Bobcat Company and The Salvation Army are spotlighting National Preparedness Month by raising awareness of the importance of emergency readiness. Each September, National Preparedness Month encourages Americans to prepare for disasters or emergencies in their homes, businesses and communities to help keep people safe.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported 27 individual weather and climate disasters in the U.S. in 2024, resulting in more than $182.7 billion in damages — making it the fourth-costliest year on record. September also marks peak hurricane season, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which can bring flooding, debris damage, power outages and extensive cleanup efforts to homes, schools and businesses.
In recognition of National Preparedness Month, Bobcat is highlighting both the essential equipment that powers individuals and communities through challenging times and the valued partnerships that help organizations overcome hardship.
In 2024, Bobcat supported The Salvation Army, one of the nation’s largest disaster response organizations, in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton by donating 23 essential pieces of equipment valued at $885,000. This equipment included forklifts, portable generators and light towers. These donations supported The Salvation Army in responding immediately to these disasters without the cost and delay of renting critical equipment, enhancing its ability to serve affected communities effectively.
“Partners like Bobcat make it possible for The Salvation Army to respond swiftly and effectively when communities are devastated by disaster,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, national commander of The Salvation Army. “Their generosity ensures we can bring relief and hope to those who need it most.”
During recent responses, the forklifts Bobcat donated helped unload thousands of pallets of water and food, while the donated generators powered mobile kitchens and feeding sites.
“Bobcat equipment is often at the forefront of helping communities rebuild after natural disasters,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America. “Our collaboration with The Salvation Army allows Bobcat and our equipment to make an even greater impact, empowering The Salvation Army to maximize their efforts in doing the most good.”
Emergencies and natural disasters require both preparedness and reliable equipment. By providing essential tools and supporting key partnerships, Bobcat empowers individuals, businesses and communities to respond efficiently, safely and effectively when every moment counts.
Tips to prepare:
Beyond equipment, there are several steps communities and even individuals can take to prepare for a disaster or emergency. The Salvation Army offers the following tips to prepare:
- Create an emergency plan: Outline where you will meet if separated and how you will reconnect, make a list of organizations that provide shelter and food and follow practical home safety steps like shutting off water and gas.
- Prepare an emergency supply kit: Include items such as water, nonperishable food, flashlights, extra batteries, matches, a power pack, a dust mask, gloves, prescriptions, eyeglasses or contacts and photocopies of identification documents.
- Learn lifesaving skills: Get certified in CPR and first aid.
- Check your insurance policies: Have coverage for hazards you may face in your area.
- Connect with an existing agency: Become familiar with local organizations trained in disaster response and relief, or see if your area supports a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
Kubota donates to 10 community nonprofits in fifth annual Hometown Proud grant program
Ten community-based nonprofits across the nation are each being awarded $25,000 in cash and $25,000 in Kubota equipment as part of this year’s Kubota Hometown Proud grant program. Now in its fifth year, the program continues to invest in organizations making a difference at the local level, from community equestrian therapy centers to grassroots landscaping support for the elderly, each project is unique to the community it serves and strengthens. Kubota’s community support totals more than $2.4 million since the program’s inception.
To empower local communities and strengthen ties with Kubota dealers, the 2025 program invited nonprofits nationwide to apply for funding and equipment, resulting in 1,088 applications in total. After a rigorous review process, 10 grant winners were selected, one in each of Kubota’s 10 operating districts.
“The Kubota Hometown Proud grant program is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to supporting the communities where our customers and dealers live and work,” said Alex Woods, president of Kubota Tractor Corporation. “Each year, we are inspired by the dedication and impact of local nonprofits, and we are honored to help empower their important work. Congratulations to this year’s grant recipients and thank you to our dealers for supporting these projects and for continuing to make a difference in their hometowns.”
2025 Kubota Hometown Proud: $25,000 Grant plus $25,000 equipment voucher recipients
- 6 Stones (Euless, Texas) and its Community Powered Revitalization project is supported by Kubota of Dallas.
- Coping Together (Frankfort, Ill.) and its Ranch Therapy Town project is supported by McCullough Equipment Group.
- Crawford County Parks Board (Marengo, Ind.) and its Playground and Heart of Our Community project is supported by Jacobi Sales.
- Fruitdale High School Alumni Organization (Vinegar Bend, Ala.) and its Rebuilding Ag Building and Greenhouse project is supported by Circle C Tractor.
- Hands and Hearts for Horses (Thomasville, Ga.) and its Arena Maintenance Equipment project is supported by Linder Turf & Tractor.
- I Want to Mow Your Lawn, Inc., (Wayne, N.J.) and its Lawn Care for Our Heroes and Neighbors project is supported by Marshall Machinery.
- Lynchburg Grows (Lynchburg, Va.) and its Urban Farm and Greenhouse Restoration project is supported by Kubota of Lynchburg.
- Northern Colorado Foodshed Project (Fort Collins, Colo.) and its New Farm Business Accelerator project is supported by Wickham Tractor Co.
- Northland Arboretum (Brainerd, Minn.) and its Northland Arboretum Bike Park project is supported by Quality Equipment.
- University of Hawai’i Foundation (Honolulu, Hawaii) and its GoFarm Hawai’i Cultivating Future Farmers project is supported by Bacon Universal.
In addition to the grant program, Kubota invited consumers nationwide to participate in the 2025 Hometown Proud Win and Give Sweepstakes, which closed on July 31, 2025. This year’s sweepstakes winner received a BX sub-compact tractor and was also able to nominate a nonprofit in their hometown to receive a $1,000 mini-grant. The sweepstakes winner was Ken W. from Roberts, Wis., and the local nonprofit that received the mini-grant was Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue.
Stihl partners with Team Rubicon for disaster relief
As part of its ongoing commitment to those who serve the land, Stihl is beginning a new partnership with Team Rubicon — a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities before, during and after disasters. Through this collaboration, Stihl is donating $65,000 in battery-powered chainsaws and other equipment to Team Rubicon’s West Branch Wildland Crew, as well as $10,000 to Team Rubicon’s Ready Reserve Fund, which enables rapid deployment of disaster response teams.
“Stihl has always built tools for those who put purpose before praise — people who don’t just work the land, but fight to protect it,” said Lindsy Hooper, director of public relations and business events for Stihl. “In Team Rubicon and their force of 200,000-plus Greyshirt volunteers, we see that same dedication to mission, grit and community. By providing dependable, battery-powered tools and supporting the Ready Reserve Fund, we’re ensuring their crews can hit the ground running to help communities the moment disaster strikes.”
Team Rubicon’s Ready Reserve Fund not only supports high-profile disaster recovery, but they also power low-attention disaster response, providing relief to families and small towns that might otherwise be overlooked. While chainsaws are just one tool in Team Rubicon’s disaster response toolkit, they serve a vital role in early recovery — clearing roads, homes and public spaces with fallen trees and debris. Stihl’s battery-powered chainsaws provide a low noise, low maintenance tool that works well for disaster relief teams like Team Rubicon.
“Team Rubicon has used Stihl equipment for more than a decade, employing it in some of the most demanding environments Mother Nature can throw at us,” said Drew Hanna, west branch director and Greyshirt volunteer. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to start using the latest in battery-technology with trusted Stihl performance. Our volunteers have been making some really technical cuts with the saws, and the feedback has been outstanding.”
The partnership with Team Rubicon extends Stihl’s broader Made for America campaign — a national initiative celebrating the courageous and often-overlooked Americans who serve the land every day.
76 Fence expands in Central Florida
76 Fence, one of the nation’s fastest-growing fencing franchises, is entering Florida for the first time with a major expansion across the Orlando region. Regional developer and franchise owner Diego Sanchez will oversee growth throughout Greater Orlando while directly owning and operating two initial territories in Orlando–Winter Park and DeLand–Port Orange.
“Bringing 76 Fence to Florida is both personal and professional for me,” said Sanchez. “As a lifelong Floridian, I want to deliver high-quality fencing solutions while creating opportunities for local families and communities. Starting in Orlando allows us to establish a strong foundation for statewide growth.”
A Miami native who recently relocated with his family, Sanchez brings more than 25 years of leadership and team-building experience to his role. In addition to launching and managing his own two territories, he will recruit, mentor and support additional franchisees as 76 Fence expands across the region.
The Orlando–Winter Park and DeLand–Port Orange operations will offer residential, commercial and HOA fencing services.
“Expanding into Florida is an exciting milestone for 76 Fence, and Orlando is the ideal place to start,” said Ed Samane, chief executive officer of 76 Fence. “Diego is not only a proven leader but also someone who understands the importance of building strong teams and strong communities. He’s the right partner to lead our growth in northeast Central Florida.”
Sanchez also plans to play an active role in the community, supporting high school athletics, working with local chambers of commerce and participating in neighborhood events.
“We want to be more than a business,” said Sanchez. “We want to be part of the fabric of Central Florida, showing up for our neighbors and earning their trust one project at a time.”
The Orlando–Winter Park and DeLand–Port Orange locations are now scheduling consultations and free estimates. A ribbon-cutting ceremony with the DeLand Chamber of Commerce is planned for Sept. 22.
