Attentive Completes $7M Funding Round
Attentive.ai, a provider of AI-driven business management for the field services and construction industries, recently closed a $7 million Series A funding round.
"We are more than ready to scale our AI-led offerings and reach out to a broader array of businesses," said Shiva Dhawan, CEO and co-founder of Attentive.ai. "This funding round shows our potential and the trust our investors have in our ability to transform the landscaping and construction sectors with AI-powered tech."
The investment is led by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India, with continued support from previous investors, Peak XV’s Surge and InfoEdge Ventures, and an additional stake taken by Tenacity Ventures through a secondary investment.
Project EverGreen Names New Officers
Project EverGreen appointed its 2024 officers and board of directors at Project EverGreen’s annual meeting.
“Project EverGreen is fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated group of professionals serving on our nationwide volunteer board,” said Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. “Our collaborative work reflects the importance of healthy parks and public green spaces that contribute to the overall environmental and well-being of our neighborhoods and communities.”
The new president is Scott Bills, CSFM. Bills is a nationally recognized Certified Sports Field Manager and president of New Jersey-based Sports Field Solutions. With more than 40 years of experience, Bills has designed, constructed and renovated hundreds of sports fields and athletic complexes in addition to numerous golf courses.
Beth Berry, vice president, Advanced Turf Solutions, will serve as vice president/president-elect. Berry is a seasoned service industry veteran, pioneering the customer experience in the lawn care industry at ChemLawn and progressing to the Director of Customer Service at Scotts Lawn Service. A University of Indianapolis graduate, Berry also sits on the board of National Association of Landscape Professionals, Women in Landscape Network and Indiana Professional Lawn and Landscape Association.
Fred Haskett of TrueWinds Consulting returns as secretary/treasurer, and Kevin Laycock of SiteOne Landscape Supply will serve as the immediate past president.
The full list of 2024 Project EverGreen board of directors includes:
- Andrew Bray, National Association of Landscape Professionals
- Cayla Chamberlin, Gilbert Family Foundation
- Tim Demerath, PBI-Gordon
- George Furrer, Valley Green
- Todd Mason, Sipcam Agro USA
- Russ Mitchell, Prime Source at Albaugh
- Blaine Pinkerton, Nufarm
- Linda Satter, Amguard Environmental Technologies
- Paula Sliefert, The Toro Co.
- Sarah Spatola, Arborjet | Ecologel
- Shayne Wetherall, Amgarud Environmental Technologies
- Alan White, Turf Systems
- Lee Withers, Kress
- Ashley Williams, Telus Agriculture & Consumer Goods
DeWalt Commemorates 100th Anniversary
DeWalt, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, celebrated its anniversary of powering the pros.
"DeWalt has been committed to professional tradespeople for the past 100 years, and Raymond DeWalt's founding principles of innovation, safety and productivity remain the core ethos of our company today," said Chris Nelson, CEO, executive vice president and president, Tools & Outdoor at Stanley Black & Decker. "When we put the DeWalt name on something, it's a commitment that our tools will help get the job done right. This milestone anniversary is also a humbling reminder of both the responsibility and critical role DeWalt plays supporting the trades with solutions, training and resources needed to meet the demands of the future."
Raymond DeWalt was a tradesman in Pennsylvania in the early 1920s and became a power tool pioneer when he sought a way to streamline and expedite wood-cutting operations without sacrificing quality or safety.
Today, DeWalt continues to expand its commitment to the future generations of tradespeople. In 2023, DeWalt pledged $30 million over five years toward its Grow the Trades initiatives to support active and aspiring tradespeople. In addition, DeWalt contributed nearly $7 million last year to programs that support tradespeople, including trade schools, VOCTEC schools and other training organizations, while also collaborating with industry and nonprofit partners on increasing women, diversity and veteran participation in the trades.
Bobcat Co. Gives $250K to ND University
Bobcat Co. is donating $250,000 to the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., in support of the Hamm School of Engineering.
“Supporting STEM-based education is a key component of Bobcat’s foundation of innovation, a longstanding belief that has generated community progress and fueled the curiosity needed to build the technology of tomorrow,” said Mike Ballweber, president of Doosan Bobcat North America. “We are proud to support University of Mary as they advance educational opportunities for the next generation of groundbreaking engineers.”
Bobcat’s donation will support the engineering school through the University of Mary’s Vision 2030 Capital Campaign, a comprehensive strategic planning initiative to enhance and transform the university campus and offerings. The Hamm School of Engineering facility opened in 2020 and is designed to encourage collaboration and hands-on learning. The school offers ABET accredited degrees in mechanical, electrical and civil engineering. The Hamm School of Engineering also offers computer science, environmental engineering, construction engineering and construction management.