This-N-That
Field Notes
Brinkley Sargent Architects and Wiginton Hooker Jeffry, two multidisciplinary firms with a combined 80 years of experience in the planning and design of justice, public safety, recreation and medical environments are joining forces to create Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects. The new firm will retain the entire staffs of each firm, with office locations eventually combined as the company maintains its presence in both Dallas and Austin.
Incline Equity Partners, a Pittsburgh-based lower middle-market private equity firm, has invested in BCI Burke Company, LLC, a designer, manufacturer and marketer of commercial playground and leisure equipment.
Doosan Infracore Construction Equipment and Bobcat Company donated $3 million to North Dakota State University (NDSU) to fund a STEM-related scholarship program. The state of North Dakota will match the donation, adding $1.5 million — making the combined gift of $4.5 million the single largest gift to establish a scholarship endowment in NDSU history.
HOK has completed the acquisition of Kansas City-based 360 Architecture, a 200-person firm that designs sports, recreation, wellness, entertainment and mixed-use facilities. The completion of this transaction provides immediate benefits to both firms’ clients through the creation of HOK’s new global Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice and expanded capabilities in Kansas City, Columbus and San Francisco.
Vortex Aquatic Structures International, a manufacturer of aquatic play landscapes and entertainment solutions, announce two new vice presidents for business development. Kevin Spence has been appointed Vice President, Business Development North America. Andreea Dutescu has joined the company as Vice President Strategy and International Business Development.
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Restroom Direct Celebrates 25,000 Orders
With an order for ASI stainless-steel soap dispensers to the Polk County Board of Commissioners in Winter Haven, Fla, Restroom Direct achieved the milestone of 25,000 orders since its inception in 2008.
Restroom Direct sells fixtures and accessories for commercial restrooms. “Pretty much anything that goes on a wall in a commercial bathroom we sell,” explains Chris Berl, President of Restroom Direct. “We started the business focused on hand dryers. That is my expertise and our employees are hand dryer experts. We don’t just take orders. We work with our customers to get the best product for them.”
Now occupying three warehouse spaces in Huntersville, NC, Restroom Direct has expanded significantly since opening in 2008. In addition to hand and commercial hair dryers, Restroom Direct sells paper towel dispensers, soap dispensers, mirrors, partitions, toilet paper dispensers, grab bars, baby changing tables, the Suitmate Water Extractor, Elkay water fountains, Footpull hands-free door opener and other products. For more information, visit www.restroomdirect.com.
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Lauren Stack Joins NSPF Leadership Team
Colorado Springs, Colo.—The non-profit National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) announces that Lauren Stack, MBA, has joined its leadership team as Mission Development Director—National Accounts. Stack brings over 20 years of experience and passion for growing the swimming pool, hot tub and aquatic industry.
Stack’s career includes 9 years with the national trade association, APSP, as Director of Public Affairs & Industry Promotion, and Sr. Director, Industry Relations. Previously, she held several positions over 11 years with Aristech Acrylics. She holds a B.S. in Chemistry and an MBA from University of Pittsburgh.
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Word On The Web
On “Tough Talk” Jan. 30 Week-Ender Blog Post:
This was an awesome article one that most people can relate to in this day and age.
I deal with young kids five months out of the year for our seasonal jobs and at times I wonder where the passion or the love is for the job they are doing for us. Don’t get me wrong we have a few kids that really take pride in the job they do no matter what, but for the most part most of the young kids feel the job is “owed to them.” What I mean by this is they feel it’s a right for them to work here not a privilege.
Back when I worked as a teen I was thankful to have a job and took pride in my work just like I do today. This issue seems to be growing.
Thanks for the story.
Shawn Osborne
Lake Shawnee Recreation Supervisor
Topeka, Kan.
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Calendar
September
15-17 National Recreation and Parks Association National Congress, Las Vegas, Nev.
October
6-9 Minnesota Recreation and Park Association Annual Conference, Mankato, Minn.; www.mnrpa.org
7-9 World Aquatic Health Conference, Scottsdale, Ariz.—Scottsdale Plaza Resort; www.nspf.org
13-16 Colorado Parks & Recreation Association, Breckenridge, Colo.—Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center; www.cpra-web.org
21-23 Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association Annual Conference and Trade Show, Hot Springs, Ark.—Hot Springs Convention Center; www.arkarpa.org
22-23 The Green Industry and Equipment (GIE) Expo, Louisville, Ky.—Kentucky Exposition Center;
(800) 558-8767 or www.gie-expo.com