Judge upholds $12 million award for LidoChem
A Michigan judge recently rejected an appeal ruling that representatives from Stoller Enterprises were in violation of the Lanham Act when they spread false and misleading information about one of LidoChem's agricultural grade fertilizers.
The ruling by Judge Robert Wonker of the United States District Court, Western District of Michigan, upholds a 2014 decision when a jury awarded LidoChem $12 million for what it decided was Stoller's violation of the Lanham Act, which regulates interstate commerce.
The ruling puts to rest a litigation process that began in 2001 when, according to court documents, representatives from Stoller claimed the LidoChem fertilizer contained an ingredient that was damaging to certain food crops.
Army drafts Toro for maintenance duty
The U.S. Army Installation Management Command chose The Toro Co. to provide equipment to help maintain nearly 50 golf facilities at installations worldwide. The recent contract award renews Toro's relationship with the U.S. Army that began in 2009.
"We are extremely honored to have been chosen by the U.S. Army to continue providing turf equipment and support to help create the best course conditions for members of the Armed Forces and their families to enjoy," said Darren Redetzke, vice president of Toro's commercial business. "These facilities provide an environment for individuals and families to come together, and we are excited to contribute to that experience."
Established in 1984, IMCOM's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation branch provides guidance and oversight for Army garrison programs and services that benefit soldiers, families, retirees and civilians around the world, including golf facilities on installations in the United States, Germany, Japan and Korea.
Rounds down nearly 3% in February
Rounds played were down 2.7 percent nationwide in February, according to Golf Datatech. Rounds actually were up in 15 states and down in 20 others. There were no statistics available for 14 states mired in the throes of winter.
Numbers were wildly dramatic on both sides of the ledger, with double-digit gains or losses reported in 27 of 35 states included in the survey.
The greatest gains were in Colorado (96 percent). Gains of between 86 and 93 percent were reported in Illinois, Kansas, Oregon and Washington. The biggest losses were felt in New Jersey (down 51 percent). Losses of 23 to 43 percent were felt in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Year-to-date rounds played are up by 0.9 percent, however, thanks to a 4.9 percent year-over-year increase in play in January.
BioSafe names new research engineer
BioSafe Systems recently named Melissa Carserino as research engineer and project manager.
She will be responsible for working to develop new products and assist in the day-to-day management of production and procurement schedules.
Carserino comes to BioSafe from Chemtura Corp., where she worked as technical sales service engineer and product/market analyst.
Hunter taps Wagner for sales lead
Hunter Industries recently named Dennis Wagner as sales manager for its golf division.
Wagner has worked in the irrigation business for more than 25 years, including 14 years with Rain Bird, where he held various titles. Most recently, he worked as specification manager for Ewing Irrigation.
Wagner also is vice president of the Golf Course Builders Association.