PLANT WNY FIRST ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Salvatore’s Italian Gardens -6461 Transit Road, Depew, NY 14043
6:00PM
Call to order was made at 6:10 by Teresa Buchanan, president.
The definition of a voting member was read and Jeannetta Hanlon, secretary, asked for a show of hands to determine there was a quorum.
Jeannetta welcomed the following new members to our association: Bradley Tree and Landscaping; Cayla Kreiss (Student); Cornell Cooperative Extension Niagara County (Educational); R.C. Lawn Care; Rob's Property Solutions; The Financial Guys Insurance Agency, LLC; WNY PRISM (Educational)
Phil Tripi, treasurer, gave the financial report which was included in the agenda packets.
Committee Reports
Audit Committee – Chris Zeiz stated the purpose of the audit committee is to review the business of the Association. Audit Committee recommended that the policies and procedures be reviewed and a committee has been formed to follow through.
Botanical Gardens – Over 84,000 have attended the gardens leading to a banner year. Kristy Schmitt thanked PLANT WNY Foundation for their support in replacement of several trees.
CNLP Awareness & Promotion – There was great attendance at CNLP Day.
Carolyn Stanko announced CNLP review classes will begin Feb 9 from 1-4pm at NCCC. CNLP exam will take place March 9 at NCCC. Candidates must register with the NYSNLA first before taking the exam.
Ed Day/Trade Show - Hort 101 had 37 people – an increase over last year. Roger Restorff thanked the show sponsors: Batavia Turf, Draves Trees and Landscaping, Lawley Insurance, Unilock, Siteone and Scranton Thruway Builders. Roger asked that we take a moment to thank them for their support because it does allow us to be in a venue like Salvatore’s and to bring in quality speakers. The committee is always open to new speakers and committee members.
Erie County Fair – Lisa Kiec-Maliszewski stated that assistance would be greatly appreciated on the Monday before the Fair starts. They are limited to one day of set up and it is a lot to get done.
PLANT WNY Foundation - The Foundation met with the Association in early January (as is tradition) to go over funding. Bob Smith wanted the membership to remember that “we are all part of the Foundation.” The Foundation has a little over $500,000 in investments.
State Representative/Membership - There is an organized push for new members all through the State. Mike Frank indicated that most members do not realize the behind the scenes work of our State organization. The NYSNLA goes to bat for us regarding all kinds of legislation. It takes a group to do this. Without a membership, we would not have the opportunity to have our Education Day and Plantasia, The CNLP program does not exist without our organization. It is important that our organization as a whole exists.
Leaf a Legacy - PLANT WNY had a request from Kids Escaping Drugs to replace 200 trees that were destroyed due to construction located on their campus. Jeanetta Hanlon will see how we can assist as well as to help them find additional funding.
NCCC - Carolyn Stanko thanked the PLANT WNY Foundation for funding 20 students to attend CNLP Day and Ed Day and some supplies. Also, our membership may be interested to know that NCCC is running horticulture classes as part of community education.
Plantasia - Vendor and garden space is sold out. We are greatly in need of volunteer assistance for setup this year as we will be having additional displays in keeping with our theme Cityscapes into the Night.
Policies and Procedures - This newly formed committee met and started the process of going line by line of policies and procedures of the Foundation, the Association and Plantasia. As was demonstrated at the start of the meeting, we will be following the 15% of membership definition of a quorum for voting purposes. Also, in keeping with the bylaws of the Association, the nominating committee we will consist of last three presidents including the director.
Social Media - Susan-Marie Fonzi stated that latest issue of Nursery Lines is available and to please read it. PLANT WNY has a Facebook page and if you have not done so already, please find it and like it.
New Business
- We have partnered with member firms Buffalo-niagaragardening.com, Buffalo Spree Magazine and The Upstate Gardeners Journal. Receive a 10% discount when using the PLANT WNY and/or CNLP logo.
The March 7 membership meeting will take place at Flying Bison Brewery. There will be a tour at 5:30pm followed by the membership meeting.
Roger Restorff motioned to accept the meeting minutes of October 11, 2017. Sally Cunningham seconded the motion. All in favor.
Mike Frank made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Chris Zeisz seconded the motion. All in favor. Meeting was adjourned at 7pm.
