Hunter Industries Announces Donation Partnership Program With Project Evergreen

Recognizing the importance of promoting well-maintained green spaces to consumers, Hunter Industries announced a new partnership with Project EverGreen to further expand the nonprofit’s consumer education projects throughout 2006.

Beginning November 1, 2005, Hunter established a voluntary matching contribution program among its Preferred Contractors, a network of leading irrigation professionals nationwide. Under provisions of the agreement, Hunter will match 100 percent of the contributions made by its Preferred Contractors throughout the United States and Canada.

In addition, Hunter will provide irrigation system components and materials free-of-charge for use in selected Project EverGreen landscape renovation and consumer outreach projects.

“Establishing this partnership with Project EverGreen provides professional contractors an opportunity to form yet another valuable association both within the industry and throughout their own communities,” said Hunter President and CEO Richard E. Hunter. “Specifically, this program enables thousands of irrigation professionals to participate in Project EverGreen programs at the local and regional level with the support of our company.”

As a participant in the Project EverGreen program, contractors will have the opportunity to leverage this positive association by having access to a wide array of Project EverGreen promotional pieces for use in their sales and marketing initiatives for both new and existing customers.

“People like to be assured that they are making the right choice when it comes to preserving green spaces, not only because of the environmental benefits but from an economic and lifestyle standpoint as well, “said Den Gardener, executive director of Project EverGreen. “This commitment often starts right with their own backyards, but we have seen time and time again how such benefits spread throughout an entire community.”

In 2005, Project EverGreen initiated several landscape improvement projects as part of its national consumer education and outreach program, including a pilot partnership with Habitat for Humanity to provide landscaping for several Twin Cities homes and a soccer field renovation project in Raleigh, N.C. Thanks to the support of green industry professionals willing to donate their time, materials and expertise, the nonprofit plans to broaden these initiatives in 2006 in several communities across the country.

“To successfully promote the value of our industry to consumers, we need a hand from the professionals that live and work in these communities,” added Gardener. “They’re the face of Project EverGreen, and we appreciate Hunter paving the way for their contractors to participate.”

The partnership was announced simultaneously by Hunter and Project EverGreen at the Green Industry Exposition in Orlando, Fla, and the International Irrigation Show in Phoenix.

About Project EverGreen

Project EverGreen’s mission is to raise the awareness of the environmental, economic and lifestyle benefits of landscapes and promote the significance of those who preserve and enhance green spaces at home, work and play. This nonprofit organization is an alliance of green industry service providers, associations, suppliers/distributors, media companies and other organizations.

About Hunter Industries

Hunter Industries Incorporated is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of irrigation equipment for the landscape and golf course industries.

Headquartered in San Marcos, California, Hunter Industries produces a full line of water-efficient products for residential and commercial use, including pop-up gear-driven rotors, spray sprinklers, controllers, valves, weather sensors and central control systems. The company holds more than 250 product patents and 42 trademarks.

Hunter products are sold throughout the U.S. and internationally through a worldwide network of distributors in about 60 countries. These distributors supply thousands of professional irrigation contractors with a complete range of products for residential properties, commercial complexes, sports fields, parks, and golf courses.

For more information on Project EverGreen or the matching contribution program, contact Executive Director Den Gardner at 1-877-758-4835 or visit www.projectevergreen.com.