Industry Update

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News from around the Green industry

Shindaiwa and Swisher Enter Agreement

Shindaiwa, Inc. and Swisher, Inc. have entered into a private label agreement.

Under the terms of the agreement, Shindaiwa, based in Tualatin, Ore., will manufacture outdoor power equipment for Swisher, a family-owned, privately held corporation with manufacturing facilities in Warrensburg, Mo., and Lawrenceburg, Tenn. Initially, the new line of Swisher-branded products will include 11 models of commercial-grade hand-held equipment, including brush cutters, grass trimmers, lawn edgers and leaf blowers. Each model will be equipped with a powerful, eco-friendly, four-stroke engine.

Inaugural GIE+EXPO Successful

More than 21,000 people participated in the first-ever Green Industry & Equipment Expo in Louisville, Ky., October 25-27. GIE+EXPO is the result of a merger between the International Lawn, Garden & Power Equipment Expo and the Green Industry Expo. It was sponsored by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the Professional Landcare Network and the Professional Grounds Management Society.

The new show hosted 643 exhibiting companies from all over the world. There were about 7,000 dealers/retailers and approximately 7,000 lawn and landscape pros at the show. Participants represented all 50 states and 50 countries. About 2,400 people participated in the Green Industry Conference, which was sponsored by PLANET, and the School of Grounds Management, sponsored by PGMS.

David DeWeese

DeWeese Joins FarmLinks

FarmLinks recently announced the addition of David DeWeese as superintendent at FarmLinks Golf Course.

DeWeese comes to FarmLinks after four years as assistant superintendent at Willow Point Golf and Country Club in Alexander City, Ala. After graduating from Mississippi State University in 2003 with a degree in turfgrass management, DeWeese took the 2nd assistant superintendent position at Willow Point. In the summer of 1999, he interned at Canebrake Golf Club in Hattiesburg, Miss. In 2000, he worked at Old Overton Golf Club in Birmingham, Ala., and in 2001, DeWeese interned at North River Yacht Club in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Founded in 1999 by the Pursell family and located at Pursell Farms in Sylacauga, Ala., FarmLinks’ cutting-edge environment includes a one-of-a-kind research and demonstration facility as well as an 18-hole, 7,444-yard championship golf course that is open to the public.

Massey Expands Operations, Names New Regional Manager

Massey Services, Inc. has announced the addition of a new consumer services region, as well as the strategic realignment of its current regions. The company has also promoted Mark McGrath to the position of southeast regional manager.

In his new role, McGrath will be responsible for overseeing the southeast region outside of Florida, which includes five service centers in Georgia and Louisiana.

McGrath has held several operational positions within Massey, including sales inspector, service manager, general manager and divisional manager for the PrevenTech Commercial Services division. Most recently, McGrath was the general manager of the Pest & Termite Service Center in Lake Mary, Fla.