D I RECTI ON S
SHOWING YOUR WORK Based off of what I’ve seen via the numerous projects posted to social media this year, you have all been very hard at work, and it shows! There are some beautifully executed hardscape and planting installations out there, along with some incredibly well-maintained landscapes, which you are rightfully proud to share. While it’s no surprise to me that OLA member companies do some amazing work, the extent to which you’ve refined your craft might not be 100% obvious to all of those potential clients who are looking to hire a contractor for 2020 and beyond. That’s where we can help! Have you ever thought that your projects might be considered award-winning? Or, that they might be featured in some of Ohio’s most-read magazines? Our Landscape Ohio! Awards Program does just that, giving you the opportunity to showcase your company’s talents to not only your peers, but to thousands of potential clients state-wide! It is not difficult to enter. There’s no reason to be intimidated to give it a try. And, even if you’ve entered in the past, there’s nothing to keep you from entering again! Right now is the time of year when you should begin to pull your entries together. Find the photos that best depict your projects and simply tell the story of what you did and why you did it. What was your client’s vision? What problems did you help them solve? And most of all, how did you make their dream become a reality? If you’re thinking this might be the year, and you aren’t sure where to begin, I am happy to help. Most companies call several times when entering their first projects – as do seasoned vets – so there is no reason to be shy! There are no dumb questions, so ask away!
30 | Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
SANDY MUNLEY Executive Director
After we collect all of the entries – for which the deadline is December 13th, 2019 – they will be organized into a presentation which is judged (anonymously) by a panel of your peers. Once the winners are chosen, those projects then become the focus of one of our industry’s most spectacular evening events, the 2019 Landscape Ohio! Awards Gala. With each entry (win or lose) you get two tickets to the Awards Gala, which will be held on March 26th at Windows on the River in the Flats of Cleveland. This event is a wonderful, upscale celebration of our profession that includes a cocktail hour, elegant dinner and an Academy Awards-style presentation! It is truly a great way to get inspired for the spring season. We do not announce the winning projects in advance, so the suspense adds to the fun and excitement. In addition, winning projects are featured in the May issues of Cleveland Magazine and Ohio Magazine in a feature section called Landscape Ohio Magazine – just in time for the beginning of the season. Also, some entries will be chosen to grace the cover of the magazine you are holding in your hand right now, for all of your peers to see. For those of you who may be holding off on entering, now that we’ve moved to a larger venue, we will be opening up Gala registration to companies that are not entered in the awards program. This is a great opportunity to get your feet wet, see the type of projects that win, and share a fun night out with the industry! Please join us!