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Toro Renews its Commitment with NRPA’s Business Council
Collaboration between business and park and recreation professionals to spur innovations for improving local communities
Mar 07, 2023
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Sports Fields & Grounds
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — Toro announces that it will proudly be renewing its commitment to the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Business Council — a collaboration that will continue to strengthen the connections between the essential role of parks and recreation and the business sector.
Local park and recreation agencies generate economic value for communities. Across the country, parks and recreation generated almost $218 billion in economic activity and supported 1.3 million jobs from their operations and capital spending in 2019 alone.
“Toro is excited to continue its commitment to investing in park and recreation agencies, jobs, services and programs and the vibrant communities they support,” said Edric Funk, Group Vice President of Golf, Grounds & Irrigation at The Toro Company. “We’re excited to work closely with the Business Council in the year ahead — exploring, sharing and deploying powerful solutions that benefit both businesses and parks and recreation.”
The NRPA Business Council brings together the business sector and park and recreation professionals to solve common challenges together, fuel innovation, foster activism and advocacy, and promote research to enhance the quality of life for all. The Business Council serves as a strategic advisory group, giving the business community a voice and bridging the gap between the private and public sectors to build healthy communities through the power of parks and recreation.
“In its inaugural year, NRPA welcomed 11 members to the Business Council and identified goals and objectives in four priority areas to inform our efforts,” said Paula Sliefert, NRPA Business Council chair and senior manager, sports fields and grounds, The Toro Company. “The council also spearheaded a survey of 750 companies to identify perspectives and challenges facing businesses working in the parks and recreation sector. We look forward to a productive year ahead, building on the momentum and accomplishments we have made so far together and welcome our newest members to the Council.”
The NRPA Business Council, established in 2022, comprises strategic thinkers and collaborative decision-makers, representing businesses and allies who care deeply about parks and recreation. Business Council members also represent organizations that have demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and support the advancement of DEI in park and recreation programs, policies and practices.
Business Council members can access branding opportunities, as well as powerful thought leadership and engagement opportunities. The members of the NRPA Business Council include:
- BerryDunn
- BCI Burke
- Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects*
- EPIC Outdoor Cinema
- GARED
- Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, Inc.
- Musco Lighting
- PlayCore
- PlayPower, Inc.
- Public Restroom Company
- The Toro Company
- USA BMX*
- WT Group*
*New member for 2023 term
About Toro
With roots dating back to 1914, Toro is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf and landscape maintenance, snow management, rental and construction equipment, and irrigation solutions. Through a strong network of distributors, dealers, retailers and rental stores in more than 125 countries, Toro helps customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, construction sites and agricultural operations. More at: www.toro.com.
About the National Recreation and Park Association
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.