The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) recently held its 2022 annual meeting, welcoming more than 100 members at the Fairmont El San Juan for three days of education and networking. Three new members were also named to its Board of Directors. 

"Members in attendance were able to hear from four excellent speakers covering key issues facing the business, including the global economy, war in Europe, future technology trends and the science of employee retention," says Kris Kiser, president of OPEI. "With so many networking events, our annual meeting is an extraordinary opportunity for members to gather and connect." 

Attendees and the Board of Directors were also briefed by association staff on Equip Exposition (the trade show formerly known as GIE+EXPO), which OPEI took full ownership of last fall. The show, slated for Oct. 18-21 in Louisville, KY, is growing under the new management structure, adding space to the outdoor demo yard, expanding education opportunities and offering additional programming. 

"OPEI and our trade show continues to receive tremendous support from the industry. Preliminary numbers on attendees, exhibitors and sponsors indicate that this year's event could be one of the best in the show's 40-year history," Kiser says. 

Sponsors of the 2022 OPEI Annual Meeting were: 

TCF Inventory Finance — Premier Sponsor 

Louisville Tourism — OPEI Louisville Classic Golf Tournament 

Kohler Power — Wednesday Breakfast

Propane Education & Research Council — Thursday Breakfast

Kawasaki Engines — Dessert Reception 

Sheffield Financial — Keynote Speaker

Gates — Wednesday Networking Break 

YAT — Thursday Networking Break 

Wells Fargo — Welcome Gift

TD Retail Card Services — Beach Bags

The OPEI Board of Directors met concurrently with the Annual Meeting, approving the association's budget and work plans for the coming year. Three new directors joined the Board: Steve Andrews, president and CEO of Briggs & Stratton, Terry Horan, president and CEO of STIHL and John Wyatt, senior vice president and president of Outdoor, Stanley Black and Decker. 

The 2022-23 OPEI Board of Directors Executive Committee comprises: 

Brian Melka, group president —Power, Kohler Co., chair

Robert McCutcheon, president — Husqvarna North America, vice chair 

Mike Clancy, CEO — Chervon North America, secretary/treasurer 

Tom Duncan, executive board members — Positec USA, immediate past chair 

Dan Ariens, chairman and CEO — Ariens Company, Equip Exposition Show Chairman

Rounding out the Board of Directors are: 

Tim Dorsey, president — Echo Incorporated 

Peter Hampton, president and CEO — Active Exhaust Corporation

Rick Olson, chairman and CEO — The Toro Company

Lee Sowell, president — Outdoor Products, Techtronic Industries Power Equipment

David Throne, vice president — Turf & Compact Utility Business Unit, John Deere

OPEI's 2023 Annual Meeting is slated for June 20-22 at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. 

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