Share On Social
OPEI Board Appoint New Leadership
The Board of Directors of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has announced new leadership at the helm, with the appointment of Rick Olson, Chairman, President and CEO, The Toro Co. as Chairman. The board also elected several new executive committee members to the 2020-2021 roster.
Olson takes on chairmanship duties during an unprecedented time in the association’s history. “Change and creativity are the watchwords of OPEI this year,” says Olson. “No one could have predicted how 2020 would unfold, but the association is ready to tackle the challenges ahead from how we meet and connect with one another to reassessing our priorities. We’ve learned through this pandemic just how important our outdoor spaces are to our mental and physical health.”
OPEI’s 2020-2021 officers and members of its Board of Directors are Chair Rick Olson, Chairman, President and CEO, The Toro Co.; Vice Chair Tom Duncan, Executive Board Member, Positec USA, Inc.; Secretary/Treasurer Joe Wright, President and CEO, Excel Industries; Immediate Past Chair Bjoern Fischer, President, Stihl; GIE+EXPO Show Chairman Dan Ariens, Chairman and CEO, Ariens Co.
The OPEI Board also rounded out its executive committee with two additional members. Dan Ariens has joined as GIE+EXPO Show Chairman, which will be a permanent position on the executive committee due to the importance of the event and the impending changes that will take place in coming years. Also joining the executive committee is Joe Wright as Secretary/Treasurer.
In 2022, OPEI moves into a restructured ownership model of GIE+EXPO as sole owner.
Latest News
Maruyama Expands U.S. Footprint
Maruyama U.S., Inc., a subsidiary of Maruyama Mfg. Co., Inc. has expanded its warehousing...
This Old House’s Kevin O’Connor Will Deliver Keynote for Equip Attendees
Renowned This Old House host and home improvement expert, Kevin O’Connor, will deliver the keynote address, sponsored by Kress, at Equip focusing on energizing landscapers, contractors, dealers, and manufacturers and helping them identify ways to build their business. The trade show, which drew over 27,000 people last year from all 50 states and 46 countries, will be held October 15-18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center (KEC).
Yakta Unveils Full Production Line
Yakta, building upon 35 years of manufacturing excellence through its sister company Arrowquip, transfers a customer-focused approach to the zero-turn mower industry and has announced full-scale production of its range of zero-turn mowers. Fresh off the success of last year’s Equip Expo prototype display, Yakta’s production lineup, including the YXR 710, YXR 610 and YXR 410, with the YXR 910 soon to follow, boast industry-shattering durability, from their strong I-beam caster arm construction to their 7-ga. steel decks—strength that sets a new standard in mower resilience.