Landscape Ontario - November 2014

November 2014 www.horttrades.com

GOOD SHOW!

Richard Reed of Lawn Life meets Pinball Clemons at LO’s Garden and Floral Expo 2014

PM 40013519

Show coverage starts on page 4

JANUARY 6-8, 2015 TORONTO CONGRESS CENTRE, TORONTO, ONTARIO

Canada’s Premier Green Industry Trade Show and Conference

Don't miss these keynote presenters!

MONDAY JANUARY 5 TUESDAY JANUARY 6

IPM SYMPOSIUM KEYNOTE

Teamwork and Leadership presented by

MICHAEL ‘PINBALL’ CLEMONS

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER KEYNOTE

GET OUT! Designing Landscapes That Bring Everyone Outside Again presented by

JULIE MOIR MESSERVY

OPENING KEYNOTE

Protecting Pollinators: Why Bees are Struggling and How We Can Help presented by

NIGEL RAINE MA, DPhil (Oxon.)

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 7 THURSDAY JANUARY 8

REGISTER NOW! LOCONGRESS.COM

OPENING KEYNOTE

Eco-cities: Adopting Nature’s Technology in Urban Landscape Design

OPENING KEYNOTE

MARK SIMMONS Ph.D.

presented by

presented by

Wit, Fit and Balance: Strategies for Success!

MEG SOPER

#ReConnect #ReInvent #ReEnergize #LOcongress

2 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014

S’ LOGO

SUMERS’ RS’ LOGO , Website edia, etc.)

ON LOGO

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Did you hear about free legal advice?

By Dave Braun LO president

I

t sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?

Every Landscape Ontario member now has access to no-cost legal advice. In this industry, it would be exceptionally rare to find a nurseryman, garden centre owner or landscape contractor with a lawyer on retainer, but now we can all have the confidence that comes with having one, without the expense.

LO has partnered with DAS Canada, a full-service specialist in legal expense insurance.

When you call the DAS toll-free line at 1-877-832-7534, you will be connected to legal counsel. It’s as easy as dialing the number between 8 a.m. and midnight, seven days a week. You can discuss your issue thoroughly over the telephone for as long as it takes. Most issues and questions can be resolved at this step.

If the issue needs more attention than can be provided over the phone, they will arrange for a 30-minute in-person free

Formerly Horticulture Review

November, 2014 • Volume 32, No. 11 horttrades.com Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario.

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Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department Landscape Ontario 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8 Canada

consultation. Any fees after that would be at a discounted rate of 25 per cent on what a lawyer would typically charge. LO has sent out information on the program in the membership renewals.

We all know that legal matters can rack up significant costs, which are particularly damaging to small- and mediumsized businesses. These costs could potentially bankrupt companies facing legal disputes. This partnership offers a fully comprehensive list of areas in which DAS will provide legal counsel. Some examples include: • Employment disputes: An employee is dismissed from work for being late and missing important meetings.She is fired, and commences a wrongful dismissal action.

• Legal defence: A garden centre owner performed a citizen’s arrest on a shoplifter and was charged with a criminal offence.

• Contract disputes and debt recovery: A client incorrectly alleges your company did not provide all the services agreed upon, and so has refused to pay his account.

• Statutory licence protection: The city stops your company from operating because of a zoning issue.

Publisher Lee Ann Knudsen CLP lak@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-7557 Editorial director Sarah Willis sarahw@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5424 Editor Allan Dennis adennis@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5345 Graphic designer Mike Wasilewski mikew@landscapeontario.com, 647-723-5343 Sales manager Steve Moyer stevemoyer@landscapeontario.com, 416-848-0708 Integrated solutions representative 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 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO STAFF Shawna Barrett, Darryl Bond, Kim Burton, Myscha Burton, Tony DiGiovanni CHT, Rob Ellidge, Denis Flanagan CLD, Sally Harvey CLT CLP, Jane Leworthy, Heather MacRae, Allie McInnes, Kristen McIntyre CHT, Kathy McLean, Linda Nodello, Kathleen Pugliese, Ian Service, Tom Somerville, Martha Walsh

Views expressed are those of the writer concerned. Landscape Ontario assumes no responsibility for the validity or correctness of any opinions or references made by the author. Copyright 2014, reproduction or the use of whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Published 12x per year. Rates and deadlines are available on request. Subscription price: $43.51 per year (HST included). For subscription and address changes, please e-mail subscriptions@landscapeontario.com

• Property protection: A neighbour is interfering with your business by repeatedly parking his vehicles on the property.

• Tax protection: A company has received a notice of tax audit.

Some examples of simple advice include: • A company’s CFO wants to know if she is in a conflict of interest • An office was robbed and confidential information was stolen. Does the company have to notify its clients?

• A business wants to terminate an employee. How does it do this and what are his/her rights in the matter?

• What is the relevance of a shareholder agreement?

• What kind of licence does a company need to operate its business?

• Is it necessary to make provisional installments for PST or HST? • Should a company hire someone as an employee, or on a contractual basis?

• Can a landlord increase the rent without prior notice?

LO members no longer need to struggle to arrive at a resolution about a legal matter, or wonder about the possible legal consequences of a workplace decision.

Simply by calling DAS, you will have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re making a well-informed decision... and there’s nothing to joke about that.

Dave Braun may be reached at dbraun@landscapeontario.com.

4 8 10 12 14 16 20 21 22 23 26 31 31

FEATURES EXPO Courtland Waterloo Greening London VMP Congress

ASSOCIATION NEWS VOLUNTEER PROFILE New Members EVENTS Industry NEWS COLUMNS Classifieds Ad Index

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 3

Attendees took advantage of the opportunity to see what’s new on the market through face-to-face networking.

Expo celebrates 15th year with lots of wow factor The 15th edition of Garden and Floral Expo experienced two days of positive reaction from both attendees and exhibitors.

Along with the traditional plants and decor, this year’s Expo featured some well-known alumni of the CFL, Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons and Matt Dunigan. It all added to the positive atmosphere at this year’s event.

Show manager Heather MacRae, Director of Events and Trade Shows for Landscape Ontario, said that most people she spoke with had positive comments about the show. “We had some great feedback on Design Day and about the overall feel of the show.”

Chair of the Expo show committee, Michael Van Dongen, said, “A wonderful show once again! Our 15th year was amazing. I find with all our schedules these days, it’s still really nice to commit the time to slow down and talk with fellow industry people. It’s always a pleasure seeing what’s new and sharing stories of the year.”

Attendance at the 2014 show, held Oct. 22 and 23, reflected last year’s num-

4 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014

bers. One prospective exhibitor scouting the show, who asked to remain nameless, said that what he really liked about Expo was that there were so many nursery company decision makers present in the booths. “That fact makes it very worthwhile for buyers to attend this show,” he said.

MacRae said many first-time exhibitors say they will be back next year.

“That’s a good sign,” said MacRae. See page 7 a letter from Heather MacRae on the re-invention of Expo.

The opening day of Expo was Design Day. It featured respected industry speakers, Jennifer Harvey, an international designer, Marc Prudhomme and Yves Renaud, both of Planterra, as well as Karl Stensson of Sheridan Nurseries.

Harvey gave a presentation, Winter Florals That Wow, and hosted a design contest featuring a competition with five talented designers. The Planterra speakers highlighted the latest in the commercial Christmas decor business. At the Welcoming Reception, Stensson introduced speakers talking about the Top Ten Tips.

Thursday was Down to Business Day. Kate Seaver, well-known for TV and magazine appearances, began the day’s presentations with a talk on managing seasonal staff. She was followed by former Loblaw vice president Peter Cantley, whose topic was on driving seasonal sales.

The final presentation of the day was

by Laurie Scullin, of The New Product Group, and Frank Zaunscherb, of ZRB and Glacier Digital. Their talk centred on branding a business.

New Product Showcase

This year’s New Product Showcase featured the latest retail products that will hit store floors in 2015. Products ranged from plants to equipment to specialty items.

One item that attracted a great deal of attention was the Never Alone rose, which is the new symbol of a national charity committed to improving the lives of people affected by cancer.

LO member J.C. Bakker and Sons, of St. Catharines, brought in CFL alumni Matt Dunigan and Michael ‘Pinball’ Clemons to promote the rose and foundation. Both athletes attracted a great deal of attention to the Bakker booth and the Never Alone campaign.

Founded by former CFL executive and Winnipeg Blue Bomber Alumnus Lyle

For the fourth consecutive year Maple Leaf Nurseries of Vineland won a best booth award.

Bauer, the Never Alone Foundation works to ensure no one enters the fight against cancer feeling alone. The CFL Alumni Association has joined with the Never Alone Foundation to assist in marketing the Never Alone Rose across Canada. In partnership with CNLA, the Never Alone rose will raise funds for the Foundation and for the CNLA’s Heritage Fund. Monies for both organizations will be collected as royalties.

Clemons will be the featured speaker at the 50th IPM Conference on Jan. 5 at Congress 2015.

Best booth awards

The best booth winner of Expo 2014 featured a familiar name. For the fourth consecutive year, Maple Leaf Nurseries of Vineland received the nod for the best booth over 200 sq. ft. “Maple Leaf Nurseries conceived a brilliant theme to inspire garden centres to boost their sales and profits,” said MacRae. The other winning exhibitor was MarCo Clay Stone, of Bright, which won for the best booth under 200 sq. ft.

“There was a definite ‘wow’ factor with some of the booths that are designed for Expo,” said MacRae. The judges used pre-determined criteria, which included lighting, cleanliness, safety, signage, product presentation and booth personnel.

Continued >

The New Products Showcase drew a great deal of attention at this year’s Expo.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 5

The booths were judged by Terry Childs, president of Nature’s Way Landscaping in Gananoque, and Martha Walsh, manager of the GreenTrade Expo in Ottawa.

“Maple Leaf Nurseries and MarCo Clay Stone put together booths that encouraged a vital connection between the exhibitor and the patron,” said Childs.

Sponsors

The floral design competition, moderated by Jennifer Harvey, was a lively, well-attended event.

Sponsors of this year’s Garden & Floral Expo were Canadian Florist, Canadian Academy of Floral Art and Global Arch Natural Stone Wholesale. The media partner was Landscape Trades. Conference and event sponsors and contributors included Fafard, J.C. Bakker and Sons, Oasis Floral Products, Royal Flowers, Rosa Flora and Ambius.

The next big event for Landscape Ontario is Congress, from Jan. 6 to 8, at the Toronto Congress Centre. For more information on this event, go to locongress.com.

Award winning garden centres and growers honoured at Expo

The top garden centres in Ontario were rewarded with the Awards of Excellence at a special presentations during Expo.

Awards recognized this year’s top garden centres and growers during Expo 2014.

The Oct. 23 event saw garden centre owners from across the province receive recognition for excellence.

The awards cover all aspects of garden centre operations, including interior and exterior merchandising and plant displays.

6 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014

This year saw a large number of winning entries from Northern Ontario, as far away as Sault Ste. Marie. There were also a number of familiar names among the winners such as Sheridan Nurseries, Canadale Nurseries and Sandhill Nursery.

“It is an incredibly difficult task when you are selecting the best from a crop of companies and people who excel in

their field,” says Denis Flanagan, ceremony host and public relations manager of Landscape Ontario. “With our Awards of Excellence, we are really looking for those who go above and beyond to add something extra to their displays and marketing as well as endeavour to ensure their customers are truly satisfied. This year’s winners are certainly deserving of

Letter to members: Reinventing Expo On Oct. 9, the LO trade show department hosted a meeting of the minds to discuss the future of Garden and Floral Expo, as well as the other shows that serve our industry.

This meeting was like no other, and included some of the founders of this association, as well as a number of our exhibitors.

Many issues were discussed, including ideas like co-locations, new locations, as well as the need for yet another show to serve the garden centre and growers market.

Although nothing specific was decided at the meeting, the ultimate response was YES, we need a show like Expo to serve the sector of the market that does not have an ‘inviteonly’ venue. We are the only show for

this market that welcomes all.

With that question answered, the next question became, How should we present the show? Which new markets should we engage? What time of year works best for most people? What location is the right location?

Most importantly, the group agreed that Expo needs to retain, and indeed enhance, our uniqueness. It’s that uniqueness that prompts buyers to actually pay to meet with those who belong to this defined group of growers and garden centre owners. No other marketing medium can claim this.

Some keys to ensure this happens are:

• Change our attendance model

• F acilitate scheduled encounters between key buyers

• Identify our market’s super buyers

• G o to a low cost conference program

the honour in recognition of the dedication they have shown to their retail and growing operations.”

The following are the 2014 Awards of Excellence garden centre winners.

Angelo’s Garden Centre, Concord: Display of plant material — annuals and/ or perennials.

Bala Garden Centre, Bala: Merchandising techniques —promotional event; Display of goods — hardgoods.

Canadale Nurseries, St. Thomas: Merchandising techniques — promotional event; Display of goods — hardgoods; Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials; Permanent display gardens — over 500 square feet.

Cudmore’s Garden Centre, Oakville: Display of plant material - annuals and/or perennials.

Garden Market, Burk’s Falls: Permanent display gardens — over 500 square feet; Merchandising techniques — Outstanding website development; merchandising techniques — Outstanding promotional event; Outstanding display of goods — giftware.

New North Greenhouses, Sault Ste. Marie: Outstanding display of goods — giftware; Merchandising techniques — promotional event.

Parkway Gardens, London: Merchandising techniques - promotional event.

Peter Knippel Nursery, Gloucester: Display of goods — giftware.

Reds Garden Centre, Halton Hills: Merchandising techniques — print advertising.

Sandhill Nursery, Huntsville: Merchandising techniques - promotional event; display of goods — giftware; Permanent display gardens — under 500 square feet; Merchandising techniques — Outstanding website development; Permanent display gardens — over 500 square feet; Display of plant material — deciduous shrubs and/or trees; Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials; Display of goods — seasonal.

Sheridan Nurseries, Etobicoke: Outstanding display of goods — hardgoods; Display of plant material — your specialty; Display of goods — seasonal.

Sheridan Nurseries, Georgetown: Outstanding display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials; Merchandising techniques — Outstanding print advertising; Display of goods — hardgoods; Merchandising techniques — website development.

Sheridan Nurseries, Kitchener: Merchandising techniques —Promotional event; Display of plant material — evergreens and/or broadleaf evergreens; Display of goods — seasonal.

Sheridan Nurseries, Mississauga: Outstanding display of plant material — deciduous shrubs and/or trees.

Sheridan Nurseries, Scarborough: Outstanding display of plant material —

All of these steps will help us reinvent Expo.

For me, the most amazing part of the meeting was the incredible feedback delivered with care and the compassion by those present, who expressed they want to continue with multiple trade show and face-to-face business opportunities. That process will continue, as we work towards our new format in the coming months.

We will keep you informed of those changes when they happen.

Anyone who cares to express an opinion on the future of Expo is welcome to contact me at heather@landscapeontario.ca.

— Heather MacRae, Director of Events and Trade Shows

your specialty; Merchandising techniques —Promotional event; Display of goods — seasonal.

Sheridan Nurseries, Toronto: Merchandising techniques —Promotional event; Display of goods — seasonal.

Sheridan Nurseries, Unionville: Display of plant material — Deciduous shrubs and/or trees.

Sheridan Nurseries, Whitby: Merchandising techniques — Promotional event.

Sipkens Nurseries (Palace Perennials), Port Carling: Merchandising techniques —Promotional event; Display of plant material — evergreens and/or broadleaf evergreens; Display of goods — giftware; Display of goods — hardgoods; Display of plant material - deciduous shrubs and/ or trees; Display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials; Display of goods – seasonal; Permanent display gardens — under 500 square feet.

Wayside Garden Market, Port Carling: Outstanding display of plant material — annuals and/or perennials The list of Growers Awards of Excellence winners was read off at the Expo event. The names of those winners were published following the annual Auction in the August issue of Landscape Ontario magazine.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 7

John Veldman has taken his company from a small garden centre to one of the largest property management companies in Southwestern Ontario.

Courtland Property Management’s software saves time and money Anyone who thinks the green industry is nothing more than cutting lawns and throwing around soil with a shovel, should speak with John Veldman of Courtland Professional Property Management of Tillsonburg.

Veldman’s daily operations include complex computer systems, high-end design/build projects, in-depth knowledge

8 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014

of horticulture and a unique snow and ice operation that allows the company to know the exact quantity of salt and time spent at each location.

The business began in 1996 under the name Courtland Garden Centre in the village of Courtland. For a while in 2003, Veldman and his brother Justus continued operating the Courtland business, while

opening a new operation in Tillsonburg.

At this time both garden centre and landscaping services were provided. Justus has since left the business.

Today, the only thing that remains of the Courtland Garden operation is the name Courtland. The company now focuses on landscape design and construction, grounds care and snow and ice management. Along with the Tillsonburg office, Veldman has established satellite operations in London, Kitchener-Waterloo and Woodstock.

“Most of our work now involves commercial, institutional or high-end residential,” says Veldman. It has made Courtland one of the largest property management companies in Southwestern Ontario. It includes accounts with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, GM Canada, Contrans Corporation, Hino Motor Manufacturing Canada and more.

When asked about the number of employees on Courtland Professional Property Management staff, Veldman’s answer is a bit surprising. “We employ about 65 to 70 people in the summer months, and around 120 in the winter.”

He explains that snow maintenance makes up about one-third of the business.

“We require between 15 to 20 people just to maintain the Toyota plant.” Veldman says that about 50 per cent of his winter business is by contract, while the other half is based on time and material. “It’s important to keep it diversified for good risk management.”

While obtaining large contracts is very good for business, Veldman notes that large commercial and institutional clients demand a high level of safety standards.

“When we prepare a contract for the large clients, we understand they will demand such things as a low tolerance for salt application and timing of when maintenance operations are required,” says Veldman. “At the same time, they insist that the property looks good while providing maximum safety.”

The elevated level of service prompted him five years ago to begin work on developing a software program to track scheduling data and provide clients with detailed reports. “It’s been intriguing to examine the data,” says Veldman.

Last year he began putting his program to work, and going completely paperless. “We complete orders that track everything on an app, including photos, comments, salt quantities, and time of application,” says Veldman. “The most difficult part of the process was taking it from theory to reality.”

Courtland also began using the pro-

gram for its summer projects. A staff member logs in when beginning the job and logs out when complete. He also writes a description of the work done and sends back photographs of the finished job from his phone. “The information the system provides us is hugely important,� says Veldman.

He admits there were some bugs at first, and it was challenging to have all his crews buy into the program, but he says for the most part it now works well.

Because of his software, Veldman says that the time it took to calculate payroll has gone from four days to a half-day. “I’m really excited about this winter, which will be the first full winter that we will use the software system,� says Veldman. “We will be able to lay out routes, have better input on required salt quantities, and provide clients with both data and photographic images of their job site.�

Veldman says he feels the secret to his success is providing each client with a highly professional level of service. “It’s so very important to provide quality and punctuality in order to retain your customers,� says Veldman. He says that he is looking at growing his company’s service zones, but is very sensitive that with

The new software program developed by John Veldman has reduced the time to calculate payroll from four days to a half-day.

ment, but success still boils down to me and staff members caring about doing a good job and being good citizens,� says Veldman.

growth, it is essential to maintain quality of service. “It’s fine to have all the high tech electronic systems and the best of equip-

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Over 45 Landscape Ontario volunteers helped to complete this year’s school greening project in Waterloo Chapter.

Waterloo Chapter rocks with latest greening of school Waterloo Chapter celebrated National Tree Day on Sept. 24 with the official opening of its school greening project.

This year, the Chapter chose Stanley Park Public School in Kitchener, which was celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Planning began a year ago with former Stanley Park principal Rob MacQueen and teachers Brent Johnston and Andy Sinclair to celebrate the school’s special anniversary.

On Sept. 24, approximately 45 Landscape Ontario volunteers gathered at Stanley Park. In one day, the school had an outdoor classroom, 19 planted trees, 33 armor stone seats, a new pathway and lots of mulch. As a bonus, Landscape Ontario volunteers also cleaned the jumping pits, refreshed front gardens, and planted some new shrubs around the school sign.

A blog on the Waterloo District School Board website, states, “Thanks to Landscape Ontario, and the local member companies and volunteers who made this dream a reality for the school. You rock!”

Waterloo Chapter contributed $4,000 to the project in time, equipment and materials.

Jason Dietrich of Ace Lawn Care, chair of the Chapter’s Green School

Committee, and the rest of the LO members were joined by representatives from the Waterloo District School Board, as well as Kitchener councillors and mayor, Carl Zehr.

“This was our 11th school in the last nine years that we have created a Green for Life space,” said Dietrich. “We decided that these projects influence a generation people who will be our staff and future clients, while also exciting people about our industry. It’s also a fantastic way to give back to the community.”

During the last decade, Waterloo Chapter has given over $350,000 worth of landscaping back to its communities with generous donations of materials and equipment, and volunteering.

“We need to teach our students how to use this new outdoor space respectfully,” said school principal Sandy Dawson. “Going forward, we will need to water the trees weekly for the next two years.

Each tree has a gator bag attached, which is filled with water each week. The water slowly soaks into the ground to give the trees the best chance of survival. Classes are going to volunteer for a month at a time to water our new trees. The intent is to have our students be good stewards of

10 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014

their school ground.”

Dietrich stated, “It is amazing the passion displayed by students and teachers for change and to influence the next generation to look at how we can beautify, teach, and manipulate the outdoors so that we can all enjoy.”

At the official opening, Kitchener City Councillor Berry Vrbanovic, stated, “This

Over the past ten years, the Waterloo Chapter has contributed over $350,000 in landscaping to area schools.

will benefit future generations of students, and will add to the quality of life of people in the surrounding community, thus helping to build strong neighbourhoods in the City of Kitchener.”

“Our mandate as a Chapter is to promote the green industry, show how landscaping is so important and provide outdoor spaces that many will enjoy for years to come,” said Dietrich.

He reflected how the reaction from the schools is fantastic. “Our hope is to let them see how we can provide landscape makeovers and show them what we do for people every day.”

The completed park area now provides an outdoor class room, shade for students and staff on the school yard, a space for passive play, and a naturalized landscape of locally indigenous trees.

Waterloo Chapter volunteers included, Jason Dietrich and Adam Cook of Ace Lawn Care; Eric Horst and Rod Martin of Alltask Property Improvement; Al and Crystal Murray of Murray Enterprises; Kelly Brubacher, Julie Vonk, Scott Durst and Amit Persaud of Orchid Gardenscapes; Jamie Carmen of Premier Equipment; Scott Moser and Dan Cayer of Coleman Equipment; Ross Kaufman, Matt Kaufman and Nick Schickler of Greensleeve Maintenance; Clayton Knarr of OK Tire Baden; Rob Albrecht of John’s Nursery; Rob Tester, Bob Tester, Dwight Baer, Doug Willis and Brett Sieber of TNT Property Maintenance; Richard Burch CLP, CLT, CIT of Burch Landscap-

ing; Blake Sicard of UPI Energy LP; Mike Silva, Shawn Untch, Nick Bruno and Shannon Loney of Platinum Stone Design; Keith Snider of St. Jacobs Country Gardens; Steve Snider of Snider Turf Care; Trevor Garner of Landscape Plus; Glynis Logue of Evergreen; Jeff Thompson of Native Plant Source, and Lucan Allin of Fast Forest.

Companies that contributed products include, Cambridge Garden Centre, Fast Forest, JCA Trees, UPI Energy LP, John’s Nursery, Premier Equipment, Coleman Equipment, Steed and Evans,

Adams Landscape Supply, Sheridan Nurseries, Creative Landscape Depot, Green Sleeve Maintenance, Murray Enterprises, LP Landscape Plus, Ace Lawn Care and Speare Seeds.

“It really is all about our members who donate, contribute, and sacrifice paying work days to make a difference. Thanks again to all those who go above and beyond and reach out to the community and change it for all to enjoy,” emphasized Dietrich. “We would gladly share our experience with other chapters if interested.”

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Volunteers make big difference at London project

London Chapter reports a great week of planting trees along the Veterans Memorial Parkway (VMP) for the fourth phase of the six-year plan to beautify the parkway.

This year’s planting consisted of 600 trees, plus completion of the Landscape Ontario’s London Chapter Bravery Garden at the corner of Paige and VMP. A project of this size cannot be completed without volunteers, or at an affordable price. The London Chapter and the VMP boards send a very big thank you to the London Chapter company members who helped out this year and during past years.

For the tree planting, a number of LO Chapter member companies volunteered time and equipment on Oct. 1 and 2 to dig holes and place the trees in preparation for the final planting on Oct. 4. LO member volunteers include Beamish Landscape Services, Fox Hollow Farms, Grand River Brick & Stone, Jay McKinnon Company, Mountview Services, MPH Hardscapes, Parkside Landscaping, PGS Landscape, Rural Roots Landscaping, Sifton Properties, Silverthorn Landscape Supplies, Stevens Irrigation, Stone in Style, Tydan Landscaping and Vanderley Landscaping.

Also helping on Oct. 4 were Fanshawe College horticulture students who created

Along with being a major partner in the London Veterans Memorial Parkway project, the London Chapter members have also added their own personal touch — such as the Bravery garden.

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The horticulture students from Fanshawe College added a great deal of colour and help towards the VMP project.

a sea of red along VMP. This marked the second consecutive year that the students, under teacher Michael Pascoe, planted trees. The planting project is a requirement in the course curriculum and gives students hands-on experience with community work. All students in the horticulture program belong to the Landscape Ontario Fanshawe College Student Chapter. It’s their way of supporting the London Chapter with its initiatives. The LO members were proud of the professionalism shown by the

students in both their appearance and their skills to get the task done right.

The London Chapter garden required some fundraising efforts from Chapter members. The garden featured the installation of a large rock engraved with the word ‘Bravery,’ plus a full planting with lights illuminating the rock. Special thanks to Fox Hollow Farms for donating the three Colorado blue spruce, Fisher Landscape Depot for supplying the mulch and Coldstream Land Escapes for picking up and delivering

the spruce and mulch.

Volunteers who helped install this garden are Coldstream Land Escape Company, Jay Mckinnon Company and Sifton Properties (RiverBend).

The continuation of the VMP project will include more tree plantings along the highway over the next few years, as the VMP project continues to rely on volunteers to help bring this major undertaking to its conclusion.

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Congress 2015: Re-connect, re-invent and re-energize LO trade show staff cannot recall a summer or fall, when they received so many requests for information about the 2015 Congress Conference line-up, which runs from Jan. 6 to 8.

The green industry is anxious to wrap up 2014 and launch 2015 with the industry event of the year — Congress, Canada’s premier green industry trade show and conference.

“We are also very pleased and proud to announce the launch of our new look for locongress.com,” says Heather MacRae, Director of Events and Trade Shows.

Bringing together educators, industry and government is the aim of a program renamed Cultivate and Connect.

This event has grown out of last year’s Connecting Educators, held during Expo.

CNLA and Landscape Ontario are hosting the second event at Congress 2015 on Jan. 5 and 6, International Plaza Hotel, the Congress host hotel.

The new version hopes to bring

together all levels of education, improve connections between industry and education to ensure industry skills requirements, build bridges between stakeholders and attract youth and newcomers to the industry.

Topics will include exciting initiatives like Come Alive Outside and the Specialist High Skills Major program. There will also be speakers, such as Mark Cullen, Paul Zammit and Jim Paluch.

Also on Jan. 5 in the hotel, will be the launch of Landscape Ontario`s new Peer-to-Peer Network. This interactive workshop was designed with the overburdened business owner in mind. Facilitators Jacki Hart CLP and Tim Kearney CLP will provide the tools, creativity and support to find helpful solutions and fresh approaches to common problem.

The Landscape Designer conference at Congress 2015 is scheduled to run – snow or shine – at the International Plaza Hotel on Jan. 5.

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The 2015 edition kicks off at 8:45 a.m. and highlights include opening keynote from Alexander Reford on ‘Colourful, Creative and Controversial: International Gardens at the Festival; Create Harmony With Fire and Water, presented by Jennifer Gannon; Ajon Moriyama’s presentation, Looking at the world from within. A personal journey towards a sustainable future; Customizing Customer Interaction with Andrew Wall, and the closing keynote by noteworthy author, lecturer and designer, Julie Moir Messervy, with Get Out! Designing Landscapes That Bring Everyone Outside Again.

The day will wrap up at 4 p.m. with the ever-popular networking reception. This is another opportunity for delegates to meet and mingle pre-trade show.

Congress conferences open each day with a keynote speaker in the big ballroom, followed by concurrent sessions.

Also included are daily owners-only workshops focused on key business-development issues. These conference sessions are all held at the Toronto Congress Centre, South Building.

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have all heard about the bee problem and your customers want to know more. The first conference lunch will provide attendees and opportunity to be introduced to one another, while enjoying some great food mixed with interactive fun.

The first of three Owners-only workshops welcomes back Jeffrey Scott for Shared Leadership: Grow a Successful, Self-Managed Business.

Also running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the Legacy Room.

Building on day one excitement, is the Awards of Excellence honouring winners of the 2015 construction, maintenance and design programs. Attendees are treated to refreshments and entertainment, courtesy of presenting sponsors Draglam Salt and Earthco Soil Mixtures and supporting sponsor Connon Nurseries, CBV. Day two kicks off with a membersonly Annual General Meeting at the Plaza Hotel.

Wednesday’s Life Lessons at Lunch features a panel of experts tackling a very popular and very controversial question, When is a Tree Dead? The panel will look at by-laws, disease, preservation mandates, weather, age, scientific diagnosis and a crystal ball.

The Owners-Only workshop welcomes Tom Shay for a look at the top 10 reasons why Small Businesses Don’t Die, They Just Commit Suicide! Also running in the afternoon is a free workshop for all badge holders, Strategic Leadership Workshop by Vicky Smith.

Across the street, there will be an opportunity for women in the industry to learn from each other, and gain inspiration at the Feminine Factor in Horticulture.

Closing day at the conference brings energy, innovation and offers strategies for a successful year. Join Meg Soper for a motivational life balance presentation that will deliver insight and practical strategies that entertain and inspire at Wit, Fit

and Balance: Strategies for Success! At the same time, the irrigation conference will be running at the Congress Centre, and the new format will include lunch, courtesy of Rain Bird and Toro, and refreshments thanks to Hunter.

Tim Malooly will speak on Emerging Trends in Water Use and Availability in the Outdoor Living Environment. After a morning full of sessions, conference delegates will want more of Meg when she addresses the audience again at lunch with an interactive, high-energy session Bring it on! Create a Positive Workplace. Ever-popular speaker Mark Bradley returns to the conference with his Owners-Only workshop, Becoming a Great White: Sell Jobs at the Top of the Food Chain.

The conference will close with a keynote speaker Peter Van Stralen, Build Your Business with Leadership. His message is one that all delegates can benefit from. Each attendee will receive a copy of Peter’s book CARE Leadership and have an opportunity ask him questions.

The Congress schedule, registration and pricing information are all available at locongress.com.

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ASSOCIATION NEWS

Landscape Ontario, Parkwood National Historic Site and Trees for Life combined to honour the memory of ‘a great Canadian role model,’ Jim Flaherty.

The Oct. 17 event saw a Siberian elm planted at the historic Oshawa site. This is the second tree planting event at Parkwood associated with Canada’s former Minister of Finance. Back in 2011, Flaherty used a tree planting at Parkwood to launch Canada’s National Tree Day. LO Durham Chapter director Mark Humphries, who was one of the main organizers of the event, said that Flaherty’s wife Christine Elliott, MPP for Whitby-Oshawa, took part in the dedication ceremony. “At a small reception after the tree planting, Christine Elliot offered her appreciation to all involved,” said Humphries.

Dutchmaster Nurseries of Brougham provided the Siberian elm for the planting. The tree in memory of Jim Flaherty replaced three Siberian elms that were removed because of age and deterioration.

Before the ceremonial planting, Nancy Shaw, president of Parkwood, welcomed everyone and introduced the dignitaries.

Bringing greetings were Landscape Ontario president Dave Braun, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, Colin Carrie, MP Oshawa, with Christine Elliott, Flaherty’s widow, responding to the memorial tree planting.

LO plants a tree in memory of Jim Flaherty

New Contractors Rate Card available LO president Dave Braun and Jim Flahery’s widow Christine Elliot, MPP for Whitby-Oshawa, help plant a tree in a memorial to the former Canadian Finance Minister, while Durham Chapter director Mark Humphries and Nancy Shaw, president of Parkwood Historic Site, look on.

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The information is a valuable planning tool for new and existing businesses.

Information can be used for benchmarking purposes and to cultivate prosperity. It also helps in promoting the industry as a career choice.

To access the rate card, go to horttrades.com/2014-contractors-rate-card.

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Big Mike Landscape commits to helping community

Michael Dren, owner of Big Mike Landscape Design in Oakville, says he is committed to making a difference in his community.

This fall the LO member took on a project in Oakville, donating his design and landscaping/paving services to Habitat for Humanity Halton. The project included a driveway, patio, walkways, fencing, trees, plants, sod and soil mixtures.

This is the second year the company has assisted with a Habitat for Humanity project. “The latest project was valued at about $20,000,” says Dren. “My goal as a company is to give back to the community.”

Big Mike Landscape Design also held a tree sale to help fund Habitat for Humanity. The sale featured 20 per cent off Japanese maples, with the money used to finance the Oakville landscaping project.

“We want to demonstrate our appreciation, and use our resources to help create experiences for everyone. As a built-in business fundraiser, we will donate a portion of our profits that are collected in a community fund each season. These funds will be used to finance certain land-

Connon Nurseries CBV in Waterdown welcomed members of the industry to an open house on Sept 17 and 18. Tours of the production yards, a used equipment sale and food and refreshments were all part of the event. scapes projects in both public and private sectors, which may not otherwise be possible,” says Dren.

The projects will target playgrounds, parks, community centres, churches, charity rebuilds, and the overall revitalization of neighbourhoods.

A graduate of Fanshawe College, Dren earned a Landscape Design Diploma, as well as a Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree in Integrated Land Planning.

“Before establishing my own business, I acquired several years of invaluable experience working at the RBG and for various commercial and residential design firms.”

LO members help build June Callwood Park

Landscape Ontario members Earthco Soils and Connon NVK played important roles in helping to make June Callwood Park in Toronto a reality.

The official opening of the park took place on Oct. 4.

The City of Toronto in partnership with the Garden Club of Toronto coordinated the creation of the park.

The park is named after the famous journalist and social activist. “The Garden Club of Toronto was asked if we would be interested in participating in this park as one of our projects. We have often done

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ASSOCIATION NEWS projects with LO, which committed to participate by asking its members to work with the Club to create the central portion of the park,” said Naneve Hawke, horticulture and design leader of June Callwood Park Project for the Garden Club of Toronto.

The 0.4-hectare park includes a reflecting pool, lighting, granite paving and benches, a hedge maze, bright pink rubberized benches and surfacing, and over 300 varied tree species. A total of over $2.6 million went into creating the park, with inkind donations from Landscape Ontario and Earthco Soils.

The park has been named one of Toronto’s most exciting new parks. The centre section is filled with 86 crabapple trees.

Hawke says Connon NVK helped source and supply all the herbaceous perennials for the beds. “Although we are paying for these plants, they have been extraordinarily helpful in our endeavour,” said Hawke.

The Garden Club requested LO’s help to provide an amended soil for the park.

Earthco stepped up with right away, and offered to provide all the soil for the beds.

“It was a significant contribution,” noted Hawke.

“The Garden Club raised money from donors in our community to pay for the trees and plants, and Earthco provided the foundation on which these plants can grow and beautify our city. We are incredibly grateful for its contribution,” concluded Hawke.

Attendance jumps at London golf tournament

The 9th Annual London Chapter Golf Tournament was a sellout success on Sept. 5 at its new location, Echo Valley Golf Club.

Sponsors were very generous towards the tournament. A large portion of the proceeds went into the LO feature garden installed on the Veterans Memorial Parkway on Oct. 4.

Celebrating National Tree Day at Sunnybrook Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre celebrated National Tree Day by planting 26 maple trees with the help of Maple Leaves Forever and Landscape Ontario.

The Sept. 24 event saw 25 10-gallon sugar maple trees and one 50 mm caliper sugar maple, donated by Maple Leaves Forever, planted at the Sunnybrook Bayview campus through Dutchmaster Nurseries. The day was part of a national celebration of trees, supported by Tree Canada. Sunnybrook thanked Mike Rosen, president of Tree Canada; Jeff McMann, of Mount Pleasant Cemetries;Tony DiGiovanni of Landscape Ontario; and Richard Walker, of Tree Canada, for helping with the initiative. In photo, Jeff McMann and Rohan Harrison, of Sunnybrook, add some finishing touches to the 50 mm maple.

18 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014

The golf tournament started off with rain, but cleared by the time the golfers arrived and temperatures shot up. It was the highest temperature of the summer, but better late than never.

Players were able to view the Bobcat equipment that was on show for the day from Platinum Sponsor Bobcat of London.

The day started off with a lunch sponsored by Fisher’s Landscape Depot and Brampton Brick and beverage sponsors Huron Tractor and Veterans Memorial Parkway helped cool the players off with a refreshment.

This year there were no winners on the hole-in-one sponsored by Stevenson & Hunt Insurance and Oxford Dodge.

Spirits were high throughout the day as golfers tried to get closest to the keg, sponsored by Baseline Nurseries.

Best golfers of the day were the Santerra Stonecraft foursome.

Supper began with a steak dinner, sponsored by Stihl, and everyone received a Tim Hortons gift certificate from Permacon Group. Raffle tickets were sold for $3,600 worth of prizes and Echo sponsored two draws for a backpack blower from the putting contest.

The big prize of the day was a Belvedere fire pit valued at $650 donated by Brown’s Concrete and two seven-inch Galaxy Tabs, donated by Unilock.

This is the biggest fundraiser event of the year for the Chapter. It was a great success, which helps to ensure that the Chapter continues with its endeavors.

Mark your calendars for next year’s tournament on Sept. 11, which will be the 10th anniversary of the event.

Mark’s and GM popular benefit programs

Each month Landscape Ontario magazine will present a report on the usage of Endorsed Supplier Program.

This program, exclusive to Landscape Ontario members, will help your business save money on a wide range of business products and services. Administered by the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), LO members automatically become CNLA members through their membership in LO. For more information, call the CNLA at 1-888-446-3499, or visit www.cnla-acpp.ca/benefits To view all the benefits available to LO members go to http://gfl.me/h6N. The number of LO members using programs in September were Mark’s Work Wearhouse, 66; General Motors Canada , 52; John Deere, 3; and one each for Casaguru, Caterpillar, Esso, Petro Canada and Chase Paymentech.

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Ottawa announces its own Awards of Excellence

Ottawa Chapter’s GreenTrade Expo 2015 (GTE15) Committee has announced that a new Chapter Awards of Excellence program will be launched at this winter’s trade show on Feb. 10, 2015, the night before the show opens.

The awards program will be modeled after the provincial awards program, giving local members the opportunity to be recognized for their outstanding efforts.

At this year’s launch, a new twist on the awards will be introduced: the People’s Choice Supplier categories. All member suppliers to the Ottawa market are eligible to be nominated by a member and to collect votes through the GTE15 website. Winners will be recognized at a Gala Casino and Exhibitor Networking night.

Supplier categories include hardscape, plant material, landscape accessories, supplier to the trade, and sales rep of the year, which will be awarded to the individual who garners the most votes. These suppliers’ awards will become an annual part of the Ottawa Chapter Awards of Excellence.

“We are always looking for ways to offer more opportunities to both our visitors and exhibitors,” says Bruce Morton, GTE show chair. “We are in the process of looking for a good strategic partner to allow us to grow the show into two days.

In the meantime, having a fun networking opportunity for our exhibitors to mingle with members will be a great addition.”

There will also be a best exhibit award introduced at the show this year.

GreenTrade Expo’s website has recently been updated and now has current exhibitor application information online at greentrade.ca.

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VOLUNTEER PROFILE Robert Roszell receives much in return as a volunteer

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When Robert Roszell of Tuff Tech Bags in Pickering joined Landscape Ontario in 2007, he immediately became involved as a volunteer.

“I believe in volunteering,” says Roszell. He says he gets back so much satisfaction and reward from volunteering, it is hard just to choose one area. “I like the interaction with people who have the same concerns as I do in business.”

Roszell also says he enjoys being able to participate in making changes to the world.

“When volunteering, everyone seems to be happy helping out. Everyone seems to be enjoying doing something for someone else.”

When he joined Landscape Ontario, “I did it to hopefully sell my flexible rain barrels and Tuff Tech Bags,” says Roszell. The bags created

by Roszell offer an alternative to plastic barrels or tanks. “Since the bags relate to snow and Ice, I joined that sector group committee.”

After attending a few sector group committee meetings, Roszell says he saw that the snow and ice group was very far behind in technology of spreading salt. “I then realized that my bags, which are used for anti-icing and pre-wetting, did not fit the market at the time.

About five years ago, Roszell began a process that could change the entire industry of snow and ice management.

After raising sufficient money under Roszell’s leadership, the sector group hired a team of researchers from the University of Waterloo to research salt application rates for parking lots.

That research is very close to being finished. LO expects to release the study on salt application rates by the end of this year. “This is the only research in the world that examined salt applications of

20 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014

parking lots and established standards,” says Roszell, who serves as chair of the research committee.

“LO is beginning to venture in areas not yet travelled by any organization in the world by setting standards for parking lots. I think LO should look seriously at hiring someone to deal with snow and ice sector. In the U.S., they actually have a whole organization that deals with snow and ice with many employees,” said Roszell.

Now a member of the Risk Management Council for CNLA, Roszell also fills many other volunteer roles beyond LO, such as member of the spotlight committee for the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors, Canadian representative of the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association, He is a member of the board of directors for his cottage association and a mentor for Scouts Canada, hosting a winter weekend at his cottage and a seven- day wilderness canoe trip.

“This year we just got back from climbing the highest point in Ontario, Ishpatina Ridge,” says Roszell.

“I also sit on the board of directors for 10,000 Trees for The Rouge. This was our 25th anniversary. We had over 2,200 people show up for our spring tree planting which required us to have a bus to bring people to the site. That was one of my more memorable moments seeing all the people creating wildlife habitats in the field. The smiles at the tree planting last a whole year,” says Roszell.

It is just one of the many benefits Robert Roszell receives from giving his free time to others.

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C Vantage Construction Ltd

Craig Vanderploeg 974 Garden Lane, Millgrove, ON L0R 1V0 Tel: 905-308-6789 Membership Type: Active

Susan Kunig 21468 Leslie St, Queensville, ON L0G 1R0 Tel: 905-478-2323 Membership Type: Associate

Titanium Contracting Inc

Evergreen Liquid Plant Food Ltd Jeff Snyder

790 St Charles St W, RR 1, Breaslau, ON N0B 1M0 Tel: 519-742-8377 Membership Type: Associate

W.E. Landscaping Services

Sam Khalaf 248 Purple Sage Cres, Kitchener, ON N2E 4G5 Tel: 519-722-1336 Membership Type: Activea

Pierre-Olivier Benoit 606 Lionel Boulet, Varennes, QC J3X 1P7 Tel: 450-652-5550-x320 Membership Type: Associate

Ottawa Good Time Centre

Queensville Sod Farms Limited

Chris McWhirter 101 Campbell Rd, Guelph, ON N1H 1E8 Tel: 519-766-1991 Membership Type: Associate

Ottawa

Manulift EMI Ltee

Michael Tchoryk 5 - 1222 Fewster Dr, Mississauga, ON L4W 1A1 Tel: 416-500-8046 Membership Type: Active

Aberfoyle Trailer Sales Inc

Tony Sulkowski 65 Bessemer Rd, London, ON N5W 3M4 Tel: 519-518-6376 Membership Type: Associate

Golden Horseshoe

Kost Contracting Inc. (1870464 Ontario Inc.)

Waterloo

MDRN Utopia

Line Plante 4228 Navan Rd, Navan, ON K4B 1H9 Tel: 613-835-9266 Membership Type: Active

Garry Sleep 15783 Yonge St, Aurora, ON L4G 1P4 Tel: 905-727-9444 Membership Type: Associate

Stephen Foster 364 - 14 Langstaff Rd, Woodbridge, ON L4L 9A8 Tel: 416-745-2662 Membership Type: Interim

Fisher Farms Greenway

Dave Watkinson 1 Lee Valley Dr, Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0 Tel: 705-645-1963 Membership Type: Associate

Highland Chevrolet/Highland National Leasing

Windsor Sakata Seed America Inc

Bryan Thoms 450 West Hunt Club Rd, Ottawa, ON K2E 152 Tel: 613-731-9071 Membership Type: Chapter Associate

Kathy Cron PO Box 880, 18095 Serene Dr Morgan Hill, CA 95038-0880 Tel: 408-778-7758 Membership Type: Associate

HIGHLAND NATIONAL LEASING

905-727-9444 fleet@highlandgm.com www.highlandgm.com www.hnllease.com

WWW.HORTTRADES.COMâ&#x20AC;&#x192; 21

EVENTS

November 29

Toronto Chapter Skate N’ Social

Bookmark horttrades.com/comingevents for up-to-date event information.

Powerade Centre, 7575 Kennedy Road South, Brampton Save the date for the family fun skate! Celebrate the end of the season with your family, colleagues and the Toronto Chapter. Skating is from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the RBC Rink, Powerade Centre. RSVP today, or for more information, to Myscha Burton at myscha@landscapeontario.com.

December 3

Windsor Chapter bowling night

Super Bowl Lanes, 10000 Tecumseh Rd. E., Windsor Celebrate the season with the Windsor Chapter with a night of bowling. It begins at 6 p.m. For more information please contact Jay Rivait at jaytopgrade@hotmail.com.

December 9

Ottawa Chapter meeting

Mark your calendars now for Congress 2015, Jan. 6-8.

November 18

November 27

Teatro Conference Centre, 122 Chisholm Dr., Milton Save the date for the annual LO Growers’ Fall Dinner meeting, from 5 to 9 p.m. Speakers include John Chisholm and Greg Clark of SB Partners, who will introduce the Profitability Guide, as well as a representative from the OALA discussing plant challenges and availability.Tickets are $45 per person. To purchase tickets please download this form at http://gfl.me/ x2jL, fill out and fax back to Kathleen at 905-875-3942.

Dominion Golf Club, 6125 Howard Avenue, Oldcastle Save the date for the November Windsor Chapter meeting with dinner at 5 p.m., and the meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. For more information contact Jay Rivait at jaytopgrade@hotmail.com.

Growers’ Fall Dinner

November 20

Ottawa Chapter meeting

Royal Canadian Legion # 641, 3500 Fallowfield Road, Nepean Topic for the Nov. 20 meeting at 12-noon is Succession Planning, presented by Grant Walsh of KMPG Entreprise: Centre for Family Business.

Lunch is provided, as well as the opportunity to win one of two pairs of 200 Level Ottawa Senators’ tickets. For more information, please contact mwalsh@landscapeontario.com, or call 613-796-5156

Windsor Chapter meeting

November 27

Whine and Cheese

Huron Club Restaurant & Bar, 94 Pine St., Collingwood Looking for a great night out to wrap up your season? Join fellow members to say ‘goodbye’, ‘adios’ and ‘farewell’ to the 2014 landscape season. It starts at 6 p.m. There’s nothing like a glass of wine, a few tasty canapes and the telling of great stories to finish off the season.

Cost of admission to LO members is included in membership; potential members $20. There will be the annual slideshow. Send photos to Nick Solty at nick@soltygardencentre.com.

Royal Canadian Legion # 641, 3500 Fallowfield Road, Nepean Join Ottawa Chapter members at the Royal Canadian Legion at noon. Pre-registration is required by contacting Martha at mwalsh @landscapeontario.com, or call 613-796-5156.

December 10

Designers’ Panel and Round Table Coffee meeting

Wasaga Beach-RecPlex, 1725 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach Join Georgian Lakelands members for the Designers’ Coffee meeting with a panel and round-table. The meeting will run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. It is open to 20 registrants on a firstcome, first-served basis. Registration is available through http://gfl.me/h2jM, or contact Martha at martha@landscapeontario.com.

January 6 - 8

Congress 2015

Toronto Congress Centre Find over 600 leading green industry manufacturers and suppliers on over eight acres of trade show floor at Congress 2015. Go to the new Congress website for more information or to register at locongress.com.

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22 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014

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INDUSTRY NEWS Small business to receive Job Credit On September 11, the federal government introduced the new Small Business Job Credit program.

The Small Business Job Credit is a two-year measure that is intended to help small businesses by lowering their Employment Insurance (EI) premiums from the legislated rate in 2015 and 2016.

The Small Business Job Credit will effectively lower small businesses’ Employment Insurance (EI) premiums from the current legislated rate of $1.88 to $1.60 per $100 of insurable earnings in 2015 and 2016. Any firm that pays employer EI premiums equal to or less than $15,000 in those years will be eligible for the credit. Almost 90 per cent of all EI premium-paying businesses in Canada will receive the credit, reducing their EI payroll taxes by nearly 15 per cent.

Ottawa says that the savings small businesses will realize from this measure will help them create jobs and growth, and support Canada’s sustained economic recovery in a time of ongoing global uncertainty.

You are eligible for this credit if you meet all of the following conditions in 2015 and/or 2016: • You deducted EI premiums from the remuneration you paid to your employees, and you remitted these premiums (along with your businesses’

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25

for over

share of EI premiums) to your payroll program (RP) account • you reported the income and deductions on a T4 slip and filed this information on your RP account for 2015 and/or 2016 • the total of employer EI premiums you paid for all of your RP accounts in 2015 and/or 2016 was $15,000 or less.

Canada Revenue will automatically establish eligibility for 2015 and 2016 separately, based on the T4 information that you file for each of those years.

If eligible, Canada RA will automatically calculate the amount of your credit, and issues a refund using the EI information from the T4 slips you filed with your 2015 and/or 2016 T4 information returns.

There is no application form to complete.

If you have more than one payroll program (RP) account under your business number (BN), the CRA will determine if you are eligible to receive a credit by adding the employer EI premiums for all RP accounts under that BN. The amount of credit that each RP account will receive is generally proportional to the amount of the employer’s EI premiums that was paid into each RP account.

If you receive the credit, you must report that amount as income or reduce your EI expense when you file your business return for the year in which you have received a credit, even if the CRA

transferred some or all of this credit to pay off a debt.

More information is available on the Finance Canada website at http://gfl.me/x2jA.

Reviewer appointed for Ontario College of Trades

On Oct. 23, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, Reza Moridi, appointed Tony Dean to conduct a technical review of certain processes within the Ontario College of Trades.

The review will focus on how decisions are made regarding scopes of practice and trade classification reviews.

The College says it is supportive of this review and looks forward to working with Dean.

In just over a year, the College has made progress as a new self-regulatory body mandated to oversee and modernize skilled trades in Ontario. The College agrees that there are opportunities for improvement in certain aspects of our regulatory framework.

The Review will be in place for a year and should help improve certain aspects of the College’s regulatory framework to better fulfill its mandate to regulate and promote the trades in the public interest.

During this review, it will be business as usual at the College. The College’s members and clients will not be affected operationally and will continue to receive the same services from the College.

Enforcement officers will continue to ensure that individuals performing the work of compulsory trades have the training and certification required to legally practise those trades in Ontario.

What will be impacted: any requests to develop new apprenticeship programs, review or amend existing scopes of prac-

years

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INDUSTRY NEWS tice, or trade classification reviews will be put on hold until the review is completed and any relevant recommendations are implemented.

Once again, it is important to stress this is a technical review to improve certain processes and NOT a review of the College itself, nor its mandate.

For more information on the appointment of Tony Dean, go to collegeoftrades. ca/to website to read the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities’ release and the Terms of Reference, and a statement from CEO and Registrar David Tsubouchi on the appointment.

WSPS launches free safety resources

Successful business owners want to keep their people healthy and safe. It protects their business, improves productivity, and reduces risk of loss and disruption.

To help in this process, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) is launching new resources at no cost.

Just a click away, these resources can help busy people who are short on time become compliant and integrate health and safety into their daily business practices in the easiest way possible.

“Providing fast access to easy to use

Ontario accessibility reporting deadline at year-end

resources was a top priority,” says John Aird, Manager, Industry and Partner Relations for WSPS. “Time is a luxury. Small business owners and managers are constantly juggling multiple responsibilities, including regulatory compliance and risk management. Since a single injury can have a devastating effect on a small business and the people who work there, knowing how to protect your people can make all the difference.”

These new resources were developed with input from business owners in many different sectors who understand that health and safety is important and good for business. The result: practical information and solutions that recognize the unique requirements of different industries.

To access the page go to wsps.ca/ SmallBusiness.

Landscaping

SMALL BUSINESS SAFETY MADE EASY

24 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014

WSPS.CA

This year all businesses and not-for-profits with 20 or more employees in Ontario must file an online compliance report related to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005.

Ontario’s accessibility standards came into effect in 2012. Since then, additional requirements have come into law. This year’s online compliance report will cover these requirements.

The requirements differ depending on how many employees work at your organization.

The requirements for those businesses with 50 or more employees should have been met by January 1, 2014. Organizations with 50-plus employees must report that they have accessibility policies in place and a multi-year plan developed to help meet their requirements; Consider accessibility when purchasing or designing electronic kiosks; Ensure that any new websites are made accessible; Provide public emergency information in an accessible format – things like evacuation plans or brochures; If needed, provide customized emergency information to employees with disabilities.

For a complete list of the requirements that apply to your organization, visit ontario.ca/AODAwizard.

There are no new requirements this year for organizations with 20-49 employees, however, those businesses are required to report on the continued compliance with the customer service standard. They also have the same two emergency-related requirements outlined above, which were to be met by 2012, although they are not required to report on them.

Organizations with one to 19 employees are not required to file an AODA compliance report, but must still comply with some requirements.

Filing an AODA compliance report can be done online, through yourontario. ca/onesource account. It’s a one-source online guide to government services, forms and information that you need to start, operate and grow your business or not-for-profit organization.

AODA compliance reports are due by the end of the year. Failing to file your report can result in enforcement action including financial penalties.

New safety award announced

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) has announced a new national award that recognizes organizations that exceed traditional health and safety practices.

“The organizational health and safety culture award shines a light on deserving organizations across Canada that have made outstanding contributions to building health and safety cultures and inspiring transformative behaviours within their networks and areas of influence,” says Elizabeth Mills, WSPS President and CEO. “That is why we felt it was critical to acknowledge an organization with this new award. We hope it will cause a ripple effect by acknowledging that by working in tandem, all types of leaders have a cumulative and value-added impact when they stand together to form a culture of health and safety in more than just their own workplace.”

While more details on the award are expected in the new year, criteria will be centred around trust and openness within the organization among its managers and employees; commitment to engaging employees in decision-making; active involvement of upper management and boards of directors in governing organizational health; degree to which safety is promoted; evidence based decision-making using leading indicators of safety and, performance objectives tied to the health and safety of the organization.

More information on the CEO Health and Safety Leadership Network and the organizational health and safety culture award is available at wsps.ca/leadership, or by emailing CEOHSNetwork@ wsps.ca.

Weather forecasts call for cold and snow this winter

Weather forecasts for this coming winter call for below normal temperatures and near normal levels of snowfall.

In a recent interview on CTV’s Canada AM, Jack Burnett, editor of the Old Farmer’s Almanac, said, “We’re looking at the T-Rex of winters. It’s going to be colder, it’s going to be snowier... it’s not pretty.”

According to the Almanac, central Canada, in particular, is expected to experience winter’s nasty bite. “From Calgary to Quebec, we’re going to be up to our neck,” Burnett said. One of the few exceptions will be southwestern Ontario, which will be cold, but with below-normal snowfall.

Burnett said forecasts show that while Toronto and the surrounding region will experience a deep-freeze, it’s going to be drier this winter, with “fluffier snow.”

A weak El Niño historically translates into a chillier climate throughout Ontario.

The Weather Network says El Niño is centred more across the central Pacific and can produce colder than normal winters across central and eastern Canada.

According to the 2015 edition of the Farmers’ Almanac, below-normal temperatures will arrive for about three-quarters of the country. The standard in weather forecasting states, “The coldest outbreak of the season will come during the final week of January into the beginning of February when frigid arctic air drops temperatures across the Prairies to perhaps 40 below zero. As the frigid air blows across the Great Lakes, snow showers and squalls will drop heavy amounts of snow to the lee of the Lakes for such localities as Houghton, Goderich, Owen Sound, and Sault Ste Marie.”

Stam Nurseries Inc. Your source for high quality shade trees and evergreens

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LIGHTING CONFERENCE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2015 TEATRO Conference & Event Centre, Milton 121 Chisholm Drive, Milton, Ontario

LIGHTINGCONFERENCE.CA

TE A ED H ET V SA WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 25

EXECUTIVE DESK What do you really want? happens when using the Landscape Ontario logo.

Social interaction: Owning a business is a heavy burden. Interacting with others who are doing the same thing is important. Expanding business and social relationships also enhances quality of life.

Professional development: Competency improvement at both the operational and business level is a great motivator.

Purpose: The idea of working with others in order to contribute to building a better industry and community is a core reason people join. In a sense, they join to build a better future together.

Tony DiGiovanni CHT LO executive director

I

have been asking these questions for over 25 years: What do members really want? What is our value proposition?

What I observed over that time, is that when members engage with each other and with the association they are doing so for the following four reasons.

Financial improvement: This includes member discounts, as well as the information and business intelligence that flows freely among members. It also includes the differentiation and credibility that

Based on 25 years of communicating the values and benefits of association membership, I usually summarize these based on an internal and external audience.

From the internal perspective, join and

engage, and your life will improve personally, financially, socially and professionally.

From the external point of view, you will be working with others to make the industry and community a better place for the future.

There are other ways to communicate the concept, such as “Our job within the framework of mutual benefit and improvement is to grow a prosperous, professional, ethical, recognized, valued and contribution oriented industry.” And, then there is this one, “Our purpose is to improve and enhance lives from an economic, environmental, lifestyle, therapeutic, recreational, emotional, educational, health and spiritual perspective.”

I have two favourite ways of explaining the ‘why’ of membership.

Past president Bob Tubby coined it one way. He described the purpose of Landscape Ontario using the term Prosperity Partner. Members come together to be each other’s “prosperity partners.” The association is a “prosperity partnership.”

The late Perry Molema coined another broader description. He said we are in the business of enhancing lives.

Have you ever asked yourself why you are member? I would love to know. Please email me at tony@landscapeontario.com

To our green industry friends:

Maple Leaves Forever's position on native maple trees Maple Leaves Forever strongly supports the planting of native Canadian maples. This is what we stand for, and we will continue to fight for this position to the end.

We understand the need and value of cultivars — so MLF wants you to know we are neutral on the use of cultivars.

However, we believe the City of Ottawa, our nation's capital with a leadership role, should only plant only native maples, when maples are called for. The National Capital Commission in Ottawa passed such a motion at its last Board meeting: “If a maple tree is to be planted on NCC lands, it must be a native Canadian maple.”

26 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014

In the future we will continue to advocate the planting of native maples. We do not, and will not, speak out against cultivars. We do not support the planting of invasive trees.

I would appreciate hearing from you on this subject.

Ken Jewett

Founder of Maple Leaves Forever kenmlf@yahoo.com

www.mapleleavesforever.com

PUBLIC RELATIONS

LO home office hosts the annual Master Gardeners of Ontario Coordinators’ Conference.

A flourishing partnership

By Denis Flanagan CLD Director of Public Relations and Membership Services

F

or several years now we have had a wonderful partnership with the Master Gardeners of Ontario. We co-operate on many projects, including the invaluable service they offer answering consumer questions both on our consumer website landscapeontario.com and at Canada Blooms.

Once a year Master Gardeners hold the Annual Coordinators’ Conference at our site in Milton. It’s a full day of discussions, workshops and breakout sessions, also held in conjunction with the organization’s AGM. As a honourary Master Gardener, I gladly attend the event and always learn a great deal. Many of the group’s challenges and opportunities are similar to Landscape Ontario. Discussions this year centered on topics such as fee structure, communications, leadership, etc.

A major discussion was how the Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act, Bill 65, will impact the group should it be passed.

One solution to date has been to use

the services of a Management Advisory Service to assist in a strategic planning exercise to review the board structure, governance procedures and develop a new mission statement for the organization.

The proposal will be shared with the entire membership of over 700, and will be subsequently voted on at a later date.

The three breakout sessions at the conference were under the headings of Role of Coordinators, Volunteer Motivation and How to Deal with Difficult Volunteers.

These were all great sessions with excellent presenters, resulting in useful discussions. I think these types of sessions could be adapted for use at our Chapter and/or governance meetings.

A heart-warming session highlighted the work carried out by several groups throughout the province that work with school and youth groups to develop gardening programs. These dovetail so nicely with the goals of our Association, that I think we should support and partner on these programs whenever possible.

Landscape Ontario was formerly recognized during the proceedings for our ongoing support and hosting the coordinators’ conference every year. In turn, thanks should go to the LO staff who help behind the scenes, particularly Kathleen and Robert.

And finally I thought I would share a

conversation I had during the weekend, “‎I always look forward to visiting Landscape Ontario for our annual AGM. As well as visiting your plantings, it is an excellent refresher of the special relationship we enjoy.

“I also appreciate seeing the Landscape Ontario stickers on the vehicles of our members. I know that these are trained professionals. The company I work for hires a landscaping company to plough snow, lawn cutting and general maintenance, including weeding. Our company purchased shrubs and hundreds of dollars of ‎perennials, which were planted in partnership with this company. Today, we have one or two perennials left, as most of the plants have been pulled with annuals or weeded out in the spring. We have never seen our Pee Gee hydrangea bloom, as they prune it in August. I am lobbying for a change. Thanks,” said Kathleen Gorsline, coordinator, Lake Simcoe South Master Gardeners.

I assumed the company Kathleen is talking about was not an LO member.

“Yes, your assumption is correct. The company hired is not a member of Landscape Ontario. It’s unfortunate that they can put the word landscaping in their company name, when they know nothing about plants or plant material,” said Kathleen.

I always find it interesting how people view our industry.

Denis Flanagan may be contacted at dflanagan@landscapeontario.com.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 27

UNDERGROUND WORLD Congress will feature underground partners

By Terry Murphy CLP

O

ntario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA) and its member partners will focus on two important areas at Congress 2015 in January.

Utility firms will give free Alternative Locate Agreements (ALA) to any excavating contractor.

The second focus will be ORCGA memberships.

ORCGA member firms having booths at Congress 2015 this year include Bell Telephone, Enbridge gas, Union Gas, Rogers Communications, Hydro One, TSSA, Infrastructure Health and Safety Association, Ont1Call, Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, Landscape Ontario and The Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance. All ORGCA member utility firms will have ALA paperwork available for you to sign up at Congress.

What is an ALA? Basically, it is an agreement between the utility and the excavator, whereby the excavator agrees that his company will not dig deeper than 11 inches on that particular site. If the company has an ALA with the utility, Ont1Call will give permission for the excavator to proceed immediately with digging without waiting for the actual markings to be

placed on the ground. The excavator still requires an official call to Ont1Call and the contractor is still required to have the normal locate paperwork available on site.

The key advantage is that the excavator does not need to wait for the actual locates to be made on the ground by the official locate company, which sometimes can take an extended period of time in busy seasons. This avoids start-up delays and saves the excavating contractor money.

Who should obtain an ALA from a utility? Companies that are not digging more than 11 inches deep such as irrigation firms, landscape contractors who are planting annuals and perennials, or firms placing sod, etc. Any other digging deeper than 11 inches requires a call to Ont1Call and the required markings placed on site.

Once you have registered with the utility and secured your free ALA, it lasts forever without any renewal. It is a onetime sign up. The ALA saves you time and the utility money. It is a benefit to all concerned. Every contractor in the horticultural business should make use of the ALA process.

Another important feature available at Congress will be the opportunity for all horticultural firms to sign-up as ORCGA members. Sign-up forms will be available at any of the above-mentioned exhibitors.

ORCGA promotes all Dig Safe prac-

tices. The organization also promotes the damage prevention message to educational institutions, industry firms and the public. ORCGA was responsible for the passage of Bill 8 in the Ontario Legislature, which will streamline the Ont1Call process with the goal of only one telephone call to secure all utility locates for the excavator. In addition, ORCGA’s goal is to have the actual locate markings on the ground within five days of your initial call.

Any time a utility is hit, it is a cost to all society. As taxpayers and utility users, we want to keep our utility bills at an absolute minimum. Members can also participate at one of the 13 ORCGA Geographic Councils, which meet regularly throughout the year in your area. These are great networking opportunities with other industry professionals.

You can also use your membership as a selling tool to promote to your customers. Many of your competitors will not have this advantage. An ORCGA membership for a small landscape firm is only $125 annually. I can list 13 major benefits and advantages available to ORCGA members.

Contact the ORCGA at www.orcga.com for this list or for more information on membership benefits. The key opportunity here is critical mass and support of a very worthwhile industry partner. We are all interested in employee safety, damage prevention, saving lives and reducing costs. This is what your membership stands for! Consider signing up as an ORCGA member and join the current list of more than 450 firms who are on the roster.

Your suggestions and comments are welcomed at tvmurphy@ca.inter.net.

Get inspired by the talent and creativity of our landscape construction, maintenance and design contractors.

Ceremony and President’s Reception TUESDAY JANUARY 6, 2015

4:45 p.m. President’s Reception 5:15 p.m. Awards Ceremony

International Plaza Hotel, Plaza Ballroom Ticketed Event: $65

LOawards.com Presenting Sponsors:

28 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014

Supporting Sponsor:

MEMBERSHIP Where are your membership dollars going?

By Myscha Burton Membership and Chapter Coordinator

W

e’ve nearly done it. We have managed to visit members in eight out of our nine chapters so far. Don’t worry Windsor, Denis and I are coming for you!

Denis Flanagan and I had the pleasure of visiting some of our Golden Horseshoe members with chapter coordinator Lee Rozon. Despite some drizzly weather, we had a great day, and once again, I was amazed at the connections between the horse world and the horticulture industry.

First stop

Our first stop of the day took us to see Tim Cruickshanks of Cruickshanks Property Services in Dundas. He was in the midst of giving his childhood home a makeover.

Barry Hordyk of Shademaster Landscaping took us on a tour of South Burlington to two great sites his crews were working on.

We then visited Alan White at Turf Systems, also in Burlington. This stop had the unexpected surprise of visiting some immaculate horse farms, and wouldn’t you know it, Alan is responsible for the turf at the top local horse show venues. Our thanks to Alan for providing safe footing and picturesque grounds for the horses.

Goal is to embody mission

Now that renewal invoices have been sent out, I have had some calls asking about the membership fee and where dollars are going. It’s something I would like to shed some light on.

The goal of membership services is to embody the mission of LO, “To represent, promote and foster the advancement of the horticulture industry in Ontario, and

to enhance lives.” I’ll use Simon Sinek’s book Start with Why. Your membership dues and your participation within LO are all part of how we embody starting with ‘why’ and turn it into ‘how’ through services such as: • CNLA endorsed suppliers • Landscape Ontario publications • Educational and professional development opportunities • Future developments; apprenticeship, scholarship etc.

• Human resources • Public relations and advocacy • Community projects, LO press promotions, Canada Blooms, trade shows, etc.

• Sector Groups • Chapter funding

Now, what does that mean?

A percentage of your membership fee goes to CNLA to assist with the endorsed supplier program that brings you great discounts on things like vehicles, gas cards, equipment, clothing, and banking and insurance programs. Each month we receive a usage report, which outlines how the endorsed supplier programs are being utilized.

To give you some perspective on the ways in which these programs are essentially being underutilized, out of over 2,000 companies eligible for these benefits, in September, only 71 used the endorsed supplier benefits program. The majority of these were for vehicle discounts.

But there is so much more available to you! We have these programs here to assist you and your business, and also to save you money. Your membership expense can easily be recuperated through these programs alone, so I encourage you to have a look at the list of endorsed suppliers on horttrades.com/ endorsedsuppliers, or you can contact CNLA directly for detailed information.

A portion of your membership goes towards Landscape Ontario publications, including Landscape Ontario magazine, Landscape Trades, e-news and Source

Book. These resources are here for you and your staff, to help you stay up-to-date with all things LO, and the larger horticulture industry.

A good portion of membership dollars are allocated to supplementing educational and professional development opportunities, which include seminars and certification programs. This embodies Landscape Ontario’s commitment to educate and foster the professional development of its members, as well as that of the future industry. By allocating a portion of membership dollars to these programs, Landscape Ontario can continue to offer great speakers and continue to provide education and training opportunities, while also fostering the development of the future generation of industry leaders.

Chapter funding

Sector Group funding is implemented to assist with events and education specific to each sector. Similarly, chapter funding refers to dollars allocated to assist with meetings. Each chapter receives the same amount of funding per meeting, based on five meetings per year. Chapter funding also refers to monies allocated to each chapter according to the number of members to ensure fairness across the association. This is where your attendance at chapter meetings is key. It attests to the value of the Chapter Challenge.

To refresh your memory on the Challenge, chapters that increase membership by five per cent will receive $500, and the chapter that increases its membership by the highest percentage will receive an additional $500, as well as the coveted Golden Grout Award.

Annual Reports

For detailed cost breakdowns of where money is allocated, have a look at the annual reports, which are featured in every December issue Landscape Ontario magazine, and online at horttrades.com/annual-reports.

I encourage you to mark your calendars for some upcoming chapter meetings and social events, and share in all that LO has to offer.

For detailed information about these events, you can visit each chapter’s webpage on horttrades.com, or you can contact me directly at myscha@ landscapeontario.com or call 1-800-2655656, ext. 354.

WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 29

PROSPERITY PARTNERS You’re in good company

By Jacki Hart CLP Prosperity Partners Program Manager

F

or the last two years, we’ve run an Effective Management Short Course at Congress. It’s been VERY popular.

During these courses, we’ve asked participants, “What’s next?”

They were clear as to next steps for them, “Give us facilitated opportunities to brainstorm solutions for our everyday challenges.”

Consensus included a combination of faceto-face sessions with online support, discussions and meetings.

In combination with this great member input, the Prosperity Partners team at LO offered a survey to capture the needs of a broader member audience. We wanted to make sure we have our finger on YOUR business pulse.

In this survey, we polled LO business owners to learn about their biggest challenges. What we learned is that many of you are challenged with similar issues: getting paid, managing profitability, writing contracts, finding and keeping good people, implementing systems for administration, operations and training; staying compliant with legislation; adapting to the new business reality (working harder to make the same dollars, or less); the list goes on.

We also learned that in order to move forward on these issues you want more face to face and focused opportunities, for peer to peer brainstorming; you all want proven tools and structure; you want a safe place to learn and share frustrations, not worry about divulging secrets to competitors; we learned that many of you feel you’re alone and that you believe your business challenges are embarrassingly unique.

What we know for sure from the similarities of our survey answers is that you’re in good company — you’re not alone.

And you’re surrounded by peers who are equally frustrated and challenged by their business.

In response, we’ve developed Landscape Ontario’s new Peer to Peer Network, which launches at Congress 2015 on

Warm Up Monday.

Our approach to a Peer to Peer Network for LO is the polar opposite to that of PLANET and other consultants. Our members’ needs are broadly varied, and proportionately few seem prepared to invest heavily with dollars or time in professional development. We propose a completely different offering to what’s already in place and available to members: A self-directed peer to peer network.

We believe it is time to try a different approach to sustained professional development engagement with our members.

Our concept is for participants in LO’s You’re In Good Company Network to engage with any one of several group-generated discussion topics relevant to their day-to-day frustrations and challenges.

Our goal is to see our peers use the peer network to draw from and create their own informal Peer Advisory Board.

This Peer to Peer journey will be ongoing and punctuated with timely, relevant and solid business opinions, advice and critical thinking. The vision is peers helping peers with helpful content provided along the way and face-to-face facilitation when requested.

We want this network to be uncomplicated, somewhat organic, and to respond with maximum flexibility to the collective needs of the members who engage. Program content will be developed as needs and demand emerge. We anticipate that each peer group will have different needs.

The drivers of content and focus will be

30 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014

the participants. Our facilitator’s job will be to respond to the current reality, and help everyone to move forward with peer support. Participants will encourage next level management and operations best practices, plus the introduction of provocative and critical thinking and business assessment techniques.

The Prosperity Partners Pillars and language will serve as the core philosophy. Additional content will be provided as needed and will build on the Effective Management Short Course concept. People management tools from a variety of sources will provide a platform for deeper management skills.

This new LO Prosperity Partners offering is a unique opportunity to leverage our Prosperity Partners toolbox and connect Peers to Peers with relevant, timely help in navigating every day issues and challenges in business.

Plan to join us, and watch next month’s column for a sneak preview on how the Network will roll out. Together we can build solutions, confidence and rekindle your passion for what you do. Peers helping each other are what our members do best — this new program will provide the connective conduit.

Join this kick-off session and connect with your peers to share challenges, set priorities and move forward.

By working with our facilitators and each other, together we will provide tools, creativity and support to hunt for helpful solutions and fresh approaches.

For more information on the Peer to Peer Network at Congress, go to http://gfl.me/x2j0.

Jacki Hart may be contacted at prosperity@landscapeontario.com.

Free prosperity tools Prosperity Partners Best Practices Templates are available for download to at horttrades.com/prosperitytemplates to help your business succeed.

Each template will assist you to implement the key principles of the program into your business culture. Many of the templates may easily be customized to your specific business needs.

Each month Prosperity Partners column in Landscape Ontario will highlight two or three templates from one of the five pillars of the program: Customers for Life, Financial Health, Leadership, Operational Excellence and Sales Success.

This month we bring you Customers for Life.

• horttrades.com/best-practices-checklist-customers-for-life • horttrades.com/marketing-ideas-for-your-business • horttrades.com/privacy-statement

CLASSIFIEDS

employment OPPORTUNITIES

All classified ads must be pre-paid by credit card. Rates: $50.85 (HST included) per column inch Min. order $50.85. 15% discount on ads run for entire calendar year. Box Numbers: Additional $10.

Confidentiality ensured. Deadlines: 20th day of the month prior to issue date. (eg: June issue deadline is May 20th). January deadline is Dec. 10. Space is limited to a first come, first served basis.

To advertise: E-mail your name, phone number and ad to Robert at classifieds@landscapeontario. com or fax to (905) 875-0183. Online advertising: Website only ads are available for $67.80 (HST included) for Associaton members and $90.40 HST included for non-members. Website ads are posted for 31 days. View ads online at www.horttrades.com/classifieds

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

TURN-KEY GARDEN CENTRE FOR SALE On 9 acres of owned land, with on-site luxury home for owner/manager. Established in 1988.

Market leader in the Guelph area. Profitable with potential to become much more so in the years ahead. Truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for the right buyer!

For details go to prosper.ca or call Steve Dawkins, Salesperson REMAX Real Estate Centre Toll Free: 1-855-95-REMAX

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE COMPANY FOR SALE Successful, respected and well-established company, serving the Dundas, Hamilton and Burlington area for 25 years. Locally owned and operated, Is looking for a professional and dedicated purchaser. Well-maintained equipment. Dependable staff, loyal customer base.

Owner retiring.

For serious inquires only, please reply in confidence by email to: knightspropertymaint@hotmail.com

Established Nursery and Garden Centre for Sale Family owned and operated 11.47 acre site in Leamington, includes inventory, equipment and out buildings.

Can be sold with an additional 4.13 acres, 4 bedroom home and greenhouse.

Call Louie Saad, P.Eng. Broker at Realty House Sun Parlour Inc. Brokerage for details at 519-322-2233 ESTABLISHED MUSKOKA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE COMPANY FOR SALE Successful, respected company, locally owned and operated, is looking for a professional and dedicated purchaser. Well-maintained fleet of trucks and equipment. Dependable staff, loyal customer base. Year-round operation.

For serious inquiries only, please reply in confidence by email to: MuskokaOpportunity@gmail.com

NURSERY STOCK GEORGIAN BAY TREE FARMS Four generations of growing quality Christmas trees.

Available Trees: • FRASER FIR • BALSAM FIR • SPRUCE • PINE Wholesale orders up to 10,000 trees, with trees reaching up to 15 feet.

Available Wreaths: FRASER FIR All size decorative or non-decorative wreaths are also available for whole sale orders.

Delivery is available at a competitive price.

Charles Robitaille 6073 Line 4 N, RR1 Midland ON, L4R 4K3 705-835-6688 • chuckstrees@live.ca

employment OPPORTUNITIES Macuto Nurseries Experienced farm workers required to perform manual work. Hand cultivating, digging and tree planting. Hourly rate $11.00. Seasonal employment starting April 1, 2015 to Nov 30, 2015. Job site Keswick, Ontario.

Fax resume 905-476-1534 or mail P.O. Box 284 Keswick, Ontario L4P 3E2 Tel 905-727-3666

opportunities at davey tree Davey Tree is currently expanding operations and looking for experienced Arborists, Foremen, Climbers, and Groundspersons.

We are the largest employee-owned company in the green industry, and Canada’s trusted source for complete plant health care. Our roots extend back to 1880, and we have branches from Ontario to British Columbia. Davey provides: • Excellent training • Career advancement • Company benefits • Employee ownership • Opportunities in all aspects of arboriculture • Solid industry compensation bases and incentive programs.

If you are interested in being part of our growing team, please email or fax resume to: John Arico.

Email: John.Arico@davey.com Fax: 905-304-7605. www.daveytree.ca

FREE member promo items Promote your company as a professional LO member with decals, window clings and more.

www.horttrades.com/promo

ADVERTISERS Allstone Quarry Products Inc. Braun Nursery Limited Canadale Nurseries Donway Ford Sales Ltd. Dutchmaster Nurseries Ltd. G & L Group (Draglam) Gro-Bark (Ontario) Ltd. Highland Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac Kobes Nurseries Inc. Legends Landscape Supply Inc. Maple Leaves Forever Metal Pless Inc. Newroads National Leasing Nisco National Leasing Potters Road Nursery Inc. Sipkens Nurseries Ltd. Stam Nurseries The Investment Guild Timm Enterprises Ltd. Uxbridge Nurseries Ltd. V. Kraus Nurseries Ltd.

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416-751-2200

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905-683-8211

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www.gandlgroup.com

905-669-3538

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905-846-1515

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905-727-9444

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905-263-8814

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www.landscapestore.ca

905-336-3369

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647-347-6129

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866-362-1688

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416-587-1021

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www.niscocanada.com

888-634-9559

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519-688-0437

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www.hortprotect.com

800-459-8990

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www.timmenterprises.com

905-878-4244

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877-655-3379

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www.krausnurseries.com

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WWW.HORTTRADES.COM 31

32 LANDSCAPE ONTARIO NOVEMBER 2014