LO this week: March 2, 2011

Durham Chapter this week
Add the Durham Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks


Skid steer certification training, Mar. 3

A seminar to demonstrate how to operate a skid steer safely and
correctly is scheduled at Hertz Equipment Rental 411 Bloor West, Oshawa,
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The seminar will include instruction on basic
operator safety, inspection, and equipment characteristics in accordance
with applicable OSHA regulations and equipment manufacturers’ guidance.
Each participant will receive classroom evaluation and demonstrate
proficiency in a simulated job-site environment. Participants are
required to bring (PPE) Personal Protection Equipment, work boots,
gloves, etc. Lunch is not provided. Cost to LO members is $110, and for
non-members it is $170. See more information, or register.

Permacon Spring Tour 2011

Permacon has announced the dates for its Spring Tour 2011 Seminars. For
Durham Chapter members, the closest event is on Mar. 3 at Markham Event
Centre, 95 Duffield Dr., Markham. The program includes educational seminars on
Sustainable Landscaping by Sean James, Pricing and Estimating for Profit
by George Urvari, Proper Installation of Polymeric Sand, Sealers, etc.,
and a keynote speech by Theresa Syer. The day is free of charge, and
also includes product workshops, lunch, gifts, a mini trade show and even
a chance at a door prize. Register here.

Chainsaw training, Mar. 21-22

The Ministry of Labour requires that all landscapers using chainsaws on
the job be trained on safe operation. This two-day seminar satisfies
that requirement. The second day will be spent in the field, working on
techniques and safe operation while cutting trees. The seminar will take
place at Direct Landscape Supply, 935 Bloor St. E., Oshawa, each day
from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost to LO members is $230, and for non-members
it is $384. Click here for more information, or to Register.

Georgian Lakelands Chapter this week
Add the Georgian Lakelands Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks


Forklift operator certification, Mar. 8
This course is designed to provide written, oral and practical
instruction on the safe use of classes I, III, IV, V, and VII of
forklifts, as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act of
Ontario, Regulations 213/91 (Construction) and 851 (Industrial). It will
take place at Hertz-Equipment Rental, 614 Dunlop St. W., Barrie, from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. Types of forklifts covered include electric, LPG,
gasoline and diesel three- and four- wheeled counter-balanced forklifts,
all tire types, rough terrain forklifts and telescoping forklifts.
Participants are required to bring (PPE) Personal Protection Equipment,
work boots, gloves, etc., for this seminar. Lunch is not included. Cost
to LO members is $110, and for non-members it is $170. To register for
the event, go to Seminars.

Permacon Spring Tour 2011

Permacon has announced the dates for its Spring Tour 2011 Seminars. For Georgian Lakelands Chapter members, the closest event is on Mar. 3 at Markham Event
Centre, 95 Duffield Dr., Markham. The program includes educational seminars on
Sustainable Landscaping by Sean James, Pricing and Estimating for Profit
by George Urvari, Proper Installation of Polymeric Sand, Sealers, etc.,
and a keynote speech by Theresa Syer. The day is free of charge, and
also includes product workshops, lunch, gifts, a mini trade show and even
a chance at a door prize. Register here.

Check out Georgian Lakelands Facebook Page.

Golden Horseshoe Chapter this week

Add the Golden Horseshoe Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks

Golden Horseshoe Chapter meeting,
Mar. 24
The Golden Horseshoe Chapter welcomes you to its annual spring MTO
meeting, which takes place at Hamilton Builders’ Supply, 1067 Barton St. E., Winona,
from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. This meeting features Ian Walters of the MTO and J. Paul Lamarche. Don’t miss out
on this popular meeting! Contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext.
354, or helen@landscapeontario.com for more information.

First aid with level A CPR, Mar. 4 and 5

A two-day practical first aid course at Copetown Community Centre, 1950
Hwy. 99 Rd., Copetown, meets WSIB requirements and prepares participants
to administer first aid for common landscape injuries. Every landscape
crew must have a member with first aid training to assist injured
workers. Participants must bring a blanket. The course begins at 8:30
a.m. and runs to 4:30 p.m., both days. Cost to LO members is $150, and
for non-members, it is $220. Lunch is not included in this event. For
more info, or to register.

Due diligence training, Mar. 10

What is required from a company to practice due diligence under the law?
A one-day program that is designed for all owners and managers to
jump-start their health and safety program will take place at Copetown
Community Centre, 1950 Hwy. 99 Rd., Copetown, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to bring copies of their current programs,
as well as any relevant materials for discussion. Lunch is included in
the cost of $221. For more information, or to register, go to Seminars.

Chainsaw safety training, Mar. 17

For those who operate chainsaws, this program gives users a fundamental
understanding of the care, operation and safe use. The course will take
place at Brother Equipment Rental, 1154 Wilson St. W., Ancaster, from 8
a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants must bring their own chainsaw for the
purposes of demonstrations. They must also have their own PPE equipment,
safety glasses, boots, hearing protection, face shield, safety
pants/chaps and gloves. Lunch is included. Cost of the course is $221. Register.

Peel Halton job fair, Mar. 30

Employers have the opportunity to recruit and interview potential
candidates on-site at the Peel Halton Job Fair at the International
Centre, Hall Five, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga. The event begins at
10 a.m. and runs to 4 p.m. The one-day job fair serves the Peel and
Halton regions. For more information, go to Job Fair.

London Chapter this week
Add the London Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks

Natural Solutions Symposium, Mar. 9

A series of speakers will discuss natural fertilizer and pest control
products and practices for the landscape and retail greenhouse
industries in London. The event takes place at Fanshawe College,
from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. For further information, or to register, check out
the Symposium website, or email Katherine Lomas at katherine.lomas@hotmail.ca.

London Chapter meeting, Mar. 8

Come to the Lamplighter Inn, Royal Palm Room, 591 Wellington Rd. S.,
London, and join the chapter at a social hour starting at 6 p.m.,
followed by an information meeting at 7 p.m., on How to Utilize Your LO
Membership Perks. Find answers to questions on how use your associate
supplier discounts, online website profile, getting certified and more.
This is a great opportunity to meet suppliers and members. There will
also be displays of new products from the London area. Come see what is
new. The meeting sponsor is OLS Canada. There is no charge for this
meeting. For more information, contact Wendy Harry at 519-488-0818, or
1-888-211-5606, ext. 2356, or wharry@landscapeontario.com.

Workplace and vehicle safety seminar, Mar. 30

This seminar is a must for everyone in the landscape industry. A
Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (formerly Farm Safety)
representative will discuss WHMIS, safe operation of landscape equipment
and back safety, and present a safety slide show. An MTO representative
will also explain current vehicle weight classifications, proper load
registration and Ministry requirements for travel documents. WHMIS must
be renewed annually. The event will take place at TLC Professional
Landscape, 2026 Oxford St. E., London, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost is $30
for LO members, and $40 for non-members. Look here for more
information, or to register.

Skid steer certification training, Mar. 31

Individuals who want to learn how to operate a skid-steer safely and
correctly should attend this seminar. It will include instruction on
basic operator safety, inspection, and equipment characteristics in
accordance with applicable OSHA regulations and equipment manufacturers’
guidance. Each participant will receive classroom evaluation and
demonstrate proficiency in a simulated job-site environment.
Participants are required to bring   Personal Protection Equipment (PPE),
work boots, gloves, etc., for this seminar. Lunch is not provided. Cost
to LO members is $110, and for non-members it is $170. The session will
take place at Huron Tractor, 37 Elgin Rd., Thamesford, from 9 a.m. to 2
p.m. Look here for more information, or to register.

Ottawa Chapter this week

Add the Ottawa Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks


Ornamental grasses in the northern garden, Mar. 8

Susan Dyer of Kings Creek Trees, is conducting a half-day seminar at
Ottawa District Hockey Association, 1247 Kilborn, Ottawa, aimed at
landscape contractors, landscape designers, garden maintenance
contractors, plant buyers at garden centres and anyone with an interest
in horticulture. The seminar will take place from 9 a.m. to 12-noon.
Learn how to save on plant costs, particularly when comparing giant
grasses to trees, while producing extraordinary and stunning landscapes
using ornamental grasses of all sizes. Lunch is not included. Cost is
$60 for LO members, and $96 for non-members. To register go to Ottawa Seminars.

Introduction to pruning, Mar. 10

This seminar is for anyone who is going to be pruning, and includes
classroom and practical instruction to develop participants’ skills and
confidence in pruning basics, and to answer the what, where, why and how
of successful pruning. Be sure to dress for the weather when attending
this seminar, and bring: gloves, eyewear, etc., and pruners. The seminar
will take place at Ottawa District Hockey Association, 1247 Kilborn
Place, Ottawa, starting at 9 a.m. and going until 4 p.m. Cost is $115
for LO members and $192 for non-members.
Register here for Ottawa Seminars

Permacon Spring Tour 2011, March 10

Permacon has announced the dates for its Spring Tour 2011 Seminars. For Ottawa Chapter members, the closest event is on Mar. 10 at 2011 Hampton Inn and Convention Centre, 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa. Educational seminars include
Sustainable Landscaping by Sean James, Pricing and Estimating for Profit
by George Urvari, Proper Installation of Polymeric Sand, Sealers, etc.,
and a keynote speech by Theresa Syer. The day is free of charge and
also includes product workshops, lunch, gifts, a mini trade show and even
a chance at a door prize. Register here.

Techo-Bloc contractor showcase 2011, Mar. 28

Learn about new products, installation tricks, support programs,
equipment suppliers and the latest technologies available at the Hampton Inn
Ottawa and Conference Centre, 200 Coventry Road, Ottawa, from 7 a.m. to
3 p.m. Register.

New address for Ottawa seminars
Please take note that all the Ottawa Winter Seminars will now take place
at the Ottawa District Hockey Association, 1247 Kilborn Place, Suite 300
D., Ottawa.

Winter seminars underway
Check out the Ottawa Chapter Winter course schedule here.

Toronto Chapter this week
Add the Toronto Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks

Toronto Chapter meeting, Mar. 3
Join the Toronto chapter at the Toronto Botanical Gardens, 777 Lawrence Avenue East, at 6:30 p.m.
for an informative presentation by Rory Sheehan called Becoming a Sales Professional. This presentation will cover closing
the sale, overcoming objections and how to build value instead
of dropping the price. For more information, contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com.

Permacon Spring Tour, March 3

Permacon
has announced the dates for its Spring Tour 2011 Seminars. For Toronto Chapter members, the closest event is on Mar. 3 at Markham
Event
Centre, 95 Duffield Dr., Markham. The day includes educational seminars on
Sustainable Landscaping by Sean James, Pricing and Estimating for Profit
by George Urvari, Proper Installation of Polymeric Sand, Sealers, etc.,
and a keynote speech by Theresa Syer. The day is free of charge and
also includes product workshops, lunch, gifts, a mini trade show and even
a chance at a door prize. Register here.

Meet hiring needs on Mar. 22
The City of Toronto is offering Landscape Ontario members free
participation in the annual City of Toronto/Landscape Ontario
recruitment fair. Approximately 200 job seekers (adults and youth) with a
large variety of landscaping experience, or desire to work in the sector
will attend. The event will take place at the YMCA, 20 Grosvenor Street,
Toronto (Yonge/Wellesley) from 2 to 5 p.m. For full details and to
register, email Linda McGrath at lmcgrat2@toronto.ca, or phone 416-397-7317. It is recommended to register early, as space is limited.

Peel Halton job fair, Mar. 30

Employers have the opportunity to recruit and interview potential
candidates on-site at the Peel Halton Job Fair at the International
Centre, Hall Five, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga. The event begins at
10 a.m. and runs to 4 p.m. The one-day job fair serves the Peel and
Halton regions. For more information, go to Job Fair.

Upper Canada Chapter this week
Add the Upper Canada Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks

Upper Canada Chapter meeting, March 9

Join the Upper Canada Chapter at the Strathcona Paper Centre in Napanee, for this highly anticipated MTO session, starting at 2 p.m. Two reasons
for attending: staying safe and staying compliant. Learn what’s new this
year in record keeping, load securement, general maintenance standards,
etc. This is considered the most important meeting of the year and will include elections for the 2011 chapter board. Back by
popular request is Frank Collins of Pro-Tech Transportation &
Industrial Safety Training Services. For more information, contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com.

Permacon Spring Tour 2011

Permacon

has announced the dates for its Spring Tour 2011 Seminars. For Upper Canada
Chapter members, the closest event is on Mar. 10 at 2011 Hampton Inn and
Convention Centre, 200 Coventry Rd., Ottawa. Educational seminars
include
Sustainable Landscaping by Sean James, Pricing and Estimating for Profit
by George Urvari, Proper Installation of Polymeric Sand, Sealers, etc.,
and a keynote speech by Theresa Syer. The day is free of charge and
also includes product workshops, lunch, gifts, a mini trade show and even
a chance at a door prize. Register here.

Upper Canada training session, Mar. 23
Come
out to 698 Station Road, Gananoque at 8:30 a.m. to learn about WHMIS, Bill 168, Lawn Care
Equipment Familiarization, Risk Assessment, Managing Compliance and
Hazard Recognition. Participants must bring their PPE, and everyone on site is
to have CSA footwear. Cost for both members and potential members is a
food bank donation. Lunch will be provided by the chapter. To register
or learn more, contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com.

Skid steer certification, Mar. 24
Come
out to 698 Station Road, Gananoque at 8:30 a.m. for skidsteer (bucket and forks)
certification. Participants will receive laminated certification cards.
Participants must bring their PPE, and everyone on site is to have CSA
footwear. Cost is $125 for LO members and $150 for potential members.
Lunch will be provided by the chapter. Foodbank donations are
appreciated. To register or learn more, contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com.

Waterloo Chapter this week
Add the Waterloo Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks

Waterloo Chapter meeting, Mar. 2

Join the Waterloo Chapter at the Knights of Columbus, 145 Dearborn
Place, Waterloo, from 7 to 9 p.m. for an informative presentation about
locates by Ontario Regional Common Ground Alliance (ORCGA). The Chapter
will also hold its elections for the coming year. For more information,
contact Helen Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com.

Windsor Chapter this week
Add the Windsor Chapter page and the LO events calendar to your bookmarks


Windsor Chapter meeting, 
Mar. 24

Join the Windsor Chapter at Dominion Golf Course, 6125 Howard Avenue, LaSalle,
from 5 to 8 p.m. for a presentation on Living
Roofs and LEED certification by Xero Flor Canada. Contact Helen
Hassard at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or helen@landscapeontario.com. for
more information.

LO this week

Canada Blooms opening night party, Mar. 15

Don’t miss opening night party at Canada Blooms at the Direct Energy
Centre, starting at 6:30. Enjoy special guided tours of the award
winning gardens, demonstrations by floral superstars Frank Ferragine,
Albert Graves, Neville Mackay and Paul Zammit, along with a special
salute to the 40th Anniversary of the JUNO Awards. There is also a
silent auction, wine tasting, a cash bar and free parking. Highlight of
the evening will be a special musical performance by JUNO Award Winner
Carolyn Dawn Johnson. To order tickets, or to see more information, go
to Canada Blooms.

Hiring summer students

Businesses can apply to receive a $2-per-hour, per student hiring
incentive by contacting the nearest Employment Ontario Summer Jobs
Service agency. Visit the Employment Ontario website.

CNN puts Canada Blooms in best destination category

CNN has interviewed top garden experts to get the scoop on this year’s
best destinations to view beautiful, budding flowers, and Canada Blooms
has cracked the list of top places to see beautiful flowers. To access
the website, go to CNN

CLP Strategic planning and business assessment, Mar. 7

The Strategic Planning session will review establishing a strategic plan
for your business. Cost is $115 for LO members, and $192 for
non-members. It takes place at the LO home office in Milton, from 9
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Note: Extra fees apply for exam or manuals. Visit
www.clp.canadanursery.com, or call 1-888-446-3499 for more details
regarding cost and exam registration. A brief review on the CLP module
Exterior Production Operations, including time for questions, will be
held at the end of each seminar if time permits. Lunch is not included.
Register at CLP

CLP Corporate Financial Management module, Mar. 8

Completing this seminar will guide you towards a clearer basic
understanding of how to utilize and understand financial statements for
smarter fiscal management and alleviate some of the frustrations that
can accompany managing financials. Cost for LO members is $115, and for
non-members it is $192. The seminar will take place at the LO home
office, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more details, visit
www.clp.canadanursery.com, or call 1-888-446-3499. It is strongly
suggested that each participant read and review the CLP manuals prior to
taking each course and exam for best success. To register go to CLP.

CLP Human Resource Management module, Mar. 9

The CLP module Human Resource Management addresses one of the industry’s
greatest challenges. The seminar will cover recruitment, hiring,
compensation, training and safety. This is a must for owners and
managers in today’s business climate. Visit www.clp.canadanursery.com,
or call 1-888-446-3499 for more details. The seminar will take place at
the LO home office from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost to LO members is $115,
and for non-members it is $192. To register go to CLP

CLP Risk, Contracts and Legal requirements module, Mar. 10
The CLP module Risk, Contracts and Legal Requirements covers risk
management, contract law and business structures. This topic will help
the business owner to minimize day-to-day risk. The second part of the
day, on the CLP module Marketing and Sales Management, covers an
important component of your strategic plan and a major pillar guiding
healthy growth. The seminar will take place at the LO home office from 9
a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visit www.clp.canadanursery.com, or call
1-888-446-3499 for more details. Cost for LO members is $115, and for
non-members it is $192. To register, go to CLP

Industry Canada creates SME benchmarking tool

Industry Canada has created a web page benchmarking tool which provides
background information on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The
program provides access to industry averages for income statement and
balance sheet items, financial ratios and information on profitability
for small- and medium-sized businesses, and features detailed financial
data on more than 600 industries across Canada, including more than 30
performance benchmarks to help small businesses determine how they
measure up to their competitors. To access the page go to
Benchmarking.