LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – Spreading out even more so than ever before, the annual Equip Exposition for the power equipment and outdoor living and landscape industry offered more than 1 million sq. ft. of indoor exhibits and 30 acres outside for demos at the Kentucky Exposition Center, in late October. The jam-packed show floor had an exceptionally festive air to it this year, as Equip celebrated 40 years as the go to gathering place for the green industry. All the halls were filled, and the demo space was maxed out. Equip really is the place to be, as the only show in the industry where you can dig, cut, mow, mulch and test a variety of equipment plus an expanded UTV track outside.

This year was a little hectic for the <em>PET</em> team as we had “life happen” for a few of our staffers. And we didn’t have the show we typically plan for, but that’s okay. I mean, among one the primary traits of power equipment dealers across the U.S. doesn’t the word resilient pop into your mind? Our Equip effort proved how resilient we <em>PET</em> people are and it showed me how much there is to look forward to in 2024. <p><p><strong>Article by Jessica Johnson, Managing Editor, <em>Power Equipment Trade</em></strong></p></p>

<li>NAEDA CEO Recognized</li> <li>Echo Means Business, Launches New Website</li> <li>Husqvarna Launches Learning Platform</li> <li>ANSI Approves New Mower Standards</li> <li>TurfMutt Foundation Funds Louisville Park</li> <li>OPEI Adds Three New Board Members</li> <li>Rotary Adds Territory Managers</li> <li>New Brand Makes U.S. Debut</li> <li>Wright Mfg. Adds Sales VP</li> <li>Kohler Outsourcing Energy Division</li> <li>Stihl Reveals 2023 Grant Recipients</li>

<strong>NOTE:</strong> Readers are encouraged to send in relevant historical lawn and garden media items. <p><p><strong>25 Years Ago…</p></p></strong> What amazing changes and technological developments the power equipment industry has experienced during the past quarter-century are reflected in this same issue <em>Power Equipment Trade</em> 25 years ago: the December 1998 Trimmer-Brushcutter issue. Here’s an interesting note: Out of 219 trimmer models from 23 manufacturers detailed in the trimmer charts, only Ryobi (5) and Stihl and Poulan (1 apiece) offered electric trimmers. No battery-powered units were listed.

<strong>EDITOR’S NOTE:</strong> The following companies submitted editorial profiles to complement their advertisements placed in <strong><em>Power Equipment Trade</em> December 2023</strong>. <li>Kress</li> <li>Rotary</li> <li>Sunbelt</li> <li>Yamaha</li> <li>Cub Cadet</li>

With escalating interest rates, many consumers find themselves grappling with more credit card debt, making financing for large expenditures a challenge. As consumers become encumbered with debt, they are less inclined to splurge on the newest or most expensive products. <p><p><strong>Excerpt from <em>The 2023 Turf, Tech & Trends Guide For OPE Dealers</em>, published by Ideal Computer Systems</strong></p></p>

Are Salespeople Born Or Are They Made? <p><p><strong>Article by John Chopin, motivational sales speaker, coach, and trainer</p></p></strong>