Source: www.TurfMagazine.com
Eldean Bergman, owner/developer of Border Magic/ Boulder Designs.
Border Magic/Boulder Designs Recognized Among Top Franchises
For the fourth time in five years, Border Magic/Boulder Designs has been recognized in Entrepreneur’s Annual Franchise 500 with a present ranking of No. 261 overall, and made the top 100 list of best home-based franchises in 2011, coming in at No. 79. The company, based in Rantoul, Ill., was franchised in 2008 and has grown to 32 units in the continental U.S.
Compact Power Launches New Website
Compact Power, Fort Mill, S.C., has released a new website, www.cpiequipment.com, to bring all three of its divisions, sales, rental, parts and service, into a single repository of information. Compact Power is comprised of three components: Compact Power Equipment Centers, Compact Power Services and CPECdirect.com.
President Lincoln’s Cottage in Washington, D.C.
From left, Tyler Tessier, Ryan Brown and Mike Lora.
Ruppert Wins Awards, Announces Certification Recipients
Ruppert Landscape announced that two of its projects have been recognized for excellence by leaders in the green industry. Six Flags America, Bowie, Md., received a Grand Award from the Landscape Contractors Association and a Distinction Award from the Professional Landcare Network in the commercial landscape management category. President Lincoln’s Cottage, Washington, D.C., received a Grand Award from LCA and a Merit Award from PLANET in the commercial landscape installation category.
Ruppert announced that three employees have received professional certifications. Ryan Brown of Ellicott City, Md., and Mike Lora and Tyler Tessier, both of Baltimore, Md., have received their Certified Landscape Technician certification.
Western Launches New Website
Western Products launched a new website at www.westernplows.com that provides snow and ice control professionals with access to a variety of resources, making it easier to find the ideal snowplow. Western’s online experience features the QuickMatch plow selection system, virtual showroom with images and videos, and an extensive dealer locator.
Rubbertrax Celebrates 10th Anniversary
January 2011 marked the 10th anniversary for Rubbertrax, Inc. Larry Griffeth, owner and operator, founded the company in 2001 to fulfill a need for aftermarket rubber tracks and undercarriage parts.
Borst Named Industry Trailblazer
Mark Borst, founder and president of Borst Landscape & Design in Allendale, N.J., was honored as a Trailblazer by the Professional Landcare Network. This is the second time Borst or his company has been recognized by PLANET for excellence in the landscape industry. Borst is one of only three landscape professionals nationwide to earn the Trailblazer designation in the design/build/installation category.
Richard Hunter received the Irrigation Association’s Industry Achievement Award.
Hunter CEO Receives IA Award
Richard Hunter, chief executive officer of Hunter Industries, received the Irrigation Association’s highest honor, the Industry Achievement Award. The association chose Hunter because of his contributions to advancing irrigation practices, technologies and the industry at large. He helped his father, brother and sister build Hunter Industries from the ground up, becoming president and CEO in 1994. He also served as president of the Irrigation Association in 1989.
New Jersey Man Wins Vanguard Power Chase
Briggs & Stratton Commercial Power announced Justin Joerman as the winner of the Vanguard Power Chase. Joerman won a four-day trip for two to Daytona Beach, Fla. Joerman is from Kearny, N.J., and is a branch leader for SavATree.
Exmark Helps Complete Habitat for Humanity Project
Exmark Mfg. donated $1,000 to help complete a Habitat for Humanity project for Neva and Ernest Jantzen in Gage County, Neb. The Toro Giving Program, the community outreach arm of Toro, Exmark’s parent company, donated a new lawn mower to the couple. The project included a partial renovation of the Jantzens’ home to provide easy access for a power chair and walker.
John Deere Division Joins Machinefinder.com
John Deere Construction & Forestry has joined www.machinefinder.com, a one-stop source for used Deere equipment online. With the addition of construction equipment, the entire John Deere enterprise is now represented on the site, as it also houses used Ag & Turf equipment. Customers can search for used machines in a variety of ways and can also view the inventory at a specific dealer.
Ohno Assumes Top Position at Kawasaki Division
Fumihiro Ohno has been named to assume the position of general manager of Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.’s Engines and Power Products Division, based in Grand Rapids, Mich. He replaces Yoshiteru Ueda, who will return to the General Purpose Engine Division in Japan. Ohno, who was promoted to the position of deputy general manager of the division in October 2008, joined Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. in 1993 and initially worked for the company’s parts and materials sourcing. He also spent several years in marketing and sales, including involvement with Kawasaki’s OEM engine business in the U.S.
News from Ariens
Ariens Co. has invested $3.8 million to expand its office and research and development facilities at 655 West Ryan St., Brillion, Wis. The project includes the addition of a geothermal heating and cooling system. The Plant 1 upgrade will include increased workstation capacity, a new employee “kaizen” learning center, a new food services area, new product development and testing labs, and a revamped main entrance.
Economist Brian Beaulieu has accepted a position on the Ariens board of directors. He is a principal and CEO of the Institute for Trend Research, where his focus is research into using business cycle analysis and forecasts to increase business profits. He is also a principal and managing partner of ITR Capital Partners and chief economist for Vistage International.
Case Equipment Wins Awards
Case Construction Equipment received awards from two leading industry publications for several new product launches and innovations. The Case N Series loader/backhoes were honored in the Aggregates Manager Top 25 Rollouts of 2010 and the Construction Equipment Top 100 Products list. The Case 650L crawler dozer and the Case 400 Series 3 skid steer loaders also appeared on the Construction Equipment Top 100 Products list.
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