December 1, 2021
Joe SalemiAnother year of COVID-19 challenges are under our belt, but not without making the most of it. Landscape Ontario continued to leverage virtual meetings and conferences to maintain membership connection. Virtual meetings have been embraced by the membership, aside from the fact that we couldn’t physically meet face to face, but because it was something we all needed. That personal connection. We’re social beings and Landscape Ontario’s virtual meetings provided an opportunity for industry peers to connect and discuss common challenges, opportunities, and just an opportunity to network / socialize.

Record number of new members

Landscape Ontario saw record growth with new members joining the community. With nearly 600 new members this fiscal year it is clear that the landscape business is flourishing. We have seen growth in all membership categories. We averaged 40-50 new members monthly, keeping the membership team very busy vetting new member applications. New members cited many reasons for joining Landscape Ontario, most notably however was the work that continues to be done by Landscape Ontario’s COVID-19 Task Force. Followed, of course by the continued offering of virtual professional development seminars, virtual networking opportunities, and the cost-saving discount programs (ie: truck discounts and insurance).

Member, Professional Member, Certified Member 1,937
Associate Member 522
Chapter Associate 590
Horticultural Member 102
Introductory Member 18
Sole Proprietor 55
Total Members 3,224

Membership Events

For obvious reasons, we did not have any in-person face to face membership events this fiscal year. But, we did host a number of All Chapter Virtual Events which were very well attended. World class speakers presented during these virtual events, followed by chapter hosted breakout rooms.

Chapters and Sector Groups

Landscape Ontario’s chapter boards and sector groups continued to meet virtually, advancing mission and strategy with each meeting. Planning has started for some in-person events which will hopefully start up in the fall, COVID restrictions pending of course.

Canada Blooms

The Canada Blooms board of directors has resolved to postpone this wonderful event until 2023. It saddens us all that we weren’t able to host this important event, but we make it one to remember when we are able to.

We’re looking forward to another great year ahead, but are thankful to the entire Landscape Ontario community for continuing to make this organization world class.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Joe Salemi CAE
Deputy Executive Director