News

Gallivan Corp. wins landscape award
TROY, N.Y. – Gallivan Corp., a family-owned and managed landscape design construction and management firm, was recently awarded a Distinction Award by PLANET. The award was given as part of PLANET’s 2010 Annual Environmental Improvement Awards.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by PLANET as our talented team puts tremendous passion into each and every project,” said Brendan Gallivan, president of Gallivan Corp.

The award was based on Gallivan’s design/build, named ‘A Backyard Transformation,’ at a private residence. The design features a natural limestone waterfall that flows into a custom pool, equipped with a slide. Other features include a brick-veneered pool house, gas-burning fire pit with a circular seating area, paver patios, plants and lighting. Award classification lists the cost of the project between $100,000 and $500,000.

WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Expo attracts 1,000
LAS VEGAS – Water-efficiency professionals from around the world gathered October 6-8 to discuss innovation and conservation at the third annual WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition.

More than 1,000 participants from 40 states and 10 countries attended the event. The conference, presented by the Southern Nevada Water Authority in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program and the American Water Works Association, offered more than 130 professional sessions and an expo that featured 90 exhibitors from around the world.

“Natural capitalism” advocate Hunter Lovins and Steven Solomon, author of “Water: The Epic Struggle for Wealth, Power and Civilization,” served as the keynote speakers. Technical tours of the Hoover Dam, the Springs Preserve and The Venetian Resort highlighted the area’s water-efficiency practices and water resources.

“Based upon preliminary feedback, this was our most successful event so far,” said Doug Bennett, WSI program chairman.

“What really makes this event unique is the diversity and the quality of the professionals that attend.”

The fourth WSI conference and expo has been scheduled for Oct. 5-7, 2011.

Ewing Irrigation opens in North Carolina
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ewing Irrigation Products, the Phoenix-based distributor of landscape, irrigation and industrial products, makes its entrance into the North Carolina market with the opening of a new location in Charlotte.

The newly remodeled 24,824-square-foot facility is now open for business. An additional branch is set to open in North Charlotte later this year.

The growing amount of commercial work and new home construction served as a catalyst for Ewing’s expansion into the market. Ewing serves more than 195 locations in the U.S., spanning the West Coast, Southwest, Midwest and Southeast.

Builder’s association names Ruppert subcontractor of year
LAYTONSVILLE, Md. – The Associated Builders and Contractors’ of Metro Washington and Virginia Chapters have named Ruppert Landscape its Landscape Subcontractor of the Year in their 2010 Excellence in Construction Awards program. This is the sixth time Ruppert has received this award that is given by the associations’ general contractor community to the subcontractor who maintains the highest standards for quality and craftsmanship on award-winning projects.

“Teamwork and cooperation between general contractors, specialty contractors and material suppliers are prerequisites for building excellence into any construction project,” said Debra A. Schoonmaker, ABC’s Metro Washington Chapter president. 
 
Bob Jones, vice president and director of landscape construction for Ruppert said that the ABC award is one of the most meaningful honors a company can receive because the nominations and selection come from the contractors themselves.

“It’s gratifying to know that we have met or exceeded many of our customers’ expectations, and we’re grateful to have been selected and recognized with this award,” he said.

Arlington named PLANET Trailblazer
ERIE, Pa. – Richard Arlington, certified landscape professional and certified snow professional, was recently named a Trailblazer by PLANET. Arlington is president of Rich Arlington & Associates and Arlington Lawncare in Erie, Pa., as well as a consultant and business manager at Affiliated Grounds Maintenance Group based in Lake City, Pa.

Trailblazers are a select group of individuals nominated by their peers as dedicated professionals who have made significant and long-term contributions to the green industry. The program was launched in 2002 to recognize industry leaders and to share their knowledge with PLANET members. Arlington is one of 90 Trailblazers added since 2002.

“Success comes with a responsibility to help others and share what you have learned,” said Arlington, “and I am truly honored to be among the 90 Trailblazers who have dedicated themselves to helping others in the green industry.”

Arlington has spent 25 years in the landscape, lot sweeping and snow and ice maintenance industry.

He specializes in litigation consulting in the areas of snow management and landscape practices.

In 2000, Arlington joined Affiliated Grounds Maintenance Group, which has grown to encompass work in 27 states with over 300 contractors.

In 2005, he launched a consulting firm that works with facilities around the country to achieve better risk management for their exterior services. The company also consults to lawn care, landscape and snow management businesses on ways to improve profits, operations, marketing and safety practices.

Arlington continues to oversee Arlington Lawncare, formed in 1987, based in Erie, Pa. where he resides with his family. This company provides lawn, landscape and snow management services and currently employs a 30-person staff and 200 subcontractors.

 
HMI adds two firms to its network
CARY, N.C. – Taylor Tree Services and JL Tree Service have joined HMI’s Authorized Member Network in Northeast Florida and Virginia, Maryland and Washington, respectively.

HMI provides property owners and insurers, among others, full support services for trees and shrubs, including emergency removals, inspections, cause of loss analysis and replacement cost calculations.
HMI’s national network of arborists and professional tree care companies support all of its product and service offerings.

Taylor Tree will support HMI in Jacksonville, St. Augustine and the neighboring areas.

“Having a leading company available to help in coastal areas exposed to tropical storms and hurricanes is invaluable for our clients,” said Don Malawsky, executive vice president and chief operating officer of HMI, of Taylor Tree.

“Companies such as JL Tree Service are invaluable for our network, as they exemplify the highest standard of tree care work in the industry,” he added.

NEI Holdings makes second acquisition of 2010
DANBURY, Conn. – NEI Holdings has completed its second acquisition for the 2010 season.

New England Irrigation, Milford, Mass., acquired the accounts of Underground Concepts, Hopedale, Mass. North East Irrigation, Bayville, N.J., acquired the residential service accounts of LandTech Enterprises, Warrington Pa.

“Adding these quality customers to our already strong service base not only contributes 20 percent growth to our service top line, but strengthens our footprint in the markets that we already service” says Eric Zima, owner of NEI. “We will continue to search for opportunities that will drive our business plan.”

People
Shannon Savage has joined Borst Landscape and Design, Allendale, N.J., as a garden maintenance supervisor/designer.

Mike Rorie joined GIS Dynamics as CEO.

Ball Horticultural Co. named Janet Curry as the National Key Accounts Manager and Daniel “Danny” Brooks as Eastern Technical Sales Manager to Daniels Plant Food (Ball DPF LLC).

Dow AgroSciences has named Jason Nelson to the position of portfolio marketing leader for the turf and ornamental business division. Lee Conway was named district sales manager responsible for overseeing the eastern turf and ornamental sales district.