The following is a report on the Provincial Board meeting held February 15, 2006 in Milton.
President’s report
Bob Tubby chaired his first regular board meeting as LO president. Tubby welcomed two new board representatives: Terry Kowalski, Georgian Lakelands rep, and Phil Charal, Landscape Contractors rep and Canada Blooms co-chair. Tubby congratulated LO staff and committee on a successful Congress and also acknowledged the passing of Rob Mori of Mori Nurseries.
CNLA conference
The conference was held in Halifax, February9-11. Bill Stensson, LO’s CNLA rep, thanked Joan Johnston for her contribution and also thanked her for preparing the report presented at the conference. Chris Andrews, CNLA executive director, will be resigning in August 2006. Chris was thanked for his excellent work.
LO by-laws
The LO by-laws will be reviewed. A sub-committee will work with a staff member and provide recommendations to the board in August.
Finance
Treasurer Sally Harvey reported that everything is on par with 2005 and thanked Joe Sabatino for his good work.
Extra promotional funds
The Finance Committee explained that extra promotional funds are for not-for-profit promotional activities. For-profit events should be able to achieve sustainability. The following funds were approved:
Upper Canada: $1,405 for the Kingston Garden Show and $500 for an annual community project
Waterloo: $1,200 for an Arbor Week planting
Windsor: $3,000 for the Winter Blooms Show
Durham: $1,950 for the Home and Garden Show
Interiorscape and Designers: $2,500 for the IIDEX Trade Show display
LO member certification
The idea of an accredited membership category or “Platinum/Gold” member category was discussed. The purpose of the discussion was to determine ways to encourage companies to see their membership as a journey for continuous professional development. The idea of a two-stage membership was not well-received. However, the idea of a continuous professional development process, symbolized by certification designations, seemed to be welcomed. Developing a mentorship program was also discussed.
London/Windsor chapter staff proposal
London and Windsor chapter representatives outlined the job description for a new regional staff position. The part-time staff person will focus on improving current membership involvement, new members, member networking and education opportunities.
Chapter Development Plan
Sally Harvey will chair a Chapter Development committee with representatives from each chapter. Chapters have been asked to submit an annual business plan detailing actions and goals.
OHEC (Ontario Horticultural Education Council)
A motion was approved to include a non-voting position for post-secondary teachers on the LO board, in order to improve communications.
EI committee
Some members have expressed concern regarding treatment of industry employees by EI staff. It was recommended that a committee be formed to deal with this issue.
Web site renewal
A sub-committee will be formed to develop a web site plan that will represent all aspects of the association and provide recommendations regarding budget and timeline.
Congress and Garden Expo
Garden Expo will partner with the National Hardware Show next fall. The Hardware Show will be in a separate area, but attendees will have access to Garden Expo/Florist Expo. The combination of shows should increase buyers. Congress 2006 saw attendance increase by 11.6 per cent.
Chapters
Durham: Attendance was low at the last meeting due to weather. Rob Kennaley and a local lawyer discussed the Construction Lien Act and the Consumer Protection Act.
Georgian Lakelands: Many spring events are planned. Approximately 80 people attended the last social meeting. Guest speakers are planned for the chapter trade show. Strategic plan for next year has been done.
Golden Horseshoe: Hosted a full day seminar with J. Paul Lamarche with 100 people in attendance. February meeting will include a tour of Connons/CBV. Elections will be held in March.
London: February meeting was held in conjunction with a hockey game, with 100 in attendance. Pesticide use is an issue again in London area.
Ottawa: The chapter has worked on several initiatives including the SCIP program, ICPI course and Green Trade Expo. The chapter purchased tickets for Kemptville and Algonquin students to attend a garden lecture series.
Toronto: Money raised from future public gardening seminars will be donated to Toronto Botanical Garden. Elections will be held in March. Golf and baseball tournaments will be planned for the summer.
Upper Canada: Arthur Skolnik spoke at the January chapter meeting. The chapter is hosting the SCIP Phase 2 program. The chapter will participate in the Kingston Garden Show.
Waterloo: The chapter has held successful chapter meetings, a grade 12 job fair, and a spring dance is planned for April.
Windsor: A rep from MTO spoke at the February meeting. The chapter is participating in the Winter Blooms show at St. Clair College on March 4.
Commodity Groups
Designers: Developing a conference seminar for next year. Participation in the Metro Home Show was very successful.
Garden Centre: The garden centre group has been renewed. The group is planning a garden centre symposium to be held in conjunction with Garden Expo.
Grounds Maintenance: The group is planning a grounds maintenance symposium for 2007.
Growers: Approximately 160 attended the Growers Short Course. Sudden Oak Death is an ongoing concern. The Plant Health Care Action Committee will be looking at certification. Christoph Kessel has been hired to assist the growers.
Interiorscape: An interior conference and trade show will be held in October, 2006. A garden will be built again at the IIDEX show, in partnership with the designers group.
Irrigation: Focus will be on water issues and bans and developing a pro-active approach to water issues
Snow and Ice: A snow and ice symposium is planned for the fall.
