DIRECTIONS

CHANGES ARE COMING

Last month, I talked about a couple of our signature events and the changes we needed to make in order to hold them in person. Given Covid-19 doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon; we’ve begun taking inventory of our fall/winter events, so that we may reimagine them in a way that provides the same quality you are used to. This has always been our #1 goal and that will not change!

This fall/winter, one of the biggest changes we will be making is to our evening meetings schedule. Because social distancing has eliminated our ability to hold large-scale, in-person networking events, the OLA Programs committee has secured a few nationally-recognized presenters – with track records for being top consultants in our industry – to speak with us via webinar.

November 19th, Mike Rory (GIS Systems) will present “Developing Your Strategic Business Model: A Roadmap for Success.” Mike founded GroundMasters, in Cincinnati, growing it to serve over 1,200 commercial clients in the region. He then sold the business to a national provider. Mike knows what it takes to build a profitable, successful company and is happy to share his knowledge with us. This event will include the OLA’s Annual Meeting. January 21st, Kevin Kehoe (Long-time industry consultant and Founder of Aspire Software) will discuss 3 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that drive net profit (in addition to your standard financials), how to improve each KPI, and what owners and managers should be keeping an eye on. While it is certainly a deviation from the norm, we are excited that – in using a virtual format – geographic barriers are taken away and members from every corner of the state will be able attend. These meetings continue to be no-cost to members ($30 for non-members), and will take place starting at 3pm, to accommodate everyone’s access to technology and valuable personal time. Hands-on training clinics and other educational events present obstacles, as well. Fear not. We are working on solutions to

SANDY MUNLEY Executive Director The Ohio Landscape Association

holding these types of education. We believe some events, such as the OLA Pruning Clinic, may become a hybrid class, including a webinar for the classroom learning portion of the event, followed by an assigned hands-on training date (small groups). We will provide more information as it becomes available.

Finally, the OLA will be flipping the switch, this month, on our new website and association management software. This platform will provide a more seamless process for event registration, dues renewal, etc., and will allow you to edit your own profile and login information, in addition to many other benefits. We will be sending out dues renewal using this new

system, so expect to receive an email with your dues invoice. While these changes are meant to keep us all connected as an organization and make things easier for you, we certainly understand it will take some getting used to. Please know, Rick and I are here to help you through it all. If you are not comfortable accessing online services, we will be happy to register you for webinars, educational events, and process dues renewal by credit card payments – or mailed in checks – as we always have.

Just like you, we have been challenged to change the way we do business during this pandemic. While we may be forced to do things differently, you can be assured that serving you is our top priority and we hope that you have continue to find value in belonging. If there is anything you need – we are only a phone call away – and cannot wait until we get to see you in person, on a regular basis, again!