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Jessica Schwartz
Giving Tuesday News: Doosan Bobcat’s Fall Giving Campaign Donates $250,000+
Doosan Bobcat North America (Bobcat) employees recently wrapped–up their fall giving campaign, exceeding total donation goals. The company donated more than $250,000 to local organizations in North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Georgia focused on education, community prosperity, and health resources. Bobcat’s fall charitable giving campaign took place over a two-week period in October, allowing employees to concentrate their efforts toward giving back to non-profits working to cultivate local communities. In addition to the funds raised by employees, Doosan Bobcat matched nearly half of total donations secured by staff members to further amplify employee generosity. New to this year’s campaign, employees could choose any organization with a 501(c)(3) status, rather than selecting from a pre-set list of non-profit organizations. United Way remained a featured charity for the campaign, receiving strong employee and organization support in addition to more than 100 other nonprofit recipients selected by employees. Doosan Bobcat has been a partner to United Way for more than 20 years, supporting its mission of inspiring and activating communities to improve lives. The fall giving campaign wrapped–up a season of volunteering and community efforts on behalf of the Doosan Bobcat company. In September, it was announced that more than 425 employees dedicated their time and talents to participate in 35 community projects toward the company’s annual Doosan Days of Community Service events. The program was part of a company-wide volunteer effort aimed at giving back to the communities where Bobcat employees live and work. Projects during this particular event spanned across Bobcat’s ...
Ruppert Landscape Helps Install Flags Commemorating Pandemic Toll
In Washington, DC last week, over 150 employees from Ruppert Landscape’s Maryland, DC, and Virginia branches came together to assist Maryland artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg bring to fruition “In America: Remember”, a public art installation commemorating all Americans who have died due to COVID-19. From September 14-16, Ruppert helped in placing the more than 660,000 white flags installed on 20 acres of the National Mall at the base of the Washington Monument, creating an opportunity for visitors to reflect upon the enormous toll of the pandemic. The exhibit runs through October 3, 2021. Conceptualized and executed by Firstenberg (seen below with CEO Craig Ruppert), she describes the project as a memorial that’s also a physical manifestation of empathy. Ruppert assisted with bringing her vision to life using a combination of aerial mapping and design software to create a grid that encompasses the National Mall. To ensure symmetry during installation, teams used a custom-made grid tool to install the 4” x 5” white flags. There are 143 sections, the majority of which are 60’ x 60’, that each contain 5329 flags. Ruppert had over 350 team members from 10 local branches contributing to the installation over the three-day period. The exhibition is occurring concurrently in the digital sphere, allowing families across the nation to submit messages to personalize flags for their loved ones at the In America: Remember website. “When people say, ‘We couldn’t have done it without you,’ they are usually speaking figuratively,” said Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg. “Without ...
Ruppert Landscape Helps Install Flags Commemorating Pandemic Toll
In Washington, DC last week, over 150 employees from Ruppert Landscape’s Maryland, DC, and Virginia branches came together to assist Maryland artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg bring to fruition “In America: Remember”, a public art installation commemorating all Americans who have died due to COVID-19. From September 14-16, Ruppert helped in placing the more than 660,000 white flags installed on 20 acres of the National Mall at the base of the Washington Monument, creating an opportunity for visitors to reflect upon the enormous toll of the pandemic. The exhibit runs through October 3, 2021. Conceptualized and executed by Firstenberg (seen below with CEO Craig Ruppert), she describes the project as a memorial that’s also a physical manifestation of empathy. Ruppert assisted with bringing her vision to life using a combination of aerial mapping and design software to create a grid that encompasses the National Mall. To ensure symmetry during installation, teams used a custom-made grid tool to install the 4” x 5” white flags. There are 143 sections, the majority of which are 60’ x 60’, that each contain 5329 flags. Ruppert had over 350 team members from 10 local branches contributing to the installation over the three-day period. The exhibition is occurring concurrently in the digital sphere, allowing families across the nation to submit messages to personalize flags for their loved ones at the In America: Remember website. “When people say, ‘We couldn’t have done it without you,’ they are usually speaking figuratively,” said Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg. “Without ...
Being Active In a Trade Association Makes Us A Better Contractor
Have you heard the expression, “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” It’s a loaded question that usually leads nowhere. Eight times out of 10 you begin daydreaming of building a spaceship or a time machine. Best-selling author on marketing and leadership, Seth Godin, says a better question to consider is: “What would you do even if you knew you would fail?” In other words, what is something that means so much to you that you would sacrifice part of yourself for it? If I were to attribute Groundcare Landscape’s success over the last few years to something, it would be to the heart my brothers and I have put into it. The success of the business is very meaningful to all of us. There are other reasons we have been successful — among the top five I would say is our active involvement in the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA). The CLCA is a not-for-profit trade association that was formed in the early 1950s to protect and champion the scope of work allowed under the C-27 (landscape contractor) license. Being Active The decision to be active in this trade association is what makes a difference for us. There is an old saying that comes to mind… “You only get out of something what you put into it.” Well, simply put, we’re putting into the association by being active volunteers. CLCA has hundreds of members throughout the state. Only a fraction of those are active volunteer members. ...
Being Active In a Trade Association Makes Us A Better Contractor
Have you heard the expression, “What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?” It’s a loaded question that usually leads nowhere. Eight times out of 10 you begin daydreaming of building a spaceship or a time machine. Best-selling author on marketing and leadership, Seth Godin, says a better question to consider is: “What would you do even if you knew you would fail?” In other words, what is something that means so much to you that you would sacrifice part of yourself for it? If I were to attribute Groundcare Landscape’s success over the last few years to something, it would be to the heart my brothers and I have put into it. The success of the business is very meaningful to all of us. There are other reasons we have been successful — among the top five I would say is our active involvement in the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA). The CLCA is a not-for-profit trade association that was formed in the early 1950s to protect and champion the scope of work allowed under the C-27 (landscape contractor) license. Being Active The decision to be active in this trade association is what makes a difference for us. There is an old saying that comes to mind… “You only get out of something what you put into it.” Well, simply put, we’re putting into the association by being active volunteers. CLCA has hundreds of members throughout the state. Only a fraction of those are active volunteer members. ...
Turface Athletics, Cubs Charities Hold Field Maintenance Workshop
Turface Athletics® and Conserv FS have partnered with Cubs Charities to provide Diamond Project field maintenance workshops for youth baseball and softball leagues. The goal of the workshops is to teach youth sports volunteers how to get their fields into playable shape so athletes can safely and fully enjoy a new season of team sports. Last month, volunteers with Turface and Conserv FS provided expert guidance to youth league volunteers and Chicago Park District employees during a field day at Warren Park in Chicago. Participants learned the basics of maintaining the field, pre- and post-game routines, tips and tricks for how to manage rain and preseason/postseason prep. As part of the program, Turface and Conserv FS also donated infield conditioner and clay for the event and provided field maintenance tools for participants to maintain their own fields. “We’re proud to partner with these great organizations to provide coaches with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain their fields and provide a safe playing surface for athletes of all ages,” said Jeff Langner, brand manager for Turface. “After a year where many districts had to shut down youth sports, we’re happy to be rebuilding fields while also reestablishing community connections and supporting our youth.” Since 2014, the Diamond Project has committed nearly $8,900,000 to fund 90 capital improvement projects and more than $840,000 in grants to 72 youth baseball and softball programs to support operations and equipment needs. For more information on Cubs Charities and the Diamond Project, please visit ...
Turface Athletics, Cubs Charities Hold Field Maintenance Workshop
Turface Athletics® and Conserv FS have partnered with Cubs Charities to provide Diamond Project field maintenance workshops for youth baseball and softball leagues. The goal of the workshops is to teach youth sports volunteers how to get their fields into playable shape so athletes can safely and fully enjoy a new season of team sports. Last month, volunteers with Turface and Conserv FS provided expert guidance to youth league volunteers and Chicago Park District employees during a field day at Warren Park in Chicago. Participants learned the basics of maintaining the field, pre- and post-game routines, tips and tricks for how to manage rain and preseason/postseason prep. As part of the program, Turface and Conserv FS also donated infield conditioner and clay for the event and provided field maintenance tools for participants to maintain their own fields. “We’re proud to partner with these great organizations to provide coaches with the tools and knowledge they need to maintain their fields and provide a safe playing surface for athletes of all ages,” said Jeff Langner, brand manager for Turface. “After a year where many districts had to shut down youth sports, we’re happy to be rebuilding fields while also reestablishing community connections and supporting our youth.” Since 2014, the Diamond Project has committed nearly $8,900,000 to fund 90 capital improvement projects and more than $840,000 in grants to 72 youth baseball and softball programs to support operations and equipment needs. For more information on Cubs Charities and the Diamond Project, please visit ...
Volunteers Restore Low Income Housing Outdoor Space
Fullerton Grounds Maintenance (FGM), a New Jersey landscape and design services company, recently partnered with the Morris chapter of Habitat for Humanity to help transform the former site of Roxbury Township’s Department of Public Works into a 12-unit condominium community in Succasunna, NJ for low and moderate income families. The 12 families expected to live on the site will now have a bright and spacious yard to make their homes more comfortable and inviting. FGM donated an estimated $15,000 in landscaping needs to help turn the outdoor space of the condominiums into a yard for children to play and an area where families can relax. Scott Fullerton, Founder and CEO of FGM, first became familiar with the work of Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit that helps families build and improve places to call home, nearly two decades ago when he led a youth group trip to Kentucky and West Virginia to rehabilitate houses. When the project came to his hometown of Morris, NJ, Fullerton saw it as the perfect opportunity to get involved. “It’s really nice to partner with fellow New Jersey residents who are working on their homes and working hard to get above the fray,” said Fullerton. “This property was originally a couple of dilapidated homes owned by the town, and Habitat has really turned it into a beautiful part of our community.” Last December, FGM donated gift cards to residents so they could purchase Christmas trees, and over the past few months, FGM team members volunteered ...
On July 20, NALP Renewal & Remembrance Event Will Be Smaller, Shared On Video
For nearly a quarter of a century, landscape and lawn care professionals have gathered together at Arlington National Cemetery for Renewal & Remembrance, the largest day of service in the industry. This year’s event has been canceled due to COVID-19 and is closed to the public. On July 20, 2020, in place of the large-scale event that would have taken place, the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) will hold a small closed ceremony and tree planting with remarks by NALP President, Andrew Ziehler, and Arlington National Cemetery Superintendent, Mr. Charles “Ray” Alexander, Jr. The following people will also be on hand to represent the hundreds of volunteers who would have participated in this year’s volunteer service event: past Chairs of Renewal & Remembrance Bruce Allentuck, Phil Fogarty, and Walter Wray; current Vice-Chair, Eric Gilbey; current Chair, John Eggleston; and NALP CEO, Britt Wood. Those in the industry who would like to honor the legacy and take time to remember this industry’s commitment to serve military members and their families are invited to join together, on Monday, July 20, at 2 pm ET, to view the ceremony. The video will be available on NALP’s website, Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube platforms. “We are humbled that Arlington National Cemetery is joining together with us to honor the work that the industry has done in service to one of our nation’s most sacred landscapes,” said NALP CEO, Britt Wood. “We hope that everyone comes together on Monday afternoon to watch the ceremony, taking ...
NALP Renewal And Remembrance Event: July 20, 2020
On July 20, 2020, members of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and the horticulture team at Arlington National Cemetery will work together for NALP’s annual day of Renewal and Remembrance at this sacred site to perform maintenance and improvement on the grounds. As in past years, family members of NALP participants will also take part in the event in Arlington, VA. This is the 24th year for NALP’s Renewal & Remembrance in partnership with Arlington National Cemetery. As in past years, participants will spend the day performing work on turf, landscape, hardscape, and trees on the cemetery grounds. Irrigation work will also be done. The day also includes a Children’s program and two wreath layings. Shaine Anderson, sr. director, education & events for NALP, shares that as this event grows, the association looks to continue expanding this work to other sites such as the recent expansion to the Soldier’s and Airmen’s Cemetery (i.e., other military-focused cemeteries). Work at Arlington National Cemetery is one important part of the NALP trip to Washington. The three-day event combines community service with advocacy as members head to Capitol Hill for Legislative Days on the Hill. There are education sessions where participants can learn the latest information on key issues while networking with other lawn care and landscape companies. Visit this page on the NALP website to sign up for event updates, view the list of companies that are program sponsors, and more.
