For more than 30 years, Arbor Age magazine has been covering new and innovative products, services, technology and research vital to tree care companies, municipal arborists and utility right-of-way maintenance companies
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The Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund) announced that revenues from its three summer fundraising events — the Stihl Tour des Trees, the Raise Your Hand for Research Auctions, and the Asplundh Golf Outing — surpassed $765,000 in 2014, setting a new fundraising record for the foundation. Hundreds of tree enthusiasts and dozens of industry sponsors participated in a trifecta of fundraising events staged in and around the 2014 International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Conference and Trade Show in Milwaukee. "I am grateful to every donor, sponsor, volunteer, board member and the TREE Fund staff who contributed to the success of our 2014 events," said Janet Bornancin, president/ CEO of TREE Fund. "The money we raised together will fund important arboriculture research, scholarships and education programs. Science is the key to combating the threats to our urban canopies posed by pests, disease and urban development while improving public and workforce safety. TREE Fund scholarships and education programs engage the next generation of tree stewards and ensure that our discoveries are put to the best possible use." The Stihl Tour des Trees officially launched the fundraising marathon on July 27. Eighty-five cyclists rolled out from Milwaukee's famed Summer Fest grounds for a 600-mile, weeklong tour of Wisconsin, raising more than $608,000 and generating awareness of the value that mature, healthy trees bring to communities. Top Tour fundraisers Mike Neal ($8,445), Randy Miller ($7,640) and Paul Sellers ($7,302) earned merchandise certificates from title sponsor Stihl for their efforts. Hundreds enjoyed a lively evening of fun and fundraising on August 4 at the Raise Your Hand for Research Live Auction at the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee. Bidders competed for trips to Italy, Guatemala, New Orleans, British Columbia, Boston, Bali and everywhere in between. A shiny Harley-Davidson and handcrafted canoe lent an iconic Wisconsin touch to the catalog, and games of chance enlivened the evening. Cindy Weidner's winning "Golden Ticket," purchased for $100, was exchanged for a Holland America cruise for two, and TREE Fund Chairman Jim Zwack's luck held through the last round to claim the $500 Heads or Tails prize. David Boone, Sonny Gober and Shawn Bernick shared $3,798 in Split the Pot Raffle winnings, and Josh Zarling and Jason Diehl chose the winning keys to open Mystery Boxes. Overall, the Raise Your Hand for Research Auctions generated $143,459 for the TREE Fund. Asplundh Tree Expert Co. and Wisconsin rolled out a classic summer day for Asplundh's annual golf outing to benefit the TREE Fund, held at The Bog on August 3. Sixty-eight golfers teed up to benefit tree research and education, and a record number of sponsors pitched in to keep the fun factor high. With support from perennial sponsors Altec and Terex and a record number of hole sponsors, the event raised $16,000 for the TREE Fund. TREE Fund's 2014 events top $765,000 for tree research and education 8 OCTOBER 2014 ARBOR AGE www.arborage.com Vermeer Corporation announces family succession plans As part of its family succession planning process, Vermeer Corporation announced that third-generation family member, Jason Andringa, will serve as the company's next president & chief executive offi cer (CEO), effective Nov. 1, 2015. On Nov. 1, 2014, Andringa will assume the role of president & chief operating officer (COO) for one year, when he will transition to the role of president & CEO of Vermeer Corporation. He currently serves as president of Forage and Environmental Solutions. "Gary Vermeer, my grandfather and Vermeer founder, was very infl uential for me personally and professionally," said Jason Andringa. "Since a young age, I had a passion to follow in his footsteps. In the mid-'90s, I traveled on a business trip overseas with my mother, Mary, and saw fi rsthand the global demand for Vermeer equipment and the impact it was making on local communities across the world. That trip solidifi ed my path to Vermeer. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Vermeer as a family-owned and operated, global company into a prosperous future." Mary Andringa, current president & CEO, will assume the role of CEO & chair of the board Nov. 1, 2014. Mary will transition exclusively to chair of the board Nov. 1, 2015. "I look forward to working closely with Jason this coming year to prepare him for the transition to CEO in November 2015," said second-generation family member Mary Andringa. "As an entire family, we are proud to announce the third-generation leadership who we know with confi dence can propel us to new heights." Bob Vermeer, current chairman of the board, will assume the role of chair emeritus. The honorary role for individuals who served as Vermeer CEO or chair of the board will be effective Nov. 1, 2014. "The Vermeer family and board of directors have worked diligently for more than two decades to establish a robust and extensive family employment policy and succession planning process," said Bob Vermeer, second-generation family member. "We are confi dent that Jason's education and experience have prepared him exceptionally to lead the company." (Continued on page 47) Jason Andringa INDUSTRY NEWS