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October 11, 2012

News for the outdoor power equipment industry | Click here for GIE+EXPO information

Top Story

Industry has opportunities with E15 despite concerns, OPEI chief says
The retail rollout of E15 raises concerns about the thoroughness of testing, but small-engine manufacturers could capitalize on demand for fuel-treatment products, said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. "In relatively short order, you'll see people saying, 'We have an engine product that runs on E10 to E20. If you want to be safe in the marketplace, buy my product.' There's opportunity," Kiser said. Golf Course Industry Magazine (10/10)

Industry Buzz

How to keep your factories running when times get tough
As manufacturers suffer through the challenges of the current economic environment, there are four primary steps they can take to make sure their businesses survive in good times and bad. So offers Malcolm Felt, inventory solutions specialist at Fishbowl. "No matter what the future brings, you can make it through and gain a competitive advantage by keeping everything in perspective," Felt writes. IndustryWeek (10/5)

Ohio landscapers struggle to find qualified workers
Some landscaping businesses in Ohio report they are struggling to find seasonal and full-time employees. Pay generally begins at $8 to $10 an hour, but it increases as workers stay longer and improve their skills. WKYC-TV (Cleveland) (10/10)

Fertilization and aeration can be done in the fall
Lawns should be fertilized and aerated in the fall to develop strong roots ahead of winter, said Jon Klassen, water-conservation coordinator from Centennial Water and Sanitation District in Colorado. Trees, shrubs and other plants should be watered unless there is plenty of snow, Klassen added. Highlands Ranch Herald (Colo.) (10/9)

Economic Indicators

Fed's Beige Book notes housing-market gains
The Federal Reserve's Beige Book says the housing market is experiencing "widespread improvement." The central bank's anecdotal round-up of its 12 districts also says the overall economy has had only modest growth in recent months. RTT News (10/10), Fox Business/Dow Jones Newswires (10/10)

U.S. wholesale, job figures for August give conflicting signals
U.S. wholesalers boosted their stockpiles in August after a similar gain in July in a positive sign for the economy. However, U.S. job postings in August were down for the second straight month, pointing to a reluctance to hire in the absence of indications of stronger growth. The Washington Post/The Associated Press (10/10), Bloomberg (10/10)

Inside & Out

Create a positive company culture
Transparency and communication are key for creating a strong workplace culture, Curt Richardson of OtterBox writes. "If [employees] know more about the decisions being made and why they are being made, it's easier for them to understand how their role is relevant and brings worth." At Richardson's company, transparency is fostered through a bonus program that is based on company performance. Inc. online/Agent of Change blog (free registration) (10/9)

7 tips for growing healthy grass in the spring
Caring for lawns now will help bring about healthy growth come spring, according to lawn care experts. This article lists seven steps to take during autumn. The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) (10/10)

Policy Update

Midsize, large firms will take hit from health law, paper argues
If the Affordable Care Act had been fully in effect this year, health care costs would have risen 9.5% for midsized employers and 4.3% for large employers, while dropping 1.4% for small businesses, according to a paper from the Urban Institute. The Hill/Healthwatch blog (10/8)

OPEI News

EPA to speak at GIE+EXPO
On behalf of OPEI, we are delighted to announce Glenn Passavant and Philip Carlson, EPA Office of Transportation and Air Quality, as featured speakers on Oct. 26. Glenn and Philip will be featured speakers at our 10 a.m. Workshop, to be held in Room C-202, at the Kentucky Exposition Center. They will be speaking on topics of immediate interest and importance to the OPE industry. There will be time allowed for open Q-and-A at the end of the presentation.

CPSC to speak at GIE+EXPO
On behalf of OPEI, we are delighted to announce Janet Buyer, CPSC Division of Combustion and Fire Sciences, Directorate for Engineering Sciences, as a featured speaker on Oct. 26. Buyer will be a featured speaker at our 1 p.m. Workshop, to be held in Room C-202, at the Kentucky Exposition. Buyer will make a presentation on the CPSC’s recently released staff report "Technology Demonstration of a Prototype Low Carbon Monoxide Emission Portable Generator."

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