Source: www.TurfMagazine.com
News from around the Green industry
OPEI Brings Fuel Expert to GIC & GIE+EXPO
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute will host Dr. John Felmy, chief economist for the American Petroleum Institute, during the GIE+EXPO (Green Industry & Equipment Expo). Scheduled for October 23 through 25 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, GIE+EXPO is sponsored by OPEI, the Professional Landcare Network and the Professional Grounds Management Society. Felmy, who oversees API’s economic, statistical and policy analyses, will be a presenter on October 23 during the keynote session of the Green Industry Conference. For GIC registration and information, go to www.GreenIndustryConference.org.
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MDS Celebrates 20th Anniversary
In 1988, MDS (Manufacturer’s Diversified Services), a manufacturers’ representative company based in New Holland, Pa., was established with a focus on attachments for skid steer loaders, compact tractors and larger construction equipment. John Bentley founded the company and is currently its president.
For its hundreds of dealers in the eastern United States, MDS has offered a number of benefits through the years, including hands-on training seminars, quotes and orders confirmed by fax or e-mail, product demonstrations and help with open houses, regular visits by trained personnel and research to find rare attachments. MDS also offers benefits for end users, such as free product literature, the name and number of the closest dealer, answers to technical questions, choosing the right model attachment and handling MDS product retail sales in areas not covered by dealers.
Changes at Hallco
Mike Almond of Australia has purchased controlling interest in the newly formed company of Hallco Industries, Inc. Olof Hallstrom, who developed the Live Floor conveyor system, and his wife Mary have sold their interests in Hallco. Hallstrom grew the former Hallco Mfg. Co. over the years to include facilities in North Carolina and Texas, as well as two facilities in Tillamook, Ore.
Almond owns transport company B Mountain Industries, located in Newcastle, Australia. He has represented the Hallco product in Australia and Southeast Asia since 1987.
Steve Hallstrom will serve as president of Hallco and Dan Hallstrom as vice president of manufacturing. Jack McClave has returned as chief financial officer and Charles Russell has accepted the position of vice president of sales/marketing.
Green School Now Accepting Registrations
Green School, a certificate short course for green industry professionals taught by UMass Extension specialists and University of Massachusetts faculty, runs from November 6 through December 18, 2008. Green School’s curriculum emphasizes environmental stewardship and integrated pest management. Participants develop an understanding of how proper management practices impact natural resources. Students choose from three specialty tracks: turf management, landscape management or arboriculture.
Green School is helpful for professionals preparing to take the Massachusetts Certified Arborist, Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist or the Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professional examinations. Discounts on exam study material are offered for Green School students. MCA, MCH and MCLP recertification credit is also available.
Green School is held one to two days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sheraton Hotel in Milford, Mass. For more information, visit www.UMassGreenInfo.org or www.UMassTurf.org or call UMass Extension at 413-545-0895.
Coxreels Introduces New Catalog
Coxreels has introduced its newest full-color, 40-page catalog, showcasing its comprehensive industrial and commercial-grade reel line. The user-friendly catalog outlines new information and products in a wide selection of hose, cord and cable reels, including six new series of reels with more than 80 new models.
NYS IPM Program Presents Award
The New York State Integrated Pest Management Program presented an Excellence in IPM Award to Dave Mischler and Mark Yadon of Mischler’s Florist. Mischler attended workshops hosted by the NYS IPM Program and in 1989 began using beneficial insects to control pests. Mischler and Yadon have been spreading the word to other commercial growers, hosting grower tours and speaking at workshops and meetings.
ATG Donates to UMass
The Alumni Turf Group made a $20,000 donation to the University of Massachusetts’ turf program from the proceeds of its annual fundraiser, the Joseph Troll Turf Classic. The fundraiser was initiated in 2004 to raise money for the Dr. Joseph Troll Turf Research Center at UMass-Amherst. With the building completed, the ATG has continued the fundraising efforts to support the turf program at the university.
The ATG, formed in 2005, is made up of turf professionals who are graduates of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture and UMass.
FMC’s Dismiss Registered for Use in Massachusetts
FMC Professional Solutions has received registration from the state of Massachusetts for the sale and use of Dismiss turf herbicide. Dismiss starts working immediately after application, providing visible results quickly. It is also absorbed by nutsedge tubers, preventing new sedge growth and providing long residual control.
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Hustler Mini FasTrak Winner Announced
Hustler Turf Equipment announced that David Doll of Kiln, Miss., is the winner of a Hustler Mini FasTrak. The mower was given away as part of Hustler’s spring flyer promotion. Over 4 million flyers were distributed nationwide through Hustler’s dealer co-op advertising program. Doll registered at David’s Lawnmower, a Hustler dealer in Kiln.
CGC & SPI to Host GIE+EXPO Block Party
Commercial Grounds Care, Inc. and Schiller-Pfeiffer, Inc. will host an EXPO Block Party at the 2008 GIE+EXPO. SPI will display its new line of Classen hydrostatic-drive sod cutters, Mantis reel mowers and the latest addition to the Little Wonder Optimax blower line. CGC will show two new BOB-CAT ProCat zero-turn riding mowers. The affiliates will also offer giveaways and prizes, and welcome a special guest—NASCAR Camping World Series Driver Marc Davis, of the Joe Gibbs Racing Team.
Bobcat Names Contest Winners
Bobcat Co. officials have selected the winners in the How Bobcat Unleashed Me Contest. Equipment users across the continental United States and Canada submitted essays and photographs about their experiences with Bobcat equipment.
The grand-prize winner is Gregory Stone of Excavation Details, Rock Stream, N.Y. Stone will receive a $75,000 Bobcat gift certificate. He recognized a niche application in vineyards and developed a process to dig precise draining systems while preventing damage to vines and soil. He purchased a Bobcat skid steer loader and backhoe attachment to install the systems in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Today, Stone is a successful contractor with a business that has expanded into other areas.
The second-place winners, who will receive $1,000 gift certificates, include Michael Lowes, Eric Austin, Terry Reed, Bob Pedatella and Ray Benoit Jr. The third-place winners, who will receive Bobcat jackets, are Robert Ott, Joe Emigh, Otto Trebing, Dennis Goecke II, Josh Ginther, Jethro Montgomery, Marvyn Pickering, Devin Scheel, Marion Perret and Richard Meffert.
Sica Joins Foley
Barry Sica has joined Caterpillar dealer Foley, Inc. as a customer support representative for the machinery product support sales team for Monmouth and Richmond counties in New Jersey. He will be responsible for providing product support to machinery division customers. Sica comes to Foley with over 22 years of sales experience in the waste services and heavy construction equipment industries.
New Holland Realigns Sales Organization, Hosts Customer Day
New Holland Construction realigned its North American sales organization to enable a greater focus on the brand. The organization is aligned under two regions, east and west, headed by Eric Winkler and Paul Hottovy, respectively. Each will be responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction, promoting sales and achieving market share growth. Winkler has extensive experience in North American and global marketing, internal sales and as a district business manager. Most recently, he was a product marketing manager. Hottovy joined the company 23 years ago and has experience in sales, marketing, distribution, product support, service management and manufacturing. Previously, he served as district business manager for Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado and Kansas.
New Holland welcomed customers and journalists from the Chicago area at its North American headquarters in Carol Stream, Ill. Vice President Terry Sheehan and his team hosted the customer day, which attracted 250 equipment owners and operators, the mayor of Carol Stream and other local government representatives. A demonstration field was set up to showcase the manufacturer’s equipment. New Holland’s Chicago-area dealerships, Payline West, Illinois Truck and Martin Implement, supported the event.
Ewing Appoints Senior Vice President
As Ewing’s newly appointed senior vice president of finance and administration, Jeffrey C. Anthony will assist in evaluating and streamlining operations, with other areas of responsibility including accounting, insurance and legal matters. Anthony will also oversee Ewing’s human resources unit and work closely with the information services department.
Prior to joining Ewing, Anthony served as senior vice president of finance for Insight Enterprises, and as vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer for a distribution company specializing in landscape supply. He holds a master’s degree in international management from the American Graduate School of International Management and a bachelor’s in accounting from Arizona State University.
Phase II Stormwater Products Launched
John Engwer has launched Phase II Stormwater Products, Inc. to offer his products to the landscaping and erosion control industry. Engwer has owned Groundscapes Express, a stormwater management service company, since 1979. Phase II offers a variety of products that utilize beneficial soil microbes to purify stormwater runoff.
David Bynum Group Launches New E-Commerce Site
The David Bynum Group, Inc. has launched a new e-commerce site. By visiting www.originalmowersulky.com, customers have the ability to purchase all six models of the Mower Sulky as well as Mower Sulky parts. Users also have access to parts lists for all current and discontinued Mower Sulky models.
Exmark Awards Mower, Introduces Hydraulic Oil
Exmark and the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society announced that Wes Meyer, Murphysboro, Ill., is the winner of an Exmark Quest zero-turn riding mower. Meyer was among more than 23,000 people who entered to win the mower during the BASS 40th Anniversary “Gear Up” Giveaway. Mark Williams Outdoor Equipment, an Exmark dealer in Murphysboro, delivered the mower to Meyer.
Exmark has introduced a high-performance hydraulic oil designed to operate under tough commercial mowing conditions. Exmark Premium Hydraulic Oil can be used with any of Exmark’s hydraulic systems and is now available at Exmark dealerships.
Peterson Appoints New Parts Sales Representative
Peterson appointed Claudia Moug to the position of parts sales representative. Moug has worked in the heavy equipment parts industry for many years. She has most recently worked for manufacturer Madill and several equipment dealers, including Triad Machinery, Papé Brothers and Howard Cooper.
Survey Reveals New Market for LCOs
The Bayer Lawn Care Institute conducted a telephone survey that revealed a number of consumer behaviors that could help lawn care professionals use the “green” movement to their advantage. Some 74 percent of homeowners surveyed indicated they would be more likely to maintain a healthy lawn if they knew it positively contributed to the local environment. Research has shown that maintaining a property supports a healthier environment. According to a 2007 report from the Professional Landcare Network, a healthy 50-foot-square lawn produces enough oxygen for a family of four. Additionally, eight healthy front lawns have the cooling effect of 70 tons of air conditioning. LCOs should consider incorporating this information into their company information as well as client conversations to further support the value a professional lawn care service can provide.
In addition, the survey found that more than two-thirds of consumers would feel more comfortable using lawn care products if they were provided with background and educational information explaining the scientific research and testing that goes into each product before it is available for use.
Syngenta Introduces New Packaging
With the launch of Tenacity herbicide, packaging engineers with Syngenta Professional Products introduced new packaging. Tenacity is the first product to feature the ergonomically enhanced design. Eventually, 12 Syngenta brands of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and plant growth regulators will be available in the new bottle. The improved design provides a textured and larger grip, angled neck, color-coded cap and label, 63 mm opening and calibrated markings. The new packaging went through extensive testing to ensure the bottles withstand transportation, delivery and the rigors of handling by the end user.
Changes to EETC Tests
The Equipment & Engine Training Council has a new certification test center and contact number for technician certification tests. The center is located in Hartland, Wis., and the new number is 262-369-4334. This change is an ongoing method for the EETC to better serve the industry by streamlining the administration of the tests. The EETC Web site, www.eetc.org, has been updated to reflect the change.
Navman Wireless Appoints National Sales Manager
Navman Wireless North America appointed Brian Chené to the position of national sales manager for its fleet administrator program. Chené will work with Verizon Wireless to develop the tools and programs needed to support sales efforts. He will also manage training of Verizon personnel and support its data team. Chené has served as western regional sales manager for Navman since 2006. Prior to that, he was the western regional sales manager in a joint marketing associate role for Econz.
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DII Names CEO, Moves Into New Headquarters
Scott R. Nelson has been named chief executive officer of Doosan Infracore International, a U.S.-based subsidiary of Doosan Infracore, a global manufacturer of construction equipment. Nelson will continue as worldwide president of Bobcat Co. His CEO responsibilities include all aspects of the global business for DII. With over 20 years of experience with Bobcat, Nelson most recently served as president of Bobcat Europe.
DII moved into its new global headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. The 28,272-square-foot location will house approximately 100 industry leaders in the engineering, manufacturing and marketing of construction equipment. DII was established following Doosan Infracore’s acquisition of Bobcat from Ingersoll-Rand Co., Ltd.
Aquatrols Launches WIA
Aquatrols announced the formation and launch of the Water Impact Alliance, an organization dedicated to educating and promoting effective communications between regulators, consumers and water users in the green industries. The WIA will serve as an information and communications planning source for green industry professionals on key issues affecting water resource regulation at the federal, state and local level. The organization will partner with other green industry groups and provide information and unique planning tools to industry professionals.
Un Joins BASF as Marketing Manager
BASF Turf & Ornamentals appointed Thavy Un to the position of marketing manager. In her new role, she will focus on developing marketing strategies for Turf & Ornamentals, as well as on planning and program development. Her responsibilities will also include overseeing financial operations, forecasting and production. Previously, Un held several positions within BASF’s Agricultural Division, including global marketing manager and global marketing research analyst. She is a Texas A&M University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering.
LebanonTurf Adds Project EverGreen Logo to Packaging
LebanonTurf, which provides solutions to professionals in lawn care, landscaping and golf course maintenance, is placing the Project EverGreen logo on its grass fertilizer packaging.
Project EverGreen is a national nonprofit service organization representing green industry service providers, associations, suppliers/distributors, media companies, other organizations and individuals. Its goal is to raise the awareness of the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of landscapes.
TenCate Launches New Web Site
TenCate Geosynthetics North America announced the development and launch of the Industrial Fabrics portion of its Web site, www.tencate.com. The new site focuses on TenCate’s Geosystems, Aquaculture and Industrial Fabrics markets. The site, designed with TenCate’s official corporate colors and logos, showcases more detailed information about specific products and applications. The site gives users access to brochures, application stories, product description sheets and product case studies. The Technical Product Information section of the site contains downloadable versions of technical notes, application specifications, installation guidelines and technical data sheets.
EPA Teams Up With Gund Institute
A new partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development and the Gund Institute for Ecological Economics at the University of Vermont will help decision-makers more accurately determine the costs and benefits of actions that alter ecosystem services. Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems, such as clean air and water, erosion and flood control, soil enrichment, and food and fiber.
One area of collaboration will be to apply a suite of computer models developed by the Gund Institute to research projects planned by EPA to study ecosystem services in four different parts of the country: the plains in the Upper Midwest, the Willamette River Valley in Oregon, coastal areas of North and South Carolina, and Tampa Bay in Florida.
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ASA Hires Irions as Manager
ASA Electronics hired Aaron Irions as its new product/business development manager. Irions will develop and investigate new business opportunities, research competition and coordinate with ASA engineering on proposed product design and cost. He comes to ASA with extensive experience in the mobile electronics industry. He began his career at ASA, working in various positions before serving in the U.S. Army. Prior to his most recent hiring at ASA, Irions was employed at Gulf Stream Coach. He is pursuing a degree in business administration at Indiana University-South Bend.
News from Terex
Terex Aerial Work Platforms, a business segment of Terex Corp., appointed Siva Balakrishnan to the position of vice president and general manager of global services. Balakrishnan will create corporate strategy, define and drive the value proposition, create the delivery model for services and lead various Genie Industries businesses. Previously, Balakrishnan spent 14 years at General Electric. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from the University of Madras in India, a master’s of business administration from the Xavier Institute of Management in India and a dual master’s in finance and management information systems from Drexel University.
Terex AWP named Joe George as vice president of global sales and customer service. He will lead globalization initiatives and professional development, improve account management and sales administration systems, and develop global distribution channels. Previously, George spent 29 years at Honeywell International, Inc. He has a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and a bachelor’s in business administration from Robert Morris University.
Genie Industries launched a new online parts ordering system in North America. Customers can identify a part, add it to a virtual pick list, then roll the pick list directly into an online order. Earlier this year, Genie launched the online Serial Number Smart Parts Lookup System, a user-friendly Web site with intuitive search functions that gives customers the parts listings they need. This system can be accessed through www.genieindustries.com.
Does your company have news to share with Turf readers? E-mail the details to turfpr@MooseRiverMedia and we’ll print it in an upcoming issue.
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