The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) held its 66th annual meeting recently, focusing on messages of innovation and industry advancement.
“Our annual meeting is the premier opportunity for members, suppliers, vendors and financiers to engage in a relaxed atmosphere, discuss the most important issues facing the industry today and do some business,” says Kris Kiser, OPEI president and CEO. “With more than 100 members, we have record levels of membership and engagement, and the annual meeting is the place where they come together.”
Chief among industry updates heard at the meeting, the trade association introduced its new statistics vendor, Vault Consulting, which showcased updates to the members-only program’s capabilities and categories. OPEI staff also shared the latest forecast update for key categories of equipment.
OPEI also rolled out a preview of a new television program sponsored by TurfMutt, and produced in partnership with Hearst Television and Litton Entertainment. The show, which highlights the importance of lawns and outdoor space to families and pets, will debut this fall on the CW.
John Dunlap, OPEI consultant and former chairman of the California Air Resources Board, outlined the potential market impact of new regulatory schemes in California on the outdoor power equipment industry in the state and nationwide.
Keynote addresses from futurist Vivek Wadwha and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Mars Rover team leader Adam Steltzner highlighted the power of technology, teams, innovation and exploration to advance companies and civilization.
The annual meeting also plays host to the OPEI Propane Golf Classic, sponsored by the Propane Education Research Council. The top teams at the tournament this year were:
- Joe Wright, Excel Industries; T. J. Landrum, Kohler; Greg Goings, Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies; and Greg Knott, OPEI.
- Del Zhao, Loncin Motor Company; Jeff Plotka, Precision Work; Steve Fregneau, Precision Work; and Bob Byrne, Sheffield Financial.
Planning is already underway for OPEI’s 2019 annual meeting to be held at the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City, Utah from June 18 to 20. Members are encouraged to contact association staff with suggestions for topics or speakers.
The OPEI Board of Directors met in conjunction with the annual meeting, installing its 2018-2019 leadership. The board bid outgoing chairman Dan Ariens, chairman and CEO of Ariens Company, a fond farewell and welcomed incoming chairman Tom Cromwell, group president of Kohler Power, Kohler Company.
The board also appointed Earl Bennett, president of Husqvarna Professional Products, to the board.
“Earl Bennett is a longtime advocate for the outdoor power equipment industry and we welcome his perspective on the OPEI Board of Directors,” says Kiser.
The 2018-2019 OPEI board of directors is now comprised of:
- Chair Tom Cromwell, group president of Kohler Power, Kohler Company.
- Vice Chair Bjoern Fischer, president of STIHL.
- Secretary/Treasurer Rick Olson, chairman, president and CEO of The Toro Company.
- Immediate Past Chair Dan Ariens, chairman and CEO of Ariens Company.
- Director Earl Bennett, president of professional products at Husqvarna.
- Director Edward B. Cohen, vice president of government and industry relations at American Honda Motor Company Inc.
- Director Tim Dorsey, president of Echo Inc.
- Director Tom Duncan, president and CEO of Positec USA Inc.
- Director Peter Hampton, president and CEO of Active Exhaust Corporation.
- Director Jean Hlay, president and COO of MTD Products Inc.
- Director Tim Merrett, vice president of global platform turf and utility, Deere and Company.
- Director Lee Sowell, president of outdoor products, Techtronic Industries.
- Director Todd Teske, chairman, president and CEO of Briggs and Stratton Corporation.
- Director Mark Wagner, president and CEO of Club Car LLC.
- Director Joe Wright, president and CEO of Excel Industries.
