News and notes

OPEI to tackle drought, debut new look for E-15 campaign

Lesson learned from California’s landmark drought will take center stage with OPEI during GIE+EXPO. It’s an issue of paramount interest to the outdoor power equipment and landscaping industries. Extensive lawn and landscape removal and lawn shaming have led to serious environmental and social problems in California, and we are now seeing similar issues in other parts of the country. Stop by OPEI’s booth to talk about policy and practical responses to drought and attacks on the managed landscape.

TurfMutt, the caped crusader who teaches children about environmental stewardship and responsibility, will also be part of OPEI’s activities as he gears up for another season of Lucky Dog on CBS. We will showcase TurfMutt’s expanded essay contest for grades K-5 with Scholastic and a new TurfMutt Teacher award to launch in spring 2017.

OPEI also will debut a new look for its popular “Look Before You Pump” campaign at the event, which has been embraced by dealers, manufacturers, retailers, and sister organizations. Look for new, OPEI ethanol education resources this fall.

LANDSCAPES 2016 to feature six education tracks; new power sessions

LANDSCAPES is hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals and is produced in conjunction with GIE+EXPO and Hardscapes North America.

This year’s convention will feature more than 40 sessions, presented in six different learning formats including town hall meetings; deep-dive workshops; lightning-round sessions; facilitated roundtable discussions; and power sessions. NALP members can also schedule one-on-one 75-minute business consultations with leading business owners who are part of the association’s Trailblazer program.

New this year, instead of one keynote session to open the conference, there will be three “power sessions” – one each morning – that will feature the most in-demand experts.

Education will be delivered in six tracks this year including: leadership; business management; operations; human resources; sales and marketing; and safety and technical. LANDSCAPES registration also includes registration to GIE+EXPO.

LANDSCAPES 2016 is approved for Landscape Industry Certified recertification at 1 CEU per hour of instruction attended. PGMS and HNA educational programs also qualify toward recertification.

For more information about LANDSCAPES 2016, visit landscapesconvention.org.

PGMS goes to the races

Kicking off the Professional Grounds Management Society’s (PGMS) School of Grounds Management, as part of the GIE+EXPO will be a field trip to the site of the famous Kentucky Derby – Churchill Downs on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

Led by Matt Bizzell, director of horticulture, attendees will have the opportunity to get an exclusive, behind the scenes tour of the grounds.

The tour begins at the Gate 10 gardens, where Bizzell will discuss the 12,000 square foot greenhouse where all of the annuals for Derby Day are grown.

With more than 300,000 guests welcomed over the three-day Derby weekend, there are many challenges involved with growing, installing and maintaining 25,000 plants at the facility.

The tour continues with a visit to the Paddock, Winner’s Circle, and Aristides Gardens and the opportunity to view the grounds, iconic Twin Spires, and race track from the fourth floor balcony.

The tour concludes with a discussion about the diverse and unusual species of trees, shrubs, tropical, annuals, perennials, and grasses that the track uses to keep the facility looking great year-round.

Visit, bit.ly/pgmsgie for more information on the PGMS School of Grounds Management.

Win big at GIE+EXPO

If you’re feeling lucky, you might be the winner of one (or all!) of these giveaways.

FABULOUS FRIDAY $10,000 GIVEAWAY

Every show registrªnt receives an entry form and instructions for entering along with their badge. You must be present to win. Be there Friday to see if your name is called. Sponsored by Belgard.

AGRI-FAB Giveaway

Agri-Fab will give away a Split Second Log Splitter. Stop by booth 7164 to register and find out how you can become a Split Second dealer.

CUB CADET

The PRO Z 900 is the flagship series of Cub Cadet’s new commercial zero-turn mowers. Designed and tested with the help of professional landscapers, the PRO Z provides more strength, performance and comfort than ever before. The best-in-class triple 7-gauge deck, steel frame and beefy front end construction are built to withstand the most demanding usage. High-horsepower engines and 16cc transmissions provide top speeds of 14 mph. The comfort enhanced PRO Z 900 has performance tuned lap bars, an isolated foot pan, and an isolated air-ride suspension seat. Visit the Cub Cadet booth for you chance to win the mower that’s been called “...a beast” by those who have put it to test.

GRAVELY

One lucky landscape contractor will win Gravely’s Equipment Giveaway. An entry form and instructions will be sent with your registration badge. The winner will be drawn on Friday at 3 p.m..

KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS

In celebration of its 30th anniversary, Keystone Retaining Wall Systems will have giveaway items and raffle drawings for a Yeti cooler and Yeti mugs at booth is 23018.

MINITRENCHER

MiniTrencher is giving away a new MiniTrencher. Stop by booth 22090 to enter.

PROJECT EVERGREEN GREAT MOWER GIVEAWAY

Project EverGreen, in conjunction with Exmark Manufacturing, is offering the opportunity to support Project EverGreen’s “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” Initiative and have a chance at winning a new Exmark Lazer Z-X Series Mower – a $14,000 value! The mower will be raffled off to one lucky winner on in the Project EverGreen booth at GIE+EXPO. (Winner need not be present). Individual tickets are $10/piece or 6 tickets for $50; 12/$100; 18/$150; 24/$200. All proceeds go to support the Project EverGreen’s “Healthy Turf. Healthy Kids.” Initiative.

ROBOMOW

Attendees can stop by the RoboMow booth (24092) to enter for a chance to win a new robotic lawn mower.

SFA COMPANIES

SFA Companies is giving away an EVO IX indoor cycle. Stop by booth 6018 to enter for a chance to win.

STIHL $5,000

One lucky dealer will win $5,000 during Wednesday’s dealer welcome reception.