BrightView partners with Red Wing Shoes
BrightView, No. 1 on the 2023 LM150 list, formed a strategic partnership with Red Wing Shoes to help equip over 18,000 team members with high-quality footwear to assist with environmental hazards on the job site.
“Our partnership with Red Wing Shoes underscores our dedication to providing our team members with the best personal protective equipment (PPE) to perform their jobs safely and effectively,” said Amanda Orders, executive vice president and chief human resources officer for BrightView. “By outfitting our team with top-quality, functional boots, we are not only investing in their safety, but also empowering them to deliver exceptional service to our clients.”
The partnership with Red Wing Shoes, according to Brightview, aligns with its ongoing efforts to enhance workplace safety and support the professional development of its team members.
“At Red Wing Shoes, we share BrightView’s commitment to prioritizing safety in the workplace,” said Tito Warren, president of global industrial, Red Wing Shoe. “We are thrilled to partner with BrightView to provide their team members with our trusted boots, ensuring they have the protection they need to perform their duties with confidence.”
Walker Manufacturing acquires new product lines
Walker Manufacturing is set to acquire the Model 7 and Model 11 hydrostatic transmission product lines from Danfoss Power Solutions II located in Eden Prairie, Minn.
The acquisition includes the ongoing design, production and supply of the Model 7 and Model 11 transmissions.
“This acquisition underscores our passion and intrigue with the design and performance of the Model 7 and Model 11, and, more importantly, our commitment to the many transmissions currently operating in Walker Mowers and many other pieces of equipment around the world,” Walker Manufacturing President Ryan Walker explained.
Walker Manufacturing has utilized the Model 7 in the Walker Mower for more than 40 years.
Assembly, testing and support functions will be based in Walker’s Fort Collins, Colo. factory, while sourcing components will largely be maintained within the existing supply chain. Walker is preparing the factory with the necessary space, infrastructure and colleagues to support these products.
“We are excited to extend our decades of experience and talented team towards manufacturing and supporting the Model 7 and Model 11 transmissions,” explains Walker, “We strive to serve people well, and multiply opportunities for everyone associated with Walker Manufacturing, and the acquisition is an opportunity for Walker to increase our effectiveness.”
JCB awarded $39 million contract with United States Marine Corps
JCB has been awarded a contract to supply up to 206 of its telescopic compact track loaders, the 3TS-8T Teleskid, to the United States Marine Corps for its Multi-Terrain Loader Replacement Program. The initial delivery order is for $19 million, and JCB projects the first delivery to the Marine Corps prior to the end of the year.
“We are thrilled to win this contract from the Marine Corps for the JCB Teleskid, the world’s only skid steer and compact track loader with a telescopic boom,” said Richard Fox-Marrs, president and CEO of JCB North America. “This machine is designed, engineered and manufactured by our talented team in Savannah, Ga., who also produce the commercial Teleskid that we sell globally. The military and commercial versions of the JCB Teleskid are almost identical.”
This contract also includes a selection of attachments, allowing the USMC to complete a variety of mission requirements with the teleskid.
“This is a great achievement for JCB and a testament to the dedication and skill of our team,” said Viengkeo Johnson, senior manager – government and defense for JCB North America. “A special thanks to the entire JCB team for their hard work, commitment and perseverance. Together, we will be delivering a world-class product that will make a difference to those who help protect our nation.”
The Teleskid features a telescoping boom with a hinge pin height of 13 feet, 3 inches, more than 2 feet higher than most conventional skid steers. The loader has a rated operating capacity of up to 3,700 lbs. and a travel speed of 7.8 mph. Compared to a conventional skid steer or compact track loader, the teleskid offers side-door entry which increases visibility and enhances safety by providing a quick and obstacle-free exit rather than forcing the operator to enter and exit over the front of the machine and attachment.
“We are immensely proud to provide yet another product to the U.S. military, which has been a valued customer for over three decades,” said Chris Giorgianni, vice president of product for JCB North America. “We are honored to support the Marine Corps and all branches of the U.S. military in their vital work of protecting and serving our country and its allies.”
Philadelphia Phillies team with Asplundh Tree Expert
The Philadelphia Phillies partnered with Asplundh Tree Expert, a provider of sustainable vegetation management and infrastructure services, has been named one of the team’s “Official Community and Sustainability Partners of the Phillies.”
The new multi-year partnership with the family-owned Asplundh, which is headquartered in Willow Grove, Pa., is aimed at making an impact in the community and introducing fans to the company’s environmentally sustainable vegetation management and other utility-related services.
“For more than 95 years, Asplundh has served the utility industry, helping communities build, recover and thrive in a changing world,” said Jackie Cuddeback, Phillies senior vice president of partnership sales, suites sales and corporate marketing. “We are thrilled to welcome Asplundh, a world leader in our own backyard, to the Phillies family as they join us in several important causes.”
Asplundh will sponsor the Phillies Home Runs for Trees program, where for each home run hit by a Phillies player, a tree is planted in the Greater Philadelphia area by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. More than 2,000 trees have been planted in the community since the program started in 2012.
“We’re very excited to partner with the Phillies and are eager to work with the team to strengthen our long-standing ties to the Philadelphia community established over the last 95 years,” said Asplundh CEO Matt Asplundh. “Sustainability and medical advancement in treating ALS are important initiatives to Asplundh, and we look forward to collaborating with the Phillies and the community to advance these goals.”
Asplundh will also join the Phillies in their mission to strike out ALS as the new presenting sponsor for Phillies ALS Awareness Day on Sunday, June 2. The event is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for ALS research and care for families affected by ALS in the Delaware Valley.
Empower Brands honors top franchisees of the year
Empower Brands, a multi-brand franchisor of commercial and residential services, recently revealed the winners of the company’s Franchisee of the Year awards during its 2024 annual meeting held in Las Vegas.
“This year’s convention theme was ‘upping the ante,’ which was perfectly suited to our Las Vegas setting and the year of achievements from our franchisees, teams and dedicated partners,” said Scott Zide, CEO of Empower Brands. “The enthusiasm and ‘all-in’ mentality was unparalleled as we convened, blending the expertise of both new and seasoned brands and franchisees to exchange insights, discuss brand evolution and most importantly, honor the phenomenal achievements of our people. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our award recipients. Their successes this year are a reflection of the power of an empowered mindset, and I’m eager to see their continued growth.”
Empower Brands’ Franchisee of the Year awards highlight the accomplishments of owners who not only excel in sales but have a passion for the business and their customers. Recipients are true representatives of the brand’s core values and serve as gold-standard examples to their peers and fellow owners.
This year’s award winners include:
- 2023 Archadeck Outdoor Living Franchisee of the Year: Steve and Jane Habib – Seattle Eastside, Wash.
- 2023 Conserva Irrigation Franchisee of the Year: Vanesa Ellis – Northeast Florida
- 2023 Outdoor Lighting Perspectives Franchisee of the Year: Rick and Margie Popio – Richmond and Charlottesville, Va.
- 2023 Superior Fence and Rail Franchisee of the Year: Gary and Andrea Locke – Southwest Florida
“This year, our franchisees have not only exceeded expectations but also redefined excellence in our industry,” said Tom Welter, president of Empower Brands. “Their dedication and innovation are the driving forces behind our network’s growth and success. As we celebrate their achievements, we remain committed to supporting their journey toward new heights of success. I’m thrilled to see how we’ll continue to elevate our collective performance in the coming year.“
Vectorworks invites designers to a Day of Discovery at 2024 Open House
Vectorworks will welcome designers to its fourth Open House event on Tuesday, May 7. The free virtual experience is tailored specifically for customers in the architecture, interiors, landscape architecture and design and entertainment design industries, allowing them to engage directly with experts on the Vectorworks team.
During the event, participants will have the opportunity to explore Vectorworks’ latest features and innovations and gain valuable insights to enhance their specific workflows.
“The Vectorworks Open House is a uniquely engaging event that we eagerly anticipate each year,” said Vectorworks chief product officer Darick DeHart. “It offers a wonderful opportunity for our global customers to connect directly with our knowledgeable team, allowing them to ask questions, acquire new skills and information and stay informed about the future of Vectorworks, all from the convenience of their own offices or homes.”
This year’s event will be held on Zoom Events at two different times to accommodate participants from different time zones. It will occur from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EDT and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. AEST. Attendees can join the event anytime during its duration for their convenience. Those interested in attending are encouraged to visit the registration page to secure their spot.
