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- Report: Demand for living roofs, walls to reach $7.7 billion by 2017
The demand for green roofs and living walls is expected to climb from $5.3 billion in 2011 to $7.7 billion in 2017, according to a report from Lux Research. Lux expects installations to grow by 70% to more than 2.2 billion square feet as cities try to reduce pollution and effects from the heat-island effect. However, the spread of these structures will depend on the state of the global economy, the report added. Environmental Leader
(10/22)     
 | You’ve heard of Element V™ drives:
rugged, shift-free lawn tractor, mower and snowblower transmissions from GT that are trouble-free and “tank tough”. Now watch GT's new Element V video, and see the engineering, construction and testing behind the walk-behind and CVT transmissions that are changing the landscape in lawn care. |
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| Industry Buzz |  |  |
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- Robotic lawn mowers gain ground in Europe
Robotic lawn mowers are gaining traction in Europe, leading some lawn equipment makers such as Deere and Honda Motor to create their own versions to compete with leader Husqvarna. The mowing robots use sensors that help keep them within the parameters of the yard, while avoiding plants and lawn ornaments. The least expensive model starts at about $2,200, but that could come down as more manufacturers enter the fray. Bloomberg
(10/23)
- Propane offers market opportunity for mower dealers
Propane provides a new window of opportunity for lawnmower dealers as more landscaping firms and homeowners buy new propane-fueled mowers or convert their gasoline mowers to propane to save on fuel costs and cut down on maintenance. Additional benefits include propane being a domestic fuel source, the ease of carrying tanks around and reduced emissions. Rural Lifestyle Dealer magazine
(10/2012)
- How to deliver an efficient snow-removal service
To provide an efficient snow-removal service, snowplowing contractors should streamline their operations, provide clear contracts to clients and keep communications open, according to some plowing contractors in New York. Contractors should visit the properties of clients to create a strategy for snow removal, said Keith Plekan, co-owner of K.A.P. Landscaping and Snowplowing in Cheektowaga, N.Y. The Buffalo News (N.Y.)
(10/22)
| Economic Indicators | | |
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- Consumers are unfazed by "fiscal cliff" talk, data show
American consumers are generally aware of the debate about the "fiscal cliff" awaiting the U.S. economy at year-end, but they aren't worried enough to scale back holiday spending plans, according to data from the National Retail Federation. The group predicts that sales over the holiday shopping season will jump 4.1%, its most optimistic forecast since the recession. The Washington Post/Wonkblog
(10/22)
| Inside & Out | | |
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- The difference between creativity and innovation
Being truly innovative isn't just about developing creative ideas; it's also about coming up with ideas that will resonate with your customers, Debra Kaye and Jure Klepic write. "[A] creative idea stops short of being ground-breaking if consumers aren't willing to buy the resulting product or service readily and enthusiastically," they write. Fast Company online
(10/22)
- Why bosses should learn to love gray areas
Leaders need to learn to be flexible and to stop seeing the world in absolutes, says Maria Mitchell, president of Amdec. Ideological purity, perfectionism and rigid, unbreakable rules aren't fair to workers and aren't effective as management principles, Mitchell explains. "I think I was too black-and-white ... early on, without taking into consideration a lot of the gray," she says. "I now think it's OK to manage within more of those gray areas." The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(10/20)
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Republican lawmakers are drafting a tax plan that would wring extra revenue from the wealthiest Americans without increasing the top tax rate. The plan could form part of a compromise deal to avoid the "fiscal cliff." 
