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‘Show me the money!’ Cost-savings with FCO membership

Jan. 24, 2014, Guelph, Ont.  – The first-ever Member Savings’ Symposium of Flowers Canada (Ontario) drew more than 50 growers.

Jan. 24, 2014, Guelph, Ont.  – The first-ever Member Savings’ Symposium of Flowers Canada (Ontario) drew more than 50 growers.

The symposium introduced saving opportunities to growers ranging from retail store discounts to saving huge dollars on their commercial greenhouse insurance, employee benefits and banking costs.

There were representatives from various organizations including The Investment Guild, Marsh Canada Ltd., Scotiabank, The Employment Help Centre, Agriculture Credit Corporation, and The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).

The event included a trade show and a luncheon, and significant networking opportunities.

ENVIRONMENTAL FARM PLANS

Special guest speakers Dr. Jeanine West, FCO’s water and environmental specialist, and OSCIA’s John Laidlaw answered questions regarding the completion of the Growing Forward 2 applications and the development of Environmental Farm Plans.

Growers were provided with information on what funding opportunities are currently available along with a virtual tour of the GF2 application process.

Andrew Morse, FCO’s plant health and international trade coordinator and event organizer, said the event was a great success.

“The organizing committee could not be more pleased with the outcome of the symposium – there was something for everyone. The day was a “one-stop shop” providing growers with various options to gather valuable information on how they could save money. We are very grateful for the support of all the events’ speakers and participants.”

This was the first time that FCO has offered this type of program to growers.

FINANCIAL BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

“This event provided an opportunity to remind growers that FCO also offers a number of savings programs that can benefit them financially,” said FCO executive director Dean Shoemaker. “Savings are just a phone call away.”

With the success of the inaugural symposium and the positive feedback from growers, a second Member Savings Symposium is planned for 2015.

ABOUT FLOWERS CANADA (ONTARIO)

FCO is the provincial trade and professional association of the Ontario floral industry serving the floriculture sector and its members for over 45 years. FCO’s mission is to enhance the profitability and competitiveness of Ontario’s floriculture sector by helping growers address common issues.

FCO strives to help growers find solutions in trade, plant biosecurity, and research and innovation, human resources, environment, marketing and risk management.