FEBRUARY 2019

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Florida – In May 2018, the Chaillou family’s dealership Sea Breeze Small Engine opened for business. Just six months later Hurricane Michael rips through Panama City. Two days later the dealership reopened to help supply equipment to those in devastated areas.

“It’s been a whirlwind,” Crystal Chaillou says. “We were almost to functioning normally, when the hurricane happened and then everything was turned upside down.”

Article by Jessica Johnson, Managing Editor, Power Equipment Trade

The Environmental Protection Agency will complete a proposal to expand sales of higher ethanol blends of gasoline in time for summer, despite delays from the partial government shutdown that pressed into late January and the required 45-day comment period on any proposed rule. <p><p><strong>Article by Jessica Johnson, Managing Editor, <em>Power Equipment Trade</em></p></p></strong>

<li>Owner of J.R.’s Lawnmower Shop Receives Employer Award</li> <li>Kubota Announces New President & CEO</li> <li>Kohler Engines Expands Distributor Territory</li> <li>Textron Ceases Production of Dixie Chopper</li> <li>Diamond Mowers Acquires ArborWolf</li> <li>Honda Seeking Vehicle Partners</li> <li>Echo, Minor League Baseball Announce Partnership</li> <li>Equipment Dealers Association Offering Workforce Development Toolkit</li> <li>Equipment & Engine Training Council Set for 2019 Annual Conference</li>

<li>Ariens RapidTrak Sno-Thro</li> <li>Rotary Parts, Accessories</li> <li>Toro Power Max HD Commercial</li> <li>SnowEx UTV Straight Blade Plow</li>

This issue offers a quick look at winter activities at dealerships in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Arizona. Winter means different things to different lawn and garden dealers, though all share a need to find products and services that sell in the fall-winter months when the grass isn’t growing.

<li>FEATUREproduct - Masport Contractor 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower</li> <li>ENGINES - Briggs Anti-Vibration System; Honda iGX800/iGXV800</li> <li>HANDHELD – Husqvarna New Generation Saws; Stihl FSA 130 R Trimmer</li> <li>PARTS & ACCESSORIES - Rotary Copperhead Mower Blades</li> <li>WHEELED EQUIPMENT - Billy Goat Stand-On Blower</li>

Why You Aren’t Using Digital Ads

2019 – how do you react to that number? Are you brimming with hope and optimism? Sam Stearns, owner and operator of Mr. Mower Man, Scottsburg, Indiana, offers up a few ideas he will try in 2019. Some of which could enhance your own business this year.