July 15, 2011
Networking at GreenTrade Expo in Ottawa.
The glue that holds us all together
Tom Intven
LO President
Last month I asked the question, “Does our large complex association, made up of 10 sectors and nine Chapters, have a sense of cohesiveness?” In other words, “Is there good glue that holds us all together?”
There are several components of the glue, but perhaps the most important is our common mission: “to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable climate for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario.” This broad-stroke statement has to resonate with each of us, no matter to which sector we belong. The key word is ‘advancement’ — we are all trying to raise the level of professionalism of our industry. Increased professionalism yields more respect, more recognition and higher return for our goods and services. I believe we all can resonate with this 100 per cent.
Closely aligned with our mission is our sense of common purpose. At no time is our purpose more defined and cohesive to us all, than when we are threatened. A case in point is the pesticide ban of 2009. The severity of the implications, especially during the time when we were still negotiating with the Liberal government, was a great motivator to unite us all against a common concern. Another example was this past spring, when all of our businesses were threatened by the cold, wet, late season. Comments from our members in every sector ran along the line of, “We’re all in the same boat,” reflecting our commonality when it came to the influence of the weather.
Our many events, at the provincial, chapter and sector levels, are key elements in the glue that keeps us together. Chapter meetings are still so important to bring all of us together at the local level, to socialize, network, share ideas and re-establish our sense of community. Garden Expo, Green Trade Expo and Congress are important to bring us together at the provincial level. It’s great to network with like-minded individuals from across the province and farther, who share the same issues and problems and are often willing to exchange information that can help us to be more successful in business and in life. Our many educational programs offer similar opportunities for networking and interchange — all helping to mesh us together.
While we all naturally associate more strongly with members of our own sectors, it is important to reach out to other sector members. It is amazing how many business opportunities there are available, and how much we can learn when we network with like-minded business people in other fields. That is, not to sacrifice our association within our sector. I still have the most fun and feel most at ease when talking to other growers. But some of my best business ideas and opportunities have come during discussions with members from other sectors.
Many members, through their networking at LO events, have made life-long friends and confidants with other LO members. There is no stronger glue than the bond of friendship. Examine your own network of LO contacts. Surely you can count many personal friends who you trust within the LO membership. Friends make you look forward to attending LO events. Friends make the disappointment of failure more bearable and heighten the thrill of success.
Good leadership, like the queen bee of the colony, helps bind us all for the common cause. LO has been blessed with good leadership throughout its history. Solid governance is still present at many levels in our association. Our leaders’ passion for their industry is exemplary and the reason why so many of our members are glued to our association.
The most important aspects of the mission statement are reflected in the term “to be the leader.” Leaders take responsibility. Leaders care. We have been blessed with many members who take responsibility for trying to make things better for themselves and others. This is another example of the glue.
Tom Intven may be reached at 519-631-1008, or tintven@landscapeontario.com.
LO President
Last month I asked the question, “Does our large complex association, made up of 10 sectors and nine Chapters, have a sense of cohesiveness?” In other words, “Is there good glue that holds us all together?” There are several components of the glue, but perhaps the most important is our common mission: “to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable climate for the advancement of the horticultural industry in Ontario.” This broad-stroke statement has to resonate with each of us, no matter to which sector we belong. The key word is ‘advancement’ — we are all trying to raise the level of professionalism of our industry. Increased professionalism yields more respect, more recognition and higher return for our goods and services. I believe we all can resonate with this 100 per cent.
Closely aligned with our mission is our sense of common purpose. At no time is our purpose more defined and cohesive to us all, than when we are threatened. A case in point is the pesticide ban of 2009. The severity of the implications, especially during the time when we were still negotiating with the Liberal government, was a great motivator to unite us all against a common concern. Another example was this past spring, when all of our businesses were threatened by the cold, wet, late season. Comments from our members in every sector ran along the line of, “We’re all in the same boat,” reflecting our commonality when it came to the influence of the weather.
Green industry
Another way to consider the glue is in terms of our marketing campaign, Green for Life. This campaign is attempting to tell our story to the public that all of our efforts, no matter what the sector, are focused on enhancing the quality of their lives. The green in Green for Life reclaims our longstanding right to call ourselves the original green industry. For the most part, each sector enhances green spaces, which are so important to the long-term survival of our planet. Green for Life should bring us all together under its umbrella and continue to build the brand’s momentum in proportion to our efforts.Good communication is essential
Good communication is an essential ingredient in the glue. Appropriate and timely communication in its many forms helps us to stay connected to each other and feel a part of the whole.Our many events, at the provincial, chapter and sector levels, are key elements in the glue that keeps us together. Chapter meetings are still so important to bring all of us together at the local level, to socialize, network, share ideas and re-establish our sense of community. Garden Expo, Green Trade Expo and Congress are important to bring us together at the provincial level. It’s great to network with like-minded individuals from across the province and farther, who share the same issues and problems and are often willing to exchange information that can help us to be more successful in business and in life. Our many educational programs offer similar opportunities for networking and interchange — all helping to mesh us together.
While we all naturally associate more strongly with members of our own sectors, it is important to reach out to other sector members. It is amazing how many business opportunities there are available, and how much we can learn when we network with like-minded business people in other fields. That is, not to sacrifice our association within our sector. I still have the most fun and feel most at ease when talking to other growers. But some of my best business ideas and opportunities have come during discussions with members from other sectors.
Many members, through their networking at LO events, have made life-long friends and confidants with other LO members. There is no stronger glue than the bond of friendship. Examine your own network of LO contacts. Surely you can count many personal friends who you trust within the LO membership. Friends make you look forward to attending LO events. Friends make the disappointment of failure more bearable and heighten the thrill of success.
Good leadership, like the queen bee of the colony, helps bind us all for the common cause. LO has been blessed with good leadership throughout its history. Solid governance is still present at many levels in our association. Our leaders’ passion for their industry is exemplary and the reason why so many of our members are glued to our association.
The most important aspects of the mission statement are reflected in the term “to be the leader.” Leaders take responsibility. Leaders care. We have been blessed with many members who take responsibility for trying to make things better for themselves and others. This is another example of the glue.
Tom Intven may be reached at 519-631-1008, or tintven@landscapeontario.com.