Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
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INDUSTRY NEWS 8 DECEMBER 2015 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com HOT NEWS Briggs & Stratton receives public perception award Briggs & Stratton Corporation announced October 16 that it was named in the top 15 of 100 companies with the best corporate social responsibility (CSR) reputations among the U.S. public, according to the U.S. CSR RepTrak list released by Reputation Institute. The list, which focuses on three dimensions of CSR (citizenship, workplace and governance) is derived from the data collected for the 2015 US RepTrak 100 study, where Briggs & Stratton ranked in the top 10 of 100. Reputation Institute conducted more than 55,000 interviews with the U.S. general public in 1Q 2015. The RepTrak model is the gold standard for reputation mea- surement, providing a one-of-a-kind measurement of how the public views the world's best-known companies. The RepTrak database examines 15 stakeholder groups in more than 25 industries and more than 50 countries for more than 7,000 companies. "Briggs & Stratton strives to be a great place to work, to be ethical and transparent in everything we do, and to be a good corporate citizen," said Todd Teske, chairman, presi- dent and CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation. "The fact that we have been formally recognized for such behaviors is an honor that we truly are proud of." "Consumers want to engage with companies that are good corporate citizens," said Brad Hecht, chief research officer at Reputation Institute. "Companies with high CSR scores in our research can point to a demonstrated track record of ethical behavior and leadership." Stihl Inc. wins prestigious national award The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) announced that Virginia Beach-based Stihl Inc. has been awarded the National Business of the Year Award by the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA). Because of its emphasis on building a strong and able work- force, Stihl Inc. is a company that exemplifies the Governor's vision for the New Virginia economy. Stihl Inc. manufactures the number one-selling brand of gasoline- powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America. The compa- ny began U.S. operations in 1974 in Virginia Beach with 37 employees in a small warehouse, which after numerous expansions, now covers 2-million square feet and employs nearly 2,000 employees, exporting its products to more than 90 countries. Stihl Inc. supports the local work- force by partnering with local high schools and educational centers, such as the Virginia Beach Advanced Technology Center. The mission of this support is to address the increasing demand among Hampton Roads' employers for a well-trained and educated future workforce, especially in areas of STEM and global business. Stihl Inc. is committed to the development of its employees and to being a leader in the community and state. Through extensive and in-house- driven training programs, Stihl Inc. associates learn the skills needed to be successful in today's manufacturing arena. Whether it be advanced leader- ship, lean manufacturing principles, or Six Sigma techniques, it is vital that Stihl Inc. provides a platform for its employees to learn, develop, and grow. Development and retention of employees is a key element in the drive for competitive advantage and sustained profitability and growth. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe said, "Virginia businesses are showing the rest of the country how to develop and support the 21st century workforce. Stihl has set the standard for everyone else to follow." NAEDA rebrands as Equipment Dealers Association The North American Equipment Dealers Association (NAEDA) announced October 5 that it has rebranded the association in order to communicate that the association is evolving, engage positive perceptions, and draw attention to the renewed focus of the organization. The association's new name is the Equipment Dealers Association. The board of directors determined that dropping the geographic descriptor better aligned the organization with the regional equipment dealer associations and strengthened its position as the largest international organization for equipment dealers. "During the 115-year history of the organization, we've had a few different names, but our purpose has remained unchanged — to help dealers succeed," said Rick Lawhun, president & CEO. "The new name and brand will raise our visibility and make us more effective in pursuing our primary focus areas of government relations, manufacturer relations, and regulatory compliance." The rebranding process produced more than just a new name and logo. It included a new vision, mission, governance model, and membership model — all of which is intended to better serve members and advance the industry. "The board felt a need to create a leaner structure that can react more quickly in addressing industry issues and influences," noted outgoing board chair Blaine Bingham of Bingham Equipment Co. in Mesa, Ariz. "The model also facilitates direct communication with dealer members and positions the organization as the unified voice representing the interests and needs of the dealer. We are excited about the future of the Equipment Dealers Association."