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INDUSTRY NEWS OPEI Foundation, Discovery Education announce partnership Discovery Education and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) Education and Research Foundation announced on Feb. 15 the launch of TurfMutt, an online, science- based program designed to help educators teach an appreciation of backyard and community green spaces and landscapes. “The TurfMutt educational cur- riculum is a valuable resource for educators seeking to teach their stu- dents about the positive role ecosystems play in our environ- ment,” said Mary Rollins, Discov- ery Education vice president of educational partnerships. “Teaching students about the benefits of the green space in their own backyard or nearby park will help create a new generation of envi- ronmental stewards.” OPEI and Discovery Edu- cation have created a dy- namic digital curriculum led by Lucky, a real-life rescue dog who encourages kids to protect the land around them and fosters an appreciation of natural surroundings in their own community. This curriculum includes lesson plans for students in grades 3-5, en- gaging activities, puzzles, videos and more. In addition, an interactive map brings ecosystems across the country to life for students. With these re- sources, teachers can emphasize the benefits of landscaping in balance with local environments, and instill a new appreciation for environmental issues. “The goal of the TurfMutt program TurfMutt is a real-life rescue dog named Lucky who is the “spokesdog” for a new Discovery Education dy- namic digital curriculum. is to set kids on a path of scientific dis- covery about the environmental and lifestyle benefits of our everyday green spaces — our parks, lawns and landscapes,” said Kris Kiser, execu- tive vice president, OPEI. “We’re proud to partner with Discovery Education to provide elementary- school teachers with a fun, engag- ing way to teach their students about the role of green, growing plants, but most importantly, the role of water conserva- tion and environmental stewardship.” OPEI and Discovery Education are also launching the “Landscapes Across America” contest, challenging students to illustrate the unique ecosystem attributes of their local re- gion. Classrooms are encouraged to submit a slideshow with digital photos of the unique landscape in their area, and include a writ- ten description of what environmental as- pects of their region need to be protected. All entries must be submitted by March 31 and judging will take place in April. The grand prize classroom winner will re- ceive a $5,000 grant for the teacher to imple- ment an eco-friendly program, a $500 teacher award, and trees planted in honor of each member of the class. Four second-place class- room winners will receive a $500 grant toward implementing an eco-friendly program, as well as trees planted in honor of each class- room member. All five presentations will be incorporated into the U.S. ecosystems map once the winners are announced. For more information on TurfMutt and the Landscapes Across America contest, visit http://turfmutt.discoveryeducation.com. Southeast distributor opens new service and training facility Power Tool Company, a Johnson City, Tenn.- based wholesale distributor of outdoor power equipment including Scag commercial mowers, Little Wonder/Mantis and Brown Products, has opened a new service and training facility to address the needs of its equipment dealers in a three-state area, as well as the general public. The George Bennett Training & Service Academy (GBTSA) is a 4,000-square-foot facil- ity designed to provide a unique, hands-on educational experience for a variety of busi- nesses across the Southeast. The academy was named after Power Tool Company’s first employee, George Bennett, who worked for the company for more than 50 years and was the guest of honor at the recently held ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This is no ordinary training center,” says Todd Bohon, president of Power Tool Com- pany. “This is a place where under one roof you have a space for interactive coursework, a mock showroom, computers for online cer- tifications, meeting space and most impres- sively, a full-service mechanical shop, including a hydraulic lift that can be fitted for anything from a lawn mower to a large vehicle.” A Scag-endorsed technical certification program is being developed for all Scag 10 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com dealers’ service technicians to be taught at the GBTSA. The first event at the facility was held Feb. 22-23. More than 80 regional Scag technicians were invited to attend the inau- gural training session, which informed tech- nicians on what’s new on 2011 models, including features and benefits of the equipment. Bohon says the center is not limited to the Power Tool Company’s brands, and feels the opportunities available at the center would benefit many businesses. “It’s been proven that many people retain information better if they’ve had hands-on experience with the subject,” adds Bohon. “Actually, studies show a 70-percent higher retention rate by practicing what was taught, as op- posed to just hearing a lecture. So any indus- try with any type of equipment or motor that can be taken apart could see benefits from the use this facility for their training and continuing education courses.” To learn more about The George Bennett Training & Service Academy, call Julie Robin- son at (800) 752-1780 or visit www.powertoolco.com.