OPEI appoints new board member, hosts 66th annual meeting

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) Board of Directors met in conjunction with the organization’s 66th annual meeting, installing its 2019-2019 leadership. The board welcomed incoming Chairman Tom Cromwell, group president, Kohler Power, Kohler Company.

The board has also appointed Earl Bennett, president, Husqvarna Professional Products, to the board.

“Earl Bennett is a longtime advocate for the outdoor power equipment industry, and we welcome his perspective on the OPEI Board of Directors,” said Kris Kiser, OPEI’s president and CEO.

“Our annual meeting is the premier opportunity for members, suppliers, vendors and financiers to engage in a relaxed atmosphere, discuss the most important issues facing the industry today and to do some business,” said Kiser. “With more than 100 members, we have record levels of membership and engagement, and the annual meeting is the place where they come together.”

At the meeting, OPEI introduced its new statistics vendor, Vault Consulting, which showcased updates to the members-only program’s capabilities and categories.

OPEI also rolled out a preview of a new television program sponsored by TurfMutt and produced in partnership with Hearst Television and Litton Entertainment. The show, which highlights the importance of lawns and outdoor space to families and pets, will debut this fall on the CW.

John Dunlap, OPEI consultant and former chairman of the California Air Resources Board, outlined the potential market impact of new regulatory schemes in California on the outdoor power equipment industry in the state and nationwide.

OPEI’s 2019 annual meeting will be held at the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City, Utah, June 18-20. Members are encouraged to contact association staff with suggestions for topics or speakers.