December 15, 2016
Tony DiGiovanni CHT
LO Executive Director

In this last article of the year, I would like to give thanks. Thank you to our wonderful members (owners and employees) who work hard each and every day, in all kinds of conditions, to help make our world a better place. Your products, services, skill, creativity, energy and passion preserves and improves our landscape. To paraphrase others, you are a green-force for beauty and stewards of creation. You are in the business of enhancing lives. Your work provides environmental, economic, lifestyle, therapeutic, health, recreational and spiritual benefits.

Thank you to the many volunteers who freely give their time and resources — often-sacrificing family time and finances in order to serve and build our greater community. Your contribution ethic inspires others — some of whom you never have, or never will meet. You are part of a long line of leaders whose values, attitudes and actions build a brighter future and leaves a legacy of benefit. You are mentors and nurturers.

Thank you to our Associate members and sponsors, who we often take for granted. Your support of programs, activities and events, builds a community of professionals who could not prosper without your innovative products and services. Your teachings and training helps to elevate and build competency and trust. Your support of the association makes us much more effective in our common mission to grow a prosperous and valued industry.

Thank you to our members’ customers. They have chosen to direct their resources to our sector. Without them, there would be no landscape profession. Nor would there be a Landscape Ontario. They could have easily spent their money in other areas. Instead, they have invested in beautifying their surroundings and improving their community.

Thank you to our staff team. On a daily basis, I am in awe of your positive attitudes, boundless energy, wonderful ideas, superb skills and your service-oriented professionalism. I am very fortunate to work with such an amazing team of individuals who care about our membership and about each other.

Thank you to our collective families. You provide the purpose that drives all of our activities, efforts and sacrifices.

As I write this, it strikes me just how interrelated, interdependent and interconnected we all are. We all have power and influence. We can choose to make the world better by what we do and who we are. Every action leaves an imprint that can inspire and benefit others — even those we don’t know.

As the year comes to a close and we enter the 150th year of our great nation, I would like to wish everyone health, happiness, prosperity and legacy. May our gift to Canada be that of our positive attitudes and our caring actions inspire others.

And speaking of a gift to Canada, the Highway of Heroes Living Tribute has a wonderful program to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. Give a gift to Canada by buying a “Hero Tree” for $150. The tree will be planted along the Highway of Heroes to recognize and honour those who have sacrificed their lives for our nation. Consider doing this on behalf of your family, friends or even your clients. Visit hohtribute.ca/150tree-champions-program.
Tony DiGiovanni may be reached at tony@landscapeontario.com.