JK Seasonal Services in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, is one of the 6,000 GreenCare for Troops volunteers.Photo: Project EverGreen
This week Project EverGreen is recognizing it as National GreenCare for Troops Awareness Week to bring attention to the need for basic lawn care and landscaping services for veterans and families of deployed military personnel.
The program is celebrating its 11th year of operation and there are currently 6,000 volunteer contractors throughout the country who have registered to provide their services through GreenCare for Troops.
There are 11,000 military families who have signed up for GreenCare for Troops services since its inception, and Project EverGreen estimates that $8 million in donated lawn care and landscape services have been received since then.
“These valuable services provide military families and wounded and disabled veterans with peace of mind and freedom to heal,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “A managed lawn and yard provides vital outdoor space for military personnel, disabled veterans and their families to begin their recovery and re-connect with their families.”
The Toro Company is the presenting partner for GreenCare for Troops, helping fund the program and Nufarm aids as a platinum partner.
To help spread awareness, Project EverGreen has a promotional tool kit for volunteers to use to share their involvement, including a detailed infographic and a 60-second promotional video. Click here to check out the kit.
Hardscape North America announces dealer education speakers
The Hardscape North America trade show that will take place along with GIE in Louisville, Kentucky, on Oct. 18-20 has announced its speakers for the HNA Dealer Education Program.
This year the focus will be on the economy’s upswing and how to generate profits in both a rural and urban setting. The Dealer Education Program is designed to help dealers identify what works in their market areas and how to overcome growth challenges.
Dr. Alan Beaulieu of ITR Economics will finish up the program with his presentation titled “A Good Year.” It will deal with increasing profits based on business cycle trend analysis.
The HNA Dealer Education Program will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Following the program the trade show floors will be open exclusively to dealers and media from 3 to 7 p.m.
Registration for the program is $194 for ICPI, BIA and NCMA members and $219 for non-members. It does not include trade show admissions, which is now open.
Advanced Turf Solutions acquires Tri-Turf
Indiana-based green industry distributor Advanced Turf Solutions has announced the acquisition of Tri-Turf, a Michigan area distributor.
“For many years, Advanced Turf Solutions and Tri-Turf have enjoyed working together as partners in the United Turf Alliance,” said Alex Cannon, CEO of Advanced Turf Solutions. “It is our belief that increased service levels, a deeper product portfolio and expanded resources will lead market share growth in Michigan.”
Tri-Turf has two locations in Michigan, with one in Traverse City and the other in Grand Ledge.
“I will be retiring after leading Tri-Turf for over 36 years,” said Tom Reed, Sr., Tri-Turf’s president. “Our company culture is about selling with integrity and offering quality products and exceptional service. Advanced Turf Solutions shares these values.”
The existing Tri-Turf sales team with remain along with Robert Read, Tri-Turf’s vice president, who will run the operations in Michigan under Advanced Turf Solutions. The transaction is set to close at the end of June.
