News & Notes

Curbtender Sweepers awarded Sourcewell contract

CEDAR FALLS, IOWA—Government buyers of street sweepers and leaf loading trucks now have a simple and effective way to procure their equipment from leading OEMs.

Curbtender Inc., and its subsidiary Curbtender Sweepers LLC, have earned a Sourcewell contract award in the “Street Sweepers and Specialty Sweepers” category through solicitation #093021. The RFP was competitively solicited across North America and awarded on behalf of Sourcewell government and education member agencies.

Curbtender Sweepers is a manufacturer of leaf collection vehicles, mechanical street sweepers, and regenerative air sweepers based in Cedar Falls, Iowa. In October 2021 the company expanded into grapple loader trucks with its acquisition of the Brush Hawg brand of brush, debris, and limb loaders.

With the newly awarded Sourcewell cooperative purchase contract, government fleets in US and Canada can purchase street sweepers and leaf loaders from Curbtender Sweepers without having to engage in lengthy and costly bid procurement processes. Sourcewell members additionally receive the benefit of a free one-year extended warranty when purchasing products from Curbtender.

For more information, visit www.curbtendersweepers.com.

New data from 2021 survey shows increased employee absences is the top challenge related to COVID-19

NANAIMO, B.C.—Increased employee absences is the top challenge caused by COVID-19, VMAC’s 2021 State Of The Mobile Compressed Air Industry Survey reveals. Increased employee absences was selected by 41% of the survey’s respondents, followed closely by canceled service contracts (40%) and internal equipment and truck purchase delays (38%).

“COVID-19 has brought unique challenges to businesses throughout the industry,” said Tod Gilbert, VMAC’s president. “Some of these challenges were expected but have lasted longer than many anticipated, and other challenges have come as a surprise.”

VMAC’s 2021 State Of The Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report includes responses from 355 mobile compressed air industry professionals. Nearly half (45%) of respondents stated that COVID-19 negatively impacted their business, while 42% said it had no impact. The remaining 13% of respondents said COVID-19 had a positive impact on their business.

VMAC’s research also revealed that 82% of respondents plan to invest as much or more in new vehicles and equipment despite these challenges. Only 18% of respondents expect their investment to lessen in 2021.

The survey was conducted between October 2020 and February 2021. The response was optimistic when asked to predict what business conditions would be like in the next 12 months. Half of the respondents (49%) expected business conditions would improve, and a third of respondents (34%) thought business conditions would be the same.

“There is always opportunity when industry rebounds happen, and many businesses have developed new ways of doing things that will leave a long-lasting positive impact,” explained Gilbert. “As industry ramps back up, and equipment comes back online, the compressed air industry is well-positioned to flourish.”

Review and download VMAC’s 2021 State Of The Mobile Compressed Air Industry PDF Report at www.vmacair.com/survey.

XL Fleet announces inducement grant under NYSE Rule 303A.08

BOSTON, MASS. — XL Fleet Corp., a leader in fleet electrification solutions for commercial and municipal fleets, announced that on Dec. 1, 2021, and in connection with the previously announced appointment of Eric Tech as CEO of XL Fleet, Tech received a onetime inducement grant under NYSE Listed Company Manual Rule 303A.08.

As part of the grant, Tech received 493,026 stock options with an exercise price of $4.09, reflecting the closing price on Dec. 1, 2021. Additionally, Tech received 154,286 restricted stock units that will entitle him to receive one share of common stock as each of these units vests. As per the terms of this appointment, 25% of each grant will vest one year following the grant date, with the balance of each award vesting in equal installments each calendar quarter over the subsequent three years.

Parks and Recreation provides opportunities to fulfill health and wellness goals

ASHBURN, VA.—Ninety-four percent of U.S. adults have health and wellness goals for 2022, according to a newly released National Recreation and Park Association poll. Top goals include: • Drinking more water and eating healthier. • Reducing stress. • Increasing exercise and daily step counts. • Getting outside more often.

“Park and recreation departments are leaders in providing the spaces and programs where people can fulfill their health and wellness goals,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “Whether it’s walking a local trail with a friend or attending an exercise class at the local fitness center, park and recreation professionals work hard to ensure all people have access to activities that reduce stress and enhance overall wellness.”

Local park and recreation agencies serve as community wellness hubs by leveraging their role as trusted gathering places that connect every member of the community to essential programs, services and spaces that advance health equity, improve health outcomes and enhance quality of life. Community wellness hubs meet the unique needs of their communities through a variety of ways, including access to healthy foods, physical activity, social connections and connection to nature.

To learn more about parks and recreation as community wellness hubs, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35tWw-DxeAo.

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