PLANT WNY MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, February 2, 2023
Salvatore’s Italian Gardens – 6461 Transit Road, Depew, NY
The meeting was called to order at 6:08 pm called to order by Steve Sypniewski, president.
It was determined we had a quorum.
The profit and loss statements and balance sheet for PLANT WNY and the Foundation were reviewed by Peter Burke, treasurer.
Committee Reports
Audit Committee – An audit was done in December. One of the recommendations made was to re-visit the policies and procedures and thereby is recommending that the Policies & Procedures committee reviews the draft and makes it available for a member vote in the near future.
CNLP Awareness & Promotion – There are a lot of opportunities this time of year to obtain credits. NYSNLA Virtual Education Series is currently going on. CNLP Review Classes will take place in February with the exam in March. There are many volunteer opportunities at Plantasia.
Ed Day/Trade Show – Roger Restorff thanked the Foundation for providing the support to make this event possible. The following sponsors were thanked: Draves Tree & Landscape – Gold; Batavia Turf – Silver; Admar Supply – Bronze; Lawley Insurance – Bronze; Gernatt Asphalt Products – Room; SiteOne Landscape Supply – Room
The Flanders Group – Room; Scranton’s Thruway Builders Supplies – Bag
We are always looking for new speakers and exhibitors for the show. We had a great turnout for CNLP Day and Horticulture 101.
Erie County Fair – Lisa Kiec Maliszewski set up the Grange Building display all by herself. Steve Sypniewski helped with setting up our display and Phil Tripi helped with watering. It’s a fun experience and you can get CNLP credits. Setup, watering and help with tear down is much needed.
Foundation – The Foundation met the first week in January. The account is doing well but we did lose money as the market is down. The Foundation’s function is to watch the money, help it grow and protect it for the Association. By having a good balance in investments, we are able to support the Association. Our focus it to promote education and the industry – promote education to the public as well. Profits from Plantasia also get invested with the Foundation.
Golf Outing – This year we were not able to have it due to the weather but plans are moving along to have the George Schichtel Memorial Golf Outing in September. It was stressed that anyone can golf with us, NCCC students as well.
Harvest Dinner – Looking to have it early November and possibly a Thursday. Having it other than a Friday or Saturday makes it more financially reasonable.
Landscape Awards – We had a good number of entries. Thank you to Phil Colarusso for sponsoring the Landscape Awards. The awards were presented at the Harvest Dinner, which was held in December due to the weather.
Membership – Our numbers are slightly up and we need to focus on growing membership . We have membership cards available for you to help promote membership in the association. As a company member, your employees can get involved. Ask your employees to attend events. One benefit we can’t overlook is the advocacy of NYSNLA, for example we were able to get back to work during COVID and shutdowns. There is strength in numbers.
NCCC – Carolyn Stanko thanked the Foundation and PLANT WNY for their continued support, which includes attendance at the two days of education conference, attendance at Plantasia, internships, scholarships and more. Carolyn brought in an additional facet to horticulture by adding cannabis. Cannabis has increased enrollment and raised visibility of the horticulture program. Carolyn stressed her program is traditional horticulture. The vast majority of students are looking at the medical end of cannabis. As an association we need to get over the stigma and support the students. The vast majority of NCCC students are employed by member firms A lot of good things are happening at NCCC. NCCC was awarded a million-dollar grant for the horticulture program and is partnering with GCCC and JCCC. NCCC has a hemp research license and maybe getting involved in farm to table initiative. Also applied for a grant for a high-tech lab. A horticulture library has been donated to NCCC with very unique books.
Plantasia – Theme is New Twist on an Old Classic. Palm cards and presale tickets are available. We have two new landscapers this year. Kim Schichtel is coordinating volunteering.
Professional Development – This committee is dormant right now but is also open to training suggestions. Contact Phil Tripi if you have ideas.
State Reps – Currently there are virtual education sessions; virtual CNLP Review classes are being sponsored by region 1; and an electric demo presentation will be taking place soon.
New Business
Olmsted Parks has approached us about a work training program that may of interest to us. Brian Dold has been invited to speak to the membership at the March meeting. We have also been approached by Peace Prints which is looking to train their clients in landscaping.
Kim Schichtel motioned to accept the minutes of October 5, 2022. Mike Gallo seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Roger Restorff motioned to adjourn the meeting. Dave McIntyre seconded the motion. All were in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 7:25pm
Respectfully submitted by:
Salvatore’s Italian Gardens – 6461 Transit Road, Depew, NY
The meeting was called to order at 6:08 pm called to order by Steve Sypniewski, president.
It was determined we had a quorum.
The profit and loss statements and balance sheet for PLANT WNY and the Foundation were reviewed by Peter Burke, treasurer.
Committee Reports
Audit Committee – An audit was done in December. One of the recommendations made was to re-visit the policies and procedures and thereby is recommending that the Policies & Procedures committee reviews the draft and makes it available for a member vote in the near future.
CNLP Awareness & Promotion – There are a lot of opportunities this time of year to obtain credits. NYSNLA Virtual Education Series is currently going on. CNLP Review Classes will take place in February with the exam in March. There are many volunteer opportunities at Plantasia.
Ed Day/Trade Show – Roger Restorff thanked the Foundation for providing the support to make this event possible. The following sponsors were thanked: Draves Tree & Landscape – Gold; Batavia Turf – Silver; Admar Supply – Bronze; Lawley Insurance – Bronze; Gernatt Asphalt Products – Room; SiteOne Landscape Supply – Room
The Flanders Group – Room; Scranton’s Thruway Builders Supplies – Bag
We are always looking for new speakers and exhibitors for the show. We had a great turnout for CNLP Day and Horticulture 101.
Erie County Fair – Lisa Kiec Maliszewski set up the Grange Building display all by herself. Steve Sypniewski helped with setting up our display and Phil Tripi helped with watering. It’s a fun experience and you can get CNLP credits. Setup, watering and help with tear down is much needed.
Foundation – The Foundation met the first week in January. The account is doing well but we did lose money as the market is down. The Foundation’s function is to watch the money, help it grow and protect it for the Association. By having a good balance in investments, we are able to support the Association. Our focus it to promote education and the industry – promote education to the public as well. Profits from Plantasia also get invested with the Foundation.
Golf Outing – This year we were not able to have it due to the weather but plans are moving along to have the George Schichtel Memorial Golf Outing in September. It was stressed that anyone can golf with us, NCCC students as well.
Harvest Dinner – Looking to have it early November and possibly a Thursday. Having it other than a Friday or Saturday makes it more financially reasonable.
Landscape Awards – We had a good number of entries. Thank you to Phil Colarusso for sponsoring the Landscape Awards. The awards were presented at the Harvest Dinner, which was held in December due to the weather.
Membership – Our numbers are slightly up and we need to focus on growing membership . We have membership cards available for you to help promote membership in the association. As a company member, your employees can get involved. Ask your employees to attend events. One benefit we can’t overlook is the advocacy of NYSNLA, for example we were able to get back to work during COVID and shutdowns. There is strength in numbers.
NCCC – Carolyn Stanko thanked the Foundation and PLANT WNY for their continued support, which includes attendance at the two days of education conference, attendance at Plantasia, internships, scholarships and more. Carolyn brought in an additional facet to horticulture by adding cannabis. Cannabis has increased enrollment and raised visibility of the horticulture program. Carolyn stressed her program is traditional horticulture. The vast majority of students are looking at the medical end of cannabis. As an association we need to get over the stigma and support the students. The vast majority of NCCC students are employed by member firms A lot of good things are happening at NCCC. NCCC was awarded a million-dollar grant for the horticulture program and is partnering with GCCC and JCCC. NCCC has a hemp research license and maybe getting involved in farm to table initiative. Also applied for a grant for a high-tech lab. A horticulture library has been donated to NCCC with very unique books.
Plantasia – Theme is New Twist on an Old Classic. Palm cards and presale tickets are available. We have two new landscapers this year. Kim Schichtel is coordinating volunteering.
Professional Development – This committee is dormant right now but is also open to training suggestions. Contact Phil Tripi if you have ideas.
State Reps – Currently there are virtual education sessions; virtual CNLP Review classes are being sponsored by region 1; and an electric demo presentation will be taking place soon.
New Business
Olmsted Parks has approached us about a work training program that may of interest to us. Brian Dold has been invited to speak to the membership at the March meeting. We have also been approached by Peace Prints which is looking to train their clients in landscaping.
Kim Schichtel motioned to accept the minutes of October 5, 2022. Mike Gallo seconded the motion. All were in favor.
Roger Restorff motioned to adjourn the meeting. Dave McIntyre seconded the motion. All were in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 7:25pm
Respectfully submitted by: Joyce Janson