CAN (ON): Over 115 attendees flock to FCO annual meeting

Flowers Canada Ontario (FCO) held its 51st Annual General Meeting and Winter Event at the Harborside Beacon Resort in Jordon, Ontario on January 17, 2018. The event drew the highest turnout of growers and other attendees in the history of the FCO organization.

“This unprecedented attendance of over 115 attendees to FCO’s 2018 Winter Event and AGM was largely due to the interest by the Flowers Canada (Ontario) membership and other greenhouse personnel to hear Ms. Carol Vandenhoek, Managing Partner of Miller Thomson, address the significant changes brought about in Ontario employment law with the passage of Bill 148 and its significant impact on employer obligations,” confirmed Andrew Morse, FCO’s Executive Director.

Other presentations enjoyed by growers at FCO’s 2018 Winter Event included a well-received presentation given by John Gardner of Durward Jones Barkwell & Company, the days’ main sponsor, about the potential financial implications of the new HR legislation and how the Agri-Stability program may assist growers in loss recovery. To round out the day, Dr. Jeanine West, FCO’s Water Specialist provided an overview of FCO’s work on the newly established Greenhouse Certification Training Program while Dejan Kristan, FCO’s Marketing Director shared information on FCO’s latest marketing initiative, showcasing flower greenhouses through Petals and Plates. A mini trade-show showcasing a number of FCO’s Associate Members was also part of the days’ draw for attendees.

In advance of the Winter Event, growers were treated to lunch and participated in the business part of the afternoon’s proceedings with FCO’s Annual General Meeting. Through the AGM elections, joining the FCO Board are Arielle DeBoer of Rosa Flora Limited, Dunnville and Rodney Biehuizen of Sunrise Greenhouses, Vineland Station. “Both of these new Board Members will bring their expertise and energy to the Board table and we are very fortunate to have them as part of the FCO team,” commented Jan Van Zanten, FCO’s newly elected President. Rounding out the FCO Executive Committee are Ron Van der Zalm, Colonial Florists, FCO’s Vice-President, Gina Marchionda of Jeffery’s Greenhouses will continue in her role as Treasurer and Angelle van Kleef from Colourful Gardens will continue in her position as Secretary. Other Board members include Past President, Ian Vermeer, Westbrook Greenhouses and Catherine Harrison of Hendriks Greenhouses.

For more information or to receive a copy of the handouts from FCO’s 2018 Winter Event presentation, contact Lynda@fco.ca.

For more information:
Flowers Canada
www.flowerscanadagrowers.com