LANDSCAPE ONTARIO
Landscape Ontario
Membership MAKES CHANGES TO
Categories
L
andscape Ontario’s Provincial Board of Directors recently voted to approve changes to the association’s existing membership categories. Those changes were then voted on, and passed, at the Landscape Ontario annual general meeting on Jan. 8, 2020 as required to amend the association’s by-laws. The changes come as a result of an intensive, year-long review conducted by members of the LO Membership Services Committee, consisting of: Lindsey Ross, Kelly Keates, Chris Muller, Jamie Riddell, Blake Tubby, and Brent Vanderkruk. With a daunting task at hand, the committee was able to rise to the occasion. After much debate, a multitude of ideas, plus careful planning and consideration, the committee was able to establish new categories that better suit the needs of current and future members of the association. The LO board agreed with the committee’s proposal, which is also tasked by the association’s strategic plan to grow membership to 80 per cent of the landscape and horticultural industry in 25 years. The new categories will make membership more accessible for new businesses looking to gain professional credibility and education, and enhance recognition for seasoned and engaged members. The changes are expected to roll out over the next few months. Nothing will change for current members of the association and they do not need to take any action regarding their existing membership status or category. Here is a summary of the changes:
Introductory Member
Not to be confused with the existing Interim member category, the brand new Development/Introductory member category is perhaps one of the biggest changes moving forward. This category provides an opportunity for a horticultural business that has never been a member to try out being a member for one full year to learn about the many opportunities, resources and benefits that come through membership in the association. Once an Introductory Member, the company may choose to upgrade to the most appropriate member category at any time within the year. The Introductory Member is designed to be a great member recruitment tool for the association, as well as a way to further connect suppliers and contractors with those allied to the industry. For example, an Associate member (supplier to the industry) can offer to pay for, or invite a customer or supplier to join this category to qualify for special member only promos or benefits.
Individual Member
The existing Horticultural membership category will be renamed, Individual Member to more accurately reflect who this category is designed for. Individual Member applies to a person/individual engaged in work allied to the horticultural industry. For example, a person employed by a golf course, municipality or parks and recreation department would be suited to this category if the employer is not a member company. A consultant or industry member who has retired can also benefit from this membership. The other main change for this category is that all employees of member companies now also gain Individual Member status. The goal is to engage employees in the association and make them more aware of the many benefits and opportunities available to them via their company membership.
8
Member
Under the previous categories, a company in business for less than three years was required to become an Interim member until reaching the three-year requirement required to become an Active member. Both the Interim and Active categories will be merged into a new category called Member. This category is for any horticultural business that is actively engaged in the industry and exhibits high integrity in business practices as demonstrated through the accreditation process. The change also eliminates the barrier previously in place for new businesses.
Professional Member
In addition to the Member category, three new categories for horticultural businesses will be introduced with various levels of criteria required for each category. The first of these, the Professional Member category, is for a horticultural business that has been actively engaged in the industry for at least two years and meets all of the criteria for the Member category, as well as demonstrating a commitment to ongoing professional development.
Certified Professional Member
A horticultural business that has been a member of Landscape Ontario for five consecutive years and can demonstrate proof of valid professional certification or equivalent and continuing education, will qualify for this top-level category. The category places added emphasis on certification, post-secondary education and continued professional development that builds professionalism through membership.
