ILCA Annual Party and Membership Meeting —
2016 Annual Meeting & Membership Party by Meta Levin
Brian McGinty loves
a good party, especially one that also offers some great networking. That’s why he and 12 of his employees joined nearly 325 other ILCA members at the 2016 ILCA Annual Meeting. For the fourth year, the sold-out event was held at Two Brothers Roundhouse, a brewpub restaurant in Aurora, a popular venue with attendees. Like McGinty, many members bring employees to share in the festivities, food and artisan beers. “We have 325 people here tonight and only 30 percent of you have the last name of Breier or Fiore,” Executive Director Scott Grams joked with the crowd. “That’s a new record.” That’s plenty of opportunities to meet, greet and make new contacts. McGinty, whose company, McGinty Brothers, Inc. Professional Lawn and Tree Care, has been an ILCA member since 1963 – he has a 50-year plaque to prove it –sees it as a good chance to “get to meet and see everyone; clients and vendors.” Bill Hope, branch manager of Fiore Nursery and Landscape Supply, also relishes the idea of getting together with the ILCA members, “especially contractors to whom we cater.” The party wouldn’t happen without its sponsors. Rental Max once again stepped up as the Premier Sponsor. This included a special Rental Max Ale, served at the party. Xylem, Ltd. & Rocks, Etc. sponsored the sweets table. Sixteen ILCA members sponsored the party: Caber Hill; Fiore Nursery & Landscape Supply; Goodmark Nurseries; Harrell’s LLC; Illinois Brick Company; JM Irrigation, LLC; Kaknes Landscape Supply Inc.; Lafarge Fox River Stone; Martin Implement Sales; Midwest Groundcovers/Midwest Trading; National Seed; RCOP (Ron Clesen’s Ornamental Plants); SmithAmundsen; The Davey Tree Expert Company; The Pizzo Group, and Unilock. In a nod to tradition, outgoing ILCA President Rusty Maulding passed his president’s pin to incoming President Michael Schmechtig and incoming ILCA Board Member Allan Jeziorski received his Board of Director’s Pin. Maulding will not be left pinless. ILCA presented him a Past President’s pin. So, all is well. The officers and board members, as well as the office staff, may be the most visible of those keeping things ticking, but there are countless members who volunteer their time to serve on nearly 20 committees, who are integral to making it all work. Committees include: (continued on page 40) 38
The Landscape Contractor December 2016