September 1, 2016
By Myscha Burton
Membership and Chapter Coordinator

Myscha BurtonLandscape Ontario is made up of nine chapters across the province. Each chapter hosts at least five chapter meetings per year. Chapter meetings feature guest speakers, education and training opportunities, plus social events — many of which are family friendly. Each chapter has its own volunteer executive board, which works tirelessly to bring you these events. They know the challenge of balancing work and family and they appreciate your precious time.

Chapter meetings allow you to connect with local colleagues and suppliers, as well as offering unique opportunities for discussion and education on business topics. Our chapters continue to research the latest trends and topics to feature at meetings to make best use of your time. Chapters have been making changes to their meeting locations to reach out to members located throughout their regions. Both the Georgian Lakelands and Upper Canada chapters rotate where meetings are held in an effort to make travel time more balanced throughout the chapter. About two years ago, there was a lot of discussion about changing the format of chapter meetings and making them available online. We asked the following questions: Is there a better way to share information at a chapter level? If we changed to digital meetings, are we taking away from the value of face-to-face networking? Are you as likely to come to a meeting if there is the option of watching it from home? Would you get the same value out of a meeting held online? We are constantly trying to address these challenges and questions. We continue to investigate the technologies that exist to make meetings available online, but also appreciate there is great value in meeting face-to-face. Each year, the benefits of personal meetings are highlighted at the social events hosted throughout the summer.
 

Great fun and networking events

Our Toronto, Upper Canada, Golden Horseshoe and Ottawa chapter golf tournaments are now complete. Despite the very warm temperatures, we had great turnouts and golfers were very generously supported by fantastic sponsors. The Toronto Chapter also hosted a very successful baseball tournament in tribute to long-time tournament supporter, Hank DeJong, who passed away earlier this year. Congratulations to the winning team, Legendary Landscape and Stone. After a year off, baseball returns to the Waterloo Chapter on Sept. 25 at Breslau Memorial Park. Space is filling up fast, so please register your team ASAP. Both London and Windsor chapter golf tournaments are coming up later this month, along with the Georgian Lakelands Chapter’s putting challenge. I hope to see you there! As with chapter meetings, these events offer you a chance to meet and connect with the LO community and fellow professionals, connect with suppliers, and build your staff’s camaraderie.
 

E-news keeps you informed

While the LO e-news is one of many emails you receive in a given week, it contains the latest information on upcoming events in your chapter. At the top of the e-news you will see a graphic that links to your chapter webpage with the most current event details and online registration. Of course, you are welcome to attend meetings in any chapter if the topic is of interest to you. If you have a suggestion for a chapter meeting, or any questions about upcoming chapter events, please contact me directly at 1-800-265-5656, ext. 2333 or email myscha@landscapeontario.com.

LO DUES INVOICES SENT OUT

LO dues invoices were mailed out in late August. Pay online at horttrades.com/dues or send in your payment today. Once paid, a complete member package will be sent out to you in the mail. If you did not receive your invoice, or for assistance, call 1-800-265-5656.