It’s time to move on

It’s no question that fighting activists, left wing politicians and the media for the past few years has been a challenge. But, the time has come for me to make a change, so I have taken a new position as a turf specialist with Don Campbell and Simcoe District Co-op, headquartered in Barrie.As of November 1, I will sell turf products, primarily fertilizer of all kinds, as well as provide training and consulting services for the turf industry.

I will continue to support the turf industry on the pest issue as much as I can, but will no longer represent LO or the IPM/PHC Council. It’s been a privilege to represent the many fine men and women who make up our industry. Most are decent, hardworking people who deserve a better break. Aside from providing fertilizer products, I hope to be able to assist, on an individual basis, those companies that are trying to cope with this industry’s uncertain future.

On a personal note, LO’s executive director Tony DiGiovanni, has been the best boss I have ever encountered (he hates me calling him “boss”). The rest of the LO staff are sharp, dedicated, hardworking people, and our industry is lucky to have such a terrific organization supporting our efforts. No matter what sector you are in, LO has been a tireless supporter for the entire horticulture industry.

This season, I have been working on a very interesting project involving alternative lawn services, and will present my findings this winter. I look forward to contacting many of you regarding your individual business needs.

Be sure to look at the September issue of Landscape Trades, as we have put together a rather stunning list of municipalities across Ontario engaged in the pesticide issue. It vividly points out the duplication and redundancy occurring across Ontario, caused by the Supreme Court ruling allowing municipalities to ban pesticides.