February 15, 2016
Members of the Landscape Ontario Provincial Board of Directors took time for a group photo at the AGM on Jan. 13, 2016.
AGM reflects LO’s energy
A spirited rendition of “O Canada” opened Landscape Ontario’s 2106 annual general meeting, held Jan. 13 at Toronto’s International Plaza Hotel – members launched into unaccompanied song when the sound recording failed. Longstanding members received special invitations to attend and receive plaques; this effort, at least in part, helped draw best-ever attendance.
In his last act as president, Dave Braun expressed satisfaction in achieving two major goals, growing membership to record levels and completing the sale of LO’s excess property. He thanked executive director Tony DiGiovanni and the Provincial Board for supporting his success, and offered a special thank-you to retiring staff member Allan Dennis.
DiGiovanni presented an impressive overview of association achievements and he predicted the horticulture industry will become known as the green infrastructure industry within the next decade.
Incoming president Paul Brydges accepted the gavel, and announced “Drawing Together” as the theme of his term. He underlined the importance of presenting ourselves to the public as professionals.
Members brought up three New Business items. Tim Kearney urged LO, and its members, to support the creation of a national garden in Ottawa for Canada’s 2017 birthday. Monica van Maris challenged Paul Brydges to help unite landscape architects and the green industry. And Jacki Hart suggested action on amending Awards of Excellence requirements to include a minimum percentage of plantings.
The Durham Chapter received the Golden Grout Award for largest membership increase, at eight per cent. Gregg Salivan and Blake Tubby were elected as Members at Large. Lastly, members enjoyed the reinstatement of a longstanding tradition: Jim Bauer moving to adjourn.
In his last act as president, Dave Braun expressed satisfaction in achieving two major goals, growing membership to record levels and completing the sale of LO’s excess property. He thanked executive director Tony DiGiovanni and the Provincial Board for supporting his success, and offered a special thank-you to retiring staff member Allan Dennis.
DiGiovanni presented an impressive overview of association achievements and he predicted the horticulture industry will become known as the green infrastructure industry within the next decade.
Incoming president Paul Brydges accepted the gavel, and announced “Drawing Together” as the theme of his term. He underlined the importance of presenting ourselves to the public as professionals.
Members brought up three New Business items. Tim Kearney urged LO, and its members, to support the creation of a national garden in Ottawa for Canada’s 2017 birthday. Monica van Maris challenged Paul Brydges to help unite landscape architects and the green industry. And Jacki Hart suggested action on amending Awards of Excellence requirements to include a minimum percentage of plantings.
The Durham Chapter received the Golden Grout Award for largest membership increase, at eight per cent. Gregg Salivan and Blake Tubby were elected as Members at Large. Lastly, members enjoyed the reinstatement of a longstanding tradition: Jim Bauer moving to adjourn.