Industry Update

image_pdf
Don Davis

Davis Joins Independent Manufacturers Representative Solutions

Don Davis, an independent turf manufacturers representative operating in the southeastern United States, has announced that his company has joined the Bold Independent Manufacturers Representative Solutions trade association. The association is a group of turf equipment manufacturer representatives that have joined together to provide nationwide marketing and sales representation for turf equipment companies. Davis has been working in the Southeast representing companies since 1989.

U.S. Lawns Holds Annual Conference

The 2010 U.S. Lawns annual conference was held in Orlando, Fla., and featured entertainment by comedian/magician Erick Olson, a speech by U.S. Lawns president Ken Hutcheson, a keynote address from Brian Holloway and sessions with Bryan Flanagan and Bob Alexander.

Two people were inducted into the U.S. Lawns Hall of Fame, Shawn Bone of Dayton, Ohio, and the late Alan Swinburne of Haines City, Fla. The company renamed the Rising Star award as the Alan Swinburne Rising Star Award to honor Swinburne, who lost his battle with cancer in 2010.

Husqvarna Gives Back to the Community

The Charlotte Bobcats of North Carolina teamed with corporate partner Husqvarna to give a day of service to Habitat for Humanity. Players Boris Diaw, Matt Carroll, Shaun Livingston and Javaris Crittenton, along with Bobcats president and CEO Fred Whitfield and staff volunteers from both organizations, donated more than 200 hours of service to help frame the homes and install Sheetrock at two Habitat for Humanity project sites in West Charlotte.

Research Leads to Industry Qualification Program

The Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance has set a standard and qualified more than two dozen varieties of drought-tolerant grasses that are being sold across the nation. The nonprofit group is made up of independent researchers and seed producers who are dedicated to recognizing plants that provide a clear benefit in water conservation. There are now scientific testing and third-party verification standards in place, and turfgrass varieties that are TWCA-qualified should be considered green by industry standards. Visit www.tgwca.org for more information.

Rain Bird Announces Awards Program

Rain Bird announced the launch of the Intelligent Use of Water Awards program, an interactive grant program that will award more than $50,000 to water conservation and environmental sustainability projects that promote green spaces. Open to nonprofits, landscapers, homeowners, schools, community organizations or anyone with an appropriate project, the program invites the public to submit projects in need of funding at www.iuowawards.com. Winners will be announced on World Water Day, March 22.