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.
New England GROWS Has Selected Student for 2016 Future Leader
Angelo Butera, a horticulture student at Minuteman High School in Lexington, Massachusetts was named the GROWS Future Leader of the Year based on an essay he wrote about his experiences during GROWS 2015. More than 600 high school students from across New England made the trip to Boston in December 2015 to participate in the program. Butera represents the third generation of a family-owned landscape business. The next New England GROWS is November 30 – December 2, 2016 at the Boston Conference and Exhibition Center.
Renovation Design Released for Kawasaki’s Headquarters
Last year, the engines division of Kawasaki announced a consolidation of business components at the facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The renovation project at the 200-square-foot building is expected to be completed later this year. The open design will encourage more collaboration and provide staff with well-lit work and meeting spaces. The new offices and cubicles were designed so that anticipated future expansion can be accomplished with minimal disruption.
Graham Spray Equipment Named Outstanding Georgia Business
Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp recognized Graham Spray Equipment for job creation and the positive economic impact of GSE within and beyond the state. Kemp, accompanied by representatives of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, presented the company with an Outstanding Georgia Business certificate during a tour of Graham’s facilities in April.
Winners Announced for TurfMutt’s “Be a Backyard Superhero” Contest
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s Research and Education Foundation and Scholastic announced the winners of TurfMutt’s national “Be a Backyard Superhero” contest. Each of the grand prize winners will receive a $5,000 grant to improve the yards and green spaces at their respective schools. The K-2 grand prize winner is Ali Tomlinson of Playa Vista, California and the grade 3-5 grand prize winner is Kashvi Ramani, of Ashburn, Virginia. Fifty runners-up in in each grade level will each receive a book from Scholastic.
Now Available in California: CIVITAS WEEDfree BRAND Concentrate
CIVITAS WEEDfree BRAND Concentrate is a hybrid selective herbicide and has expanded availability after getting approval in California by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). The product is now available in all U.S. states. The company says that when used as directed, the solution kills over 60 listed broadleaf weeds without and odor.
Fisher House in Wisconsin Receives Support From New Holland
The first Fisher House in Wisconsin was built with funding support from New Holland Agriculture with a contribution of $57,800 presented at the groundbreaking ceremony back in June 2014. The funds were raised through the New Holland True Blue Salute program, which provides a discount for military, veterans and first responders. Fisher Houses provide a home away from home, free of charge, to enable the family of a veteran receiving treatment to be nearby.
KIOTI Tractor Celebrates 30 Years in North America
The first KIOTI Tractor was introduced in the U.S. in 1986, and there is now a dealer network throughout North America. Following their introduction into the North American market, Daedong-USA, Inc. was formed and KIOTI Tractor established their first headquarters in Wilson, N.C. in 1993. In 2004, KIOTI built a new North American headquarters on more than 13-acres of land in Wendell, N.C. KIOTI’s product offerings now include more than six tractor series, three UTVs and an array of implements and attachments.
Tour New Jersey Growing Facilities with AmericanHort
AmericanHort will be hosting the “Field & Covered Production Tour” this September 14-15. The event will tour multiple growing facilities in southern New Jersey. Tour stops will include Overdevest Nurseries, Centerton Nursery and Lucas Greenhouses. Register for the tour here.
HNA Accepting Entries for Annual Awards
Hardscape North America (HNA) is accepting entries for the ninth annual HNA Awards, which will be presented October 20 at HNA 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky. The awards recognize outstanding hardscape projects for both residential and commercial, featuring concrete pavers, clay pavers, segmental retaining walls, etc. The early bird deadline to submit entries is Aug. 15. Entries can be submitted on the HNA website. Projects must have been completed between Nov. 1, 2012 and June 30, 2016.
Hustler Turf Launches New Website
Hustler Turf Equipment has launched their new website with new dealer landing pages with information about each dealership. The company says the site has improved navigation and better functionality on mobile devices.
Western Products Wins Top Workplaces Award
Western Products has been awarded a 2016 Top Workplaces honor by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The Top Workplaces lists are based on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a leading research firm that specializes in organizational health and workplace improvement. Western Products is one of only a handful of organizations to make the list of Top 100 Workplaces in Southeastern Wisconsin every year since it was first published in 2010. Western Products maintains one of the highest employee retention rates in the industry, employing 280 people in the Milwaukee area.
Briggs & Stratton Receives Patent for Integrated Steering Suspension System
Briggs & Stratton recently received a patent for integrating a single belt transmission drive system with suspension technology. The system is now available on Ferris commercial mower models, IS 3200Z, IS 2100Z, IS 2600Z, IS 700Z and IS 600Z, which also feature Ferris’ mower suspension technology.
CASE Plants 30 Trees with Social Media Campaign
CASE Construction Equipment’s #CASETrees social media event for landscape and nursery businesses resulted in the planting of 30 new trees in Racine, Wisconsin. The trees were planted in three locations: Lockwood Park, Johnson Park and Racine Zoo. Tree selection and planting was conducted in coordination with the Racine Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. Each company that uploaded a photo of its crew to the CASE Facebook page or Instagram before Earth Day (April 22) and used the #CASETrees hashtag had a tree planted in its honor by CASE.
Toro ‘Yard Tunes’ Station on Pandora Radio
For the summer, Toro has created a Pandora music station called Toro Yard Tunes. The station features country and rock as well as the new song “All Wheel Drive” by Toro’s Walker J. Hill. You can add Hill’s song by downloading it on iTunes and Amazon. Proceeds from downloads made through September 5, 2016 will be donated to Project EverGreen GreenCare for Troops.
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