Ditch Witch Partners with Utilicor Technologies: This Week’s Industry News

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Want to keep up with the latest news in lawn care and landscaping? Check back every Thursday for a quick recap of recent happenings in the green industry.

Ditch Witch Partners with Utilicor Technologies
Ditch Witch announced a partnership with Utilicor Technologies, Inc. to bring the benefits of advanced keyhole technology and reinstatement to contractors, municipalities and utilities globally. Utility contractors can operate a nimble, construction-grade Ditch Witch mini skid steer fitted with the new Utilicor MTC100 coring attachment to perform repairs, without rerouting traffic or exposing large areas of open excavation.

Curtis Industries Releases Air Conditioning for Kubota BX70 & BX80 Tractors
Curtis Industries, LLC has announced the release of a compact air conditioning system for the Kubota BX2370-1 & BX2380 sub-compact tractors. The system uses patent-pending “dynamic load control” software to precisely manage the vehicle electrical power, allowing the unit to operate on smaller vehicles with lower horsepower. The A/C unit features a stylish, low-profile design that is integrated into the vehicle roof. Easily accessible unit has fully self-contained refrigeration components and comes pre-charged with refrigerant. The Curtis air conditioning system installs in about two hours. A custom overhead console features 3-speed fan control, illuminated on/off switch and four, 360-degree adjustable louvers to circulate air throughout the cab. The unit adds only about four inches in height, allowing enough clearance to park the vehicle in most standard garages. Curtis will roll-out the air conditioning system for other compact and sub-compact tractor brands.

Bob Mann Joins NALP as Director of State and Local Government Relations
Bob Mann will join NALP on September 5, in the newly created role of Director of State and Local Government Relations. Mann is a graduate of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture with a degree in Turf Management and has a degree in Agricultural Economics from Amherst. He is also a Landscape Industry Certified Lawn Care Manager and a Certified Pesticide Applicator in six states. Mann has served as President of the Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals, was on the Board of Directors of PLCAA, NALP’s legacy association, and has been active in the association’s Lawn Care Specialty Group and on the Public Affairs Advisory Council.

Ruppert Companies promotes Donna Nichols to VP of Finance
Ruppert Companies has announced the promotion of Donna Nichols to vice president of finance. Nichols, a resident of Myersville, Maryland, has over 30 years of finance, accounting, real estate and property management experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree from McDaniel College and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). She has been with Ruppert Companies for nine years as controller. In 2011, she was awarded the company’s Corporate Impact Award for her outstanding dedication and contributions that made a positive impact on the organization.

STIHL Inc. Names New Director at Pacific STIHL
STIHL Inc. announces the promotion of Murray Bishop to Director of Branch Operations at Pacific STIHL, based in Visalia, Calif. effective July 2017. Bishop, an 18-year employee of STIHL Inc., will now be responsible for directing and managing the sales, distribution and service of all products, parts and accessories at the company-owned branch. He will also lead the development of advertising and marketing plans for the territory, which includes California, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii and Guam. Bishop most recently served as senior manager of export and logistics at STIHL Inc. in Virginia Beach, Va. He began his career with STIHL in 1999 as manager of finished goods and was responsible for shipments to domestic and export customers. Bishop succeeds Larry Blamer, who is the new Managing Director for STIHL Australia.

Read last week’s industry news roundup: Dixie Chopper Grants Wish To 15-Year-Old Tennessee Boy