We always like to start the spring/summer season with an exciting bang. This means our annual CLAEO Banquet! In addition to starting the year and getting down to our usual business, CLAEO also took the opportunity to fundraise for the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, a cause that is important for many members.

Herman Baguss and Ian Rowbotham of CLAEO (outside left and right) pose with Richard Getz and Jamie Inrig representing the Royal Ottawa (left and right interior.)
Unlike previous years, we opted for a more “social” ambiance with “cruiser” tables that made it easy to mingle and chat.
- Catching up, getting ready for the busy season ahead.
- Cruiser tables made for a social atmosphere, enjoyed by everyone!
We also decided to switch things up with a buffet-style dinner, which allowed guests to mix and match and pick’n’choose their own meals.
After dinner, we got down to business by presenting this year’s Algonquin College and Carleton University scholarship winners with their prizes.

Steve Neumann of Algonquin College (R) and Andy McNeely from CLAEO pose with our 2017 winners, Cynthia Jesse and Rachel Murphy
After and informative talk on caliper tree shortages by Harry Worsley of Uxbridge Nurseries, we moved on to the fundraising portion of the evening.
Matthew Davis demonstrated his auctioneer skills by auctioning off box seats at the Canadian Tire Centre, graciously donated by Andy McNeely of Thunderbolt Contracting all in support of the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health.
We’re known for our door prizes and amazing auction items. This year did not disappoint. Prizes were enjoyed by many and we were able to raise a significant amount of money for the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health.

Sheldon Chartrand of Meyknecht-Lischer Contractors was the lucky winner of the main door prize — a Stihl chainsaw!
CLAEO would also like to take the opportunity to thank the following event sponsors including:
MAIN SPONSOR: Greely Sand and Gravel
GOLD LEVEL: B & T McFarlane Ottawa, Peterson’s Turf Farm
SILVER LEVEL: Geosynthetic Systems, Permacon
BRONZE LEVEL: Bradley’s Commercial Insurance, Cohen & Cohen Natural Stone, Nutrilawn, Uxbridge Nurseries.