The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) unveiled a new leaf blower toolkit to help landscapers, dealers and retailers contend with leaf blower restrictions. The toolkit is designed to be used by end users to help educate the public, local officials and the media about the important work leaf blowers do in their communities, according to OPEI. “Many of the objections... read more
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... read more
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) celebrated the opening of its new headquarters on May 7. The association purchased the building at 1605 King Street, Alexandria, Va., last summer. OPEI President and CEO Kris Kiser said in a release last August that OPEI outgrew its current space. “OPEI has been dealing with a problem for a couple years now,” Kiser... read more
The board of directors for the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) elected two new members at a meeting in Miami, Fla. The two newly elected members are Mark Wagner, president of Club Car and Joseph C. Wright, president and CEO of Excel Industries. Officers for 2017-2018 are: OPEI Chair—Daniel T. Ariens, chairman and CEO, Ariens Co.; OPEI Vice Chair—Tom Cromwell,... read more
The 2017 GIE+EXPO on Oct. 18-20, at the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, Ky., was another record-breaking event. “GIE+EXPO continues to grow in size as well as in its reputation as the industry’s gathering place,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. The annual industry event draws all segments of the outdoor power equipment and lawn & garden industry.... read more
The 2018 GIE+EXPO will feature a new format, allowing contractors an extra day on the show floor and access to the outdoor demonstration area for three days. The indoor show floor will open exclusively for dealers, retailers and media at noon on Wednesday. Then, beginning at 3 p.m. and continuing Thursday and Friday, the entire industry will be invited to... read more
