Most Clicked OPEI SmartBrief Stories
1. Toro reports 14% increase in fiscal second-quarter earnings
OPEI SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Toro announced its fiscal second-quarter earnings increased 14% to $68.8 million in the period that ended May 4 and sales rose 9.5%. The company credits the increase to an early spring season, which drove the demand for landscaping equipment used for golf courses and residential properties. "While a portion of our results was the benefit of an accelerated spring, we are hopeful the early start will extend the selling season and drive incremental sales," Toro CEO Michael Hoffman said. Wall Street Journal, The (05/24) Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minn.) (05/24)
2. Tennessee man unearths 13 graveyard markers in his yard
OPEI SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Jason Blackburn was clearing off a walkway in his yard in Tennessee and was shocked to discover 13 tombstones hidden under about 3 inches of dirt. They appear to belong to veterans and were linked to the Memphis National Cemetery. "That's kind of a creepy number to have 13 tombstones," Blackburn said, mentioning his house had been built in 1913. "It's kind of a creepy coincidence." Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tenn.), The (free registration) (05/22)
3. Robot lawn mower trims the grass and recharges itself when done
OPEI SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (05/26)
4. Stagnant wages drive hiring in the manufacturing industry
OPEI SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
While wages rise in China and Mexico, they've declined in the U.S., which has encouraged manufacturers to boost hiring and, in some cases, to return overseas production to the country. The average wage for manufacturing workers reached $19.15 an hour in April, down 3.2% from its highest level in March 2009, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The high rate of unemployment has given manufacturers leverage to negotiate wage cuts and gain other concessions from unions. Wall Street Journal, The (05/28)
5. Outdoor living rooms spread in Calif. as people upgrade their homes
OPEI SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Outdoor living rooms are gaining traction in California as people opt to spend their vacation at home, according to this article. The weak housing market has prompted people to overhaul their homes, and has driven the demand for patios, barbecue areas and other outdoor living features, said Chuck White, field division manager of Home Depot. Sacramento Bee (Calif.), The (free registration) (05/26)
6. Calif. school wins OPEI's TurfMutt contest
OPEI SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
The national "Spruce Up Your School" sweepstakes -- a part of the TurfMutt program -- has named a fifth grade class at Palomar Elementary School in Chula Vista, Calif., as its grand prize winner. The TurfMutt program is a joint effort of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute and Discovery Education, and aims to spark interest in green spaces and the environment. The class and its teacher, Mary Anne Arabia, were awarded a $5,000 grant that will be used to add magnolia trees and benches to the school's playground. San Diego Union-Tribune (05/22)
7. What it takes to keep city parks, medians trim
OPEI SmartBrief | May 25, 2012
Keeping medians and public parks trim in Manitowoc, Wis., requires a variety of machines. Riding mowers with blades as big as 60 inches are used, as are trackless articulating mowers with cutting decks as wide as eight feet. Of course, there are also 21-inch walk-behind mowers. Herald Times Reporter (Manitowoc, Wis.) (05/24)
8. 3 ways to avoid leadership mistakes
OPEI SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
For leaders, making mistakes such as failing to communicate consistently or failing to define clear goals can have significant consequences, Chris Edmonds writes. A leader can avoid these pitfalls by fostering healthy relationships and by making sure everyone understands the organization's strategy. "Above all, leaders must hold themselves and others accountable for performance and values," he writes. Driving Results Through Culture blog (05/21)
9. Pavers, stones add visual interest in the yard
OPEI SmartBrief | May 29, 2012
Concrete, stone and brick can be used to create garden pathways and come in a variety of colors. Pavers tend to cost a bit more than concrete but are easier to replace. "Greys, tans or a blend of both are wonderful," says Rich Cording Jr., co-owner of New Jersey-based CLC Landscape Design. Record (Hackensack, N.J.), The (05/26)
10. CBO: Taxes and spending cuts likely will send U.S. into recession
OPEI SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
The U.S. likely will fall back into recession if scheduled spending cuts take effect and Bush-era tax cuts are allowed to expire this year, the Congressional Budget Office said. If the U.S. falls off this "fiscal cliff," the economy will probably contract 1.3% in the first half of 2013, the CBO said. Manufacturing.net (05/22) CNNMoney (05/22) Reuters (05/22)
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