event recap
The economist ’ s advice ? “ Live below your means . Invest in your business now to prepare for growth in 2025 .”
Meacham ’ s Wisdom on Leadership
If you ’ ve watched cable TV news programming in the last few years , or are a fan of American presidential history books , you know the name Jon Meacham . I was eager for his session on “ The Art of Leadership , Lessons from the American Presidency .” You might wonder what OPE-specific advice a presidential historian could offer this group . But his presentation on leadership and citizenship was appropriate for a group of leaders in an evolving industry .
“ It ’ s a big , complicated world , and the best and brightest citizens are the ones who try to understand it ,” Meacham said to make a point about the importance of curiosity . “ The U . S . came to be because Thomas Jefferson was curious .” Meacham added guts , honesty , and empathy to round out his list of the four important characteristics of the best leaders , whether U . S . presidents or OPE industry professionals .
Michael Newland , a director at the Propane Education and Research Council ( left ) and I study the event schedule at the opening night reception .
Power Equipment Industry Outlook
I joined attendees to also hear updates on OPEI ’ s regulatory engagement , expansions at Equip Exposition , and new programming at the TurfMutt Foundation . Kris Kiser , OPEI President , talked about the enthusiasm for the upcoming Equip Expo which is slated to be the largest event in its 40-year history . Kiser thanked the group in attendance for its support and applauded the OPEI Board of Directors . The OPEI Board met concurrently with the Annual Meeting , approving the association ’ s budget , the transition of the Board ’ s Executive Committee , and work plans for the coming year . The association announced three board new members at the meeting : Klaus Hahn , President North America , Greenworks ; Harold Redman , President and CEO , Echo Incorporated ; and Nelson Wilner , Senior Vice President and General Manager , Engines , Kawasaki Motors Corp . USA .
With its government and regulatory affairs leaders , the OPEI stays on top of state and federal groups whose work might impact
New OPEI board members ( fromt top ) Harold Redman , Echo Inc .; Nelson
Wilner , Kawasaki Motors Corp . USA ; and Klaus Hahn , Greenworks .
the manufacturing , sale , and use of outdoor power equipment . Groups like the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPS ), Consumer Product Safety Commission ( CPSC ), the California Air Resources Board ( CARB ), and others .
Kiser also mentioned the potential of regulatory burdens , environmental and other , and he referred to the potential involvement of the CPSC as a “ significant challenge for us moving forward .” Any ATV industry pros who recall the “ Consent Decree ” from three decades back know that the CPSC is a powerful organization . OPEI leaders continue to collaborate with leaders of the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association ( ROHVA ), an industry group whose members are manufacturers of UTVs including Polaris , Yamaha , Kawasaki , Textron , Honda , and Can-Am .
Next year ’ s OPEI Annual Meeting will be held in Florida in June 2024 . OPEB
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