This-N-That
I just want to say that I love PRB and look forward to receiving it each month. I also look forward to the crossword puzzle and I am wondering why there is not one in the June 2012 issue? I hope this is not a trend.
Jay Hutchison
Director, Parks and Recreation
Albert Lea, Minn.
Note: Now it’s your turn to tell us what you think. We have temporarily removed the crossword puzzle. To let us know if we should keep it or can it, visit www.parksandrecbusiness.com .
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Randy,
Thanks for your article in PRB (“Clear The Decks And Batten Down The Hatches,” June 2012). I appreciate the history and the quality of ideas.
Thank You,
George DeTellis
Executive Director
Camp Woodhaven
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History Of California Parks Makes TV Debut
San Francisco, Calif.--Backcountry Pictures and KQED present California Forever , a two-part PBS television special that tells the story of California’s magnificent state parks from Yosemite in 1864 to the present day.
The two one-hour programs remind viewers of the importance of California’s state parks as well as their legacy. It is scheduled to air nationally in fall 2012 (check local listings) and in the Bay Area on KQED 9, the public media company that serves Northern California.
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Word On The Web
From Twitter:
RipkenDesign Ripken Design
@PRB_Mag Thanks for the #ff, really enjoy your site, keep up the great work!
sureh2o Robert Burrows
@PRB_Mag You're welcome! Comprehensive. Always enjoy writings of DB. I'm sure others do as well.
(Dennis Berkshire wrote “Pool Genetics” in PRB June.)
GrasshopperMowr Grasshopper Mowers
@PRB_Mag No problem! Thanks for keeping track of all the latest news for all of us in the industry.
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On “A Teacher’s Impact,” June 8 Week-Ender blog post:
Ron,
I saw your very encouraging story about Sam and his English teacher.
I am 55 years old and my lawyer used to teach high school English many years ago. He told me one time that English is the most important subject a kid takes because all through life and business people judge us by their first expose, which is either how we write or how we speak in the initial communication with a new contact.
I wish someone had pointed out that simple concept when I was 15. I may have paid more attention in English class. Teachers are certainly undervalued. Sam is fortunate to have one who appears to care about him.
David J. Rueckert
SportPort Docking Systems, Inc./ SoFlo Paddleboards
Note: Not receiving the Week-Ender blog? Start/renew your subscription at www.parksandrecbusiness.com for this exclusive online content.
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Field Notes
Witt Industries has launched a new web site for their complete line of durable indoor and outdoor waste & recycling containers and site amenities, at www.witt.com .
Jacobsen has partnered with the National Association of Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Canada. The partnership will help the equipment manufacturer build relationships in Canada.
Triogen, a UK manufacturer of ozone and UV water-treatment systems, hired Michael McKenna to join its Electrical Design and After-Sales Support Engineer team.
Michael Wegas, Fleet Manager for Cleveland Metroparks, was among 31 fleet professionals to earn the Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) designation in 2011-2012.
Gibbs Technologies Inc., based in Auburn Hills, Mich., has changed its name to Gibbs Sports Amphibians Inc., according to GIBBS Chairman Neil Jenkins. The company will continue the design and manufacture of sports amphibians such as the GIBBS Quadski.
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Let Local Athletes Be The Stars Online
Parks and recreation agencies can broadcast live sports events around the world with a free digital broadcasting platform from iHigh.
This enables organizations to broadcast over a personalized online channel while generating revenue through hyper-local ad sales.
This means that anyone with a camera, laptop and Internet connection can produce a live digital broadcast and watch it on a PC, smartphone, tablet, or any other Internet-connected device.
And the best part—it’s free for users. John Schumacher, public-relations representative for iHigh, says local businesses are able to buy air time. iHigh gets a percentage of the local advertising, which is how the company makes its money.
“So a local car wash, for example, can sponsor an inning, or they can have a canned spot where they just plug in their 30-second ad,” he explains.
What’s more, an iHighlight feature--currently in beta testing--will enable high school athletes to create a player profile including video, photos, and stats, to aid in college recruiting.
For more information, visit www.ihigh.com .
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Save Green, Mow Clean with Propane Mower Incentive
Washington--The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is offering $1,000 to qualified buyers of a new propane-fueled mower who agree to share information about the mower’s performance.
Customers who are accepted into the program can get the incentive for up to 10 eligible mowers bought from any mower dealer in the nation. The new propane commercial mower must be equipped with a 60- to 72-inch cutting deck.
“This is a research initiative that will reward lawn and landscape customers for choosing a lower-emissions mower and help PERC meet its research goals,” says PERC Director of Business Development and Marketing Mark Leitman.
Propane-fueled mowers cost less to operate than gasoline-fueled mowers owing to greater usage during ozone action days, convenient on-site fuel delivery, and the virtual elimination of fuel spillage and loss.
Propane mowers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half compared with gasoline mowers and meet or exceed Environmental Protection Agency emissions requirements. Propane is made here in the United States, and using it instead of imported fuel can help increase the nation’s energy security.
Major manufacturers offering propane-fueled mowers include Ariens/Gravely, Bobcat, Briggs and Stratton (including Snapper Pro and Ferris brands), Cub Cadet, Dixie Chopper, Exmark, Husqvarna, Kubota, Scag, Toro, and Zipper.
For more information, visit www.poweredbypropane.org .
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“Step Into Swim” 10-Year Campaign Announced
Colorado Springs, Colo.—The National Swimming Pool Foundation is launching the Step Into Swim Campaign this year, in an effort to improve public health and reduce drowning.
The campaign asks pool, spa, and aquatic businesses and associations, and the public sector to sponsor organizations that are already teaching people to swim. It will officially kick off on October 10, just prior to the 9 th annual World Aquatic Health Conference in Norfolk, Va. For more information, visit www.nspf.org .
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Calendar
October
10-11 Alaska Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Anchorage, Alaska—BP Energy Center; www.alaskarpa.org
10-12 World Aquatic Health Conference, Norfolk, Va.--Norfolk Waterside Marriott Hotel; www.nspf.org
16-18 National Recreation and Park Association Congress and Exposition, Anaheim, Calif.—Anaheim Convention Center; www.nrpa.org/congress2012
November
5-9 Wisconsin Parks and Recreation Association Annual Conference, Chula Vista, Wis.; www.wpraweb.org
19-20 Connecticut Recreation and Parks Association Annual Tradeshow and Conference, Montville, Conn.--Mohegan Sun Casino; www.crpa.com