AMTOP’s 16th Annual Conference & Trade Show

January 30 & 31st, 2006
Billings Hotel & Convention Center

1223 Mullowney Lane
Billings, MT 59101
Reservations call: 1-800-537-7286
Questions call: 866-442-6867 (AMTOP)
Winter Conference - 2005

      Judging by the responses of our questionnaire and the comments made during the 15th annual Amtop conference; our winter meeting in Helena was a success and well worth the time and cost of attending this diversified and informative green industry gathering of the top Montana tree, turf and structural professionals.
     Setting the tone and mood of this year’s convention was keynote speaker Ralph Hood, a charming and gracious southern gentleman who happens to be an extremely witty and insightful speaker. His story and subsequent reenactment of how he used the filters of cigarettes as ear plugs, which he inadvertently forgot to remove, was just flat out funny and made you feel that it’s okay to be human and make mistakes.
     AMTOP was fortunate to hear not only from the new Montana Director of Agriculture-Nancy Peterson; but also from Jeff Garrard, who is Congressman Denny Rehbergs field office representative for Southwest Montana. Director Peterson comes from an agricultural background and she directly addressed the issues that affect our industry such as unlicensed pesticide applicators. She vowed to do whatever she can to make sure that illegal and unprofessional applicators are found out and stopped. Jeff Garrard read a prepared statement from the Congressman’s office that addressed the issue of H-2B visas and how they might affect our industry in Montana.
     And let’s not forget our lobbyist, Pam Langely! She informed our group of pending legislation that could adversely affect our businesses and to this end, with her help and political savvy, AMTOP was able to shut down HB-359-the bill that would enable communities to enforce strict but nonsensical posting laws.
     The Arborist track was excellent and all three presenters: Joe Scianna, Vince Urbina and Bob Gough really know their “stuff” and each has a knack of explaining tree science in an informative and accessible manner. Joe Scianna is a research horticulturalist at the Bridger Plant Material Center and his working knowledge of transplanting large caliper trees is impressive. Vince Urbina is an Assistant Staff Forester from Grand Junction Colorado and described the essential pruning techniques to establish healthy and structurally sound ornamental and shade trees. Bob Gough, better known as “Doctor Bob” really saturated his audience with timely advice of how to diagnosis common biotic and abiotic problems that affects many plant species in Montana. His handout sheets and internet addresses are sure to be of great benefit to anyone who is in the business of successfully telling their customers what’s wrong with their trees.
     The AMTOP trade show was again small, but the vendors and exhibitors in attendance are just outstanding supporters of our group and they are invaluable resources for all our members. Can you imagine an AMTOP trade show without Warne Chemical?? Victor Gust is just a walking encyclopedia of turf and tree information and I urge all members to support our exhibitors and let them know that we appreciate their involvement and participation with AMTOP.
     Our annual auction was reformatted this year with excellent results! The board of directors decided to try a silent auction this time, with donated items distributed throughout the trade show area. This was no doubt the way to go as we raised more money and this format lends itself to people getting together more and visiting with each other. Thanks for everyone who made this a success. Also, Garvey’s Urban Forest sponsored its second annual “tree quiz” and Scott Stringer from the City of Missoula won the $50 first prize.
     Moreover, our first annual raffle was a success as we were able to raise about $3000. These funds will help pay for the legislative costs and scholarship money that AMTOP sponsors and thanks to everyone who promoted this event.
     I was unable to attend the turf management or structural sessions but I heard from the people who did and they mentioned that these presentations were well received and very informative.
     Overall, the reason why I feel our convention was a success is because of the camaraderie of AMTOP members. I really had a great time visiting with people like Jeff Poole, Florence Olson, Richard Hathaway, Jennifer Robbins, Eric Maisch, T.G. Sawyer and Rosina Rubio. All of these members have different skills, perspectives, ideas and talents and each come from all over this big, big state in order to help make AMTOP the best green industry in Montana
     I only hope that I get to know and visit with more members at next year’s conference in Billings!

     Sincerely,
     Mike Garvey
     President-AMTOP

 

 

 

 

 
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