Landscape Ontario - January-February 2025

Page 1


INVESTING IN TREES FOR LIFE

MARK CULLEN, PAT LAMANNA AND TONY DIGIOVANNI PLANT FORESTS TO LAST FOREVER

More Productivity

More Profitability

More Convenience

Cut

Landscape Ontario’s mandate is to be the leader in representing, promoting and fostering a favourable environment for the advancement of the horticultural profession in Ontario.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Grow, learn and thrive together

As we step into a new year, there’s an energy in the air — a sense of possibility that reminds us why we’re in this incredible profession. Growth is at the heart of what we do, not just in the landscapes we create, but in the way we approach our business, our teams and ourselves.

Foundation Report 14

- Lindsey Ross

- Jeff Olsen

- Pam Cook

Accountant - Joe Sabatino

Staff contact info: HortTrades.com/contact

This past year brought its share of challenges and with those challenges came lessons. Some of those lessons were tough, but they shaped us, strengthened us and prepared us for what’s next. Growth often comes from the moments that stretch us the most. When we share what we’ve learned with one another, we create something even more powerful — a community that is stronger together.

Learning is a journey we’re all on and none of us needs to travel it alone. The beauty of being a part of this incredible organization is the support we find in each other. When we share our experiences — whether it’s a hard-earned success or a lesson learned from failure — we lighten the load for everyone. And as we watch out for one another, offering a helping hand when someone stumbles, we remind ourselves of the power of unity.

As we look ahead, let’s commit to facing this year with positivity, collaboration and purpose. We have an incredible network of support within Landscape Ontario — fellow members, partners and a wealth of resources. Together, we can tackle anything. Whether it’s finding innovative solutions, developing our teams or leaning on each other for advice and encouragement, we have everything we need to succeed.

I want you to know that I’m here to help. If there’s ever a way I can be of service, whether you’re looking for guidance, a sounding board or just someone to listen, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

This is our opportunity to take the lessons we’ve learned and share them openly to build a future we can all be proud of. Let’s rise together, support each other and make this year one of growth, resilience and success for us all. We are stronger together!

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead.

Toward belonging Building a diverse and healthy profession

Cultural historian Thomas Berry said, “The greater the diversity, the greater the perfection.” If we embraced this idea, we might solve some key issues facing the landscape profession today.

The landscape and horticultural trades have long struggled with finding and retaining staff. There are several reasons for this, but a significant one is that many in our society do not see themselves as being represented. They don’t see a place on our crews where they feel they belong. This is a hurdle when trying to attract new talent into our trade. To continue to meet the needs of our clients and raise the perception of our profession, we need to create an environment that is inclusive, where individuals from all walks of life feel respected and treated

as equals. Otherwise, we’re missing out on a gold mine of skills, perspectives and talents. Addressing this has never been more important for our industry to move forward and be seen as professional.

A few years ago, my sister attended the Landscape Ontario (LO) Congress trade show as she has a keen interest in gardening. Afterwards, she said, as a woman, she did not feel included. She felt like a foreigner in a male-dominated space. Similarly, Rohan Harrison, an LO provincial board member, has shared that, as a person of colour, there was a time when he did not see himself reflected in LO messaging. When I walk the floor at Congress now, I am pleased to see the makeup of attendees has become more diverse. Embracing this diversity is the only

way for our trade to move forward, but we still have quite a distance to travel. Monocultures have proven to be unhealthy and unsustainable. The most productive and sustainable ecosystems are those with the greatest diversity. Just look at a healthy coral reef system, a rainforest or the very landscapes we design, install and maintain. The number of different species existing together is incredible, and together they form a community that thrives. Recent research shows us that a healthy, productive soil is a profoundly diverse ecosystem with literally thousands of different organisms. This is the very foundation on which everything else we do flourishes. Small or large, both ecosystems and our businesses benefit when there is diversity.

The LO provincial board of directors and staff are committed to creating a profession that is inclusive, diverse and equitable. You might notice the images used in LO’s website, publications and social media now better reflect the diversity of our society in which we live and work. We’re working on eliminating exclusionary and colonial language in our messaging as we become aware of it. And a few years ago, we launched LO’s Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (DIB) Committee, which brings together both members and staff. Together, we are navigating a path toward becoming an

organization that is, first and foremost (in my opinion), inclusive, while also promoting diversity and equity.

The DIB Committee will host a series of lunch and learn sessions over the upcoming year which will aim to educate, support and offer ways to help us all achieve these goals. We plan to kick off these sessions with a full-day hybrid event with guest speakers and panel discussions, so expect to hear more about this in the coming months. We know that this cannot be done without support from membership, so we hope you’ll be able to join us at these events. Let’s explore what

it means to be equitable, diverse and inclusive together, and make space for those who want to be part of the quest for a greener tomorrow.

If you are interested in joining the DIB Committee, please don’t hesitate to reach out:

DAVID MILNE dmilne@landscapeontario.com;

KARINA SINCLAIR ksinclair@landscapeontario.com

TERRY CHILDS

terry.childs@natureswaylandscaping.net

Landscape Ontario showcases green careers at events across the province

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) offered Level Up! Skilled Trade Fairs for grade seven to 12 students to provide them with an opportunity to explore careers in the skilled trades.

This fall, Landscape Ontario (LO) participated in the events held in Coburg, Barrie, Kitchener, Cornwall, Ottawa, Oshawa, Windsor, London, Niagara Falls and Mississauga to showcase careers in landscape horticulture.

Staff and member volunteers connected with students to share the many different pathways available in the industry (university, college, apprenticeship, direct to workforce), and showcased the 11 sectors our industry represents. The LO display included hands-on activities that provided students a glimpse into several different careers within the industry.

LO would like to thank the volunteers who devoted their time to speak with students face-to-face, share their experiences, answer questions, explain what employers are looking for and why they love working in this industry: Peter Guinane, Oriole Landscaping; Lindsey Ross, Kent Merkley, Tyson Merkley,

Living Green Landscaping; Terry Childs, Nature’s Way Landscaping; Richard Rogers; Shawn Collins, Postcard Perfect; Ben Strapper, Wild Ridge Landscapes; Jon Agg, David McLaughlin, Pristine Property Maintenance; Rob Havery, R Havery Landscape & Custom Horticulture Contracting; Sarah Beckon, Allweather Landscape Co.; Liana Desmaris, John Nowak, Amber Watson, Plantscape Windsor; Jason Milling, Ying (Mable) Wang, Charlie Bongtiwan, St. Clair College; Heather Jerrard, My Landscape Artist; Riley Irwin, Hillen Nursery; Carolynn Jongeneelen, Stephanie Vandendriessche, Baseline Nurseries and Garden Centre; Kristi Delima, Snips Landscapes; Diana Paolucci, apprentice with the City of Vaughan.

We are also grateful to the companies who supplied plant material that helped bring our booth to life and supported the Plant ID Challenge: Hillen Nursery, Plantscape Windsor, Sheridan Nurseries (Whitby), Ritchie Feed and Seed.

Thank you to Merit Ontario for loaning us their virtual reality headset for students to learn about personal protective equipment and jobsite rules.

Finally, our gratitude goes to Wentworth Landscapes for sharing renderings and photos of an incredible Fusion Landscape project that enabled us to create an

impactful backdrop and posters that visually told the story of the landscape design and construction process.

"I would show [the students] the landscape drawing prepared by Wentworth Landscapes, then say the large picture in the backdrop of the Landscape Ontario booth was the final product,” Richard Rogers said. “Almost every student said the exact same thing — ‘Wow!’"

The 10 career fairs saw over 28,000 students and hundreds of teachers and guidance counselors attend. Many meaningful connections were made. Students are interested in careers that will make an impact and are excited to learn that landscape professionals have a positive influence on the environment, the economy and the health and wellness of our communities every day by creating and maintaining green spaces and green infrastructure.

"It was really encouraging to see how many young people expressed an interest in working in the trades and specifically the horticulture industry," said Shawn Collins of Postcard Perfect.

Landscape Ontario will continue to support youth in understanding the valuable career opportunities the landscape horticulture industry has to offer.

Landscape Ontario member Jon Agg speaks with students at one of the many Level Up! Skilled Trades Fairs held across the province.

Members donate toys for kids

Santa Claus made a scheduled stop at Landscape Ontario’s home office in Milton, Ont., on Dec. 10. Accompanied by Toronto Chapter vice president Wendy Ladd of Jim Pattison Lease, the duo picked up toys donated by members and staff for the Marner Assist Foundation’s Toy Drive and Fundraiser that supports thousands of children during the holiday season. Ladd helped organize several drop off locations across the province, including the one at LO.

Wendy Ladd arrived with Santa to help collect the donated toys.

DAY OF

TRIBUTE

Ottawa Chapter Day of Tribute celebrates 20 years of honouring heroes

Organizers of the Ottawa Chapter’s 20th annual Day of Tribute welcomed about 50 eager volunteers as the sun rose over Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa, Ont. on Oct. 25, 2024.

The perfect fall day provided ideal conditions for the crew to enhance the beauty of the grounds prior to Remembrance Day ceremonies. After a heartfelt thank-you from Nicolas McCarthy, director of marketing and communications for Beechwood Cemetery, followed by a few words from Thomas Hoyle, president of the Ottawa Chapter, volunteers set out with a sense of purpose and their landscape maintenance tools and equipment to transform the grounds.

This year, the chapter had the honour of welcoming several special guests, including Chris Lemke, founder of the event, and Owen Sparey from the Commonwealth War Graves. A moment of silence was held to pay tribute to a fallen giant of the industry,

Steve Neumann — an ardent supporter of the event, horticultural educator and the chapter’s past president.

Volunteers were given a 20th anniversary Day of Tribute shirt donated by Turf Care Products that symbolized the unity and commitment of Ottawa members to honour their heroes.

Former warrant officer and Day of Tribute chair Pete Campbell reflected, “As a

proud retiree of the Canadian Army, I find it truly inspiring and comforting to witness the profound support and compassion that this chapter extends to its fellow Canadians, both those who are currently with us and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The sense of community and camaraderie displayed here serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds we share and the

enduring spirit of unity that transcends time and circumstance.”

Organizers would like to recognize the selfless support of volunteers and the many sponsors below who helped to make this event a success: Turf Care Products, Geosynthetic Systems, Beechwood Cemetery, Sipan Tires and Rims, NutriLawn, Manderley, Peter Knippel Garden Centre and Central Turf & Irrigation Supply.

VOLUNTEER PROFILE

Sarah Beckon wants you to join the grounds management sector group

Sarah Beckon, Grounds Management Sector Group representative to the Landscape Ontario (LO) provincial board of directors, is working hard to get Grounds Management off the ground.

Beckon’s horticulture journey began with her high school co-op at her local Parks and Recreation department. “Right from there, [I] fell in love with being outdoors, and growing, and working in the parks and planting — all of it,” she said. “I loved horticulture and I had a really great mentor who directed me to go into the Niagara Parks Commission, and really, really helped me along.”

After graduating and working for the Parks and Recreation department just

outside of Auckland, New Zealand — which Beckon said proves a horticultural career can take you anywhere — she moved to Toronto and started at Allweather Landscape Co., where she’s been for 17 years.

Allweather is very involved with LO. The company sponsors apprentices, sends their employees to LO seminars, and Beckon’s boss, owner Phil Charal, is a LO past president. Beckon had been going to Congress since her co-op days, but Allweather introduced her to the many other opportunities LO has to offer.

Beckon joined the Grounds Management Sector Group a few years before COVID-19. Unsurprisingly, the pandemic paused the group’s operations.

After activities returned to normal, the chair needed support, so Beckon stepped up.

Now, as chairperson of the group, Beckon said Ground Management is “really in that re-engagement process.” When it returned in 2023, she was one of only two members; now there are eight. Beckon wants to get the message out: “Hey, we’re back, and we really want to have representation throughout all regions.”

The group is focused on increasing its numbers and promoting discussion on issues critical to the sector, like Toronto’s potential ban on two-stroke engines — which Beckon supports, but believes warrants serious consideration of the transition process to battery. A panel

discussion held last August included discussions on the ban’s implications for both landscape companies and clients.

Grounds Management is also looking to create short, digestible demonstration videos on everything from how to get rid of box tree moth, to how to plant a tree, to how to prune different types of roses, that companies can share with their crews and apprentices.

“We’ve got a really engaged group that feels strongly about getting out the right message,” Beckon said. “We’re looking to support the training for companies in everyday practice.”

Beckon is passionate about this message: she said there’s mountains of content out there offering varying horticultural methods, but she wants to make sure everyone has the resources to learn how to do things the right way. This, she said, will promote professionalism in the trade.

“I really, really, feel strongly about promoting professionalism in this industry and raising that level up. If Landscape Ontario can be the go-to place for correct [practices] so we can avoid things like mulch volcanoes… I really want to make an impact or a dent in that.”

In addition to promoting best practices, Beckon believes investing in professional development at all levels is key to elevating the trades. She’s hired people who have completed the GROW program, which she believes “shines a light on this industry.”

Like all Allweather managers, Beckon has also completed the GROW Employers of Choice program.

“It gives managers a common vocabulary,” she said of the program. “It gets everybody aware of what’s happening out there in the workforce. It was super beneficial for the whole team to get on board so that we’re all speaking the same language, from the top to the bottom.”

Beckon’s passion for boosting professionalism — and her desire to build up the Grounds Management Sector Group — brought her to the LO provincial board of directors. She’s excited about the opportunity to stay informed, share her passion for plants, continue to advocate for best practices and increase her dosage of her favourite thing about LO: the connection.

“You sit at a table with eight other people and you come away with seven new ideas,” she said. “It’s a good feeling to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”

Sarah Beckon

SCHOLARSHIP PROFILE

Kendra Motz aims to foster well-being and curiosity with others

While attending the Horticulture Technician Apprenticeship program at Humber College in Toronto, Ont., Kendra Motz was awarded a $600 Apprenticeship Scholarship from the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (Foundation). The Foundation offers only five scholarships a year to students in a horticulture apprenticeship program at an accredited college or university. To be considered, students must submit a twopage essay on why they wish to enter the horticultural industry, including their interests and experience. Motz heard about the scholarship program thanks to a presentation at the conclusion of her first semester. She also received a $2,000 scholarship from the Cullen Family Scholarship program in 2024.

Motz also holds an Honours Bachelor Degree in Criminology and Childhood Studies. “My interest lies in developing innovative programming that can creatively engage youth in the horticulture industry,” Motz said. “I am an avid houseplant parent which is where my interests first began.”

What prompted you to pursue a career in horticulture?

My introduction to horticulture was unexpected: a summer job posting for a nursery near me. I had little to no horticulture knowledge or experience but thought a summer outdoors was what I needed to clear my head. However, instead of clearing my mind, I found myself consumed with curiosity and an abundance of plant-related facts. I found myself spending more time at the nursery than at home, falling in love with not only my job, but a world of nature I never knew existed.

What are the next steps for you?

I am in the process of earning my Landscape Horticulturist Red Seal. I have already completed my hours and received my certificate of apprenticeship, but will be obtaining my Red Seal this upcoming off season. In combination with my previous education, I hope to further youth-centred programming at my current workplace. The implementation of therapeutic horticulture practices can foster positive emotional well-being, strong social skills and sensory stimulation. In the long term, I aim to expand these opportunities on a broader scale and introduce them in previously inaccessible spaces.

What

are the benefits to a career in this field?

I have never envisioned myself as someone who would spend their days sitting behind a desk, staring at a computer screen. Rather, I believe that one's passion or hobby should develop into a career. Earning a living while pursuing something that one truly enjoys is vital for overall contentment. For me, immersing my hands in the soil and breathing in the fresh outdoor air is the most therapeutic and fulfilling activity I can conceive. I enjoy interacting with others and sharing my vast knowledge of horticulture with the aim of inspiring their interest in the field.

Who are your role models in the landscape profession?

My foremost role models within this industry are those with whom I collaborate. Whether at school or in the workplace, I am surrounded by a wealth of knowledge from individuals who are deeply passionate about the profession. These are the people who inspire me to learn and broaden my skill set, and they are invaluable to my growth and development.

How did winning a scholarship make a difference in your life?

When I had initially received the congratulatory letter in the mail, I was overcome with excitement. The news of my selection as a recipient was a testament to the diligence and dedication that I had committed toward my academic pursuits. I live away from home while attending school, and the scholarship has been an immense help in alleviating financial strain. It has enabled me to better allocate my financial resources toward other needs, thereby allowing me to focus on my academic goals with greater ease.

The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation is a charitable organization whose mandate is to “ensure a healthy future for the horticulture industry.” To learn more about the many scholarships available under the Foundation and Cullen Family Scholarship Program, please visit ohtf.ca/scholarships.

FOUNDATION AWARDS OVER $80,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO ONTARIO STUDENTS

Each year, the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation (Foundation) awards a variety of scholarships to Ontario students pursuing a career in landscape and horticulture. Scholarships are available to registered apprentices and students who reside in Ontario and are enrolled in accredited postsecondary institutions.

Providing scholarships is particularly close to

the hearts of Foundation supporters, who point with pride to the many recipients who are now successful industry members. Each year, applications and nominations are accepted online until June 30 via the Foundation website at OHTF.ca.

This year, the Foundation distributed 56 scholarships totalling $85,300 to future leaders of the landscape and horticulture profession.

2024 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Apprenticeship ($600)

Vanessa Costa, Humber College

Jack Greer, Loyalist College

Jiya Ramkrishna Khode, Loyalist College

Dayna Menifee, Algonquin College

Abhishek Mohan, Niagara College

Matt Preston, Loyalist college

Junzhu Shi, Humber College

Casey van Maris Scholarship ($1,000)

Eden Dixon, Durham College

College and University ($1,000)

Nathan DiLaudo, University of Guelph

Claire Jacklin, University of Guelph

Dan Clost Scholarship ($1,000)

Aaron McCormick, University of Guelph

Peter Olsen Scholarship ($650)

Cadet Hassan, Fanshawe College

Nicole Nwokolo, Toronto Metropolitan University

Postgraduate ($1,000)

Prescilla Chan, Toronto Metropolitan University

Post-Secondary ($1,000)

Elliott Alkemade Young, Niagara Parks School of Horticulture

Egemen Bulut, Niagara College

Taylor Chamberlain, Humber College

Nicole DeJager, Niagara College

Joshua Fancsali, Fanshawe College

Cassidy Friske, University of Guelph

Susan Gurung, Niagara College

Kimia Jouyandeh, University of Guelph

Benjamin Joy, Niagara Parks School of Horticulture

Chengcheng Li, Fanshawe College

Matthew Lundstrom, University of Guelph

Niloufar Mohsenivfa, University of Guelph

Ian Murphy, University of Guelph

Carol Pietka, University of Guelph

Sierra Rivait, St. Clair College

Ramon Salustiano Salvador, De La Salle College of Saint Benilde

Luis Santini, Algonquin College

Evan Siberry, Fanshawe College

Vineet Singh, St. Clair College

Mollie Slemon, University of Guelph

Jessica Solis Gonzalez, Fanshawe College

Yichen Zhang, Algonquin College

Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship ($1,000)

Emma Pothion, University of Guelph

Ho Ying Tang, Humber College

Cullen Family Scholarship Program

Abigail Stanke, Algonquin College ($3,000)

Anastasia Hromin, Ridgetown College ($3,000)

Anika Pask, Humber College ($3,000)

Bradley Gibbons, Apprenticeship any school ($2,000)

Caroline Szukalo Benitez, Ridgetown College ($3,000)

Hareem Haider, Niagara Parks Commission ($3,000)

Katja Spoerri, Niagara College ($3,000)

Kendra Motz, Apprenticeship any school ($2,000)

Lei Liu, Seneca College ($3,000)

Leticia Tojer, Fanshawe College ($3,000)

Lindsay Taylor, University of Guelph ($3,000)

Loraine Price, Durham College ($3,000)

Marilou Statford, Apprenticeship any school ($3,000)

Myles Vieira, Apprenticeship any school ($2,000)

Ryan McDonald, Apprenticeship any school ($2,000)

Ryly Allers, Needs-Based Scholarship ($5,000)

Sanam Sajjad, Niagara Parks Commission ($3,000)

Cheyenne Wyght, Apprenticeship any school ($2000)

FOUNDATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FUND BALANCES

General Fund

Dunington-Grubb/Sheridan Nurseries

Research Fund

Growers’ Group Research Fund

YEAR END YEAR END AUG. 31, 2024 AUG. 31, 2023

$4,626 ($24,367)

$255,079 $224,240

$448,233 $383,283

Ottawa Chapter Val Kirshner Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Fund

Casey Van Maris Scholarship Fund

IPM Symposium Research Fund

Tony DiGiovanni Scholarship Fund

John/Ruth Wright Scholarship Fund

Horst Dickert Scholarship Fund

JT Somerville Fund

Highway of Heroes (TFL) Fund

Unilock/Designers Group Fund

Hensbergen/Degroot Scholarship Fund

Russel/Karen Loney Scholarship Fund

Cullen Family Scholarship Fund

Robert/Ruby Allen Scholarship Fund

1 Bench 1 Tree Fund

Peter Olsen Scholarship Fund

$86,053 $73,121

$99,752 $85,555

$33,278 $29,383

$208,732 $178,486

$229,875 $197,757

$75,560 $64,612

$1,085 $0

$12,182 $10,417

$67,239 $288,911

$14,336 $12,258

$31,103 $26,596

$11,462 $9,801

($2,542) ($1,246)

$25,943 $22,184

$5,387 $6,772

$36,897 $31,550

OJ Muller Memorial Scholarship Fund $13,015 $11,129

Steve Neumann Scholarship Fund

$10,847 $0

Upper Canada Chapter Scholarship Fund $9,763 $0

Welcome Forest Fund

$24,735 $0

Neil Vanderkruk Innovation & Scholarship Fund $80,479 $68,818

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS & FUND BALANCES

($1,119,404

information on the Foundation, including scholarship applications, supported research programs or to donate,

Member Pro le

WINDSOR'S Plantsca

A duty to a legacy

Numbers and training are the key to the success of Plantscape, a full-service landscape design and maintenance company serving Windsor, Chatham/Kent and Sarnia, Ont.

It began — as the name suggests — with plantscaping: transforming indoor spaces with live tropical plants. Since its founding in 1976, the company has grown to provide outdoor maintenance, landscape design and build, and snow and ice management services. Plantscaping now accounts for less than one per cent of the company’s revenue, but general manager Liana Desmarais isn’t ready to give up on it yet.

“I’m still trying to breathe some life into it,” she explained, “because of the [company’s] name, I have a hard time letting it go. I think there’s still an opportunity there.”

This past spring, Desmarais reached out to one of Plantscape’s oldest clients with an ambitious idea. Both Plantscape and the client will be celebrating anniversaries in 2026 (50 and 60 years respectively) and Desmarais suggested a joint marketing effort to enliven the client’s building and Plantscape’s plantscaping division.

The client agreed and the plants were installed in September. Desmarais hopes the soon-to-bloom, high-traffic space will bring some awareness to the benefits of live plants in indoor spaces, and keep her father’s legacy afloat.

Continued >

A FIERCE ADVOCATE FOR TRAINING

Desmarais took over the company from her father, Victor, in 2016 and despite growing up as the daughter of a landscaper, this was never the plan. Desmarais went to school for financial analysis and planning, then worked at RBC for 12 years before her dad passed the baton unexpectedly.

“He was 67 years old, and it was Christmastime. He was just like, ‘Okay, I don’t want to do the day-to-day anymore, so I need you to quit your job and come run the company. It’s your turn, kid.’ It was a pretty crazy adventure,” Desmarais explained.

Her professional background makes Desmarais somewhat unconventional. She’s brought lessons learned in banking to Plantscape: she knows how to negotiate pricing and trim excess, and aims to reduce costs by five to 10 per cent each year.

For a recent project, the company received estimates for plant material from three different nurseries. Desmarais sent a spreadsheet to each company and asked them to either match or beat the others’ offers. In the end, she secured $31,000 in savings.

“My staff would tell you that everything has to add up when it comes to Liana, because the numbers are the numbers,” Desmarais said. “That’s probably the biggest

piece: I can do analysis to crunch numbers upside down and sideways.”

Once she was on board, Desmarais was confident in her abilities to run a business, but she lacked certain technical skills required to run a landscaping business. “Where I didn’t feel confident was like, how long do you have to water sod after you lay it down? What are the successful ways to plant a tree?” she said.

She leaned into Landscape Ontario to supplement her business expertise with horticultural know-how. After becoming a member of the trade association in 2016, she attended informative sessions at the Congress Conference and signed up for every professional development course available.

Desmarais also participated in Landscape Ontario’s GROW Employers of Choice program, and continues to take courses as they become available. She encourages the same ethos in her staff. Most of Plantscape’s 31 employees have participated in the GROW program, and four are working toward completing the Apprenticeship Program.

As a fierce advocate for formal training, Desmarais spoke at length about the many benefits of apprenticeship as part of her employee recruitment and retention strategy in an episode of the Landscape

Ontario podcast that aired in June 2023. She understands you can’t hold people accountable for mistakes without setting clear expectations. She facilitates formal training for her crews to encourage skill development and establish best practices.

Plus, when people know what they’re doing, not only are they happier, but the company gets better projects and becomes more profitable. For Desmarais, it’s all about setting and fulfilling clear goals: “It’s an intentional business for me. This is my dad’s legacy.”

A TRAINING FACILITY FOR WINDSOR

In true financial planner style, Desmarais just finished a 10-year business plan for Plantscape. A key part of this plan — and a dream for Desmarais — is to construct a new building in the off-season that will act as a training centre to offer more programs like GROW.

“That is my passion project that come hell or high water I will get done,” she said. “I just think it would be great to host the training down here in Windsor, so that my staff or fellow members from Southwestern Ontario don’t have to travel all the way up to Milton in a snowstorm and battle the [Highway] 401. It would be such a huge win for this area.”

Desmarais hopes to break ground in the near future. She’s working with Landscape Ontario on the details, and has three acres carved out of the 26 her company bought recently — another symbol of its growth. Plantscape earned $1.1 million in revenue in 2016 when Desmarais took over and she expects to surpass three million this year. Only one employee returned in 2016, but 16 came back this year.

Desmarais believes every business is built differently, but having a business background has been an advantage for her. "I have to believe what I'm doing is working. Those are the two measures for me: do the staff enjoy working here, do they come back, and are we growing as a company? And the answers to both of those is yes,” she said.

Plantscape won their first Landscape Ontario Award of Excellence in 2021 in the Commercial Construction category. This was meaningful for Desmarais as it represented the hard work and tenacity she’s put into upholding her dad’s legacy. She submitted two projects for consideration this year.

“2021 was our 45th anniversary, and we dedicated the award to my dad and his 45 years of service,” Desmarais explained. “That was pretty cool.”

Tony’s Forever Forest

Trees for Life has had quite the run since first launching back in 2015, when the very first tree was planted as part of the Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign. In the infancy of Trees for Life, a meeting brought together several not-for-profit organizations dedicated to planting trees in the urban environment. The purpose of the meeting was to answer the question, “What can we do together that we cannot accomplish by working alone?”

One of the people at that first meeting was then Landscape Ontario (LO) Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni. After several meetings over the course of a year, Tony

raised his hand with an idea that would spark a torrent of activity. “Landscape Ontario had been involved in a project that reforested the Veterans Memorial Parkway in London, Ontario,” he said. “Why don’t we do the same and reforest the Highway of Heroes along the 401?”

The idea sounded simple enough: after successfully planting trees on the 17 km stretch in London, how difficult could it be to reforest the Highway of Heroes? Suffice it to say there were struggles, but we raised $10 million for the campaign and attracted 4,500 individual Canadian donors and 4,000 volunteer tree planters. We planted our last tree at

historic Fort York in downtown Toronto in November 2022, with the Right Honourable David Johnston, the former Governor General of Canada.

Today, Trees for Life is the “second chapter” of a commitment that Tony as well as our board and staff have made to maximize urban tree planting in Canada. In total we have now raised over $18 million and supported the planting of over 3.3 million trees across Canada, including the Highway of Heroes trees. These achievements would not have been possible without the support that Trees for Life receives from LO and its members. And that support was the direct result of

Tony’s commitment to the cause of climate change and his belief in our mission.

The close ties with LO and its membership have helped Trees for Life secure much needed tree stock and supplies at a time where demand has been unprecedented. Members have stepped up to provide substantial discounts for Trees for Life, stretching our donor dollars. Other LO members have donated their valuable time, trees, services and materials to support the mission of planting trees where Canadians live, work and play.

Some members have even sponsored Trees for Life. Pat Lamanna pledged three

year of support from Juel Group to provide people power for volunteer planting days. This past spring, BTN Nurseries donated over $100,000 worth of trees.

To say Trees for Life would not be where it is without LO would be an understatement. And to say Trees for Life would not have that relationship with LO without Tony DiGiovanni would be an even bigger understatement. Trees for Life owes a lot of its success to Tony.

This is why, when Tony’s family approached Trees for Life to help create “Tony’s Forever Forest” (a name chosen by his granddaughter), it was as easy a “yes” as there ever could be. So on Oct. 24,

2024, just under two months after Tony celebrated his 70th birthday, we teamed up with Juel Group and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to plant a grove of 70 trees in Tony’s honour. Tony, his family and a full school bus of children helped plant the trees that now stand as Tony’s Forever Forest.

Trees for Life continues to plant trees for heroes of all kinds, but in this instance, trees were planted for a true hero, Tony DiGiovanni — a founding director of Trees for Life, a passionate volunteer, a champion of trees and a friend to all.

To learn more about Trees for Life, please visit treesforlife.ca.

WHEN FATE MAKES YOU A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

This interview was adapted from an episode of the Landscape Ontario podcast, published on Dec. 2, 2024. To hear the whole interview, visit landscapeontario.com/podcast, or search for it on your favourite podcast app

there were no restrictions. I could start and stop as I needed. If I struggled to get up from the ground, no one was there to witness my strategic moves to get back on my feet.

I delved deeply into how being in nature — watching bees, slowing down — can be therapeutic. Slowing down isn’t something you do in the corporate world. There’s no such beast. I use the phrase, “the accident on purpose,” because the purpose was to reconnect me with myself and teach me to slow down.

I’m a Virgo and a Type A personality. But at that point in my life, I was forced to move in slow motion and realize what’s really important in my life.

Do you feel like the universe had a reason for this?

At that moment, it felt like the universe was punishing me. But I do believe as I was moving through the process, it was on purpose. And one purpose was for me to learn about advocacy. We’re speaking about plants and nature, and at this moment, everyone’s on board. Many people would say, “Right on, I’m right there.” But my accident was in 2010 and, back then, growing things, landscaping, soil quality, herbs and anti-inflammatory foods were not on the radar.

So yes, I think I was given an opportunity to hone some intuitive and speculative knowledge into something very viable. I could be seen as a trusted source when guiding people on what products they could grow and in what environment — even in small spaces. I’ve learned so many insightful tips and tools that, had I not gone through this experience, I would never have been aware of, to this degree.

Now, soil and nature and having my hands on the ground — it’s the building blocks for everyone’s life. People maybe just don’t know it. I would hate for people to have accidents to realize how important their outdoor space is to them, whether it’s theirs or the community’s.

Your broadened gardening knowledge gained during this experience has earned you some accolades. Tell me about some of the awards you’ve received thanks to your efforts to reconnect others to gardening.

When my children were small, maybe a little socially awkward like myself, one of my ways of helping them was to consistently order soil and seeds and have the kids in the community grow plants. That’s how most of the people on my cul-de-sac started eating salads — because they were growing their own.

In that regard, I’ve reconnected with growing a community garden and really enhanced my ability to grow food. I was recognized by my local city, the City of Pickering, which is quite well-known for its international sustainability status — now in its 12th year. I received an award for sustainability. I also received an award for energy efficiency because of the way I grow using a permaculture approach. I produce very little garbage that goes back into the community and landfills.

Additionally, I received two awards from the Canadian Health Food Association during COVID: one for being a change agent and another for cultural diversity because I grow foods from around the world. At the start of COVID, I received a very prestigious award as one of the top 100 Black women entrepreneurs in Canada.

Continued >

at palaceperennials.com

at palaceperennials.com

- 866-843-0438

I love the idea that, in your 50s, your story is not done. You’re still growing — in every sense of the word. Now that you’ve accomplished all this, what’s next?

I sit on two hospital boards: the Ontario Health Teams for Durham Region and Scarborough, Toronto. One of my key focuses is ensuring that new health facilities incorporate community gardens and labyrinths in their renovations and constructions. I've been extremely vocal, sometimes showing up at meetings where people don’t expect me, to stress the importance of both.

From personal experience, I’ve seen that even something as small as having a plant in a hospital room can make a difference. Patients will water it, try to get out of bed and see their situation is not their finite future because now they’re seeing a plant bloom and grow. During COVID, my mother broke her leg twice and developed PTSD about falling. We placed a plant in her room to motivate her to get out of bed. It worked — it became a key part of her recovery, reminding her that life ebbs and flows.

Plants aren’t just beautiful or something we control — they’re a source of motivation, a reminder of cycles and resilience. They bring deep meaning to life.

They are, in a way, a “gateway drug” to balance and the natural rhythm of what we were meant to be as humans. I was once the typical person lost in the corporate grind — everything planned out, with my leather attaché case and daytimer and iPhone. I did everything and yet still was in a nonsensical accident.

The preordainedness of this experience — the universe couldn’t have given this opportunity to a better person.

I’ve become a lobbyist — an extension of my corporate side but today’s world almost demands that if you want to have impactful conversations at the municipal level. So I can ask: If we’re building affordable housing, are we also creating community gardens? Are our health care improvements including labyrinths and green spaces? Are we educating people about these benefits?

I’m now undeniable in my advocacy and my proof of concept. This works and it makes a difference. I’m stronger and very different from the person I was before the accident. The corporate world does not allow this part of you to show much. But between the accident and COVID, I have become a force to be reckoned with.

PROFESSIONAL NEWS

Ontario supporting women and families in the trades

The Ontario government will soon introduce legislation that, if passed, will support families and help more women enter and remain in the skilled trades by creating a new jobprotected parental leave for adoptive parents and parents through surrogacy. The government would also create a new 27-week job-protected leave for workers with serious illnesses and support women in the trades by requiring all sectors to have properly fitting personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) for women.

The province’s upcoming legislation will propose a new 16-week job-protected leave under the Employment Standards Act for adoptive parents and parents through surrogacy, to ensure they have adequate time to meet the demands of the adoption or surrogacy process, attach and welcome their child into their new home. This would also align with upcoming federal changes to create employment insurance (EI) benefits for adoption.

The government also intends to propose a new 27-week long-term illness leave for employees unable to work due

to a serious medical condition as defined by a medical practitioner, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s. If passed, this would be one of the longest provincial leaves in Canada and would ensure workers with a serious medical condition have the time away from work they need to get treatment and recover without risking their jobs.

To bring more women into the trades and grow Ontario’s trades workforce, the government will also propose expanding the explicit requirement for properly fitting PPE for women in the construction sector that was included in the Working for Workers Act, 2023 to include all sectors.

The government is also ensuring workers have access to clean washrooms by proposing specific requirements on employers that will increase accountability and transparency with washroom cleaning records. This would build on the new duties for employers and constructors related to clean washrooms that were passed under the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024

A Picture’s worth a thousand words

Industry leaders to gather in North Carolina this February

Leaders from the horticulture industry across Canada and the United States are invited to attend the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association’s (CNLA) 2025 Leadership Summit on Feb. 5 in Clayton, N.C.

Held in a different geographic location each year, the annual Summit unites leaders of landscape trade associations throughout Canada and the United States to share challenges and opportunities

and to build relationships and connections.

Hosted by Caterpillar at the Edward J. Rapp Customer and Training Centre in Clayton, N.C., the day will kick off with breakfast, followed by a morning tour of several destinations, including JC Arboretum at NC State University and Panther Creek Nursery. Summit attendees will also hear from keynote speakers and attend a gathering of industry leaders, professionals,

students and visionaries for a night of connection, inspiration and recognition at an association dinner hosted by Caterpillar.

Both full- and half-day event packages are available, plus tickets for the Leadership Summit and Association Dinner. All Landscape Ontario members qualify for member pricing.

For more information or to register, visit cnla.ca/events/summit25.

Associations in Atlantic Canada sign Harmonization Agreement

Landscape Nova Scotia, Landscape NB/PEI, and Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador recently announced the signing of a Harmonization Agreement to enhance collaboration among Atlantic Canada’s landscape associations.

The agreement unites these associations to share staff and resources, benefiting their members. While this collaboration fosters greater efficiency, each association will retain its autonomy regarding branding, finances, Boards, AGMs and individual memberships within the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA).

A management committee, composed of two representatives from each Atlantic association, will oversee the harmonization process. The committee will manage a joint staffing and administration budget and explore collaboration in education, expanded sponsorship opportunities, events and trade shows within the region.

The CNLA is pleased to announce Jan Loner as the new Atlantic executive director. The search for additional staff support is underway, and the CNLA office is providing interim assistance.

David Thompson, chair of the management committee, said: “This Harmonization Agreement is a significant step toward greater opportunities and efficiencies for our Atlantic associations. We’re excited to work together as a region, offering enhanced member services and creating new collaborations that benefit our industry.”

This milestone collaboration represents a unified effort to strengthen services and foster growth in the region’s landscape sector. By pooling resources and expertise, Landscape Nova Scotia, Landscape NB/PEI, and Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador are working toward a more cohesive and prosperous landscape community in Atlantic Canada.

New strategic plan will take us to 2030 EXECUTIVE DESK

Strategic planning is a process of looking into the future and identifying trends and issues against which to align priorities across an organization. Landscape Ontario (LO) has been aligning our priorities through strategic plans for many decades — a best management practice in not-forprofit trade associations.

Early last year, LO embarked on a journey to update our strategic plan to help guide the focus of our energy and attention for the next five years. We started by selecting a strategic planning partner. Through a request for proposals, we were able to meet and learn from several consultants. Once we made our choice, we began the development process by gathering input and listening to what our constituents had to say. We conducted a survey across a diverse group of engaged members and staff in one-onone discussions. We also hosted a twoday strategic planning discussion with our provincial board of directors, members and our staff leadership. Our strategic planning partner, The Greater, facilitated these discussions and listened intently, capturing every detail and distilling it into a beautiful framework that became the starting point for our new strategic plan. The framework was vetted and developed through additional meetings with key beneficiaries/constituents, including our provincial board, members and our leadership staff. In October, LO’s provincial board voted unanimously in favour of moving forward with the strategic plan:

Landscape Ontario 2030, Nurturing the Future — A future-ready plan for a futureready career in a future-ready industry is built upon five pillars.

Our story

Leverage the good we do for our members to adapt a clear, focused story and brand for the landscape horticulture trades: impactful, sustainable and an ecologically sound career choice.

Level up our teams

Recruit and staff in key areas where Landscape Ontario needs to build capacity to secure the future of our profession, while aligning our governance structure to be simpler and more effective.

Focused big bet

With our retooled team, focus on investments across digital and in-person training facilities to drive engagement with our members and the broader landscape horticulture trades.

Amplify and advocate

Use success data and member-focused case studies to influence systems, policies and funding opportunities that help the landscape horticulture trades thrive in public facing domains.

Expand our base

Tell our story in modern, best-in-class ways with our members and next generation entrants to the landscape horticulture trades (youth, newcomers, diverse Canadians and aspiring entrepreneurs). There are two foundational themes focused on the environment and equality threaded throughout each of the five pillars.

Environmental stewardship

Environmental stewardship is deeply rooted in the work done by those in the landscape horticulture trades. As part of nurturing the future, LO will ensure the positive environmental impacts the organization and its members strive to make are supported and well documented by the organization.

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB)

LO has started a journey into becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization. In each pillar of our strategic plan are examples of DEIB initiatives and projects we are pursuing. Together, we are looking to future projects that inspire others to promote DEIB through our work to our community.

There are many exciting elements of our strategic plan. The fact that our members played an integral part in how this plan came to be is an accurate reflection on our community and values, and was probably my favourite part of this entire initiative. Consulting our members to help write this plan was a deliberate choice made by the Executive Committee when we embarked on this journey. As an organization that exists to serve its members, it only felt right to involve them in the process of putting together a roadmap for LO’s next five years.

The result is a strategic plan informed by LO members, for LO members. We took what we heard from you and built those important priorities into the five pillars so we can grow LO to better serve and secure the future of the landscape horticultural trade.

Thank you to our members who took part in the process and to everyone who contributes to the growth of our industry and community. I’m looking forward to the next five years of Landscape Ontario with you!

Which benefits do LO members value most? MEMBERSHIP

Landscape Ontario (LO) offers a wide range of exclusive benefits to members, so we recently conducted an in-depth membership engagement survey asking which benefits are most valuable to you. From the many answers, a clear top three emerged: community, information and professional development. LO excels at bringing members together, keeping them informed and helping them grow their business or career. That’s a value proposition we can take pride in.

Read on, and you may discover a benefit you were previously unaware of and use that knowledge to enhance your membership experience and perhaps also educate at least one landscaper who hasn’t joined LO yet. Connecting them with a like-minded group that can help them to grow and prosper will support them and our entire industry to grow stronger together. Let’s dive deeper into the top three benefits according to LO members.

Community

If you ask most LO members the number one reason they renew their membership, they’ll tell you it’s the people. LO is your connection to the amazing individuals who make up our industry. Held each January, the Congress trade show and conference is our marquee event of the year for Ontario’s landscape and horticultural trades. Congress is an incredible venue for connecting with anything and everything landscaping, but did you know there are more specialized events held year-round?

Wherever you are in Ontario, engage with your local peers at Chapter events. With 10 chapters across the province, there’s likely a chapter near you with volunteers working right now to enrich

your community and build relationships between local business owners and landscape tradespeople. Find out what your chapter is up to at horttrades.com/chapter. Keep up with new developments in your field and network with like-minded professionals via LO’s 10 sector groups. These volunteer-driven committees discuss issues affecting their business operations and the specific services they provide to clients. Many hold annual events such as the Landscape Designers Conference, Grower’s Short Course and Landscape Lighting Conference. Learn more about sector group activities at horttrades.com/sector.

Running a business can sometimes be overwhelming. LO’s Peer to Peer Network is a resource exclusively for business owners and senior managers in the LO community. Members offer each other advice or share resources all year round via an online Facebook group and gather in person three times each year for intense workshops that help to improve their leadership skills or solve business challenges. Visit horttrades.com/peerto-peer-network-main-page for more information.

Information

All members receive a subscription to Landscape Ontario magazine and Landscape Trades magazine. With a combined 12 issues per year, Landscape Ontario magazine keeps you informed on association activities, chapter community projects, outstanding volunteers and successful member companies. On a national level, Landscape Trades keeps you on top of current trends, new technology and innovative practices within the industry. Being informed shows clients,

suppliers and your competition that you stay current with the latest knowledge and information to complement your experience and expertise.

Professional development

If you view learning as a lifelong process, LO is the association for you. Whether you are an experienced leader or just starting out in the landscape trades, LO has many learning resources for you. Our GROW program offers training for new workers, career advancement for working professionals and skill development for leaders — all for free, thanks to support from Employment Ontario funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. Visit growtraining.ca for details and to sign up.

Some members prefer more focused training. LO’s Professional Development Program offers over 50 one-hour online sessions and over 60 full- or half-day hands-on seminars (mostly January through April) that cover everything from marketing and sales, to landscape design, employment law, lighting, irrigation and skid steer certification. New topics are added each year based on your feedback and the issues affecting your business or sector. See the full schedule and register at horttrades.com/seminars.

And more…

This top three list doesn’t even include the thousands of dollars each member can save on daily business expenses by accessing a wide range of discounts via our Member Savings Programs. Save on things like fuel, equipment, vehicles, computers, clothing, office supplies, training, insurance and more. See horttrades.com/member-savingsprograms. By using just a couple of programs throughout the year, you’ll easily save enough to pay for your annual LO membership, which provides you access to a wide range of exclusive benefits — including the top three most popular ones discussed here, plus all of the meaningful government advocacy work the association conducts on behalf of the entire industry.

LO is a busy association and there is no end to the benefits we could discuss, but these top three are the ones that members value most. Spread the word and let your peers know how being a part of LO can help them connect, develop and learn too!

Rooted in efficiency: The lean landscaping advantage THE GROUND UP

In the landscaping industry, where every minute matters, efficiency isn’t just a strategy — it’s a competitive advantage. Lean management principles, particularly the 5S methodology, offer a powerful framework for streamlining operations, eliminating waste and delivering exceptional results for clients.

As Peter Drucker, the father of modern management, wisely said, “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.” Mastering both can transform operations, ensuring profitability, sustainability, team cohesion and client satisfaction.

Understanding the 5S methodology

The 5S methodology, originating in Japan, is a cornerstone of lean management. Each principle builds on the last, creating a clear path to better organization, productivity and results. Here’s how it applies to landscaping:

1. Sort (Seiri)

Meaning: Eliminate unnecessary items from the workspace.

In practice: Regularly assess tools, materials and equipment in your shop, vehicles and storage areas. Remove broken, outdated or redundant items to reduce clutter and confusion. A wellorganized workspace allows crews to quickly find what they need, minimizing downtime and improving overall efficiency.

2. Set in Order (Seiton)

Meaning: Assign a place for every item and ensure it’s easy to find.

In practice: Use labeled shelves, racks and containers for tools and materials. Colour code tools to match specific trucks or workstations, so teams always know where to look. Clear layouts save valuable time and reduce frustration.

3. Shine (Seiso)

Meaning: Maintain cleanliness and organization to prevent inefficiencies and hazards.

In practice: Establish routines for cleaning tools, vehicles and job sites. Spotless trucks and well-maintained equipment not only improve efficiency but also enhance safety, reflect your company’s professionalism to clients and reinforce high standards for your team.

4. Standardize (Seiketsu)

Meaning: Create consistent processes that simplify tasks and reduce variability. In practice: Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for everything from job site prep to loading trucks. Templates for proposals, checklists for tasks and clear maintenance schedules ensure repeatable success and keep operations running smoothly across the business.

5. Sustain (Shitsuke)

Meaning: Embed 5S practices into your company culture.

In practice: Commit to regular training, team meetings and leadership accountability. Encourage crews to suggest improvements, celebrate small wins and continuously refine practices to build a culture of efficiency and pride in work.

Common sources of waste

Lean management identifies types of waste that slow businesses down. Here are a few, and how to tackle them: Waiting: Delays caused by poor planning, scheduling or lack of resources.

Solution: Use scheduling software to ensure materials, equipment, tools and crew instructions are ready prior to the next day. Efficient routing between

job sites reduces wasted travel time or nonproductive labour.

Overproduction: Ordering or prepping more than needed.

Solution: Adopt just-in-time inventory practices to match material orders with project requirements.

Deficiencies: Mistakes or incomplete work that require corrections.

Solution: Train crews, conduct quality checks and preplan tasks to ensure work is completed correctly the first time. Avoid rework and the opportunity cost of lost time and resources.

By addressing these inefficiencies, you can save time, cut costs and increase both client and team satisfaction.

Practical applications

The principles of 5S can improve efficiency across all areas of your business.

Design: Use digital or virtual tools to streamline client consultations, design changes and approvals. Clear expectations up front reduce disappointment and revisions, and ensure workflow efficiency and adherence to design timelines.

Build: Organize tools and equipment in preprepared trucks for specific tasks. Routing software and clear job and crew assignments maintain and maximize productivity, control budgets and minimize idle time.

Care: Group maintenance sites or increase route density to save on costly windshield or travel time. On rainy days, focus on equipment upkeep, project preparations or team training to stay productive.

The leadership role in lean management

Leadership plays a pivotal role in embedding lean management into daily operations. Owners and managers must prioritize organization, enforce accountability and foster an environment that encourages change and improvement.

The benefits of adopting lean practices include reduced costs, improved productivity, stronger branding and happier team members.

Adopting these changes can help position your business for longterm success in today’s competitive landscaping industry.

Plantenance Landscape Group

Stay connected with Congress year-round SOCIAL SNAPSHOT

The Congress show team is thrilled to announce our brand-new social media channels. Whether you’re an exhibitor, consultant or industry professional, these platforms are your ultimate source for staying informed, inspired and connected with everything Congress has to offer.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn to stay ahead of the curve. Let’s grow together, one post at a time.

INSTAGRAM: @LOCongress2025

FACEBOOK: @LO Congress

LINKEDIN: @LO Congress X: @LOCongress2025

Why follow us?

The new Congress channels are your exclusive backstage pass to the Congress Trade Show and Conference. From updates to insider tips on navigating the show floor, our social channels are here to make sure you’re always in the loop.

• Timely updates and announcements: Stay informed with real-time updates. Our social media is where you’ll hear about important changes first. For example, we used our channels to notify attendees about a postal strike that affected badge delivery — letting everyone know about the shift to on-site pickup.

• Behind-the-scenes access: Peek behind the curtain with exclusive content — from live setup shots to interviews with industry leaders and exhibitors. It’s your chance to see Congress like never before.

• Valuable content all year long: Congress isn’t just an event; it’s a community. Throughout the year, the new Congress channels will share trends, tips and resources tailored to green industry professionals. Expect

content that inspires, informs and helps your business thrive.

• Show highlights in real-time: During Congress, follow us for live coverage of keynotes, live stage presentations, exhibitor spotlights and more. Even if you can’t attend every session, our posts will keep you in the loop.

What’s coming next?

Over the next year, we’ll continue showcasing our exhibitors on social media. Expect to see new products, standout services and trends that were highlighted at this year’s event. We’ll also shine a spotlight on products you might have missed, helping you stay on top of what’s shaping the industry. Plus, look

forward to expert advice, event highlights and inspiration designed to keep you connected and motivated throughout the year.

Your input matters, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or ideas for content you’d like to see. Together, we’ll grow stronger as an industry. Be part of something bigger — connect, learn and lead with Congress all year long. Don’t wait. Join the conversation today.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.