Outdoor Power Equipment and Engine Service Association
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OPE-in-the KNOW-August 2018-Vol. 210

The Toro Company Announces Expansion in Wisconsin

The Toro Company, a leading worldwide provider of outdoor maintenance equipment and irrigation and professional lighting solutions, is expanding its facility in Tomah. The project will add 180,000 square feet to its facility and is expected to create 35 new jobs.

“Companies have a choice when they are looking to expand, and we’re pleased The Toro Company has chosen to make this investment right here in Wisconsin,” said Walker “The new jobs and capital investment this project will bring to Tomah underscores Toro’s continued commitment to the state and our workforce.”

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation is supporting the project by authorizing up to $350,000 in state income tax credits over the next four years.

The Tomah facility manufactures commercial equipment that serves golf courses, sports field and grounds and other landscape industries.

Douglas Dynamics Q2 Profit Earnings

Douglas Dynamics Inc. reported second-quarter profit of $21.2 million in early August. The Milwaukee-based company said it had net income of 91 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for one-time gains and costs, came to $1.02 per share.

The snowplow maker posted revenue of $163.4 million in the period.Douglas Dynamics expects full-year earnings in the range of $1.75 to $2.05 per share, with revenue in the range of $490 million to $535 million.

Briggs & Stratton Acquires Hurricane

Briggs & Stratton Corporation announced that it has acquired certain assets of Hurricane, Inc. of Muskegon Heights, Michigan, a designer and manufacturer of high-quality, rugged stand-on leaf and debris blowers. Terms of the transaction, which accelerates the company’s diversification into commercial products, were not disclosed.

“Hurricane brings high-quality products with differentiated capabilities around air flow and handling which make the lawn and turf care professional more productive and able to tackle even the largest jobs more efficiently and easily,” says Harold L. Redman, Briggs & Stratton’s senior vice president and group president – Turf & Consumer Products. “The acquisition brings Briggs & Stratton and its family of brands one step closer to its goal of filling a landscaper’s trailer with everything needed to start and finish a job in as little time and with as little effort as possible to maximize their profitability.”

“Briggs & Stratton continues to generate strong growth serving commercial customers in lawn and turf care, job site, and on an OEM basis with an expanding line of innovative commercial engines,” states Todd J. Teske, Briggs & Stratton’s chairman, president and chief executive officer. “This investment follows our recent acquisition of the assets of Ground Logic, Inc. which produces stand-on commercial spreaders and spreader/sprayers for fertilizer and pesticide-herbicide lawn applications. Both have expanded our product line and will enable us to take advantage of synergies in manufacturing and supply chain. We will be able to leverage our broad base of dealers and distributors to accelerate growth of these products.”

Generac Reports Q2 Results

Generac Holdings Inc., a leading global designer and manufacturer of power generation equipment and other engine powered products, reported financial results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2018.

Second Quarter 2018 Highlights

  • Net sales increased 25.3% to $494.9 million during the second quarter of 2018 as compared to $394.9 million in the prior-year second quarter, including $4.0 million of contribution from the Selmec acquisition, which closed on June 1, 2018.  Core sales growth, which excludes both the favorable impact of acquisitions and foreign currency, was approximately 23%.
  • Gross profit margin improved 190 basis points to 35.6% as compared to 33.7% in the second quarter of 2017.
  • Net income attributable to the Company during the second quarter was $53.3 million, or $0.82 per share, as compared to $25.3 million, or $0.41 per share, for the same period of 2017.
  • Adjusted net income attributable to the Company, as defined in the accompanying reconciliation schedules, was $68.9 million, or $1.11 per share, as compared to $42.7 million, or $0.68 per share, in the second quarter of 2017.
  • Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the Company, as defined in the accompanying reconciliation schedules, was $99.6 million as compared to $68.3 million in the second quarter last year.
  • Cash flow from operations was $50.7 million as compared to $59.5 million in the prior year quarter.  Free cash flow, as defined in the accompanying reconciliation schedules, was $45.9 million as compared to $53.7 million in the second quarter of 2017.
  • As a result of the continued strong demand for both residential and commercial & industrial (“C&I”) products, together with the closing of the Selmec acquisition, the Company is increasing its full-year 2018 sales growth guidance to approximately 13 to 14% with Adjusted EBITDA margins of approximately 20.0%.

“Our second quarter results further demonstrate the tremendous earnings power of Generac as solid execution across our entire business helped drive a 300 basis point expansion in EBITDA margins over the prior year,” said Aaron Jagdfeld, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We continue to see robust demand across all of our end markets and geographies, with particular strength coming from residential products as power outages over the last twelve months have been well above the long-term average.  Global interest for our C&I mobile and stationary products has also been strong primarily driven by an increase in telecom, healthcare and other large projects, as well as the continued investment in fleet equipment by our rental account customers.  Lastly, on June 1st, we closed on the acquisition of Selmec, further expanding our presence in the important Latin American backup power market.”

Additional Second Quarter 2018 Consolidated Highlights

Residential product sales increased 24.1% to $246.4 million as compared to $198.5 million in the prior year.  C&I product sales increased 26.9% to $215.6 million as compared to $169.9 million in the prior year, with core sales growth of approximately 21%.

Gross profit margin improved 190 basis points to 35.6% as compared to 33.7% in the prior-year second quarter.  The increase reflected better leverage of fixed manufacturing costs on the significant increase in sales, a more favorable pricing environment, and focused initiatives to improve margins.  These items were partially offset by general inflationary pressures from higher commodities, currencies, wages and logistics costs.

Operating expenses increased $9.7 million, or 11.9%, as compared to the second quarter of 2017.  The increase was primarily driven by higher variable operating expenses given the higher sales volumes, an increase in employee costs including additional incentive compensation, and increased International operating expenses given the stronger Euro.  These items were partially offset by lower promotional costs as well as lower intangible amortization expense.

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, before deducting for non-controlling interests, improved to $102.2 million, or 20.7% of net sales, as compared to $69.7 million, or 17.7% of net sales, in the prior year.

Cash flow from operations was $50.7 million as compared to $59.5 million in the prior-year second quarter, and free cash flow was $45.9 million as compared to $53.7 million in the same quarter last year.  The year-over-year decline in second quarter cash flow reflected increased working capital investment driven by organic sales growth and the replenishment of inventory levels in anticipation of the summer storm season.

The current year earnings per share calculation of $0.82 includes the impact of a $2.3 million adjustment to increase the value of the redeemable noncontrolling interest for the Pramac acquisition, resulting in a $0.04 reduction in earnings per share. Under U.S. GAAP accounting rules, any adjustments to the redemption value are recorded directly to retained earnings.  However, the redemption value adjustments are required to be reflected in the earnings per share calculation as detailed in the accompanying reconciliation schedules.

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2014-09,

Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and all related amendments, commonly known as the “new revenue recognition standard”.  The full retrospective method was elected under this standard, which requires application to all periods presented.  As a result, the prior-year 2017 results have been restated accordingly.  However, the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Business Segment Results

Domestic Segment

Domestic segment sales increased 24.8% to $381.0 million as compared to $305.4 million in the prior-year quarter.  The current-year quarter continued to experience strong growth in shipments of home standby and portable generators and also benefitted from robust C&I shipments driven by mobile products fleet replacement and strength in stationary generators through national accounts.  Increased service part sales also contributed to the year-over-year growth.

Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was $90.6 million, or 23.8% of net sales, as compared to $63.7 million in the prior year, or 20.9% of net sales.  Adjusted EBITDA margin in the current year benefitted from improved overall operating leverage on the higher organic sales volumes, a favorable pricing environment, lower promotional costs, and focused margin improvement initiatives.  These benefits were partially offset by an increase in employee costs, including higher incentive compensation, and general inflationary pressures.

International Segment

International segment sales increased 27.3% to $113.9 million as compared to $89.5 million in the prior-year quarter, including $4.0 million of contribution from the Selmec acquisition.  Core sales growth was approximately 16%, primarily due to broad-based growth of C&I products across Europe, Asia and Latin America.

Adjusted EBITDA for the segment, before deducting for non-controlling interests, improved to $11.6 million, or 10.2% of net sales, as compared to $6.0 million, or 6.7% of net sales, in the prior year.  The improvement was primarily due to increased leverage of fixed operating costs on the higher organic sales and favorable mix.  These favorable impacts were partially offset by higher commodity prices, along with the expansion of certain branch operations.

Updated 2018 Outlook

The Company is increasing its prior guidance for revenue growth for full-year 2018 due to improving end-market conditions and the closing of the Selmec acquisition.  Full year net sales are now expected to grow between 13 to 14% over the prior year, which is an increase from the 6 to 8% growth previously expected.  Core sales growth is expected to be approximately 10%, which is an increase from the 5 to 6% growth previously expected.  This top-line guidance assumes no “major” outage events and a baseline power outage severity level similar to the longer-term average for the remainder of the year.  Should the baseline power outage environment in 2018 be higher, or if there is a “major” event during the year, the Company could exceed these expectations.

Given the increase in net sales guidance, net income margins, before deducting for non-controlling interests, are now expected to be approximately 10.5% for the full-year 2018, which is an increase from the 9.5 to 10.0% guidance previously expected.  Adjusted EBITDA margins, also before deducting for non-controlling interests, are now expected to be approximately 20.0% for the year, up from the prior 19.0 to 19.5% guidance.

Operating and free cash flow generation is expected to remain strong, with the conversion of adjusted net income to free cash flow still forecasted to be over 90%.

Husqvarna Group Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

Glen Instone, currently Vice President (VP) Global Sales & Services, Husqvarna Division, has been working at Husqvarna Group since 2006. He has held various positions within the Group including VP Finance of the Husqvarna Division, VP Finance Europe, Middle East and Africa as well as VP Finance of Manufacturing, Logistics & Purchasing. Before joining Husqvarna Group, Glen Instone was the financial controller of Electrolux Outdoor Products UK, BE and NL.

Glen holds an Accounting & Finance degree (BA Hons) of University of Teesside, UK.

“I am very happy to welcome Glen Instone as our new Chief Financial Officer and I’m especially pleased that we were able to find the best candidate internally. Glen has a broad and extensive experience within the company and the right personal and leadership skills to support Husqvarna Group’s future journey towards market leadership. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Jan Ytterberg for his contribution to the Group”, says Kai W�rn, President and CEO of Husqvarna Group.

Ocean Bio-Chem, Inc. Reports Record Q2 2018 Net Income and Net Sales

Ocean Bio-Chem, Inc.  recently announced its financial results for the second quarter of 2018. Second quarter 2018 net income of approximately $1.1 million was a second quarter record for the Company and an increase of approximately $169,000, or 18%, compared to net income of approximately $953,000 for the second quarter of 2017. Net income per share in the second quarter of 2018 was $0.12, as compared to net income of $0.10 per share in the second quarter of 2017.

Second Quarter 2018 net sales were a second quarter record of approximately $11.4 million, an increase of approximately $1.8 million, or 19%, compared to net sales of approximately $9.6 million for the second quarter of 2017. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, net income was approximately $1.6 million, or $0.18 per common share, an increase of approximately $188,000 compared to net income of approximately $1.5 million, or $0.16 per common share, for the same period in 2017. The Company’s net income for the first six months of 2018 was a record for the first six months of the year.

Net sales for the first six months of 2018 were approximately $19.8 million, an increase of approximately $1.9 million, or 11%, compared to approximately $17.8 million for the first six months of 2017. This is the sixth consecutive year in which net sales reached record levels for the first six months of the year.

Ocean Bio-Chem Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Dornau stated, “As we anticipated, sales to marine markets improved as the extended unseasonably cold weather that affected most of the country ended during the second quarter of 2018. Generally, we recorded strong sales increases in most of our markets. Second quarter sales increased to brick and mortar retailers in marine, hardware and sporting goods specialty stores.”

Mr. Dornau continued: “In response to the strong U.S. economy and increased sales, we have continued to invest in the growth of our business. The expansion of our manufacturing, warehouse and distribution facilities in Montgomery, Alabama is almost complete, and we have scheduled a ribbon cutting ceremony at the facilities for later this month. We also have hired additional personnel and increased employee compensation. In addition, during the second quarter, we increased our advertising and promotion efforts, largely through increased television, magazine and internet advertising. We believe that our increased advertising and promotional spending has had a positive effect on sales. Moreover, in July, we completed an asset acquisition that enabled us to add Snappy Teak-NU®, a cleaning product for teak decks on boats, to our product portfolio. We believe that Snappy Teak-NU® will prove to be an excellent addition to our line of marine products.”

Mr. Dornau concluded: “Finally, we are very pleased that we were able to provide to our shareholders, during the second quarter of 2018, a special dividend of $0.06 per share. This is the third consecutive year in which we have paid a $0.06 per share special dividend.”

Briggs & Stratton Reports a Loss

Briggs & Stratton Corp. (BGG) reported a fiscal fourth-quarter loss of $11.8 million, after reporting a profit in the same period a year earlier.

On a per-share basis, the Wauwatosa, Wisconsin-based company said it had a loss of 29 cents. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, were 47 cents per share.

The results surpassed Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of three analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for earnings of 42 cents per share.
The engine maker posted revenue of $501.7 million in the period, also exceeding Street forecasts. Three analysts surveyed by Zacks expected $495.8 million.

For the year, the company reported a loss of $11.3 million, or 28 cents per share, swinging to a loss in the period. Revenue was reported as $1.88 billion.

Briggs & Stratton expects full-year earnings to be $1.35 to $1.55 per share, with revenue in the range of $1.93 billion to $1.99 billion.

Briggs & Stratton shares have declined 27 percent since the beginning of the year. In the final minutes of trading on Wednesday, shares hit $18.42, a drop of 23 percent in the last 12 months.

Independent Dealer Study

This content is presented by Black Ink Technologies. an affiliate member of OPEESA.

OPE, marine, and powersports executives in sales, marketing, operations and dealer development across the United States share their perspective on the opportunities and challenges concerning sales through independent dealers.

Click here to get the report. No commitment is required to access the report

Thoughts of the Day

“Don’t predict the condition of the entire day by the state of the morning. You don’t judge a book by its cover. A cloudy morning is no guarantee for a rainy day!”

― Israelmore Ayivor

“Live in moments that consume your heart and mind, but be distracted by the music from the leaves, birds, wind, rain, sun and people.”
― Val Uchendu

“On a sunny clear day, you can improve your body; on a rainy foggy day, you can improve your mind!”
― Mehmet Murat ildan

“There are two kinds of failures: those who thought and never did, and those who did and never thought.”
– Laurence J. Peter

“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.”
– Carl Jung

“It is wonderful to have Faith, but don’t confuse trust with being gullible. Balance trust with conscious thought.”
– Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Ocean Bio-Chem, Inc. Aquires Snappy Marine, Inc.

Ocean Bio-Chem, Inc.,  subsidiary Star brite Distributing, Inc. announced the acquisition of Snappy Marine, Inc. a leading manufacturer and distributor of teak care products, for the marine industry.

Peter Dornau, President and CEO commented, “We started looking at Snappy Marine, Inc. in early 2018.  As discussions continued, we realized that Snappy had great brand recognition, which would fit nicely into the Star brite range of products.  By acquiring Snappy Marine, Star brite acquires a brand of teak care products trademarked under the Snappy Teak Nu® name, which has significant brand recognition in the boating/marine industry.

The Snappy brand of products are known for high quality and superior performance in renewing weathered teak wood to like-new condition.  Snappy Marine has a loyal customer base in both the US and international markets.  We believe that together the Star brite and Snappy brands can be leveraged to increase sales of both brands.”

Mr. Dornau concluded, “The strong economy continues to drive sales of new and pre-owned recreational boats, and increased recreational boating which, in turn, is increasing demand for boat care products, including teak care products.  We believe the acquisition of Snappy will be accretive to net income in 2018.”

Greg Dornau, Executive VP of Sales & Marketing, also commented, “The acquisition of Snappy Marine, Inc. provides Star brite with a great opportunity to expand the sales of the Snappy brand of products to our existing and new customers.  Our sales team is excited to continue the legacy of the Snappy line of teak products.  We also see opportunities for the increased sales of teak and other product line extensions under the Snappy brand.  Strategically we are evaluating the launching of a brand of teak care products for restoring home and outdoor teak furniture.”

About Ocean Bio-Chem, Inc.:

Ocean Bio-Chem, Inc. manufactures, markets and distributes a broad line of appearance and maintenance products for the marine, automotive, power sports, recreational vehicle and outdoor power equipment markets under Star brite®, Star Tron®, Odor Star® and other brand names within the United States of America and Canada. In addition, the Company produces private label formulations of many of its products for various customers and provides custom blending and packaging services for these and other products. The Company also manufactures, markets and distributes a line of disinfectant, sanitizing and deodorizing products under the Performacide® and Star brite® brand names.

Stanley, Sears to have Competing Craftsman Tool Brands

This article comes from the Chicago Tribune – Reporter Lauren Zumbach

Plenty of consumers know Sears’ iconic Craftsman tool brand. Now they’ll have to get to know its doppelganger.

When Stanley Black & Decker bought the Craftsman brand from Sears Holdings Corp. last year, the deal — valued at $900 million — let both companies continue making and selling products under the Craftsman label.

That means a Craftsman cordless power drill or red metal toolbox could have come from either Sears or Stanley, depending on where it’s purchased. Consumers will continue to see Sears’ version of Craftsman in the Hoffman Estates-based retailer’s Sears and Kmart stores, as well as Sears Hometown and Outlet. Elsewhere, they will begin to see New Britain, Conn.-based Stanley’s take on the brand.

Last week, Stanley introduced 1,200 Craftsman products, including automotive tools, power drills, lawn equipment and storage boxes, which will begin arriving at Lowe’s and Ace Hardware stores in September. Metal storage products will go on sale on Amazon later this year, with more added in 2019. Certain items, including toolboxes and mechanic’s tools, have been in Lowe’s stores since April, Stanley said.

Competing versions of a brand sounds like a recipe for customer confusion, but Stanley spokesman Tim Perra said the company isn’t concerned.
Both companies have agreed to a set of brand standards and guidelines, Sears spokesman Larry Costello said.

“Regardless of where the product was purchased, customers can expect that these tools meet the highest performance standards,” Costello said.

Only about 10 percent of Craftsman products were sold outside Sears when the companies announced the deal last year, according to Stanley. Stanley is hoping to shift that balance as it brings its products to new retailers.

Sears acknowledged Stanley’s moves last week with a blog post defending its hold on the brand it launched 91 years ago. Tom Park, president of the Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard brands at Sears, listed industry awards Craftsman won under Sears’ ownership and noted the retailer still has the biggest assortment of Craftsman products of any U.S. retailer.

Sears will benefit from Craftsman tools sold by Stanley, which will pay royalties for 15 years, Park wrote.

“But make no mistake, we’ve been the home of what is arguably America’s most iconic tool brand and we’re so proud to continue to offer Craftsman products right here at Sears and Kmart,” he wrote.
The Craftsman sale brought an immediate cash infusion for Sears, which has sold assets to fund its turnaround attempt after seven years of red ink. The agreement called for a $525 million payment when the deal closed and another $250 million three years later. But Sears, thanks to the royalty payments, also stands to benefit from the brand’s growth outside its stores.

About six months before inking the deal with Stanley, Sears announced said it was looking for ways to wring more cash from its better-known brands — including Craftsman, Kenmore and DieHard — by expanding their reach outside its stores. Since then Sears also began selling DieHard auto products and Kenmore appliances on Amazon.

Last week the retailer received a $400 million offer for the Kenmore brand from the hedge fund run by Sears CEO Edward Lampert. In a letter, Lampert’s ESL Investments said the sale of Kenmore and a piece of Sears’ home services division would aid the company’s finances and “allow these businesses to unlock their considerable potential by further expanding their presence in the marketplace.”

Christine Potter, vice president of outdoor power equipment, talks about Stanley Black & Decker’s Craftsman mowers and their battery system on Aug. 16, 2018. (Kim Hairston / The Baltimore Sun)
In addition to the opportunity to expand Craftsman’s reach, Stanley saw an opportunity to update the brand’s look and feel, though the red color scheme will remain, Stanley’s Perra said.

The 1,200 products Stanley announced last week are the kinds of tools Craftsman already made, but “completely redesigned,” he said. A line of power drills, for instance, has a new battery system and ergonomic design.

Stanley also wanted to make more Craftsman products in the U.S., though it wasn’t a response to the Trump administration’s protectionist trade policies or an effort to avoid tariffs, Perra said.
“We believe in having the ability to make products in the countries where we sell them in a competitive way,” he said.

Stanley’s Craftsman products or components for them are made at 20 U.S. plants, including one in Connecticut that produces tape measures. Perra couldn’t immediately say what share of Craftsman products are U.S.-made, and they include materials imported from around the world.
Sears also declined to share specifics of where its Craftsman products are made.

“To meet our exacting standards for quality and performance, we leverage relationships with the largest manufacturers in the industry, both domestically and globally,” Costello said.

Hiring Technicians

From TriPax Resources – www.tripaxresources.com

I need to hire an OPE Technician… yep, you and LOTS of other people! As you know, Technicians are in high demand these days. SO, how do you recruit them? Of course, networking and getting your need / name out in the market is a great place to start, but let’s take a look at some best practices and perhaps new ways to find talent.

Here are some tips:

  • Job postings on the web are certainly a tool to use, but simply posting your job on a general site can create more work than it is worth. If you are going to use the web as a tool, using an industry targeted site is better. Sites that link directly to the audience that you are recruiting are a better resource than a general aggregate site.
  • Social sites are also a good tool and perhaps better than running ads. Finding focus groups on sites like Facebook or Instagram can generate lots of conversation and interest. This hits your audience where they are already looking.
  • Involvement in your local Tech College or High School programs can also yield good results. By getting your name in front of young people as they learn you can build loyalty and end up with some solid talent that is excited about being a part of your team.
  • Look at recruiting Veterans. There is a wealth of knowledge, some great training and good discipline in this population… AND talk about loyalty! Recruit a Veteran!
  • Last, but certainly not least, align yourself with a knowledgeable Recruiting Firm. Partnering with a good Recruiter brings value to your team through bringing targeted, vetted and referenced talent that is ready to be interviewed and excited about your opportunity.

This article was provided by TriPax Resources – www.tripaxresources.com

New Products and Demos Are Highlights at GIE+EXPO

GIE+EXPO 2018 is the No. 1 opportunity for attendees to see what’s new from the industry’s leading companies as well as innovative start-ups. Manufacturers’ newest items will be showcased indoors all three days of the show. New this year, all attendees are invited to attend on Wednesday, October 17. The show opens for dealers, distributors, retailers and media at NOON and for the entire industry at 3 PM. The trade show floor turns into a welcome reception for all from 5 to 7PM.

GIE+EXPO’s 20+ acre Outdoor Demo Area is Just steps away from the indoor exhibits. It will be open Thursday October 18, 9AM-5PM and Friday, October 19, 9AM-1PM. It features hands-on exhibits displaying new products and equipment, from hand-held and walk-behind equipment to ride-on mowers, light construction equipment and UTVs. Attendees value the opportunity to get behind the controls, test drive and comparison shop all in one place.  Access to the Outdoor Demo Area is included in the registration fee.

Visit: www.gie-expo.com for complete education information and tradeshow details, including how to register.

Tips to Inspire Kids To Care For Living Landscapes, Get Outside

When it comes to our yards, school grounds, parks and other living landscapes, you don’t have to be big to make a big difference. School is back in session soon for students around the country, and Lucky the TurfMutt is offering tips to inspire elementary school students and their families to take care of the green spaces around them — and get outside and enjoy them!

Tip #1: Get outside! Fall is a great time to explore nature all around you. After spending a long day inside at school, encourage your child to take time afterward to enjoy your yard and nearby parks.

Tip #2. Notice the different kinds of plants in your yard. Take your children around the outside of your home. Encourage them to take notes and sketch what you see. What makes your yard unique? Draw the living (plants, trees, grass) and the non-living (patios, grills) parts of your landscape. What might impact living plants? Does your yard need plants that do well in the wind, full sun, shade, or occasional flooding?

Tip #3: Notice the areas needing improvements.Do plants need mulch around them to help them save water? Do you have plants that attract pollinators like hummingbirds, bees and butterflies? Do you have a healthy mix of grass, shrubs, trees and flowering plants?  Are some parts of your yard a little worn out?

Tip #4: Make a plan to take care of your yard. Have a family talk about how you can care for your lawn and landscape, and the improvements you want to make.  Create a plan to take care of the yard and make the improvements together.

Tip #5: Put the right plant in the right place.Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to find out what plants are best for where you live. Use a mix of native and adaptive plants and place them where they will thrive.

Tip #6: Visit TurfMutt.com to play games and read digital storybooks for free to learn more. Join Lucky the TurfMutt and his friends, the Outdoor Powers on their adventures to save the planet one yard at a time. The website offers home-based activities, digital storybooks, lesson plans for families and teachers and more.

About TurfMutt
TurfMutt was created by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) Research and Education Foundation and has reached more than 68 million children, educators and families since 2009. Through classroom materials developed with Scholastic, TurfMutt teaches students and teachers how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” More information at www.TurfMutt.com.

Huntertown, IN Fire & EMS Help Cut Lawn of a Man Who Had Heat Stroke

In Mid-August, Sandy Grabner returned home from running errands and found her husband of 45 years, Gary, struggling to remain conscious while cutting the grass.

Gary describes what he remembers,”It was real hot, I was out here mowing, and I was trying to get it done before my wife got back home, and I just felt like I was going to pass out, and I come to the table and by the time I got to the table, I did pass out. ”

Gary was suffering from heat stroke. Huntertown, IN Fire and EMS, along with an Allen County Sheriff arrived on the scene to help Gary. Several personnel were taking care of him in the back of the ambulance and that is when one of the EMT’s Ben Sobczak decided to help out in another way.

“It’s just one of those things that, you see an opportunity to help out the community and that’s what you feel like you have to do. The paramedics in the back of the truck were busy taking care of the patient. I saw that we had a few extra minutes and decided to help them out,” said Sobczak.

Sobczak mowed and bagged the grass, and put everything away when he was done. Sandy is very thankful that the EMS and sheriff helped take care of her husband, and even went the extra mile, adding,”We just appreciate all the help and the love that they gave us, and for the community. They really just jumped in there, they are more than just MT’s they care about the community and the people.”
Gary is doing great now and says next time he will make sure to drink plenty of water.

It doesn’t have to be exceptionally hot to suffer from any heat related illness. Make sure you are hydrated if you plan to do any strenuous activity outdoor. Those 65 and older are more susceptible, as their body’s do not cool as quickly. Some of the symptoms include dizziness, fainting, fatigue, confusion along with nausea and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms move to a cooler area out of direct sunlight and drink cold water. Call 911 in extreme cases such as, fainting, confusion or seizures.

CONTACT US

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FAX: 865-518-6197
Email: info@opeesa.com
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