June 15, 2014
Getting into the swing of things
By Myscha Burton
Membership and Chapter Coordinator
I will take this opportunity to introduce myself as the contract membership and chapter coordinator while Rachel is on maternity leave.
I am a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Combined Honours B.A. program, having studied sociology and women and gender studies. My spare time is spent at horse shows competing and playing the role of photographer, or judge.
These experiences have provided me the opportunity to see firsthand the value of membership to organizations dedicated to maintaining an industry standard and furthering education. Though it may seem farfetched, there are a lot of similarities to the world of equines and the world of horticulture — beyond the value of excellent lawn care.
As part of my introduction to Landscape Ontario, I have had the opportunity to attend various events, including the Zoom into Workplace Career Day with Denis Flanagan and Rob Tester of TNT Property Maintenance (and of course, Grout was there). The career day allowed high school students to engage with representatives from a variety of industries which provided background information for students. Rob and Denis showcased the realities of an active, diverse and growing industry, and fostered students’ exploration of careers in horticulture.
Rob’s involvement in this event demonstrated the immeasurable value of our members who volunteer countless hours for their association. During our member visits this summer we hope to see more of our hard working members at their respective job sites. No, we’re not checking up on you. On the contrary, we want to see your incredible work and show our appreciation for all that you do to maintain a high standard of excellence for the association. These visits also give us a chance to thank your clients for having their property beautified by a LO member.
Landscape Ontario president Dave Braun’s goal is embodied through these visits: “We’re only as strong as our last interaction.” The strength of our association comes from happy customers and the dedication of our members.
The first member visits for the 2014 season included a stop at Gelderman Landscape Services, Garden Wizard, Fern Ridge Landscaping, V. Kraus Nurseries and The Escarpment Company. Pictures of these visits can be found at facebook.com/LOGrout. Want a visit? Let the membership team know.
In addition to member visits, we have a full calendar of upcoming summer events in all chapters. The LO golf season begins with the Toronto Chapter on July 24, and we are in full swing by August (pun intended) with Ottawa on the 20th, Golden Horseshoe on the 20th, Upper Canada on the 22nd, as well as London’s golf tournament and Georgian Lakelands’ Putting Challenge in September.
Should you run out of argyle to wear golfing, the Toronto Chapter will host its annual baseball tournament on Aug. 17, and the Durham and Georgian Lakelands Chapter barbecues are both on Aug. 21. Wouldn’t these events be a great way to introduce potential members in light of our chapter challenge? Hint, hint!
Visit horttrades.com and check your e-news for more information and registration details.
The Escarpment Company (Mark Fisher and crew) go over the design plan with the help of Grout.
Ben Buchmuller, Kathleen Phillips, Sean James and Stephanie Brodie of Fern Ridge Landscaping.
Please feel free to give me a call at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or email myscha@landscapeontario.com.
Membership and Chapter Coordinator
I will take this opportunity to introduce myself as the contract membership and chapter coordinator while Rachel is on maternity leave.I am a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Combined Honours B.A. program, having studied sociology and women and gender studies. My spare time is spent at horse shows competing and playing the role of photographer, or judge.
These experiences have provided me the opportunity to see firsthand the value of membership to organizations dedicated to maintaining an industry standard and furthering education. Though it may seem farfetched, there are a lot of similarities to the world of equines and the world of horticulture — beyond the value of excellent lawn care.
As part of my introduction to Landscape Ontario, I have had the opportunity to attend various events, including the Zoom into Workplace Career Day with Denis Flanagan and Rob Tester of TNT Property Maintenance (and of course, Grout was there). The career day allowed high school students to engage with representatives from a variety of industries which provided background information for students. Rob and Denis showcased the realities of an active, diverse and growing industry, and fostered students’ exploration of careers in horticulture.
Rob’s involvement in this event demonstrated the immeasurable value of our members who volunteer countless hours for their association. During our member visits this summer we hope to see more of our hard working members at their respective job sites. No, we’re not checking up on you. On the contrary, we want to see your incredible work and show our appreciation for all that you do to maintain a high standard of excellence for the association. These visits also give us a chance to thank your clients for having their property beautified by a LO member.
Landscape Ontario president Dave Braun’s goal is embodied through these visits: “We’re only as strong as our last interaction.” The strength of our association comes from happy customers and the dedication of our members.
The first member visits for the 2014 season included a stop at Gelderman Landscape Services, Garden Wizard, Fern Ridge Landscaping, V. Kraus Nurseries and The Escarpment Company. Pictures of these visits can be found at facebook.com/LOGrout. Want a visit? Let the membership team know.
In addition to member visits, we have a full calendar of upcoming summer events in all chapters. The LO golf season begins with the Toronto Chapter on July 24, and we are in full swing by August (pun intended) with Ottawa on the 20th, Golden Horseshoe on the 20th, Upper Canada on the 22nd, as well as London’s golf tournament and Georgian Lakelands’ Putting Challenge in September.
Should you run out of argyle to wear golfing, the Toronto Chapter will host its annual baseball tournament on Aug. 17, and the Durham and Georgian Lakelands Chapter barbecues are both on Aug. 21. Wouldn’t these events be a great way to introduce potential members in light of our chapter challenge? Hint, hint!
Visit horttrades.com and check your e-news for more information and registration details.
Grout visits members
The Escarpment Company (Mark Fisher and crew) go over the design plan with the help of Grout.
Ben Buchmuller, Kathleen Phillips, Sean James and Stephanie Brodie of Fern Ridge Landscaping.
Please feel free to give me a call at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 354, or email myscha@landscapeontario.com.