As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, Kubota Tractor Corporation announced its continuing its support for Major League Fishing’s (MLF) Minn Kota Habitat Restoration program with a project at Lake Chickamauga in Tennessee. The Lake Chickamauga project, led by MLF’s Fisheries Management Division, marks the third habitat restoration effort of the year, focusing on Wolftever Creek, a crucial area for local tournaments and fisheries assessment. The project aims to deploy innovative fish habitat structures to enhance the lake’s ecosystem and improve fishing opportunities for anglers.
“Kubota is proud to support MLF’s habitat restoration projects in 2025,” said Jim Jorgensen, senior advertising and marketing manager at Kubota. “By providing funding, equipment from our local Kubota dealers as well as operators and staff volunteers for these projects, we’re contributing to the long-term health of our waterways and supporting the fishing community.”
The project at Lake Chickamauga is part of MLF’s broader Minn Kota Habitat Restoration program. Since its inception in 2022, the program will complete its 16th habitat restoration project by the end of 2025, averaging four projects per year. These initiatives address the nationwide challenge of declining reservoir habitats due to aging, decomposition of structures, siltation and nutrification.
“The aging of U.S. reservoirs has been a significant challenge, resulting in habitat loss and declining fish populations,” said Steven Bardin, fisheries biologist for MLF. “With our habitat restoration efforts, we aim to implement long-term solutions by deploying structures that support spawning success and overall fish health, which ultimately benefits anglers.”
In 2024, Kubota committed to providing funding for these habitat restoration projects and doubled their commitment for 2025. Kubota’s involvement extends beyond financial support. The company’s equipment will play a crucial role in the safe and efficient deployment of habitat structures, minimizing manual labor and maximizing the project’s impact. Following the Lake Chickamauga project, MLF, Minn Kota and Kubota will head to Kentucky Lake in Calvert City, Ky., for the final habitat restoration project of the year on June 7.
Isuzu engine sales celebrates 50-year anniversary
For half a century, Isuzu industrial engines have powered productivity across the United States, building up a reputation in the diesel engine and off-road equipment markets.
Since 1975, Isuzu Diesel has remained a consistent name in powering a broad range of industrial applications, serving construction, agriculture, utility and rental fleets with reliable engine solutions, according to the company. In a market that has evolved dramatically over five decades, Isuzu engines have stood throughout the various shifts and industry developments.
“Fifty years of continuous presence in the U.S. industrial market is a proud milestone, one that reflects the long-standing support of our customers and distributors,” said Masaaki Sugino, executive vice president of Isuzu Motors America. “We owe this milestone to the many equipment manufacturers, end users, distributors and dealers who have placed their trust in our engines, year after year.
“As we move forward, our focus remains on delivering dependable engine solutions that support the evolving needs of our customers. We’re proud to carry forward our legacy of dependable performance. And we’re committed to supporting our customers in every phase of their equipment lifecycle; today, and for decades to come.”
PHTA joins forces with Pentair Pool for National Water Safety Month
The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub and spa industry, revealed Pentair Pool as the program sponsor of National Water Safety Month (NWSM) this May. For the ninth year in a row, Pentair Pool will leverage its position as a manufacturer of pool and spa solutions to help raise awareness of water safety best practices and promote the lifesaving mission of NWSM.
Over the past 22 years, NWSM has expanded into a national effort spearheaded by a dedicated coalition that includes the PHTA, the American Red Cross, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, the National Recreation and Park Association and the World Waterpark Association. Every year, NWSM is supported by thousands of aquatics facilities, professionals and state governments who provide educational programs, public service announcements, government proclamations, dealer and aquatics business promotions and the distribution of water safety materials, all designed to help prevent water-related fatalities, illnesses and injuries.
“Our commitment to safety underscores everything we do at Pentair Pool,” says Greg Claffey, president and chief revenue officer, Pentair Pool. “Our continued support of National Water Safety Month perfectly complements our mission of helping people safely and sustainably enjoy pools.”
Pentair provides residential and business solutions that help people move, improve and enjoy their water, according to the company. Part of its mission is to help pool owners spend less time worrying and more time enjoying their pool.
“PHTA, along with the entire NWSM coalition, is so appreciative of Pentair Pool’s continued commitment to this program,” says Sabeena Hickman, CAE, president and CEO of PHTA. “Having a leader like Pentair Pool as the program sponsor highlights the fact that water safety is at the core of what pool professionals do every day. We thank Pentair Pool for using their platform to promote this lifesaving message.”
Waterloo Turf opens new franchising opportunities in Arizona and Texas
Waterloo Turf, a turf and synthetic grass franchise, has unveiled new franchise openings in Scottsdale, Ariz., Houston and Fort Worth, Texas, to welcome Q2.
With an established footprint in Austin and San Antonio, the brand stated it is excited to be entering Arizona for the first time, in addition to building out a presence throughout its home state of Texas.
Waterloo Turf will be servicing the following cities by the end of Q2:
- Scottsdale, Ariz. – Opening end of May
- Houston, Texas – Opened May 5
- Fort Worth, Texas – Opening May 19
“Our franchise opportunity has been met with enthusiasm due to a crucial need for synthetic grass in areas where water conservation is key,” said Tim Lovett, co-owner and CEO of Waterloo Turf. “We have brought on several key franchise partners in Arizona and Texas to provide locals with lush, green lawns that use minimal water.”
All three locations will be franchisee operated and owned. As a mobile brand with no physical storefronts or brick-and-mortar locations, the brand offers a unique opportunity for franchisees to enter the growing turf industry with a low upfront investment and minimal overhead, according to the company. Waterloo Turf claims the model is suited for entrepreneurs who want to jump into a new industry with the backing of a national franchise brand quickly.
“Having 15 years of sales leadership under my belt, I’ve seen the powerful results when successful processes are put in place,” said James Cira, who brings 15 years of sales leadership experience to the table with his new foray into franchising with Waterloo Turf. “Having the ability to leverage a proven model is what drew me to franchising over starting a business from scratch.”
