State of the Union has Encouraging Words for Small Business

The State of the Union address had encouraging words for small business.  Obama’s renewed call for ending capital gains on small business investment  is positive (if vague).  As to small business credit, the community banks I know don’t want  to have anything to do with TARP money.  I hope he continues to support stimulating SBA lending. From the text of the speech: ” …We should start where most new jobs do –- in small businesses, companies that begin when — (applause) — companies that begin when an entrepreneur — when an entrepreneur takes a chance on a dream, or a … Read more

Brickman Group acquires Colo.-based The Green Plan

From Lawn & Landscape Online GAITHERSBURG, Md. – The Brickman Group has acquired The Green Plan, based in Broomfield, Colo. The Green Plan’s two locations, north and south of Denver, will join Brickman’s four existing branches in Denver, Englewood and Colorado Springs. Last fall, Brickman acquired Boston-area D. Foley Landscape. “I realized that in order to grow the company further, it meant either retooling the business model completely or partnering with a larger company,” says The Green Plan owner Jeff Pope, who acquired the business in 1996. “In my search for that partner, I found Brickman was the absolute best … Read more

Brad Johnson of LawnAmerica is Heading for the Appalachian Trail

Earlier this week, I was searching for some information on Lawn and Landscape Online and I noticed an article about Brad Johnson of LawnAmerica in Tulsa’s plans to hike the Appalachian Trail later this year.  It piqued my interest for a variety of reasons – I am originally from the Tulsa area and I am really jealous of the opportunity to spend four months hiking the Appalachian Trail, so I clicked through to the special website he has set up to blog while he is on the trail and soliciting sponsors who will contribute to select charities (and whose contributions … Read more

Target Acquires Smith & Hawken Brand

MINNEAPOLIS (January 8, 2010) — Target today announced it has acquired the Smith & Hawken brand and other intellectual property from Smith & Hawken, LTD, a subsidiary of The Scotts Company LLC, effective December 30, 2009. “We’re thrilled to own such an admired and iconic brand,” said Kathee Tesija, executive vice president of merchandising, Target. “We believe the Smith & Hawken brand complements our existing portfolio of owned brands and provides our guests with another compelling reason to shop Target.” Target currently offers its guests high quality and affordable outdoor furniture, gardening and décor solutions through Smith & Hawken for … Read more

Yellowstone’s Bio Landscape Acquires Texas Services, LTD

January 11 – Houston, Texas – On December 31, 2009, BIO Landscape & Maintenance, Inc. (BIO), a Yellowstone Landscape Group company, expanded its Texas presence through the acquisition of Texas Services, LTD. (Texas Services). Texas Services, a sustainable Tree Care focused Lawn Maintenance and Landscaping Company, is headquartered in Houston, Texas. They were founded in 1976 and currently provide services to Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and the surrounding areas. Texas Services will now become the Tree Care Department of BIO Landscape & Maintenance, Inc. Robert Taylor, President of BIO, said, “Texas Services will further expand BIO’s geographic footprint by … Read more