This-N-That
Aquify Systems Expands Operations
Dallas, Texas—Aquify Systems, a provider of aquatic mechanical product solutions, recently opened a 30,000-square-foot warehouse facility to support year-over-year growth of its North American operations.
Designated for inventory, assembly, and light manufacturing, the Dallas facility enables easy and efficient nationwide and international distribution of Aquify’s products. The facility boasts a large pump test rig, built to Hydraulic Institute standards, to validate pump curves and performance prior to shipping. Aquify can also test and program all variable frequency drives (VFDs) in conjunction with pumps for easy installation.
The warehouse also serves as the new U.S. assembly hub for Herborner Pumpen, the European market leader of commercial aquatic pumps. Aquify is the exclusive distributor of Herborner pumps in North America.
Natare Corp. Becomes Employee Owned
Indianapolis, Ind.—After 50 years in business, Natare Corporation has become an employee-owned company. The change took effect earlier this year.
Michael Walsh, who founded and has owned the company and its predecessor, Recreonics Corporation since its founding in 1972, transferred the company’s ownership to its employees because he said it was important to preserve the Natare culture and reward its employees who have helped grow the company into the world-renowned leader it is today.
Ownership was transferred to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan where employees will own the company through stock ownership.
Natare is a manufacturer of pool equipment and construction systems. Learn more at www.natare.com.
Matrix Fitness Relaunches Digital Solutions
Cottage Grove, Wis.—Matrix Fitness, a commercial fitness brand, reintroduced two member-engagement products in its Connected Solutions portfolio. Formerly known as Workout Tracking Network, Community 360 has hit the marketplace with three-tiered options—two that reflect the original offering and a new tier with additional features. Formerly known as Personal Trainer Portal, Engage 360 is available at two tiers, both built to help facilities reach their entire member base.
Community 360, helps facilities share daily workouts, community challenges, motivating push notifications, community activity feeds, class schedules, facility calendars, reward programs, referral incentives and more—all using their unique branding.
Engage 360 allows facility staff members to send daily workouts to their entire membership, develop specialized training programs for individuals or certain groups of members and monitor member engagement to make sure they keep coming back for more.
To learn more, visit www.matrixfitness.com.
International Code Council Creates International Green Construction Code Certification
Washington, D.C.—The International Code Council with sponsorship from ASHRAE, a global HVAC&R membership society, announces the release of a new International Green Construction Code (IgCC) certification, Commercial Green Construction Professional.
It was created to assist in developing new standards for building construction to address the problem of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and to help reinforce societal health, life, and safety benefits. Professionals who hold this certification will lead the way in helping to conserve resources and regenerate sites while providing expertise in offering solutions to resilience through natural disasters, a changing climate, resource consumption/management, and service interruptions due to unforeseen events.
Flowbird Unveils Pay-By-Text Solution To Park
Moorestown, N.J.—Flowbird North America, a provider of curbside management and urban mobility solutions, has released Pay by Text, its latest advancement in customer convenience. The web-based solution allows drivers to pay for their parking session directly from their phone without creating an account or downloading an app.
Here’s how it works:
Drivers text a code to the number provided on the sign or sticker displayed at the parking location. A QR code can also be included on the signage if desired. After the driver texts the number or scans the QR code, they immediately receive a secure link to follow in order to input their parking details. They enter either their license plate or parking space number, parking duration, and payment information. A confirmation is sent and their parking session begins. Information is sent to parking enforcement who can verify the vehicle is in compliance. That’s it! There is no need to create an account, download an app, or visit a kiosk.
For more information, visit https://flowbirdapp.com.
IMPACT Parks Launches Nationwide
IMPACT Parks, a PlayCore Collaborative based in Chattanooga, serves philanthropists, corporations, and organizations throughout the country. IMPACT Parks’ mission is to connect funding partners with communities to build outdoor spaces that demonstrate measurable impact on health and wellness.
Through its collaboration with PlayCore, IMPACT Parks will utilize evidence-based design and research combined with the most comprehensive portfolio of innovative products, programs, and services, to build healthy communities through play and recreation.
More than 100 million people in America are lacking access to parks within a 10-minute walking distance from their home. IMPACT Parks is seeking to cultivate relationships with companies that desire to make a lasting change through giving back. According to Better Business Journey, 88% of consumers were more likely to buy from a company that supports and engages in activities to improve society. Working with IMPACT Parks allows companies to continue to build their brand and gain innovative and insightful data pertaining to their park project.
Learn more at impactparks.com.
Field Notes
DLF has acquired the assets of OreGro Seeds, a forage, cover crop, and turfgrass breeding company located in Albany, Ore. OreGro’s proprietary cool-season forage grass, forage legume, turfgrass, cover crop, and small grain varieties are now offered exclusively through DLF and its distribution partners in the U.S. and abroad.
Advanced Turf Solutions announced today that it will divest its sports field construction and maintenance division, previously known as J&D Turf, and three employees have entered into an agreement to acquire the business segment.
Jeff Lawson, Tony Whelan and Mohan Subramanian have new positions within Rain Bird’s Golf Division. Lawson will lead the marketing team’s efforts to grow sales while Whelan takes over for Lawson as national sales manager for the U.S. and Canada. Subramanian is the new international sales manager.
The Manufacturing Institute (MI)—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—is recognizing STIHL Inc. assistant general counsel Erin Ashcroft with a STEP Ahead Award. The awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry from the factory floor to the C-suite.
Perkins&Will Tapped To Reimagine Huizenga Park
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.—The Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has selected design firm Perkins&Will will reimagine and redesign Huizenga Park, a 2.1-acre riverfront park in the heart of downtown. The firm will transform the park’s current design to better connect with the needs of residents, workers and visitors, today and for future generations to come.
Huizenga Plaza is a staple landmark of Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s urban core, with direct access to Riverwalk and the New River. Notable neighbors within walking distance of the park are NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale and Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the recently opened Hyatt Centric Hotel, as well as Fort Lauderdale campuses for Florida Atlantic University and Broward College.
Preliminary design concepts for the park feature a great lawn, a dog run, interactive play areas, concession space, public restrooms, a restaurant, and more.
Aquatics Vision Program Receives CMAHC Certification
Phoenix—American Pool Service’s Aquatics Vision program has achieved Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) Certification for its compliance with standards in the latest edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC).
Aquatics Vision is designed to provide around-the-clock protection by automating pool functions and capturing an accurate historical log of water chemistry. The program continually monitors and adjusts a spa’s or pool’s chemistry—comparable to having a dedicated onsite technician.