Purpose
The primary purpose of the Regional Chapter Representative is assist the chapter execute its strategic and operational plans and to act as a bridge to provincial office resources.
Functional role
The Regional Chapter Representative will plan and organize chapter events and communicate with members and prospective members on a regular basis for the purpose of attaining the goals set by the Georgian Lakelands Board aligned with the priorities of the Provincial Association.
Reporting relationships
The Regional Chapter Representative reports directly to the Chapter Board but is responsible to management at LO Head office in Milton. The staff person will also act as a liaison with the provincial membership services department and the other regional representatives.
Responsibilities
The principal responsibilities of the Regional Chapter Representative consist of, but are not limited to the following:
1. To plan, co-ordinate and control all day-to-day communication efforts with members of the regional green industry as it relates to improved involvement of current Landscape Ontario Members and the recruitment of new members.
2. To plan and organize chapter events as directed by the boards of directors.
3. To establish a strong relationship with regional educational organizations as directed by the regional boards of directors.
4. To plan and organize regional green industry educational events as directed by the boards of directors.
5. To be present at and report on Regional chapter activities as sanctioned by the boards of directors.
6. To implement the aligned provincial priorities.
Principal Duties
1. Send an introductory letter to all chapter members.
-Explain in brief the presence and purpose of the Regional Chapter Representative. The letter will be signed by the Chapter President and the new chapter rep.
-Promote upcoming regional and provincial events
-Provide contact information for local and provincial board and staff representatives.
2. Visit with chapter members and prospect for new members
– Meet a principal of each member firm personally once per year (if possible)
– Re-affirm local contact information.
– highlight, explain and answer questions regarding key LO membership benefits.
– solicit suggestions and ideas regarding professional concerns.
– supply information regarding the communication and educational resources of the association
– encourage chapter participation as a professional LO member.
– develop sources for referrals.
3. Arrange and co-ordinate Chapter meetings.
– contract guest speakers (with input from Head office and board members)
– order meeting supplies and services as well as booking the event location.
– Advertise and promote the Chapter meetings well in-advance of the event to GLC membership; personally call as many GLC members as possible as a gentle reminder of Chapter meetings
– greet people as they attend the meetings.
– Set up a small display board at the meetings with information, handouts, member business cards, resumes, etc.
– Introduce the board members
– Introduce new chapter members.
– Solicit and acknowledge sponsorship of events by industry suppliers and members
– Take minutes of the meeting to be distributed to board members and Provincial office in a timely manner, to create an action plan to be addressed and/or discussed at Board meetings.
– After the meeting, follow up with members regarding any items/comments they may have.
4. Visit local educational institutions
– Promote careers in horticulture
– Liaise with key members of the educational community
– Provide a conduit between the regional professional membership and students and faculty.
5. Liaison with the gardening public
– develop partnerships with horticultural groups
– promote Landscape Ontario members as professionals
– involve the gardening public in educational opportunities
– provide a conduit between the gardening groups and the regional professional membership.
6. Organize and promote revenue generating educational opportunities and events
– organize and promote educational events including the IPM Symposium (Georgian Lakeland)
– develop and promote professional workshops
– Organize and promote recreational networking events (such as golf/baseball tournaments)
– solicit and acknowledge corporate sponsorships for regional activities
7. Author activity and progress reports
– report on all regional chapter activities in a timely manner to the regional chapter boards and the provincial board to specifications set by these boards.
– Report regularly on progress towards regional chapter objectives set periodically by the local chapter boards.
8. Attend All Board of Directors meetings.
– take minutes of the meeting to be submitted to LO head office and members of the Board. The meeting minutes to be distributed to board member in a timely fashion.
– Be prepared to assist Board of Directors with information and follow-up for agenda items.
– Distribute Board of Director agenda to all board members prior to meeting. The GLC Chair will generate the monthly agenda; new business items to be added by Regional Chapter Representative as directed by individual board members.
– Advise board regarding any action items, membership concerns, and items as set out in Section 7.
Summary
The regional chapter representative will play many roles in the association including administrator, coordinator, public relations, educational liaison, sales person and meeting planner.
Measurements of Performance
The Regional Chapter Representative will be evaluated specifically on the following factors:
1. The ability to plan, organize and deliver effective Chapter events utilizing the resources and volunteers made available.
2. The ability to recruit chapter members to volunteer their time at chapter events.
3. The ability to meet the targets set for new member recruitment by the boards of directors.
4. The quality of Chapter events and educational opportunities.
5. The effectiveness of communication with the boards of directors, chapter members and potential members.
6. The quality, accuracy and timeliness of reporting to the boards of directors.
Deadline to receive applications is Oct. 19.
For further information, contact Tony DiGiovanni CHT, executive director, Landscape Ontario, 7856 Fifth Line South, Milton, ON L9T 2X8, telephone 905-875-1805, ext. 304, fax 905-875-3942, or email
tonydigiovanni@landscapeontario.com
