President's Message
Oct 5, 2020
Planning is the foundation of success
There are a bunch of programs and landscape industry consultants associated with LO that can help you tackle the strategic planning monster.
Sep 1, 2020
Engage your team in a plan for success
Inviting your team members to join the strategic planning process can create almost immediate buy-in and positive energy.
Jul 15, 2020
Stick to your plan and don’t let your guard down
Despite a global pandemic, the sun is shining and there is much work to do.
Jun 15, 2020
Will this roller coaster ride ever end?
As I look back over the last three months, I see a crazy roller coaster ride with many ups and downs.
May 6, 2020
Opportunity or threat?
In times like these, the lean will succeed, and anything that’s not, will require intense and intentional change.
Mar 30, 2020
Uncertain times call for new measures and planning
Things you can do now to build resilience in your bottom line.
Mar 15, 2020
A little bit of sharing can go a long way
You may not agree with sharing everything, but an employee that knows what is going on financially, can help pull things in the right direction.
Feb 15, 2020
Lack of balance makes extreme things happen
Life is not a balancing act between work, life, association, sports, and the other million things we have going on. Balance is basically being at rest.
Jan 4, 2020
Opportunities are ours for the taking
Building on our legacy to ensure a prosperous future.
Nov 15, 2019
Opening Pandora’s Box
Our name sometimes does not properly reflect who we are as an association and what we are trying to achieve.
Oct 15, 2019
The feeling you get when you buy something new
LO's newly-renovated building is the start of a new journey toward even greater things.
Sep 15, 2019
Association membership gives a 20x return on investment
Financial savings are just one of the many reasons whey members continue to renew membership dues each year.
Jul 15, 2019
Lessons from a 19 year-old, home bloggers and an online nursery
The traditional way of selling products is changing.
Jun 15, 2019
Watch out for ice bergs, reopening of LO office and a few other tidbits
The weather this spring is nothing to joke about.
May 6, 2019
A simple way to catch big fish
Changing the way list wages in job posting can help improve your chances at success.
Feb 27, 2019
Youth and new Canadians are our future
It's time to change the stereotype many students and guidance counsellors have about careers in horticulture.
Jan 29, 2019
Marketing is creepy, but it works
Data collected from smartphones is very valuable to big marketing companies
Dec 12, 2018
Saying it in just a few words
LO's recent strategic planning session produced a clear mission in simple, easy to understand language.
Nov 5, 2018
Waste not, want not
A business owner is responsible for identifying waste in their business.
Oct 9, 2018
Every challenge creates an opportunity
A change in market forces means an impact to consumers of road salt.
Sep 15, 2018
Charge more and feel younger
A simple formula can help you determine the maximum price clients will pay for your services.
Jul 15, 2018
What price should this plant be?
It's time to look at how consumers value plants and the many other products we offer.
Jun 15, 2018
Supply and demand justifies a raise in prices
The more we value our products and services, the more the consumer will too.
May 15, 2018
A lesson from the farm
Marketing a profession to the next generation of landscape professionals.
Apr 5, 2018
Attracting more applicants to our profession
The limiting factors to attracting labour to our profession.
Mar 15, 2018
Propel your business and career
Mentoring is an invaluable experience for both parties involve
Feb 15, 2018
Great conversations at Congress
This year, the topic on everyone’s minds was how to deal with the minimum wage hike.
Jan 15, 2018
Adapting to change is key to continuing our success
LO's new president explains why the association is, and will continue to be relevant to members.
Nov 15, 2017
Challenges facing the landscape profession
A recent gathering of associations around the Great Lakes helped to identify challenges we all face.
Oct 15, 2017
Training offers new ways to create
Communication is the strongest tool we have within a company.
Sep 15, 2017
A memorable summer once again
Unpredictable weather and one of the busiest summers on record was not without its challenges.
Jul 25, 2017
Vimy oak planted at LO home office
LO's home office in MIlton now boasts a Vimy oak from Connon NVK.
Jul 15, 2017
Happy 150th Birthday Canada
Canada continues to be a country envied throughout the world.
May 16, 2017
Keeping busy this season
There is still a lot of work to do on our end for Name Act success, but our collaboration with OALA is a key starting point for success.
Mar 15, 2017
The power of collaboration
An update from the recent CNLA national meetings in Toronto.
Jan 15, 2017
Improving an already amazing profession
The association's many activities and events are a great for collaboration and ideas.
Oct 31, 2016
A name act for landscape designers
A partnership with OALA is working on obtaining a Name Act for landscape designers.
Oct 22, 2016
Keep learning to stay in the game
Contractors must contend with bylaws that vary from one town to the next.
Sep 15, 2016
Are you covered in the event of an accident?
What happens if, and when, someone integral to your team gets injured?
Sep 15, 2016
Plant it high, never die
In most cases, trees should be planted with the root collar at least three to four inches above grade.
Jun 15, 2016
Co-opetition: Cooperation among aligned professionals
Today, sharing virtually all aspects of our business with colleagues is the norm.
May 15, 2016
Combined efforts go a long way
The LO feature garden at Canada Blooms this year got a lot of attention from visitors to the show.
Apr 15, 2016
Positive energy fuels our profession
Several committee projects will help to shape our association in the coming years.
Mar 15, 2016
Transforming an industry with one word
A reminder that we are a group of professionals.
Jan 15, 2016
Drawn together
Landscape Ontario's incoming president outlines his agenda for next two years.
Oct 15, 2015
Have you asked for a referral lately?
A study shows referral customers are more loyal and more profitable.
Jul 15, 2015
Together we help industry grow
What 40 years of Landscape Ontario means to the success of your business.
Jun 15, 2015
Reality TV worth watching
Insight can be gained from watching a TV show about a turning around a struggling business.
Apr 15, 2015
Do you have your goals in writing?
Research shows a direct and substantial link between setting goals and future success.
Mar 15, 2015
Listening Tour #growingtogether
"Growing Together" is the theme of Dave Braun's presidency.
Dec 15, 2014
Raising your prices?
Businesses often fail to raise prices because they believe the competition won't.
Nov 15, 2014
Did you hear about free legal advice?
All LO members now enjoy free access to legal advice as part of their benefits package.
Oct 15, 2014
First impressions
There’s a reason why top companies invest in ensuring that employees reflect their brand vision.
Aug 15, 2014
Midnight dinners and all
Missing time with loved ones during busy season simply comes with the territory.
Jun 15, 2014
So you’re leaving? Let’s chat
Exit interviews are a good reminder of how important conversations can be.
Feb 15, 2014
I know you’re better, but can you match their price?
We can't sell ourselves short. We need to take pride in what we do.
Jan 15, 2014
Theme for 2014: Growing together
A great deal of LO's success should be credited to home office staff.
Dec 1, 2013
It’s been an honour to represent this great association
Outgoing association shares his final thoughts.
Nov 1, 2013
Skilled trades shortage is next crisis
Ask any business owner in the green industry what his biggest challenge is, and he will likely single out the problems with hiring good people.
Oct 1, 2013
It’s more than saving money
It is so obvious to me that no matter if the company is big or small, there are enormous benefits to be a member of Landscape Ontario.
Sep 15, 2013
Flora Niagara is dead...for now
The international horticultural exhibition that was hoped to celebrate Canada's 150th birthday will not take place.
Aug 15, 2013
Proper training improves bottom line
The On the Job Training (OJT) program through Landscape Ontario teaches quality and efficiency.
Jul 15, 2013
Safety is everyone’s responsibility
Since our firm entered Landscape Ontario’s health and safety program many years ago, I have seen a dramatic improvement in our accident occurrences and WSIB claims.
Jun 15, 2013
Does anyone remember the Adopt-a-School program?
Since the Adopt-a-School program was developed in 2007, it has been forgotten by industry members, and that is a crying shame.
May 15, 2013
More than passion needed to retain employees
Good employees are the lifeline of a successful business. Treat them with utmost respect and you will get the same in return.
Apr 15, 2013
The importance of vision
Smart business owners understand the importance of knowing and understanding their business vision.
Mar 15, 2013
It’s time for Canada Blooms
Canada’s largest garden and flower festival will embark on its 17th year by celebrating with the theme, The Magic of Spring.
Jan 15, 2013
Time to solve skilled labour shortages
A Statistics Canada study that year found 24 per cent of Canadian companies were not able to find the right talent.
Dec 15, 2012
Members help to maintain urban forest
The Trees for Life launch was a very impressive and important event for a number of reasons.
Nov 15, 2012
Don’t ignore benefits of vertical
Lately I have been faced with the challenge of landscaping some small spaces, particularly balconies and terraces in high-rise condominiums.
Oct 15, 2012
A horticultural extravaganza
For a few days the Canadian delegation and I visited Floriade 2012, a world-class horticultural expo that opened on Apr. 5 and closed Oct. 7.
Sep 15, 2012
Booming condo industry
There has been an incredible increase in condo landscape design, construction and maintenance enquiries over the past few years at our offices in Toronto
Aug 15, 2012
Some positive news about turf
For some time we have been reading about grass being out of fashion.
Jul 15, 2012
Hard work required in tough times
Over the past few years, it has become increasingly difficult to predict business cycles.
Jun 15, 2012
What’s wrong with Employment Insurance?
It appears our federal government is looking to amend Employment Insurance (EI).
May 15, 2012
What a winter! What a spring!
Each year I find the transition from winter to spring a shock to my lifestyle.
Apr 15, 2012
Apprenticeship training program is a hidden treasure
The apprenticeship training program is a hidden treasure waiting to give young people a future and a guaranteed job.
Mar 15, 2012
The re-birth of Canada Blooms
I find it hard to believe that the Canada Blooms flower and garden festival will be embarking on its 16th annual event this year.
Feb 15, 2012
Programs to help you prosper
Many years ago, as a young lad, with a variety of work experience in retail, bars, restaurants and construction, I was struggling to determine a career path.
Jan 15, 2012
An opportunity for prosperity
As your incoming president, I wish to start my very first column with encouraging news regarding the potential for a prosperous and profitable year in 2012. Despite everything else, the good news is that in tough times, our association is here to support you with meaningful programs.
Dec 15, 2011
Closing thoughts
This will be my last message to you, as my term as president of Landscape Ontario comes to an end.
Nov 15, 2011
It’s not business as usual
In developing a plan to survive in the new economy, let’s not forget the fundamentals of sound business practices.
Oct 15, 2011
The demographics and relevance of gardening
The slide in gardening interest is exacerbated by the demographics of our aging population.
Sep 15, 2011
Fall is the time for renewal
Become engaged with Landscape Ontario. Monitor and measure your efforts as well as your rewards and successes.
Aug 15, 2011
It’ll be alright come August
No matter what the spring throws at you, the season will unfold as it should.
Jul 15, 2011
The glue that holds us all together
Good communication helps to keep our 10 sectors and nine Chapters cohesive.
Jun 15, 2011
An evaluation of LO’s success
Landscape Ontario has been called one of the most successful horticultural associations in the world. Certainly, our numbers might suggest that. But let’s evaluate our success with a look to the future and how we can sustain true long term success.
May 15, 2011
Spring is a time to be off balance on purpose
We are pulled a thousand different ways, stretched and stressed to the max each spring.
Apr 15, 2011
Time to go back to basic communication
Let’s think for a moment about the technological advances in communication in the last 10 years, and how astounding they have been.
Mar 15, 2011
What’s your return on investment from membership?
Our association exists to fulfill the perceived needs of our members.
Feb 15, 2011
How to be a good volunteer
Our volunteers are at the core of Landscape Ontario’s success.
Jan 15, 2011
Energizing our spirit of volunteerism
Landscape Ontario’s longstanding success is founded on the spirit of volunteerism.
Dec 15, 2010
My Christmas gift to all of you: humour
A little horticultural humour for our hectic, stressed-filled lives.
Nov 15, 2010
Opportunities for growth in the green industry
Don’t you wish you had a crystal ball to help set your course for the future?
Oct 15, 2010
The challenge of relevance
One of the many challenges that our green industry will face in the next few years is to keep our activities relevant.
Sep 15, 2010
Native plants, and two ideals of beauty
The use of natives in the landscape is a complex issue, the roots of which (no pun intended) go way back in history.
Aug 15, 2010
Is this déjà vu all over again?
My observations have been that most sectors have enjoyed a reasonably good spring season, but there are cracks appearing in everyone’s business.
Jul 15, 2010
The pros and cons of regulation
All of us, no matter the sector of our industry we operate in, face regulations every day.
Jun 15, 2010
An historical perspective of the future
At no time in the history of mankind is the world so quickly changing, as it is right now.
May 15, 2010
Time to reflect to get respect
We are working on your behalf to reflect the core values that will gain you well-deserved respect.
May 15, 2010
So, why are you in this business anyway?
Have you ever seriously and reflectively asked yourself why you entered into the green industry, and why you remain in it?
Mar 15, 2010
The Landscape Ontario gene
Altruism is the behaviour or act in which an individual sacrifices its own wellbeing for the benefit of others.
Feb 15, 2010
HST will affect sectors in different ways
As of July 2010, the provincial government will impose its new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
Jan 15, 2010
Theme for 2010: Prosperity through Engagement
It is with a great deal of humility and appreciation that I assume the presidency of Landscape Ontario.
Apr 15, 2009
Positive opportunities
It’s a federal tax credit that has finally included our industry. This has never happened in Canadian history.
Jan 15, 2009
Strong association and positive attitudes will bring a prosperous year
Wow! It never ceases to amaze me what we as an organization can achieve when we put our minds to it.
Dec 15, 2008
Zoomers, Xers, Yers and Boomers
Today we divide generations by labels, such as Zoomers, Generation Xers, Boomers, Echo Boomers and Millennials, or more commonly known as Generation Y – “Gen Yers.”
Nov 15, 2008
Association membership provides many benefits
When you consider membership with Landscape Ontario, or any organization, do weigh the benefits before making your decision? Ask yourself if it is right for you? What am I going to receive if I am associated with this group of people?
Oct 15, 2008
Be thankful for health, family and friends
As I’m sure it is with all of you, trying to juggle one’s business and personal life is sometimes trying at the best.
Sep 15, 2008
Commit to higher levels of knowledge
As we continue working to complete commitments to clients for the year, we must not forget ourselves and our families.
Aug 15, 2008
Unsung heroes make LO strong
During the past month I had the opportunity to participate in a great community event.
Jun 15, 2008
Are you doing all you can to be GREEN?
In an industry that initiates revitalization and beautification of our green spaces, I pose this question: “Are we doing all we can to promote and help our environment — for today and the future?”
Jun 15, 2008
LO is a vital resource
With summer well on its way, this month’s message will be short and sweet: “Don’t forget us.”
May 15, 2008
Energy and enthusiasm evident in all chapters
I took advantage of my downtime during the winter to visit with each chapter of LO.
Apr 15, 2008
Getting value from LO: A spring checklist
It’s finally spring again, and those of us lucky enough to be in the green trades are checking off lists.
Mar 15, 2008
Members helping members
What does Landscape Ontario mean to me, and why am I a member? Well, let me think back to a couple of scenarios.