September 15, 2012
By Kristen McIntyre CLT

A record number of entries were received for the 2012 retail Awards of Excellence.

We are so fortunate here at Landscape Ontario to be associated with such talented and dedicated professionals. I write this, just a few days after our esteemed panel of retail Awards of Excellence judges completed the mission to judge the 2012 program entries.

Many of the entries were from small family-owned operations. There were some fantastic and creative entries. The judges were so impressed by one of the merchandising entries that they wrote down the address of the retailer and will be visiting them shortly.

I personally will be taking my kids shopping to a few smaller stores that are off the beaten path, during their in-store promotional events (now that I have the inside scoop!).

Members of our judging panel had their job cut out for them as the program had a record number of entries, which of course will result in a record number of winners. Who won, you ask? The winners will be announced for the first time at the ceremony being held at Expo, during the Wed., Oct. 17 breakfast event. Purchase your ticket now at www.loexpo.ca to secure your seat in the audience.

Terry Vanderkruk from Connon Nurseries, CBV Holdings said of the online entry process, “Great job on your website — the process was simple and quick!” Thank you Terry for taking the time to let us know.

Thank you to our judges, Lorraine Flanigan from Trellis Magazine, Sara Katz from Wild at Heart Design, Carol Cowan from Zebra Promotions and Aldona Satterthwaite from Toronto Botanical Garden.

We welcome your feedback, including suggestions for improvement anytime. I can be reached at kristen@landscapeontario.com.