Landscape and Irrigation is read by decision makers throughout the landscape and irrigation markets — including contractors, landscape architects, professional grounds managers, and irrigation and water mgmt companies and reaches the entire spetrum.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/282929
ECHO AND KUBOTA ANNOUNCE U.S. DEALER ALLIANCE Echo Incorporated and Kubota Tractor Corporation announced a U.S. dealer al- liance aimed at growing their combined sales within the commercial turf and con- sumer lawn and garden markets. As part of the alliance, Echo and Shindaiwa will be- come the preferred brands of handheld out- door power equipment within the Kubota dealer network. The alliance also names Echo Bear Cat as a preferred brand of chip- pers, shredders, log splitters and wheeled trimmers within the Kubota dealer net- work. "There is a tremendous amount of syn- ergy between our companies and brands," said Mike Best, Echo vice president of sales and marketing. Echo Incorporated and Kubota Tractor Corporation both have par- ent companies headquartered in Japan, both are known for engineering and manufac- turing professional-grade products, and both target commercial users and large-land owners. "By leveraging our common strengths, both companies will be well po- sitioned for future growth in the months and years ahead," added Best. According to Todd Stucke, Kubota vice president of agriculture and turf equipment, the Kubota dealer network includes more than 1,100 sales and service locations. "We are excited about the opportunity to bring Echo, Shindaiwa and Echo Bear Cat products into the Kubota dealer net- work," said Stucke. "These brands are well known in the market, and they allow Kub- ota dealers to position a complete lineup of products to commercial landscapers and homeowners alike." A series of joint sales and marketing pro- grams will be rolled out in 2014, at which time Kubota dealers can begin expanding their customer product offerings to include Echo, Shindaiwa and Echo Bear Cat prod- ucts. EWING BECOMES IRRIGATION ASSOCIATION PLATINUM MEMBER The Irrigation Association (IA) board of directors announced that Ewing Irrigation Products, Inc. upgraded to the highest level of IA membership: Platinum. "Having joined IA over 40 years ago, Ewing has been a longtime supporter of the association's mission and has a strong history of service, growth and leadership," said IA CEO Deborah Hamlin, CAE, FASAE. "Their recent contribution further illustrates the company's high level of com- mitment to the future of our industry." "Water is the lifeblood of our industry," said Douglas W. York, chief executive officer for Ewing. "Our ability, as an industry, to serve as stewards of its wise and responsible use in the landscape will be the determin- ing factor for our future success. Elevating our partnership with IA reinforces our commitment to helping landscape and ir- rigation professionals manage water re- sources effectively now, and into the future." Founded in 1922, Ewing is the largest family-owned supplier of landscape and water management products in the United States, with 195 locations from coast to coast. Ewing equips landscape, irrigation and golf course professionals with the sup- plies they need to create healthy, sustainable environments. Although originally estab- lished as an irrigation distributor, Ewing has expanded its product line to include water management solutions, agronomic supplies, landscape lighting, water features, hardscape and erosion control. Ewing's investment will help the asso- ciation direct efforts to implement its re- vised strategic plan, adopted by the IA board of directors in September 2013. The new plan focuses on changing the public perception of irrigation by developing standards and regulations to legitimize the industry and by educating frontline irriga- tion professionals. This prestigious designation also pro- vides expanded member benefits, including increased industry exposure through IA's media channels and exclusive marketing and advertising discounts. In addition to regular membership, IA has four premium membership categories for companies: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. All mem- ber dues help fund the association's core strategic initiatives. Ewing joins Hunter In- dustries, a San Marcos, Calif.-based manu- facturer, as an IA platinum member and becomes the first irrigation distributor to join this membership tier. TORO LAUNCHES CENTENNIAL DONATION PROGRAMS On the verge of celebrating its 100th an- niversary, The Toro Company has long been committed to helping customers around the world care for their outdoor environments. At the same time, Toro has built a legacy of giving back to the communities where em- ployees live and work. As Toro celebrates "A Century of Innovation" and "A Legacy of Caring," the company is proud to continue its support of communities with the launch of a "Legacy Grant Program" and "Annual Product Donation Program." The centennial Legacy Grant Program supports non-profit organizations in their efforts to beautify and preserve outdoor en- vironments and enhance green spaces at home, work and play. Grants will also be made to organizations whose projects en- courage and educate the public about the efficient use of water. The objective of the Legacy Grant Program is to provide fund- ing for projects in these focus areas that will serve the community for years to come. The centennial Annual Product Donation Program will continue to support organiza- tions with equipment and irrigation dona- tions that assist in maintaining their facilities and achieving impact in their communities, such as beautification of their outdoor land- scapes or providing job-skills training. In an effort for more effective collabo- ration with non-profits, Toro has launched its first electronic application form for both grant programs. The online application, and additional information, can be found on www.toro.com/community. Applications for both grant programs will be accepted through March 31, 2014, and are available to non-profit organizations located within 30 miles of a Toro community. The qualify- ing list of Toro communities includes the following: Domestic locations: El Cajon, Calif.; Riverside, Calif.; Sanford, Fla.; Ankeny, Iowa; Twin Cities, Minn.; Shakopee, Minn.; Windom, Minn.; Beatrice, Neb.; Abilene, Texas; El Paso, Texas; Plymouth, Wisc.; Tomah, Wisc. International locations: Adelaide, Aus- tralia; Brisbane, Australia; Melbourne, Aus- tralia; Oevel, Belgium; Xiamen, China; Shanghai, China; Ludwigsburg, Germany; www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation 9