Gachina Landscape Management recently participated in an Earth Day project at the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford, California.
The company said this project helped beautify the connective courtyard between Stanford’s two buildings. The renovation of this courtyard, the organization says, will help enhance families’ experiences by providing a place where they can recharge, rest and relax.
Since opening in 1979, the Ronald McDonald House in Stanford says it has provided the gift of togetherness for thousands of families who relocate to Palo Alto for their children’s specialized medical treatment at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.
The organization says the outdoor spaces on the campus provide needed respite for families to spend time together and reinforce a sense of community in times of crises.
The project took place inside the courtyard and rear of the Taube Center, where there is a garden and playground, and the project included a full irrigation renovation with new valves and drip irrigation system.
Declining and old shrubs were removed and replaced with drought-tolerant perennial flowering shrubs – Penstemon, Yarrow, and Kangaroo paw. Gachina says all areas were refreshed with mulch, and a decomposed granite pathway was also renovated.
Thirty volunteers from Gachina joined in the renovation efforts, and the estimated cost of the project, according to Gachina, was $16,355. The company says it provides the ongoing monthly maintenance of the Ronald McDonald House and will add these new areas at no additional cost.
“It was fun and it showed how we all worked like a family together,” said William Cruz, branch manager. “I was very proud of my team and the Gachina employees who attended.”
“The event was fun and a learning experience for me,” said Sharon Chao, finance director. “Everyone worked hard and made a difference. The Gachina teams are experts at what they do and proud landscape professionals!”
Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA names new executive vice president, executive director
Eisaku Mori has been appointed the executive vice president of Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA (KMC). Along with this appointment, Mori has also become general manager of the general purpose engine division of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) with international responsibilities.
The company says Mori will retain his title as general manager of KMC research and development at the company’s R&D center attached to its engines division in Grand Rapids.
The company says that many of the leadership and operational functions Mori performs while managing the R&D center will be assumed by Dave Sugden, who was newly promoted to executive director of research and development at the KMC engines division.
The company says Sugden came to Kawasaki last year and oversees a completely renovated R&D facility that has been increasing its staffing since relocating from former facilities at the Maryville, Montanta, manufacturing plant of Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing Corp., USA. In this expanded role, the company says Mori will be allowed to concentrate on furthering corporate goals in both the USA and abroad.
“We will continue to employ the latest technologies in bringing to market engines that emphasize Kawasaki’s long-recognized performance and durability,” Mori said. “And, as we do so, our top priority will always be to concentrate on delivering the highest level of customer service, both to our distribution chain and to our end-users. This is a worldwide direction for KHI and as we move forward, it will be at the core of all our activities.”
The company says that recent studies have shown commercial lawn care industry-high marks for the brand when measured by professional landscapers. Mori said this ranking is both a point of pride for the Kawasaki team and a benchmark that “we must all strive to continue to exceed.”
John Marshall named president, CEO for Earthway Products
John Marshall has been named president and CEO of Earthway Products Incorporated. The company says Marshall comes to Earthway with experience in operations, product development, sales, strategic business development and customer support from the agriculture, control systems and commercial vehicle industries.
Most recently, the company says he held senior level positions in the areas of sales, marketing, engineering, operations and customer support for Chore-Time, Case New Holland and Spartan Motors.
Currently, he resides in the Granger, Indiana area with his wife and two children.
The company also announced that Lon Mast will assume the role of executive vice president and chief financial officer.
Colt Ford, Jana Kramer to headline at GIE+EXPO
Attendees for this year’s GIE+EXPO and Hardscape North America (HNA), set for Oct. 17-19 in Louisville, Kentucky, will have the chance to see entertainers such as the party rock band The Crashers, country/blues/rock/rap singer Colt Ford and country music star Jana Kramer at this year’s after-show-hours entertainment. These events are sponsored by Bob-Cat and Mercedes-Benz Vans.
“We’re excited to have Bob-Cat and Mercedes back on board to bring three nights of networking for attendees, and we’re shaking things up this year with a Tuesday concert,” said Warren Sellers, show director. “Attendees who plan to be on hand Wednesday for the new industry-wide show hours, opening keynotes and education can get an early start on the networking and fun.”
Concert lineup
On the Mercedes-Benz Vans Stage at 4th Street Live! in downtown Louisville:
Tuesday, October 16, 8 p.m.
Headliner: The Crashers
Wednesday, October 17, 8 p.m.
Opening Act: Kelleigh Bannen
Headliner: Colt Ford
Thursday, October 18, 8 p.m.
Opening Act: Mackenzie Porter
Headliner: Jana Kramer
For more information on the performances, click here.