Upfront: Why I love this industry
By Steve Noe
As I was reviewing the content for this issue of Outdoor Power Equipment, it dawned on me what I enjoy the most about this outstanding industry — the people. Despite even the toughest of times — which have become all too familiar in recent months with mergers, plant closings, layoffs, pay cuts and buyouts — the people always manage to rise to the occasion and make this industry great.
While our brave troops are defending our freedom all over the world, Cub Cadet Commercial and Project EverGreen recently announced that they will continue to support the families of those troops here at home for a third consecutive year through a program called GreenCare for Troops. This program provides free lawn and landscape services to military families whose major provider is serving overseas, and it is currently supported by more than 2,200 green industry professionals, which is outstanding. However, more than 8,000 military families have requested support since the program’s inception in 2006, so there is a great need for more support. For more information about this program, including how to get involved, read the full story on page 10 and see the public service announcement ad on page 13.
Once you’ve finished reading the story about the GreenCare for Troops program and the many ways that you can contribute, you can read about another great program and more good deeds on page 11. That’s where you will find that Exmark Manufacturing and the Toro Giving Program recently donated three zero-turn riding mowers to two community organizations and a public school in southeast Nebraska.
Just last month in May OPE, Pathfinder Computer Systems, Inc. announced that it would do its part to help dealers succeed in these tough economic times by offering its flagship business software, Mekanix Choice, to qualifying startup dealers for free, as well as discounts to its current dealers.
These are just a few of the many examples of this industry’s good deeds in recent months. If I were to recall and recap all of the acts of kindness and generosity done by the fine folks in our industry during my 12 years serving as editor of OPE, I have no doubt that I could easily fill this entire magazine from cover to cover. I merely cited these recent examples to illustrate my point.
During times of need such as when a war breaks out, a natural disaster strikes, or a community organization simply needs a mower, the people of our industry are always quick to respond by lending a helping hand. And that’s why I love this industry.
OPE Editor Steve Noe
snoe@m2media360.com
