is our declaration of who we truly are as a company and, more importantly, who we serve.”

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EXECUTIVE DESK We’ve got your back Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO Executive Director

B

usiness ownership is lonely. You are ultimately responsible to make things happen. Everything revolves around you.

Challenges of business ownership

Your job is to find work, execute that work and satisfy your clients. You have to nurture your team, recruit, retain, train and pay employees. You are responsible for creating a positive culture that keeps your staff-team motivated. You develop systems and processes that make your business run properly and efficiently. You monitor finances, cash flow and collections. You spend a lot of time dealing with banks and insurance companies. You manage risks against lawsuits. The everincreasing burden of government regulations seems like a constantly changing obstacle course you must solve. Competition can be fierce and resemble war.

Time pressures can create huge challenges for your family life. You often work too many hours, on too low a margin, for not enough profit. A market shift or wrong decision could mean the end of the entire organization you have built. You do not have a safety net. An employee can turn to unemployment insurance. You can’t.

Benefits of business ownership

Describing the many perils, responsibilities and risks of business ownership this way would make most aspiring entrepreneurs run for the hills. But on the flip side of these many challenges is the thrill that comes from making your vision a reality, and creating an organization that feeds and nurtures an extended family.

Through the maze of barriers, you create beautiful landscapes that enhance the lives of your customers and the public for generations to come. What you do for a living provides economic, environmental, therapeutic, health and aesthetic

benefits. You leave a positive legacy, make a lasting contribution and make life better.

An association by definition

Humans are not designed to be alone.

We are all interdependent. We share, and we learn from each other. This is why Landscape Ontario was created. We exist to bring together a group of individuals with common interests and experiences to collectively help each other to improve. We are each other’s prosperity partners. We are an informal peer-to-peer group. Everything Landscape Ontario does is focused on helping you to grow and prosper. We are a community for mutual improvement and benefit focused on realizing a vision of a prosperous, professional, recognized, valued and contribution-oriented profession.

The roots of our existence are even in our name: Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association. By definition, the word “association” is, “a group of people organized for a common purpose,” or “a cooperative link between people.”

In order to fully unlock the full benefit of Landscape Ontario, you must follow this definition. You must cooperate. You must engage and participate. It’s wonderful that you pay member dues and support a strong organization, but we want more from you. We want you to participate, engage, benefit, grow and contribute.

There are so many ways to participate. Come to Congress, read the magazines, attend a chapter meeting, take a professional development seminar. Consider volunteering for a sector group or committee. Whatever your passion or interest, we have a program, activity or event designed to help you learn, prosper, expand your network and contribute to the overall growth of the landscape and horticulture profession.

Although I described the association as an informal peer-to-peer group, we do have a formal Peer to Peer Network that many LO member business owners say is one of our best-kept secret benefits. There are three components to our program: Face-to-face sessions: Up to five

26 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

sessions are held throughout the year at various locations across Ontario. The first session of the year is held on the Monday before Congress. This is where participants set the agenda and themes for the year based on the needs, goals and interests of those participating. Sessions are facilitated and coordinated by program manager, Jacki Hart. Jacki is a seasoned veteran who operated a successful landscape business for decades. She is now totally focused on helping others to identify their weaknesses and set their goals high in order to reach their next level of success. Jacki has an extensive network of coaches and specialists who participate as guest lecturers and ensure relevancy.

Online forum: Members of LO’s Peer to Peer Network are very active online via a private Facebook group page and private LinkedIn group. Here, business owners can post a question to members of the group and instantly get answers and advice on how other business owners deal with issues, suppliers or clients. Some have even got business from their peers. The conversations are so valuable because they are real life issues coming from real, honest, hardworking people.

Peer mentoring: With such a diverse group of like-minded individuals working so closely together other the yearly sessions, the group has evolved. Some participants take on the role of mentors, discovering a passion to help other improve, while others have formed trusted friendships that will continue to last a lifetime. LO’s peer group really is a true reflection of the community for mutual improvement and benefit.

If you are an LO business owner and would like to join the group, simply send me an email. It’s part of your LO membership. You don’t need to be alone. We’ve got your back.

Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at tony@landscapeontario.com.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

It’s business as usual for Landscape Ontario home office staff working from a temporary office in Milton.

It’s crunch time

By Denis Flanagan CLD LO Manager of Membership and Public Relations

E

ven though it can get a little crowded (and noisy) some days in Landscape Ontario’s temporary offices in downtown Milton, Ont., members can rest assured it is business as usual as we eagerly await the completion of renovations to our home office building over at 7856 Fifth Line South.

Even during one of our busiest months, your trade show department is in full-swing, making preparations for Congress (less than two months away), and your membership department has survived a last minute, possibly record number of entries for this year’s Awards of Excellence program.

Judging of the entries has already begun, and so far, the contenders this year are a great representation of the outstanding quality of work being carried out by LO members across the province.

On the financial side of things, the membership team has been busy sending out dues invoices, processing payments, taking payments by phone and

sending out reminders to busy members to pay their dues. Final notices were sent by mail (before any postal strike), followed by a recorded phone call in late October. All business owners know from experience that keeping revenues up-todate and continually crunching numbers is an essential part of business success.

Your association’s year end falls on August 31, so not only has LO’s controller, Joe Sabatino, been busy with dues invoicing, payments and balancing the books, he also spent a lot of time last month with the auditors who come in each year to verify the association’s year end financial statements (those will be included next month with LO’s 2018 Annual Report).

Joe appears on the far left in the photo above. He truly does an amazing job managing the finances of your association — and with professionalism as well. To Joe’s right is Robert Ellidge, LO magazine, enews and website editor.

The reason Robert is leaning on the back of the chair is because he had his very own “crunch time” during a recent hockey tournament, and fractured his ankle. Myscha Stafford, your Membership Services Coordinator is sitting in the chair looking angelic. Myscha actually showed her tough side when she took over the role of awards coordinator and demanded there be no exceptions to the awards

entry deadline — and it worked! Speaking of deadlines, next are Kim Burton, Art Director and Mike Wasiliewski, Multimedia Designer, the talented duo who are responsible for creating and producing all the amazing artwork for our publications, print materials and electronic communications. Next on the right is Angela Lindsay, Communications Coordinator, who maintains our member database and supports our sales team. And finally, Meghan Greaves, Membership Assistant, is seated in the forefront, exactly for that reason. Meghan is the first person members speak to when they phone the LO office and is in charge of new member applications and renewals. She is an integral part of supporting all departments of Landscape Ontario.

Your education and human resources department is busy finalizing LO’s displays for Canada Blooms and administering our annual Professional Development Seminar series that kicked off earlier this month.

In addition, we continue to support and strengthen relationships with several other organizations and educational institutions, by attending meetings, sitting on various committees, advisory boards, etc.

Most importantly, we will be holding several planning sessions this winter to make sure we are providing support and value to our members. As always, we welcome any feedback, suggestions or ideas.

Denis Flanagan can be reached at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com or at 905-875-1805, ext. 2303.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 27

MEMBERSHIP Show me the money!

By Myscha Stafford LO Membership and Chapter Coordinator

L

ast month, some of Landscape Ontario’s home office staff attended a presentation by one of the ‘big banks’ that dealt with what I consider to be a daunting topic — retirement. If you were to take a survey, I think you would find that most Canadians don’t plan to retire at age 65. For some, just the thought of saving money for their post-career years is very stressful. With the huge increase in housing costs over the past 10 years alone, a single, fulltime salaried job is often just enough to get by, let alone help to prepare you for your golden years. While your Landscape Ontario membership may not bring you closer to your retirement savings goals, it can certainly help you to save a lot of money right now.

Save on education

LO’s Professional Development Seminar Series kicked off this November, offering over 100 seminars on topics such as arboriculture, irrigation, design, and safety. On average, LO members save over $100 per person for these seminars.

If you are looking to stay up-to-date with current trends and legislation, this seminar series is a great way to train your staff in a cost-effective manner.

Save on insurance

As the weather gets colder and some contractors are sending out snow contracts to clients, it’s a good time to also think about your insurance costs. LO members can get discounted rates on business insurance by using the HortProtect program. HortProtect offers group benefit plans for you and your staff for critical things such as: life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, dental care and other health benefits.

Custom-built for the needs of the

profession, it’s a great opportunity to lower your business expenses. If you have any questions about the benefits available to LO members through HortProtect, please email hortprotect@canadanursery.com.

Legal advice 24 hours a day

LO members have access to 24/7 legal advice through the DAS Commercial Legal Advice Helpline Program. This exclusive access allows you to receive confidential, general legal advice and information over the phone relating to any legal problem. There is no usage limit.

The service is very helpful to determine your legal rights and options under the laws of Ontario and Canada.

Pre-made contracts and templates

Rather than spending time and money developing your own contracts, Landscape Ontario has many templates available for your business that have been developed by experts by way of LO sector groups. These documents are then scrutinized by lawyers before being made available. With snow season (and a salt shortage to boot), LO members are frequently accessing the Standard Form Snow and Ice Maintenance Contract that contains general terms and conditions that apply to all projects. LO also issued a letter that contractors can personalize to inform clients of the factors behind the salt shortage. For links to these templates, visit HortTrades.com/ salt-shortage-resources-page.

In addition, templates and guidelines have been developed over the years for things like tree planting, lighting, irrigation and grounds maintenance. These initiatives help to ensure standards are met within the various sectors and help to save you time and resources.

Through partners like Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), LO members also get access to forms, templates, sample policies and reporting tools that are shared

28 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

via LO enews, HortTrades.com and LO magazine (all member benefits as well).

Save on Congress

LO members can get a free trade show pass that is valid for all three days of Congress, including admission to the Tailgate Party. If you choose to buy your Congress pass, one-day or full Conference Pass, or register for one of the many educational offerings, LO members receive special pricing on those as well.

Take advantage of special eary bird pricing until Dec. 14 and save even more.

Member savings programs

Now that you’ve saved thousands of dollars on your new work truck (courtesy of your LO member benefits), you can also save money protecting that new investment with a member-only discount with Krown Rust Control. Take advantage of one of three fuel savings programs (Esso, Petro Canada or UPI Energy) next time you fill up the tank of that truck and your annual savings will easily cover the cost of your LO member dues. When you’re ready for new tires, there’s a member savings program with Michelin as well.

Why stop there? LO members also enjoy savings on equipment items from Caterpillar, ECHO and Shindaiwa, and other programs include 10 per cent off commercial truck rentals through Enterprise and a 15 per cent discount on Choice Hotel rates. Member savings programs are available on everything from clothing and work wear to cell phone rate plans.

If you are not sure of the many financial benefits to being a member, you can always attend a local chapter meeting to find out. Many chapter meetings include a free lunch or dinner if you RSVP in advance. And the $15 you saved on that meal can be put aside for your retirement. See, LO really does help you save money for your golden years!

Myscha can be reached at myscha@landscapeontario.com or 1-800-265-5656 ext. 2333.

UNDERGROUND WORLD Does advertising to homeowners produce results?

By Terry Murphy CLM

I

have often wondered if the damage prevention industry advertising campaigns really work and to what degree. The Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) advertises both the Dig Safe and Call Before You Dig messages to the public via various methods. This month, I will look into this question using some data from the ORCGA DIRT Report.

Over the past few years, homeowners have accounted for about 15 per cent of all annual utility hits — almost equal to the number of hits by the landscape sector. For both groups, these numbers are way too high. The average homeowner who plants a tree or shrub, doesn’t really know what utilities are underground or even where they may be located on their property.

Why would they? They are focused on the above ground results, and not what dangers may lurk underground. If you asked the public about utility hits and locates, they probably wouldn’t know what you are talking about.

Factors to consider

There are a number of considerations when analyzing the damage prevention industry advertising targeted to homeowners. Industry stakeholders have conducted a number of initiatives over the past few years aimed at reducing the number of homeowner hits. Factors include: the amount of money spent on advertising ON1CALL and the Dig Safe message (print, radio and television), number of homeowners reached at various home and gardens shows (including Canada Blooms / National Home Show), messaging on monthly Union Gas and Enbridge invoices, various events, and visibility of Dig Safe logo and messaging on vehicles, etc. These various initiatives take a lot of effort and funding to reach the public, but are they paying off?

Measurement criteria

It is very difficult to quantify the exact number of people who may happen to see the Dig Safe logo, or notice it on their monthly gas bill. For this reason, I have instead selected two main industry statistics to use for my investigation. First, the actual number of utility hits made by homeowners, and second, a comparison of the annual hits to the total industry hits across the province.

The basis for the data in the table below is taken from the ORCGA DIRT Report. Looking at the table, we see the actual number of hits by homeowners varies from year to year, as it does with excavating contractors. Therefore, the key indicator I have selected is the actual number of homeowner hits compared to the total number of industry hits in any one year as a percentage.

The results

Table 1 shows there is a relative downward trend in the annual number of homeowner hits. This is not conclusive, however, because the variations could be a result of the amount of data collected in any one year. The total number of industry hits can also vary each year, because the total number of job sites also fluctuates. However, if you look at the homeowner hits compared to the total industry hits, you will see a steady downward trend of about one per cent each year.

Findings

The downward trend for homeowners has gone from 18.1 per cent to 12.3 per cent over the past four years — almost one per cent each year. This good news would lead me to believe that our advertising and promotional activities are producing results.

Enbridge Gas Distribution advertisements

Enbridge has developed a series of graphics that promote the real cost of damage to homeowners. They have been included with monthly invoices and shared via social media. They focus on why the public should be concerned with the cost of damages and promote the ClickBeforeYouDig.com website.

Conclusion

Despite a number of advertising initiatives aimed at homeowners over the past few years, they continue to be responsible for about 15 per cent of all utility hits in the province. However, the number of hits is going down at an annual rate of about one per cent, when compare to the hits responsible for contractors and industry. Our goal is to see solid reductions for both sectors over the next couple of years and new tools and stakeholder participation will continue to be a big part of that effort.

Terry Murphy can be reached at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net.

TABLE 1

YEAR HOMEOWNER INDUSTRY HOMEOWNER PERCENTAGE

HITS HITS OF INDUSTRY HITS 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

857 4,853 906 5,006 623 3,872 651 4,695 599 4,597 631 5,149

17.7% 18.1% 16.1% 13.9% 13.0% 12.3%

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 29

PROSPERITY PARTNERS Self reflection — a paradigm shift

By Jacki Hart CLM Prosperity Partners Program Manager

L

ast month, one of our Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network members, Lindsey Ross, President of Living Green Landscapes in Winchester, Ont., posted a deeply sincere and important message on the peer group’s private Facebook page. The day Lindsey posted his message was the one year anniversary of the suicide death of one of his employees. Lindsey’s message was clear: look after your staff, treat them well, listen to them, support them on a holistic level whenever you can, and build a culture where you watch out for, and take concern for each other.

Lindsey is a Millennial. He is a perfect example of the paradigm shift emerging in Millennial-built teams and businesses over the past few years. Many business owners in our profession grew up with the industrial era mind-set that people in a business are a commodity to be managed in order to grow profit.

The paradigm shift that’s now very evident in progressive business teams, is that money is the commodity to be managed, in order to grow the people. Author, motivational speaker, and organizational consultant, Simon Sinek, discusses this concept in great detail and with his thought-provoking style in his book, Leaders Eat Last.

It takes a dedicated entrepreneur, determined to grow their team and solve staffing issues, to realize how crucial this timely paradigm shift really is. It takes the intentional act of self-reflection as a first step to start shifting focus from what we can’t control (ie: the labour market), to focusing on what we can control (growing the people we have and attracting more like them).

I, personally, charged head-long through many formative and middle years running my own landscape company, focusing on profit, efficiency and top line growth. It took a major health event and

a few weeks in hospital to finally snap me out of it. Only then did I experience the value of stepping back to get clarity and carve out a smarter path. Self-reflection was the key.

Self-reflection ensures the time for business owners and top level managers to contemplate rather than produce, to analyze rather than invent, and to stay present in daily affairs. There are lots of questions you can ask yourself and your team, which require a pause in default routines, as well as default activity. One of the most effective ways I’ve seen this process happen recently, is through management teams making the time to step away and hold a strategic thinking retreat.

There is a huge return on investment for making the time for a one- or two-day ‘think-tank’ style get-away. Sometimes an outside facilitator can listen and then offer a fresh perspective, along with helping to manage discussions when there’s disagreement or tension. With a little bit of preparation and structure, having a pause in the rapid fire pace of daily business can inspire self-reflection and allow great new ideas to surface. While it might seem like an expensive idea, ask yourself what it costs your company to NOT take hold of real issues and solve expensive problems (ie: lost opportunities in revenue from being short staffed, repeating the high cost of recruiting, training and onboarding a steady stream of new employees every year).

30 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

“Clarity Precedes Mastery.”

I’ve mentioned this famous quotation many times before, and it’s worth mentioning again. In my experience, when a business is faced with chronic challenges, it’s time for clarity. You really can’t master anything if you don’t have total clarity on what the issues really are, what you can and can’t control, and what you can influence if you put your mind to it.

I’m proud to say that active members in our Landscape Ontario Peer to Peer Network have greater clarity on many levels of their business, now more than ever.

And their success continues to grow on all levels of their business. At our Muskoka Summit last month, many in the group reported their employee turnover and recruiting issues have all but disappeared. Why? Because they’ve spent the past few years working together as peers, reflecting on their real-time business issues, delving into many key issues around people, profit and processes.

They have emerged on the other side with what I believe is a higher than average rate of employee retention, engagement and growth.

Self-reflective activities work well to improve business results. Whether through focused facilitated discussion groups with your professional peers, or just with your own team, making the time to “step out of the box” on a regular basis brings a huge return on investment, both in time and money.

Jacki Hart may be reached at info.peertopeer@landscapeontario.com.

LO member business owners can join our peer mentorship and learning program for FREE! Post questions and get answers online.

You don’t have to figure things out on your own. Your peers can help!

JOIN US AT CONGRESS

Our next session will take place Jan. 7, 2019 at Congress. Learn how to find new team members, implement new ideas, and make them stick!

IT’S EASY TO JOIN

Visit HortTrades.com/p2p or email signup.peertopeer@landscapeontario.com

CLASSIFIEDS Rates: $50.85 (HST included) per column inch Deadline: 20th day of the month prior to issue date.

Space is limited. To advertise: E-mail name, phone number and ad to classifieds@landscapeontario. com. Online advertising: Website only ads are available. Website ads are posted for 31 days. Visit horttrades.com/classifieds.

Post employment ads for free online at landscape.jobs.

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519-688-0437

Page 25

www.sipkensnurseries.com

866-843-0438

Page 10

wallaceshev.com

905-878-2355

Page 9

Bay King Chrysler Canadale Nurseries Ltd

GoGPS Great Lakes Wood Products Inc. Metal Pless Inc. Newroads National Leasing Nisco National Leasing Potters Road Nursery Inc. Sipkens Nurseries Ltd. Wallace Chevrolet

Monday January 7, 2019 A full day event including keynote speakers, lunch, supplier showcase and prizes.

Held in conjunction with Congress ’19.

REGISTRATION FEE: $120 per ticket until December 14. $160 per ticket after December 14.

For details and registration, visit LOcongress.com

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 31

CANADA’S PREMIER GREEN INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW AND CONFERENCE GEORGE KOUROUNIS, CONFERENCE LUNCHEON KEYNOTE ON TUES. JAN 8

JANUARY 8,9 & 10, 2019 TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, TORONTO, ONTARIO

FEATURING GARDEN EXPO AND FENCECRAFT

EDUCATION

PARTNERS

THURSDAY JANUARY 10TH

Free Event, Register Online at contractorshowcase.com

REGISTER AT

32 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2018

LOCONGRESS.COM