Top Story

• John Deere begins expansion in Ankeny, Iowa
  John Deere has broken ground on a $112.8 million project expected to add 300,000 square feet to its plant in Ankeny, Iowa. The expansion will allow increased production of self-propelled sprayers. KCCI-TV (Des Moines, Iowa) (3/30)     

Industry Buzz

• Briggs & Stratton develops tool to measure environmental impact
  Briggs & Stratton has released data on emissions from gasoline-powered lawn mowers as it seeks to place sustainability at front of mind for consumers. The company noted its product emissions have declined by 75% over the past 17 years. Sustainable Brands (3/28)     

• Landscaper pinched by upstate New York gas prices
  Stone Age Landscaping in New Hartford, N.Y., is experiencing reduced profit because of high gas prices, and it might add a surcharge if prices approach $5 per gallon. "Fuel basically drives our industry," co-owner Tony Zalocha said. "We mow about 100 lawns, and we provide maintenance services such as spring cleanups." Observer-Dispatch (Utica, N.Y.) (4/2)     

• Florida town considers waivers for advanced irrigation systems
  Advanced irrigation systems that operate based on weather conditions could become exempt from watering restrictions in Palm Beach, Fla. The irrigation technology has reduced water use by 25% to 60% in communities across the country, according to the Palm Beach Civic Association. Palm Beach Daily News (Fla.) (4/1)     

• Business is busy for nurseries, garden centers in Indianapolis
  Record-warm March weather in Indianapolis has helped plant nurseries as residents seek to begin gardening activities. The six landscaping crews at Eagle Creek Nursery have nearly a month's worth of work already booked, according to garden center manager Rob Darmer. The Indianapolis Star (4/2)     

• Other News

• Warm weather causes plants to bloom early in Illinois, Iowa
  Quad-City Times (Davenport, Iowa) (4/1)     

Economic Indicators

• Employment gains expected to continue with March report
  The U.S. gained an average of 245,000 jobs per month in the three-month period ending in February, according to a monthly survey of employers by the Department of Labor. This week's report for March is expected to show continued job recovery. However, "[t]he flaw in the payroll survey is that it only polls established firms, and so misses employment gains at the very young companies that have historically fueled U.S. job growth," Justin Lahart writes. The Wall Street Journal (4/1)     

Hot Topics

Top five news stories selected by OPEI SmartBrief readers in the past week.

• John Deere aims to expand global presence (Barron's (free content))

• What's new in outdoor power equipment (FoxNews.com)

• Briggs & Stratton finds increased worker turnover in China (Reuters)

• OPEI chief: Selling E15 means misfueling will occur (The Kansas City Star (Mo.))

• Lawn-and-garden sales rise at home improvement retailers (CNBC)

• Results based on number of times each story was clicked by readers.

Inside & Out

• Don't let the facts get in the way of innovation
  Innovators and visionary leaders don't need to "know any of the facts" about their business, ESPN founder Bill Rasmussen says. It's always possible to find technical staff to handle the details, as long as you're got a vision to guide them. "I don't know how television pictures fly through the air, but I've been fairly successful in television," he explained. "I don't have to know all that technical stuff. You just have to have the vision and the passion." Knowledge@Wharton (3/28)     

• Flowering plants that attract butterflies
  Some varieties of flowering plants can attract butterflies, according to this article. Those include butterfly milkweed, Pitcher sage, and annuals and perennials that can flourish in containers, according to Justin Evertson of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. Omaha World-Herald (Neb.) (4/2)     

Policy Update

• E-Verify mandate takes effect for employers in Alabama
  Businesses in Alabama must use the federal E-Verify program when hiring through a provision of the state's immigration law that took effect Sunday. "It is absolutely imperative that all businesses complete this process and legally comply," said Spencer Collier, director of the state Department of Homeland Security. WALA-TV (Mobile, Ala.) (4/1)     

Featured Content

SmartQuote

A camel is a horse designed by committee." --Sir Alec Issigonis, Greek-British car designer