NICK SOLTY

Nick’s term as LO President in 2002-3 marked the culmination of his family’s association work. Solty and Son was an original member of LO. Nick’s grandfather, Leslie Sr., was heavily involved in the Ontario Landscape Contractors Association, serving as president in 1963, while Leslie Jr. was president of the association in 1970-71. In the President’s Report in 2002, Nick wrote, “Landscape Ontario was built on a strong foundation, built up and solidified over many years with the help of dedicated and talented volunteers. As members of LO today, we are responsible for implementing a vision and acting as navigators for the future of the horticulture industry.”

KARL STENSSON

When Karl became LO President in 1979, he said his top goal was to increase membership. A new ‘game plan’ was the LO Dollar Saver. It showed examples that demonstrated what members saved by belonging to the association. Karl remains proud of his work with Landscape Ontario. “We (LO) are the largest horticultural association in the world,” he said. “I have travelled to many areas and have seen first-hand our growth and success compared to many other countries.” Long-time chair of LO’s Building Management Committee, Karl’s leadership and determination were a driving force that made the 2018 building renovation project a reality.

MARC THIEBAUD

Marc was one of the original LO Board Members, serving as treasurer of the newly formed LO in 1973, as well as Toronto Chapter President. Marc became LO President in 1975. That year saw the association form commodity groups to help ensure all sectors felt served by the newly amalgamated organization. Following his presidency, Marc became an Ontario representative for CNLA in 1976. He moved through the board as secretary/ treasurer in 1978, first vice-president in 1979 and finally as president from 1980 to 1983. In honour of the many years of service, including many years on the LO Building Management Committee, Marc was named an Honorary Life Member.

BOB TUBBY

One of Bob’s greatest achievements during his time as President in 2006-07 was founding the Prosperity Partners Program, said Tony DiGiovanni. “When Bob Tubby served as LO President, he coined the phrase ‘Prosperity Partner.’ If we think of our work as being a prosperity partner to everyone we touch, we will create a culture where people will want to work for us.” Bob said, “there is no better way to learn the inside and out of the association than serving on the LO Board of Directors.”  Bob was awarded an Honorary Life Membership at the 2016 Awards of Excellence ceremony.

DAVID TURNBULL

As LO President, David said his focus was to ensure the association remained up-to-date with current needs of the industry and to make the best use of resources. “I believe one of our immediate goals should be to educate membership on the very real benefits of their trade association and the benefits of involvement, not just to the industry but also their individual companies.” In his first magazine column, David outlined how CNLA and LO were launching industry certifications.

CASEY VAN MARIS

Casey will always be remembered as a man whose foresight, determination and constant drive helped to create Landscape Ontario. After Casey passed away in 1997, there was a collective voice that stated, “Landscape Ontario lost one of its most influential and respected members, a founder of the association.” To honour the memory of LO’s second president, a special award was developed to carry on the legacy of “A great friend to the association and industry.” The Casey van Maris Award is given to the project awarded the highest marks for execution of unique and innovative design in landscaping.

MONICA VAN MARIS

In 1987, Monica became the first female President of LO. She was presented with a Leadership Award at the 50th IPM Symposium. She stated, “When I turned around to face the crowd, my heart gave a flip to see so many women. I realized this is what I was working for all these years, to see so many women taking the same interest in our industry.” On May 29, 2018, Monica was presented with the inaugural Monica van Maris Green Professionals Women of Influence Award on behalf of LO and the Toronto Botanical Garden in recognition of her pioneering achievements.

JOHN VAN STAVEREN

Just three years after becoming a member of Landscape Ontario, John became the association’s fifth president. In his first column as president, he announced the board had voted to organize and manage Congress in 1978. It was a big step for the fledgling association after an outside company had managed the show since its inaugural year.  Interviewed in 2019, John said, “At the start of my term as president, my chief program for the year was to try to increase membership.”

NEIL VANDERKRUK

Named president in 1989, Neil stated, “The association needs people to sell the association to both members and non-members.” At Congress that year, he presented a new LO logo. Tony DiGiovanni said, “It was amazing how much he cared about the industry and LO. Neil and the Vanderkruk family are life-time contributors  to the success of Landscape Ontario and the entire horticultural profession.” Neil Vanderkruk continued to provide his time and expertise throughout the years. He was a member of the Building Management Committee and a director on the Foundation Committee. Neil was made an Honorary Life Member in 1991.

JOHN WRIGHT

John’s contributions to Ontario’s horticulture industry began with the OGMLA in the 1960s. Once LO was formed, John served as co-chair of the expansion committee, which spearheaded the growth of the Hamilton Chapter. Later, he helped establish the Waterloo Chapter, servings as its first president. He was also instrumental in starting the Lawn Care Commodity Group in the early 1980s. John was also a dedicated supporter of the Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation.

DAVE WRIGHT

Dave’s presidency in 2020-21 is distinguished by the remarkable work the association’s COVID-19 Task Force did to support the industry during the pandemic. The Task Force focused on government relations and providing resources and timely information to members. The community responded, with record-breaking membership enrolment. Tony DiGiovanni said the membership growth was, “In part due to staff and the volunteer COVID-19 Task Force providing relevant information and programs that helped members to better cope with the added pressures of doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

DON ZIRALDO

Long before Don became famous in the Canadian wine industry, he was one of the driving forces behind the work to improve LO. Don served on the LO board in 1974-75, where he was instrumental in establishing the Qualified Plantsman Independent Study Course through University of Guelph. In 1974, Don led a group of growers to form a national growers’ group to advance all matters aiding the development and the improvement of the growing and marketing of nursery stock in Canada. In 2006, Don directed his energy toward serving as chair of the newly re-energized Vineland Research and Innovations Centre. 

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