Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association
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OPE-in-the-KNOW-October 2018-Vol. 211

Toro Plans $11 Million Expansion at Ankeny, Iowa Distribution Center

The Toro Company plans to start work on an $11 million expansion at its Ankeny distribution center this year. The outdoor equipment manufacturer says the 190,000-square-foot addition will allow it to significantly increase the amount of equipment that travels through the facility.

The Ankeny City Council unanimously agreed to provide Toro with more than $1 million in financial assistance. The project will create at least three new jobs at the facility.

Toro consultant Chris Schastok of CBRE Group said the project would cement the company’s footprint in Ankeny. “Continued investment in this community really puts this facility at an advantage for the future,” he said.

Toro built its existing 450,000-square-foot building at 5500 S.E. Delaware Ave. in 2012. It plans to purchase some adjacent residential property and expand to the west, increasing the building’s size to nearly 650,000 square feet.

According to the agreement, the city will award the project 75 percent tax-increment financing rebates over five years, worth about $397,000. The project is expected to qualify for a five-year sliding scale industrial property tax exemption valued at $620,000.

Younghee Steenhoek, who lives west of the facility, said she is concerned by the growing encroachment of businesses near her home.
“The development concerns us because it’s coming toward us, and they’ll be driving around, and that will be our music to sleep and our music to wake up,” she said. “We hope that they can reduce the noise.”

Ankeny Economic Development Director Derek Lord said the project could cut down on some truck noise, since it moves an existing parking lot on the west side of the facility, near neighbors’ homes, to the north side.

Toro expects to begin construction this fall and to complete it in 2019.

Briggs & Stratton to Build New Distribution Facility in Auburn, Alabama

The Briggs & Stratton company soon will build a new distribution facility in Auburn. The development location, 27.14 acres at the southwest corner of Biltmore Lane and Beehive Road, was annexed into the city by the Auburn City Council recently, where the council also approved a package of incentives for the company.

The expansion will bring an estimated 24 new jobs and provide a capital investment of $24,400,500 million to Auburn, according to city officials.

Phillip Dunlap, director of economic development for the city of Auburn, said during Tuesday’s meeting that Briggs & Stratton will be leasing the new 400,000-square-foot distribution center from One Stone, LLC.

“Briggs actually asked the owner to annex into the city because they wanted their taxes to support our public schools,” Dunlap said. “The big winner in this project will be the public schools that will get a tremendous amount of money as a result of property taxes and a tremendous amount on capital equipment that will go into this facility.”

According to a press release on Briggs & Stratton’s website, the new distribution center is one of two; the other will be located in Germantown, Wis. These two new facilities are the result of consolidating several smaller existing warehouses throughout the U.S. Both facilities are expected to be operational in spring 2019.

The Briggs & Stratton release states that the Auburn facility positions Briggs & Stratton’s inventory in the optimal location to best supply its customers with shorter delivery times in this region of the U.S.

“By consolidating our current footprint into two large distribution centers, we’re increasing efficiencies to more effectively serve our customers,” Bill Harlow, director of global distribution and warehousing at Briggs & Stratton, stated in the release. “The locations in Germantown and Auburn will provide a North American enterprise distribution footprint that supports our strategy and customers with optimal inventory and order delivery while managing space and capital investment.”

Dunlap added that the incentives deal with Briggs & Stratton will cement a relationship between the city and company for another 20 to 25 years. The city’s incentives package will include providing up to $250,000 for site preparation, entering into contracts to perform due diligence not to exceed a total of $45,000, providing up to $25,000 in relocation assistance, and 15-year tax abatements.

“This will be their major southeast regional distribution. So what you’ll have here is, products that they make from all of their manufacturing plants all over the country will be shipped here for distribution in the southeast region,” Dunlap said. “It will also be a staging area for emergencies like the hurricane in the Carolinas. This will have all kinds of generators and other kinds of equipment. It will be a very nice facility. They’re putting a lot of money into it. It will be very modern.”

Dunlap said the deal was actually going to go to Newnan, Ga., and city staff convinced the company to put the facility in Auburn.
“As a result of this, it enables the existing facility not to have to warehouse,” Dunlap said. “That will free up manufacturing space, and if they’re as successful as we think they are, that leads to more opportunities without building additional space.”

Generac Holdings Inc. Expected to Post Quarterly Sales of $494.65 Million

Equities analysts expect that Generac Holdings Inc. (NYSE:GNRC) will report $494.65 million in sales for the current quarter, Zacks reports. Seven analysts have issued estimates for Generac’s earnings, with estimates ranging from $485.20 million to $506.00 million. Generac posted sales of $457.25 million during the same quarter last year, which suggests a positive year over year growth rate of 8.2%. The business is scheduled to issue its next earnings results on November 1st.

According to Zacks, analysts expect that Generac will report full-year sales of $1.90 billion for the current fiscal year, with estimates ranging from $1.89 billion to $1.91 billion. For the next financial year, analysts expect that the firm will report sales of $1.93 billion, with estimates ranging from $1.79 billion to $2.00 billion. Zacks’ sales averages are an average based on a survey of analysts that follow Generac.

Kohler Engines May Move Manufacturing To Mississippi

Employees at Kohler Engines have been told the company is considering consolidating their operations to a facility in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. An announcement released recently informs employees that the business headquarters would remain in Kohler, but the Kohler engines facility would be repurposed for other operations. There are 7,900 people employed by Kohler Company in Wisconsin, and the company says that every employee at their engines facility would be able to apply for other jobs available in the company.

Stanley Black & Decker To Acquire 20 Percent Stake In MTD Products For $234 Million

Stanley Black & Decker recently announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 20 percent stake in MTD Products Inc (“MTD”), a privately held global manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, for $234 million in cash. Under the terms of the agreement, Stanley Black & Decker has the option to acquire the remaining 80 percent of MTD beginning on July 1, 2021.

Stanley Black & Decker’s President and CEO James M. Loree commented, “This investment in MTD increases our presence in the $20 billion global lawn and garden market in a financially and operationally prudent way. We have always viewed outdoor products as an attractive growth category for us to expand our presence beyond handheld electric products. This transaction gives us the opportunity to do that with a world class partner. MTD has a first-rate management team, talented employees and a mission, values and commitment to innovation that are very closely aligned with our own, and we are excited to move forward with them.”

“MTD and Stanley Black & Decker are both proven leaders in our respective industries with iconic brands and world class capabilities,” said MTD’s Chairman and CEO Robert T. Moll. “We’re both passionate about innovation with complementary businesses. Ultimately, this will give us more resources to bring really exciting products to our consumers.”

With 2017 revenues in excess of $2 billion, MTD manufactures and distributes lawn tractors, zero turn mowers, walk behind mowers, snow throwers, trimmers, chain saws, utility vehicles and other outdoor power equipment for both residential and professional lawn and garden customers. Founded over 85 years ago and headquartered in Valley City, Ohio, MTD’s brands include Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, and Remington, among others. MTD has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia, and a global distribution network.

This partnership significantly enhances Stanley Black & Decker and MTD’s existing commercial relationship, which currently includes the manufacture of select outdoor products under the Craftsman brand. Going forward, the two companies will work together to pursue revenue and cost opportunities, improve operational efficiency and introduce new and innovative products for professional and residential outdoor equipment customers, leveraging their respective portfolios of strong brands.

The transaction, which is expected to close in early 2019, is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. In connection with the transaction, Stanley Black & Decker will appoint two representatives to MTD’s 11-member Board of Directors. Beginning in 2021, should Stanley Black & Decker choose to exercise its right to acquire the remaining 80 percent stake, the companies have agreed to a valuation multiple based on MTD’s expected 2018 EBITDA, with a sharing arrangement for any future EBITDA growth.

Stanley Black & Decker, an S&P 500 company, is a diversified global provider of hand tools, power tools and related accessories, electronic security solutions, healthcare solutions, engineered fastening systems, and more. Learn more at www.stanleyblackanddecker.com.
MTD Products Inc is a worldwide leader in outdoor power equipment. The company’s engineering expertise and state-of-the-art facilities are known for innovation and award-winning products under brands such as Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Remington, Robomow, Rover, WOLF-Garten, and Yard Machines. MTD has earned a reputation for excellence in quality, customer service and value; and, seeks to passionately create, build and deliver great products and services that consumers all over the world enjoy using to improve and beautify lawns and gardens. To learn more, visit www.mtdproducts.com.

Ariens Appoints New Director of Sales EMEAA

Ariens Company recently announced the appointment of Jackie Williams to the role of director of sales EMEAA. She will be succeeding John Horn who is retiring from the Ariens Company at the end of 2018. Jackie brings a wealth of experience to the company. She will assume responsibility for sales and distribution of Ariens products through subsidiaries in the U.K. and Norway. She will also work with Ariens’ fifty plus distribution partners worldwide.

Jackie joins Ariens with a twenty five year career in international sales and distribution management.

“We’re very pleased to have Jackie become part of the Ariens Company team,” says Darren Spencer. “She brings vast experience of multi-channel product sales and distribution across all continents. This comes at an exciting time in the development of Ariens’ EMEAA expansion.”

Reporting to Jackie will be Ariens European sales manager, the UK sales manager and Scandinavia general manager. Jackie’s previous role was international sales director of Derwent. This is a division of ACCO UK Ltd that achieves year on year growth in sales and profitability. She holds post-graduate diplomas in Marketing, Export Marketing and Business Studies & Finance. Jackie is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Ariens Company is a family owned business with a reputation for engineering excellence, making products in the US since 1933. The fundamental principle driving the design of every Ariens product remains the same today. That is building hard-working, reliable tools that are passed on from generation to generation.

Ariens Company Limited manufactures the Countax and Westwood garden tractors. The business also distributes ECHO outdoor power tools and the Ariens lawn, garden and snow products through a network of UK dealers.

Douglas Dynamics Pays Quarterly Dividend

Douglas Dynamics, Inc. (NYSE: PLOW), North America’s premier manufacturer and upfitter of work truck attachments and equipment, announced that its Board of Directors approved and declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.265 per share for the third quarter of 2018.

The declared dividend was paid on September 28, 2018 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on September 18, 2018.

About Douglas Dynamics
Home to the most trusted brands in the industry, Douglas Dynamics is North America’s premier manufacturer and up-fitter of work truck attachments and equipment. For more than 65 years, the Company has been innovating products that not only enable people to perform their jobs more efficiently and effectively, but also enable businesses to increase profitability. Through its proprietary Douglas Dynamics Management System (DDMS), the Company is committed to continuous improvement aimed at consistently producing the highest quality products, at industry-leading levels of service and delivery that ultimately drive shareholder value. The Douglas Dynamics portfolio of products and services is separated into two segments: First, the Work Truck Attachments segment, which includes manufactured snow and ice control attachments sold under the FISHER®, HENDERSON®, SNOWEX® and WESTERN® brands. Second, the Work Truck Solutions segment, which includes the up-fit of market leading attachments and storage solutions for commercial work vehicles under the DEJANA® brand and its related sub-brands.

STIHL Inc. Names Lorraine Wagner Vice President of Operations

STIHL Inc. announced that Lorraine Wagner has been promoted to vice president of operations. Wagner will be responsible for all production operations at the company’s U.S. headquarters in Virginia Beach.

Wagner joined STIHL in January 2008 as director of manufacturing. She previously worked 14 years for automotive company, GKN Driveline, where she held a variety of progressive leadership positions in England, Germany and the U.S.

“Lorraine’s depth of knowledge and her experience as director of manufacturing over the last decade, coupled with her extensive international management background makes her a natural fit to lead our U.S. manufacturing operations,” said Bjoern Fischer, president of STIHL Inc. “We are confident she will continue to move our business forward in her new role.”

Wagner has a master’s degree in business administration from the Open University in London. She also graduated with honors from Liverpool University with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

EDF Needs Your Help with Disaster Relief Assistance

In response to severe damage and ongoing flooding caused by recent hurricanes, the Equipment Dealers Foundation (EDF) is requesting assistance to replenish resources in its Disaster Relief fund. More than 40 people have died as a result of Hurricane Florence and damage has been widespread – many impacted have ties to the equipment industry.

The Equipment Dealers Foundation has been providing grant assistance to employees of dealerships in areas where natural disasters have wreaked havoc since 2005, following Hurricane Katrina. The grant money awarded can be used for temporary housing, food, water and other necessities – whatever it takes to get these individuals and their families back up on their feet and enable them to stay in the area.

The EDF is proud to have distributed over $300,000 in funding for disaster relief since 2005, but flooding across the country in addition to hurricanes Harvey and Irma last year have severely depleted its reserves. The EDF requests the assistance of equipment industry stakeholders to help replenish funds and ensure uninterrupted access to relief services for your friends, colleagues and partners.

Please consider a tax deductible donation to the Equipment Dealers Foundation today. You can donate online at any time here, call our office at 636-349-5000 to pay with a credit card or mail a check to:

Equipment Dealers Foundation
165 N. Meramec Ave. Suite 430
St. Louis, MO 63105

Thoughts of the Day

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
-Leo Buscaglia

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them — every day begin the task anew.”
-Saint Francis de Sales

“Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keep friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment.”
-Greenville Kleisser

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
-Helen Keller

“What you thought before has led to every choice you have made, and this adds up to you at this moment. If you want to change who you are physically, mentally, and spiritually, you will have to change what you think.”
-Dr. Patrick Gentempo

Protect Your Power – a Joint Campaign from OPEI and NMMA

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing more than 100 small engine, utility vehicle, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry, today launched “Protect Your Power,” a consumer education program in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement intending to expand the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15) to year round. Outdoor power equipment, UTVs, ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and other small engine equipment are not designed, built or warranted to run on higher ethanol fuel blends, such as E15. OPEI has long advised and educated consumers about the changing fuels marketplace, and advises consumers to remain vigilant about proper fueling of these important investments.

“Fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol can damage or destroy outdoor power equipment and other small engines,” said Kris Kiser, OPEI president and CEO. “Fueling correctly – with E10 or less gas – is the best way to protect your outdoor power equipment and keep it running strong, so it will be there for you when you need it. The last thing you want is for your generator to not work during a storm, your chainsaw not to start when you need to remove fallen trees and limbs, or other equipment to fail when a job needs to get done. Read your owner’s manuals for guidance on correct fueling for any equipment or small engine product. Don’t just choose on price. Protect your power.”

Thom Dammrich, NMMA president, stated, “Most consumers are unaware that fuel with ethanol blends exceeding 10 percent can destroy small engines, including those in boats. Instead, they are blindsided when they show up for an engine repair – or worse, become stranded on the water – to find out they’ve been using the wrong fuel and voided their warranty. Unfortunately, the Trump administration’s proposed E15 sales expansion will only add to this problem.”

Dammrich continued, “Because the risk of mis-fueling is increasing, it’s imperative that we redouble our education efforts to better ensure consumers have the tools they need to protect themselves at the pump. To that effect, NMMA is honored to partner with OPEI on the Protect Your Power campaign – an important initiative that will help prevent American consumers, including 142 million boaters, from mis-fueling. And, we encourage other stakeholders to join us in this endeavor.”

Research supports the need for more consumer education to protect equipment from mis-fueling, notes Kiser. According to annual research conducted by OPEI with the Harris Poll, an ever-increasing number of outdoor power equipment owners are using the wrong type of fuel in their products. In 2018, 11% of consumers reported using E15, E30, E50, or E85 to fuel their equipment, up from 7% in 2015. One in five Americans (20%) think it is legal to put gasoline with an ethanol content higher than 10 percent into engines.
“Remember, as the fuels marketplace has changed, you can no longer count on being able to put the same fuel in your mower, generator, chain saw, trimmer or other equipment that you also use in your car or truck,” said Kiser. “Unfortunately, the small warning stickers placed on fuel pumps are not enough to prevent mis-fueling and do little to educate consumers. Consumers need to be vigilant year round when it comes to fueling and remember that E10 or less is always best for outdoor power equipment.”
For more information, visit www.lookbeforeyoupump.com and follow hashtag #LookB4UPump.

ABOUT OPEI
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry, and a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the development of safety and performance standards. OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry’s annual international trade show, and the creative force behind the environmental education program, TurfMutt.com. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces.

About NMMA
The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, marine accessories and gear used by millions of boaters in North America. The association serves its members and their sales and service networks by improving the business environment for recreational boating including providing domestic and international sales and marketing opportunities, reducing unnecessary government regulation, decreasing the cost of doing business, and helping grow boating participation. As the largest producer of boat and sport shows in the U.S., NMMA connects the recreational boating industry with the boating consumer year-round. Learn more at www.nmma.org.

OPEESA Annual Meeting to be Held March 3-6, 2019 in Miami/Coral Gables

The OPEESA Annual Meeting bring world-class speakers to a spectacular setting at The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, FL. The theme is Dealing with the Challenge of Change. The Industry Update will be presented by Tom Cromwell, Group President – Kohler Power and the Washington Update will be presented by Daniel J. Mustico, VP Government and Market Affairs, OPEI.

Other speakers include Major Dan “Noonan” Rooney, Author and Founder Folds of Honor about Living Life Between Fear and Faith; Rob Weinhold, Chief Executive, Fallston Group – The Reputation Agency discussing Crisis Management to Minimize Your Business Risk, Bill Sullivan, Executive Vice President of Advocacy, American Trucking Associations discussing the State of the Transportation Industry, our Annual Economic Update from Alan Beaulieu, Economist, ITR Economics, and our closing speaker, Tim David, Speaker, Brightside Group, highlighting Seven Magic Words, that will improve your business connections.

We are also delighted to announce that we have three naming sponsors for our events: Greenworks Commercial, Inc., Sheffield Financial, and Wells Fargo.

For more information, click here. You can also email Dana for more information, dana@opeesa.com.

Husqvarna AB CEO Kai Wärn on Q3 2018 Results – Earnings Call

Kai Wärn: This is a transcript from the call.

We will also talk a bit about, after the normal procedure here of the quarter and the divisions in 2019, which I think is becoming more and more important for us, and we are putting a lot of energy into making ’19 a good year for us.

But let us start in the ordinary procedure in summarizing the quarter 3. So, do you have all seen, you have all heard about the long, warm and dry summer which, of course, affected the demand, particularly for the Husqvarna Division, which has affected us quite a bit. On the other hand, divisions like Gardena have thrived from the same element, of course, and you will see that in the P&L very clearly.

So we have a weather impact, which is, of course, important and sizable, but I also want to be clear about that we have also another effect that is where we are imbalanced. In previous years, the efficiency program has really delivered quite a substantial improvement and which has balanced the additions of costs we are taking for the profitable growth initiatives. This year, we have come into an imbalance between them, and I’ll get back to that as well, which has broadened the P&L.

The last commentary on the summary is relating to the restructuring of the Consumer Brands Division. You know that we are dissolving it and there’s quite a few activities ongoing to deal with that. And then the aggregated comment is it’s really a lot that’s really working according to plan, so we are pleased with that. And I’ll use that as the bridge to get into the restructuring before talking a bit about the top line of the group.

So what we are looking for here, and this is really important, we are looking to create a group in which we’re building on the strength, a group which is more focused, and in that sense, will create a lot of more value going forward.

So we dissolved the Consumer Brands Division. It’s moving into Husqvarna for North America, respectively, Gardena for Europe. We are reducing about SEK 2 billion of sales into next year and there will be another one into ’20, SEK 1 billion to SEK 2 billion into 2020. We’re a little bit more unclear in the communication about that. We want to see the season of ’19 taking shape before becoming firmer on that stand at this stage.

So what we have said, and we have to repeat, these restructuring activities, they will be accretive to the financial performance for 2019, and we expect in 2020 that the full effect of them are going to be exceeding SEK 250 million.

So all in all, a lot of different activities, may that be related to Charlotte, headcount adjustments; may that be central, where we’re doing some adjustments; may that be divisions; may that be in the planning related to the footprint. So a fairly broad array of activities going on at this stage to make this happen. But it’s, everything according to plan, I think, is the big message.

If you look at the profitable growth divisions of Husqvarna, Gardena and Construction, we see that the rolling 12 months, and this is currency adjusted, is about 6% for those 3 aggregated. And you will see, of course, Husqvarna then at the end, dropping somewhat. On the other hand, the Gardena reaching towards the skies here, being somewhere in the neighborhood of 15% on the rolling 12.

The Nomination Committee will prepare proposals for the AGM in 2019, including proposals for the Chair of the AGM, Board members, Chair of the Board, remuneration for Board members, auditors, fees to the auditors, and to the extent deemed necessary, the tasks and composition of the Nomination Committee for the AGM in 2020.

The AGM of Husqvarna AB (publ) will be held in Jönköping, Sweden on April 9, 2019. Shareholders who wish to submit proposals to the Nomination Committee may do so by email to nominationcommittee@husqvarnagroup.com if possible by February 12, 2019.

Husqvarna Group
Husqvarna Group is a global leading producer of outdoor power products and innovative solutions for forest, park and garden care. Products include chainsaws, trimmers, robotic lawn mowers and ride-on lawn mowers. The Group is also the European leader in garden watering products and a global leader in cutting equipment and diamond tools for the construction and stone industries. The Group’s products and solutions are sold under brands including Husqvarna, Gardena, McCulloch, Poulan Pro, Weed Eater, Flymo, Zenoah and Diamant Boart via dealers and retailers to consumers and professionals in more than 100 countries. Net sales in 2017 amounted to SEK 39bn and the Group has around 13,000 employees in 40 countries.

Adoption Success! Rescue Dogs Find Forever Homes At The Inaugural TurfMutt Pet Adoption Event, MUTT MADNESS

Several rescue dogs were adopted at MUTT MADNESS, a TurfMutt Pet Adoption Event, at the annual GIE+EXPO, the largest trade show for outdoor power equipment, lawn and garden equipment, light construction and landscape industries. Held in partnership with the Kentucky Humane Society (KHS) and GIE+EXPO, the October 18th MUTT MADNESS event offered an opportunity for rescue dogs to find their forever homes from among the 24,000 show attendees.

“We took the definition of ‘show dog’ to a whole new level,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which is the managing partner for GIE+EXPO. “Our industry is comprised of ‘outsiders,’ who love the outdoors and animals. MUTT MADNESS was a natural fit. After all, who knows your yard the best? Your dog. And who makes your yard possible? The contractors, manufacturers, and landscapers who attend GIE+EXPO. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

OPEI’s environmental education platform, TurfMutt, donated a $10,000 check to the KHS during the event to support their work in animal rehabilitation, rescue, and adoption.

Kiser rescued his dog, Lucky, off an Indiana highway more than 10 years ago and now Lucky is “pawing it forward” as the face of the TurfMutt program, which educates children and families about the value of, and how to care for, green spaces including family yards, parks and other landscaped areas so vital to our communities.

“We are thrilled to see these wonderful dogs find new homes. Ten rescue dogs were adopted at our inaugural MUTT MADNESS event, and even more dogs from the show found their forever homes over the weekend,” said Kiser.

To learn more about TurfMutt, go to www.TurfMutt.com

Briggs Extends Sponsorship of Al’s Run, Donates $1 Million to Milwaukee Children’s Hospital

Wauwatosa-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. donated $1 million to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin and extended its sponsorship of the annual Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk through 2022. The 41st annual Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk took place on October 6.

“Briggs & Stratton believes that it’s not just exceptional products and services that make a company great – it’s what the company stands for,” said Lauren Vagnini, Briggs corporate communication manager. “Throughout its 110-year history, Briggs & Stratton has had a commitment to the Milwaukee community, and that commitment only continues to grow. Our $1 million donation to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is an example of that and something we are so proud to continue to support.”

Briggs first became the title sponsor for the event 23 years ago and has donated more than $5 million to the hospital.
“Events like Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk are the most powerful way to engage the community and generate support that makes a difference for kids,” said Meg Brzyski Nelson, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Foundation president. “We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Briggs & Stratton – their support has been critical to the services we provide to kids and families throughout the state.”

The Briggs & Al’s Run & Walk draws around 15,000 participants annually. The event has raised more than $20 million since it started in 1977.

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