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Message from the President - 2012

With a remarkably mild winter in the rear view mirror spring is now upon us, probably a little sooner than we are accustomed to here on the prairies. Statistics would tell you that an early spring means that a productive year lies ahead. Things are looking up in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, exciting times for our resource rich provinces!

The Integrated Vegetation Management Association of Manitoba & Saskatchewan (IVMA Man/Sask) is proud to have been an integral part of the North American Weed Management Association (NAWMA) conference in Winnipeg last fall. A lot of time and effort was spent organizing this large event in 2011 and I would like to once again thank all those involved for their efforts.

In 2012 our Association will once again plan our Annual Conference, but we also plan to spend significant time focusing on some other topics near and dear to our members’ hearts. Our board understands that the industry we represent is constantly evolving, and that our role and responsibilities as the voice for the industry will too have to evolve. Here are just a few of the important issues our board currently has on our radar screen.

• Proposed Manitoba Pesticide Ban: The board is keeping a watchful eye on the proposed pesticide ban in Manitoba and as President I will be participating on the steering committee. The IVMA plans to make officials within our government aware of our membership’s position on the issue.

• Pesticide Licensing Accreditation: Other vegetation management associations across Canada are more intimately involved with pesticide licensing in their respective provinces. In many cases this had proven to be a huge success. Our members have shown interest in developing a similar system. The IVMA understands the value in self regulation so we will explore this concept further.

• Growing Our Membership: Creating more value for our membership has been a hot topic at recent board meetings. By adding value we believe we can attract new members to our association and thus increase our presence and reach. Remember that word of mouth advertising is the most effective form so we encourage everyone to spread the word about the IVMA Man/Sask and help us recruit new members.

Lastly I would like to update you on our Board of Directors. We had one resignation from our board at our fall meeting. I would like to thank Ross May of Dow AgroSciences for his immense contribution to the IVMA Man/Sask over the last number of years. New to the board is Geoff Gordon of Engage Agro. Geoff brings with him a wealth of industry experience. He is currently serving as president of the Ontario Vegetation Management Association. We hope to use this new link to further build our network and tap into more knowledge and resources going forward.

Stay tuned to the IVMA Man/Sask through our Focus newsletter and important email updates to our membership throughout the year. Wishing you all a safe and prosperous 2012!

Sincerely,  

Jon Froese
President
IVMA Man/Sask  

What is IVMA-MAN/SASK?

IVMA-MAN/SASK (Integrated Vegetation Management Association - Manitoba/Saskatchewan Inc.) is an organization which promotes environmentally sound vegetation management.

IVMA-MAN/ SASK is a non-profit organization financed by memberships, seminars and tours.

IVMA-MAN/ SASK was incorporated federally on January 8,1990.

IVMA-MAN/SASK is an associate member of the Urban Pest Management Council of Canada.

IVMA-Man/Sask membership includes representatives from a broad base of industry and government agencies including: highways, agriculture, conservation, weed inspectors, lawn and landscape contractors, vegetation management contractors, pipeline companies, electrical utilities, railways, chemical and equipment manufacturers and municipal foresters.

Objectives

To promote the importance of employing proper vegetation management practices.

To inform members of new technology, new legislation and public concerns through seminars, training courses and other educational options.

To develop and promote a favourable public image for vegetation management.