Industry News

Deere announces changes to senior management

Following the announcement that two long-time members of the company's management team are retiring, Deere & Company has announced the appointment of two new officers and new assignments for three other members of its senior management team.

John J. Jenkins is retiring from his position as president of the Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division. He started with Deere in 1967. Jon D. Volkert, who joined the company in 1994, is retiring from his position as president of John Deere Credit.

The new senior officers are:

James A. Israel the new president of John Deere Credit. Israel has been vice president for marketing and product support for John Deere agricultural equipment in Europe, Africa and the Middle East and has been with the company since 1979.

Michael J. Mack, Jr. is now senior vice president and CFO. He was most recently vice president and treasurer and has been with Deere since 1986.

The new assignments for three current senior officers include:

David C. Everitt is appointed president of the Agricultural Division – North America, Australia, Asia and Global Tractor and Implement Sourcing. He has been president of Deere's agricultural operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Nathan J. Jones is president, Worldwide Commercial & Consumer Equipment Division. Jones was previously CFO and has been with Deere since 1978.

H.J. Markley is president of the Agricultural Equipment Division – Europe, Africa, South America and Global Harvesting Equipment Sourcing. He has been president of Deere's agricultural operations in North America, Australia and Asia. He joined Deere in 1974.

"These assignments will add to the extensive expertise of our senior managers and enhance our capability to grow a great business," said Robert W. Lane, chairman and chief executive officer.

Rain Bird hosts Intelligent Use of Water Summit

Leading environmental and water conservation experts convened in early January to examine conservation initiatives and strategies relating to landscape irrigation at the second annual Intelligent Use of Water forum, hosted by Rain Bird Corp.

Held in Pasadena, Calif., the panel focused on the relationship between water conservation and landscape water use, water conservation policies and legislation, and potential programs and initiatives to bring greater awareness to the need for water conservation.

"With global water experts predicting that the conflicts of the future will be fought over water, it is essential that the world leaders, environmental experts and the general public be aware of the need to conserve water," said Jennifer Riley-Chetwynd of Rain Bird. "This water conservation forum is a prime example of how Rain Bird's focus on water conservation extends beyond products and services into actions that motivate our industry partners and the public-at-large to use water in the most efficient manner possible."

The panelists called for civic and business leaders to communicate the need for water conservation by not only abiding by current water conservation policies but also by imposing stricter water regulation policies on their own organizations to increase awareness of the need to conserve.

The panelists were: Eric Klotz, Utah Division of Water Resources; Stuart Styles, Irrigation Training and Research Center; Robert Glennon, University of Arizona, Rogers College of Law; David Minner, Iowa State University; John Neylan, Australian GCSA; Mark Welterlen, Grounds Maintenance ; Tim Blair, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The panelist's written submissions are available for download at http://www.rainbird.com/iuow/summit.htm.

Media registration open for 2006 Golf Industry Show

Online registration is open for members of the media for the 2006 Golf Industry Show in Atlanta, Feb. 9-11.

The online system has been improved to make it easier to sign up for complimentary registration for both the trade show and education events. Media personnel who haven't already registered can visit the media registration section for more information.

Credentials will be issued to working personnel of recognized news services, publications and outlets; and media/public relations officials only. Registered media personnel will have access to the Media Center on site. GCSAA reserves the right to request proof of journalistic employment. Credentials are non-transferable.

ANLA comments on immigration bill

The American Nursery & Landscape Association says that the Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005 adopted last month by the U.S. House of Representatives could be devastating to the green industry if it passes the Senate unchanged.

The bill, which was strongly opposed by ANLA and most of the business community, is geared toward border enforcement and employer sanctions. It passed by a vote of 239 to 182.

According to ANLA, if enacted in its current form, the bill would damage not only the green industry, but agriculture and various service sectors as well.

It would not allow any earned adjustment or guest worker amendments and would mandate electronic verification of a prospective employee's eligibility. It would also make verification retroactive to the entire workforce currently employed.

The Senate is expected to consider immigration reform in February. ANLA says it will be crucial for comprehensive reform legislation to include guest worker reform, earned adjustment of status provisions for horticulture and agriculture and recognition of workforce realities. ANLA members have been asked to continue grass roots pressure during the next several months to help ensure access to a future legal workforce. For the association's analysis of the bill, click here.