This-N-That
Bobcat And Polaris Form Alliance
West Fargo, N.D.--Bobcat Company and Polaris Industries Inc., of Medina, Minn., announces a long-term strategic alliance that will leverage the strengths of both companies to penetrate work-related market segments globally. The alliance will include co-development of work vehicles, supply of highly differentiated work vehicles and technology sharing, with a planned launch by the second half of 2010. Scott Wine, Polaris Industries CEO, said the alliance is consistent with Polaris’ goal of diversifying beyond core powersports segments and will enhance efforts to accelerate the growth of military and international business.
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Cub Cadet Launches Streamlined Consumer-Friendly Web Site
Cleveland, Ohio--Cub Cadet, a provider of outdoor power and lawn equipment, is making it even easier to find the right equipment with a new, enhanced Web site, www.CubCadet.com. Customers can now access all Cub Cadet home wwner, Cub Cadet utility vehicle, Cub Cadet commercial and Cub Cadet Yanmar products through one Web site. The new site also offers recently viewed products, videos and interactive demos, easy-to-use tabs, product suggestions and online product manuals. For more information, visit www.CubCadet.com.
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Centrella Earns “Instructor of Distinction” Award For Third Time
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.--For the third consecutive year, Keiser University bestowed one if its’ highest honors--the Evelyn C. Keiser Teaching Excellence Award, “Instructor of Distinction”--on pool and spa industry veteran, Connie Sue Centrella. Centrella, program director of the Keiser University eCampus Aquatic Engineering Degree Program, has played a significant role in pioneering the online 2-year college degree program, now in its’ fifth year.
The Keiser University Teaching Excellence Award Program is an annual teaching effectiveness award that recognizes full-time faculty for their excellence in teaching, based on criteria for each course taught by the faculty member, including total averages of attendance by student, completion, evaluation scores, post test scores and an overall effectiveness score. Faculty performance is measured each month. For more information about the Aquatic Engineering Degree at Keiser University, visit www.keiseruniversity.edu and click on online education, call (866) 534-7371, or e-mail admissions@keiseruniversity.edu.
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Playworld Partners With Wastewise And EPA
Lewisburg, Penn.--As part of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Playworld Systems announces its partnership with WasteWise, a division of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that works with organizations to encourage the reduction of waste. This partnership is the newest pillar in Playworld’s strategic plan to provide play in a socially responsible way. It comes on the heels of a recent redesign of its production process to lean manufacturing, which eliminates waste in everyday equipment assembly. In October 2007, the company also became the first major U.S. playground equipment manufacturer to offer 99.9 percent PVC-free products. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a plastic which releases toxins in its production and disposal process. For more information, visit www.playworldsystems.com.
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WhiteWater Makes Waves In Kelowna
Kelowna, Canada—H2O Adventure opened its doors in April to a variety of interactive water features including waterslides, family wave pool, river run and the FlowRider--Canada's first-ever indoor surfing wave. The FlowRider generates a thin sheet of water that flows over a stationary wave form. The resulting 'wave-like' shape permits riders to slide down, carve a turn, and ride up the wave surface, emulating the maneuvers of other board sports. WhiteWater West Industries Ltd.--based in Richmond, BC--provided many of the aquatic center's exciting attractions, including three waterslides, a family wave pool, an inner tube river run with generated waves, AquaPlay multi-level play structures and a children's waterplay area is packed with toys, spray nozzles, jets and pull valves. For more information, visit www.h2okelowna.com, or www.whitewaterwest.com.
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Living The Same Nightmare
Ron,
Absolutely to the point! Our family scenario is so very much like the example in your article of Jackie and Bert (A Recurring Nightmare, PRB March 2009). My wife lost her job a couple of months ago; all medical and dental for our kids were through her employer. We are responsible, hard working, American citizens that have always played by the rules. Where did that get us? Since our family income has been cut by more than half and nobody is willing to hire in the now high-taxed state of California, my wife is more than happy to go to Washington and be a part of your proposal. In fact, sign me up too!
Daryl Zappe
Maintenance Superintendent
San Jose, Calif.
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Ron,
Just read your article in the PRB March 2009 issue. Well written! Thank you for getting this message out. Hope it travels to the right ears.
Carol Garrison
Senior Citizen Director
Trenton, Michigan
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Ron,
I agree completely. It’s frustrating to see poor policies being made by our government, and people all around me are hurting.
Melissa Loera
Accounting Clerk
Erie MetroParks
Huron, Ohio
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Laughter And Tears Hit Home
Ron,
I look forward to reading your stuff in PRB every month, and I've got your book.
The February article mentioned that your dad was from Penna (Laugh Lines And Heart Strings). Where? We are from Kittanning, about 40 miles up the Allegheny from Pittsburgh.
Keep up the good work!
Bob Lorenzetti
Fairborn Parks & Rec Advisory Board volunteer
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Hi Ron,
I read your article last month (PRB February 2009). Brother, I have to say you are probably the best conveyor of the word that I have read. Once again you evoke some emotion that as a guy I usually do a good job keeping below the surface.
Bob Martin
Director of Parks, Recreation & Public Facilities
Mentor, Ohio
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Readers Stay On Top Of Risk
Mr. Panza,
I read your articles in PRB (February 2009). They are very interesting and informative articles. I try to stay on top of all risk-management issues at my agency and fortunately have a staff that keep their eyes open for anything that they see. Normally, they address the issues immediately or let me know if it is something that they cannot take care of right away. I would like to request a copy of your risk-assessment form to perhaps enhance our current efforts. I also have the opportunity to work with other communities in developing their parks and recreation programs and facilities. In doing this, I encourage them to include risk management in their operation. Your risk-assessment form would be a good tool for them to use.
Thank you for the information.
Jim Watenpool
Parks and Recreation Director
Borough of Franklin Park, Penn.
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Mr. Panza,
Please e-mail me the risk-assessment form referenced in PRB.
I have empowered my staff while on daily work assignments to inspect, repair, report and close if needed any facility such as a playground. They also conduct regular park inspections. The principle we instill in our staff is “leave the park in good, safe condition” before moving to the next one.
Thanks.
Robert M. Avery
Parks Superintendent
Alachua County
Gainesville, Fla.
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Profession More Work Than Play
Karen,
I just wanted you to know that I absolutely loved your article entitled “So You Want a Job in Recreation?” (PRB February 2009) … it is SO true! I appreciate your humor and honesty--thanks for writing it!
Angela Potts
Recreation Coordinator
Walla Walla Parks & Recreation
Walla Walla, Wash.