PHILADELPHIA, Pa. --  Inc. magazine ranked Holganix as No. 186 on its 33rd annual Inc. 500 list, an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing privately held companies.  This represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy - America’s independent entrepreneurs.  Other companies who gained early exposure as members of the Inc. 500 list include Dell, LinkedIn, Martha Stewart and Domino’s Pizza.

“Some of world’s greatest companies have had their start on the Inc. 500 list. We’re humbled, honored and grateful to have been selected as part of this elite group of our nation’s fastest growing, privately held businesses,” said Holganix CEO, Barrett Ersek.  In order to be included in the 2014 Inc. 500 list, companies had to experience grow in excess of 942% from the start of business in 2011.  Holganix ranked 186 out of 500 with a three-year growth of 2,291.4%.  The Inc. 500, which is part of the Inc. 5000 list, aggregate revenue is $211 billion and has generated 505,000 jobs over the past three years.

Holganix manufactures and sells 100% organic, bionutritional products that promote strong plant health, increasing the efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer. Healthy plants are more resistant to the negative impact of plant pathogens and insects. As a result, significantly lower quantities of synthetic fertilixers and pesticides are needed.  A two-page spread featuring Holganix user, Broken Sound Golf Course in Boca Raton, Florida, will be featured in the September issue of Inc. magazine.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Ersek reflecting back on the growth of Holganix.  “The great news is that the fun and growth have just begun.”

RIVERSIDE, Calif. - - IRROMETER Company, the manufacturer of soil moisture sensing and monitoring equipment for over 63 years, is pleased to announce the addition to its staff of  Diganta Adhikari. Diganta Adhikari comes from California State University in Fresno with extensive knowledge and experience in water management, environmental engineering, consulting and project management, focused on both government and industry clients. His practical hands-on approach to agricultural and environmental issues promises to benefit the company and its customers through expanded product development and technical support well into IRROMETER’s future.

Besides numerous awards, appointments and industry related affiliations, Diganta Adhikari holds dual Masters Degrees in Industrial Technology and Computer Science from Cal State Fresno and a BS in Computer Science and Engineering from the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science & Technology in Itanagar, India. He is also a PhD candidate in Environmental Systems at the University of California, Merced and will be receiving his doctoral degree this fall.  His work responsibilities have focused on research projects and regulations related to water conservation; air quality monitoring; land reclamation; and emerging green products testing and evaluation – all important aspects to IRROMETER’s objective of  “Optimizing Irrigation…Maximizing Conservation…Worldwide – Since 1951.

Diganta Adhikari (or Dig as he is known) and his family will make their home in Colorado and be available for company representation at trade shows, conferences and on various industry committees.
 

SAVANNAH, Ga. — Just about everyone knows someone who’s recently taken part in the “Ice Bucket Challenge” to raise money for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research. However, those previous efforts may pale in comparison to the frigid drenching that many JCB employees experienced on Friday, Aug. 22.
 
That day, JCB offered its Savannah-area employees the chance to demonstrate their support for ALS research. Those who donated to the cause received the cold shower of a lifetime when multiple JCB backhoes doused them with enormous buckets full of icy water. The chilling event was family-owned JCB’s way of supporting Dallas Reeves, JCB’s vice president of sales, whose family has been personally affected by the devastating disease.
 
“My grandfather passed away from ALS,” said Dallas Reeves, JCB’s vice president of sales. “As a result, my family and I have witnessed the painful realities of this disease first-hand. I truly appreciate JCB for taking on this cause and supporting ALS sufferers and their families in the search for a cure.”
 
Commonly known as “Lou Gehrig's Disease,” ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. Motor neurons in affected individuals continue to degenerate and die, causing the brain to lose its ability to initiate and control muscle movement. Patients in the disease’s latter stages may suffer from complete paralysis.
 
“Over the past few weeks, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has proved itself to be a fun and memorable way to raise money for a very good cause,” said Thom Peebles, JCB’s vice president of marketing. “I’m very proud that the JCB family is supporting Dallas and his family by helping fund much-needed research to fight a disease that’s taken so much away from so many.”

Video of the challenge can be found here.

PELLA, Iowa – As part of its family succession planning process, Vermeer Corporation today announced that third-generation family member, Jason Andringa, will serve as the company’s next President & CEO effective Nov. 1, 2015.

On Nov. 1, 2014, Jason will assume the role of President & Chief Operating Officer for one year, when he will transition to the role of President & CEO of Vermeer Corporation. He currently serves as President of Forage and Environmental Solutions.

“Gary Vermeer, my grandfather and Vermeer founder, was very influential for me personally and professionally,” said Jason Andringa. “Since a young age, I had a passion to follow in his footsteps. In the mid-90s, I traveled on a business trip overseas with my mother, Mary, and saw firsthand the global demand for Vermeer equipment and the impact it was making on local communities across the world. That trip solidified my path to Vermeer. I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Vermeer as a family-owned and operated, global company into a prosperous future.”

Mary Andringa, current President & CEO, will assume the role of CEO & Chair of the Board Nov. 1, 2014. Mary will transition exclusively to Chair of the Board Nov. 1, 2015.

“I look forward to working closely with Jason this coming year to prepare him for the transition to CEO in Nov. 2015,” said second-generation family member Mary Andringa. “As an entire family, we are proud to announce the third-generation leadership who we know with confidence can propel us to new heights.”

Bob Vermeer, current Chairman of the Board, will assume the role of Chair Emeritus. The honorary role for individuals who served as Vermeer CEO or Chair of the Board will be effective Nov. 1, 2014.

“The Vermeer family and Board of Directors have worked diligently for more than two decades to establish a robust and extensive family employment policy and succession planning process,” said Bob Vermeer, second-generation family member. “We are confident that Jason’s education and experience have prepared him exceptionally to lead the company.”