Supplier News

Source: www.TurfMagazine.com

Chris Shipp, Shipp Shape Lawn Service, Sylvester, Ga.

Grasshopper Selects Two Landscape Contractors for Exclusive Award

Celebrating the successes of local landscape contractors and their use of Grasshopper equipment, The Grasshopper Company inducted Chris Shipp, owner of Shipp Shape Lawn Service in Sylvester, Ga., and Rodney Miles, owner of Miles Mowing & Lawn Care in Portland, Ind., into the company’s exclusive “Built To Last” Club.

The recipients were honored at a special ceremony Oct. 24 hosted by Grasshopper at the GIE+EXPO 2013 in Louisville, Ky. Grasshopper established the “Built To Last” award to recognize the accomplishments of landscape contractors who have used Grasshopper equipment as the centerpiece of their business growth and/or individuals who have been loyal to the brand.

Rodney Miles, Miles Mowing & Lawn Care, Portland, Ind.

Both Shipp and Miles were selected for their dedication to the Grasshopper brand by owning a total of 47 Grasshopper mowers over a combined 37 years of business. Shipp has owned 14 Grasshopper mowers over 20 years, and Miles has owned 33 over 17 years of business. Both companies also utilize various Grasshopper implements and attachments, with plans to purchase additional Grasshopper equipment in 2014. In addition, both men have built strong businesses on the foundation of delivering superior customer service and providing lasting value to their customers.

Every “Built To Last” award recipient also receives a vacation to the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn.; custom Grasshopper gear with the “Built To Last” logo, the recipient’s name and year of recognition embroidered; use of the “Built To Last” logo to promote their businesses and brands; and a full feature user story on the Grasshopper website. Read Shipp’s and Miles’ stories at www.grasshoppermower.com/ship and www.grasshoppermower.com/miles.

Central Turf & Irrigation Supply Lands Strategic Distribution Partnership with PermaGreen

Central Turf & Irrigation Supply moves to strategically expand its equipment division through a recently established distribution partnership with PermaGreen. Central will be one of the few authorized dealers of the PermaGreen Triumph Sprayer Spreaders in the U.S.

The distribution partnership allows Central Turf and Irrigation Supply to sell, lease and service any version of Triumph Sprayer Spreaders. Not only can they sell the entire unit, they can sell the parts, which professionals know to be difficult to find.

The timing of the partnership is coupled with the rebranding of the Central Equipment division’s website, http://CentralEquipmentDivi sion.com, which has a new design layout and branding scheme. Although the equipment division’s URL is different than the main company’s URL, the equipment division is a key part of the overall business strategy.

PermaGreen’s 2014 Triumph Sprayer Spreaders can be purchased from any of Central’s 38 stores in the United States and Canada.

The Inaugural Class of the SCAG Factory Trained Certified Technician Program.

Inaugural Class of the SCAG Factory Trained Technician Program Takes Place in Tennessee

Power Tool Company, Southeastern distributor of SCAG Power Equipment is proud to announce the recent graduation of 19 of its wholesale dealers from the SCAG Certified Technician’s Program conducted at the George Bennett Service and Training Academy, Johnson City, Tenn.

The 12-month comprehensive technical training program, provided to enrollees in three phases, is dedicated to the advancement of service and repair in the outdoor power equipment industry. The technicians experience hands-on presentations with factory reps from SCAG Power Equipment experts as well as component manufacturers Hydro-Gear and Parker and engine manufacturers Briggs & Stratton and Kohler. These presentations enable the technician to interact with each representative while learning the most effective diagnostic and repair techniques.

During the three sessions of training, the technicians participate in both online and in-class trainings, as well as hands-on activities that improve diagnostic and repair skills. This training focuses heavily on teaching today’s technician about the different electrical circuits, hydraulic components, engine diagnostics, and the hundreds of parts manufactured by SCAG Power Equipment. This training also teaches different techniques to ensure the parts and service departments are running as efficiently as possible.

Irrigation Foundation Recognizes The Toro Company as the 2014 Irrigation E3 Program Sponsor

In support of the Irrigation Foundation and its successful Irrigation E3 Program, The Toro Company presented the Foundation with a $20,000 check on Nov. 7, 2013, during the Irrigation Show and Education Conference. Foundation and Toro representatives were onsite to share their enthusiasm for the partnership, answer questions and provide photo opportunities.

The Irrigation E3 Program focuses on exposure, experience and education as the primary means for creating interest in irrigation career opportunities. Students and educators selected for the program experience these three E’s first-hand with an all-expenses-paid trip to the Irrigation Show. At the show, they participate in education classes, interact with the latest technologies, network with industry leaders, and gain a real-life perspective of the irrigation industry.

B3C Fuel Solutions LLC Expands Manufacturing and Distribution Operation in Conway, S.C.

B3C Fuel Solutions announced the expansion of its Conway, S.C.-based business, which will create 36 jobs at the company’s current facility and includes a capital investment of $305,000 over a three-year period.

B3C’s expansion marks the fifth Existing Industry announcement for Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation since January of 2012. With this expansion, B3C will continue the production of its current products including, Mechanic In A Bottle and Ethanol Shield, as well as expand its line with the new FUEL LIFE technology, which is designed to keep fuel completely stabilized and water-free with the power to virtually eliminate the need for liquid fuel additives.

SUNY Cobleskill Teams and Individuals Excel in NYS Turf Bowl Competition

Since the inception of the New York State Turf and Grounds Exposition, the four-year (baccalaureate) traveling trophy has been held by SUNY Cobleskill, and this year is no different. The four-year team captured the trophy again at the annual competition held in Rochester, N.Y. Team members include Sean Nolan, Josh Fontaine, Brodie Sherburne and Donny Cervantes.

The two-year (associates) trophy is also back in Cobleskill for the first time in six years, as the two-year team also won top honors. The winning team consists of Joshua Callan, Callahan Tyler, Ryan Whitaker and Greg Hunkins.

SUNY Cobleskill students also excelled in the individual competitions, with Chris Duffy taking first place and Brodie Sherburne taking second in the four-year division. Josh Callan placed third in the two-year competition.

Scholarships were awarded to four SUNY Cobleskill students. The Stephen V. Moffitt III Scholarship, for $1,000 was awarded to Josh Fontaine. Sean Nolan was awarded the Hahn Memorial Scholarship, which provided Nolan with $1,000, as well. Both Brian Kelly and Brian Weltz were awarded New York State Turfgrass Association Scholarships for $400 each.

Spirit of New Hampshire Awards Honors Lakes Region Landscape Contractor

CBH Landscape Contractors, LLC of Laconia, N.H., has been honored in an annual recognition program administered by Volunteer NH, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor. The Spirit of New Hampshire awards honor outstanding contributions to volunteerism throughout the state of New Hampshire and augment other local recognition events that show appreciation for the work of community volunteers and volunteer programs from across the state.

Over 90 volunteers and organizations from all over New Hampshire were recognized for their commitment to service and New Hampshire’s tradition of volunteerism. CBH Landscape received a Volunteer Champion Award and was in the company of other respected New Hampshire product and service providers including Clark-Mortenson Insurance, Eaton & Berube Insurance Agency, Fidelity Investments and The Grappone Automotive Group.

Since 1989 CBH Landscape Contractors has been a leader in the Lakes Region landscape industry. Founded by Christopher Haddock, the mission of the company is to provide the highest quality landscape construction and grounds management and to consistently exceed client expectations. The company’s reputation has been built upon a talented staff dedicated to implementing this mission statement. The company gives back to the community, donating time and resources to help make the Lakes Region a better place to live. The company’s community service involvement includes, but is not limited to Adopt-a-Spot and Welcome to Laconia landscape beautifications in public places and is especially well displayed in the Laconia Public Library’s seasonal grounds maintenance, provided as a courtesy to the entire community.