The OPEI, a non-profit trade association that represents manufacturers and their suppliers of consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment, has announced the 2014-2015 Officers and Board of Directors.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute has announced the 2014-2015 Officers and Board of Directors. New officers are OPEI Chairman Paul Mullet, President, Excel Industries; OPEI Vice Chair Lee Sowell, President, Outdoor Products at Techtronic Industries, N.A., Incorporated; and OPEI Secretary/Treasurer Tim Merrett, Vice President of A & T Global Platform and Turf & Utility, Deere & Company. Immediate past chair is Todd Teske, Chairman, President & CEO at Briggs & Stratton Corporation.

"OPEI is entering a new era of growth and engagement because of the ground work laid for many years by our Board of Directors," said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI. "As the voice of outdoor power equipment, utility vehicle, and small engine manufacturers, we are doing more to support manufacturers, advocate on their behalf, educate dealers, and share safety standards and best practices within the industry and with consumers."

"A hundred million plus consumers use our products and our industry is continuing to expand and grow," said OPEI Chairman, Paul Mullet. "OPEI is championing the highest standards of safety and excellence during this phase of growth and innovation."

Continuing their service on the OPEI Board are: Daniel T. Ariens, President & CEO, Ariens Company; Earl Bennett, Vice President and General Counsel, N/A and L/A - Husqvarna Professional Products; Steven M. Bly, Executive Vice President, Echo Incorporated; Edward B. Cohen, Vice President, Government & Industry Relations, American Honda Motor Company Inc.; Tom Cromwell, President, Kohler Engines, Kohler Company; John Cunningham, President, Consumer Products Group, Stanley Black & Decker; Marc J. Dufour, President & CEO, Club Car LLC; Peter Hampton, President - Active Exhaust Corporation; Jean Hlay, President and Chief Operating Officer, MTD Products Inc.; Michael J. Hoffman, Chairman & CEO, The Toro Company.

For more information about OPEI, please visit opei.org.

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