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
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/120197
INDUSTRY NEWS TREE Fund fall/winter grant recipients announced The TREE Fund announced its 2012 fall/winter grant recipients: Jack Kimmel International Grants (up to $10,000): Sougata Bardhan University of Missouri Columbia Impact of storm water runoff on tree roots, physiology and rhizosphere microbial diversity in urban forests John Goodfellow BioCompliance Consulting, Inc. Characterizing branch failure modes Angela Hewitt The Morton Arboretum Establishment and stability of large trees transplanted bare root Travis Marsico Arkansas State University Determining influences of stream channelization and an invasive species on rate of canopy tree growth in an urban park Jordan Marshall Indiana University Development and assessment of municipal ash tree management decision models John Z. Duling Grants (up to $10,000): David Chojnacky Virginia Tech University Management of urban trees to meet canopy cover goals: Falls Church residential landscape plan comparison Utility Arborist Research Grant ($25,000): John Goodfellow BioCompliance Consulting, Inc. Development of a business case for scheduling utility vegetation management on a preventive vs. corrective maintenance basis Jobs and skills key focus of Green industry college championship More than 800 college students from 70 colleges and universities competed for top honors at the Professional Landcare Network's (PLANET) recent Student Career Days, the collegiate championship for the Green industry, held at Auburn University from March 7-10. Students pit their expertise against other top college teams and interview with some of the leading Green industry companies. To improve their professional expertise, students compete in academic and practical events as diverse as small engine repair, computer design, wood construction, annual and perennial identification, arboriculture techniques, business management, hardscape installation, landscape plant installation, plant problem diagnosis and woody ornamental plant identification. The competition also provides a chance to for students to learn from top experts. "Jobs and education continue to be vital issues for our country, and this event shows how our industry is supporting both," said Roger Phelps, a PLANET board member and promotional communications manager for Stihl Inc., the platinum sponsor of the event. "Students are able to test their skills against their peers, and showcase their abilities for top Green industry companies that are looking to fill jobs across the country." "The PLANET Student Career Days is the best opportunity for students, suppliers and Green industry companies to interact for a mutual benefit of growing and enhancing the world we live in," said Ed Furner, chairman of PLANET Student Career Days. "This event allows motivated and talented students to see all aspects of the industry in competitive events, and gives them exposure to more than 60 top companies from around the U.S." Brigham Young University-Idaho placed first out of more than 70 schools and received $5,000 from Stihl Inc. Brigham Young University-Provo placed second. 6 Arbor Age / April 2013 As part of the event, PLANET organized a career fair that attracted many of the top landscape and horticulture companies from throughout the country. "One of our students has four job offers and is in the enviable position of deciding which best suits her career goals during the plane ride home," said Phil Allen, faculty advisor for Brigham Young University-Provo. "The importance of this event to the success of these student's professional endeavors can't be overstated. Members of our team received more than 25 job or internship offers during their time here." Bandit welcomes three new dealers; adds 24 dealers to North American market in 24 months Mid-Michigan manufacturer Bandit Industries continues to experience rapid growth, adding three new dealer locations to the North American market in the first quarter of 2013. In the past 24 months, the company has nearly doubled sales volume while adding 180 employees and 24 new dealers in the United States and Canada. "Having qualified dealers committed to our products — and to providing our customers with the best possible parts and service support — was a key to our record sales year in 2012," said Bandit Industries President Jerry Morey. "Our dealers are continuing to contribute greatly to our growth as we move through the first quarter of 2013. We have invested considerable resources over the past two years to both improve and expand our dealer network, and our customers have really noticed. Bandit has never been so well represented, not just in the United States and Canada, but around the world. I can't think of a better way to start our thirtieth year in business." Bandit's newest dealers will serve customers in Northern Florida, Southern Florida, and Central Canada. All will carry Bandit's line of www.arborage.com