This year Landscape Ontario’s membership committee has worked to create revisions to current membership categories as well as establish new categories that better suit the needs of current and future members of the association. Tasked by the association’s strategic plan to grow membership to 80% of the landscape and horticultural industry in 25 years, these new categories will make membership more accessible for new businesses looking to gain professional credibility and education. These proposed by-law changes coincide with the core values outlined in Landscape Ontario’s strategic plan and will be voted on at the Landscape Ontario AGM on Wednesday January 8, 2020.

If you have any questions, please email Myscha Stafford at myscha@landscapeontario.com
 

PROPOSED CHANGES TO LANDSCAPE ONTARIO MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES​

 

NEW CATEGORY	DESCRIPTION	REASON
Development/ Introductory	An introductory membership for a horticultural business that has not previously been a member of Landscape Ontario. Businesses may join this category for a period of one year prior to applying for Interim or Active membership.	A 1 year membership for businesses wishing to learn more about Landscape Ontario and the opportunities and resources that membership can offer.
Member	A horticultural business that is actively engaged in the horticultural industry and exhibits high integrity in business practices as demonstrated through the accreditation process.	Replaces Interim and Active membership categories. Removes current barrier of a minimum of 1 year in business before applying for membership. Encourages professionalism for new businesses and provides them with access to resources to help them thrive.
Professional Member	A horticultural business that has been actively engaged in the horticultural industry for at least two years, meets all criteria for a Member as well as demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development	Places added emphasis and recognition for companies that are committed to continuing education and developing professional practices.
Certified Professional Member	A horticultural business that has been a Member of Landscape Ontario for 5 consecutive years and can demonstrate proof of valid professional certification or equivalent and continuing education.	Places added emphasis and recognition for companies that are engaged in certification, post secondary education and continued professional development. Builds credibility and professionalism through membership.
Sole Proprietor Status	A status which Members, Professional and Certified Professional members may apply for. Sole Proprietor members are sole proprietor businesses owners with no more than 1.5 full time equivalent employees, that meet all accreditation criteria for Members.	A unique status companies for which the current membership system does not service. Sole proprietors have unique business needs which this criteria would address. Offers better service, creates more networking opportunities and raises the level of professionalism for businesses.
Individual Member	Former Horticultural member. Membership for individuals engaged in work allied to the horticultural industry but do not carry on business in a manner.  Status to be conferred automatically to any employee of a current Landscape Ontario member.	New name better reflects who this membership is designed for. Engages LO member’s employees in the association

PROPOSED NEW MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES: MEMBERSHIP APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

MEMBERSHIP TYPE	COMPLETED MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION	REFERENCES FROM TWO LO MEMBERS	LIABILITY INSURANCE	WSIB	JOB SITE PHOTOS	PROOF OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT	HEALTH & SAFETY POLICY MANUAL	BOARD ACCREDITATION
Introductory Member
Member
Professional Member
Certified Professional Member
Sole Proprietor Status

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

MEMBER BENEFIT	INTRODUCTORY MEMBER	MEMBER	PROFESSIONAL MEMBER	CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL MEMBER
Advertising discounts
Awards of Excellence
Canada Blooms tickets discount
Congress Exhibitor discounts
Consumer Promotion, Referrals and Online Member Profile
CNLA Endorsed Supplier Cost Saving Benefits
Free link to your website
Government relations
Membership certificate
Networking opportunities
Member pricing on Professional Development Opportunities
Promotional materials
Rental of membership list* (mailing addresses)
Subscription to weekly Enews, Landscape Ontario and E-ssentials, Landscape Trades magazines
Use of logo
Attend Chapter meetings
Legal advice program
Voting rights at AGM
Sit on Chapter/Sector Board of Directors
Sit on Provincial Board of Directors

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