Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton proclaims “Toro Day” in the State of
Minnesota as the company celebrates ‘A Century of Innovation’
BLOOMINGTON, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 10, 2014--
The Toro Company today celebrated its 100th anniversary as
more than 2,000 employees, retirees, channel and business partners, and
other valued guests gathered at the company’s headquarters in
Bloomington, Minnesota. Joining Michael J. Hoffman, Toro’s chairman and
chief executive officer, as he remarked on the company’s rich history
and the individuals and innovations that helped shape the company’s
success was Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, who presented the official
proclamation declaring “Toro Day” in the State of Minnesota, and
Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead.
Left to right: Mayor Gene Winstead (Bloomington); Jeff Appelquist, author of Toro's recently released centennial book, Legacy of Excellence; Governor Mark Dayton (Minnesota); and Michael J. Hoffman, Toro's chairman and CEO (Photo: The Toro Company)
“As we celebrate our first 100 years, it was truly gratifying to be
surrounded by many of those who played such a significant role in the
company’s success,” said Hoffman. “We are honored to have such talented
employees around the world and individuals who have served the company
throughout our history, along with great channel and business partners,
who work every day to serve our customers and help advance our efforts
in the industry. And, I especially want to thank Minnesota Governor Mark
Dayton and Bloomington Mayor Gene Winstead for joining our centennial
celebration and honoring the people of Toro.”
“Part of the mentality of Toro is reaching out to its customers and to
the communities, and developing high-quality products while
strengthening your market through innovation,” said Governor Dayton. “I
don’t think that the founder could have imagined 100 years ago that Toro
would grow to be a Fortune 1000 company, or that more importantly, you’d
be a leading corporate citizen in Minnesota. Your contributions to this
state have been enormous.”
Mayor Winstead added, “Toro is an important partner in the Bloomington
community, and is a company that has endured because of its commitment
to customer service and innovation. I urge all citizens to recognize and
celebrate the 100th anniversary of this valued business and
community partner within the City of Bloomington.”
Among the many events taking place, invited guests were able to see the
unveiling of a new history display featuring an extensive collection of
vintage products from throughout company’s first 100 years – including
the first Toro-branded piece of equipment, the legendary To-Ro power
cultivator introduced in 1919. Also on display were many of the
company’s current products for golf courses, sports fields, parks and
municipalities, construction, professional contractors, homeowners and
agricultural growers.
During its centennial year, the company’s many locations around the
world have focused on giving back in communities where employees live
and work. This has included Toro’s ‘100 Acts of Caring’ initiative,
planting 100 trees in each Toro community worldwide, and a Centennial
Legacy Grant Program supporting nonprofits in their efforts to beautify
and preserve outdoor environments, and enhance green spaces.
Complete details of Toro’s 100-year history can be found at www.toro.com/100,
where viewers will find a centennial timeline and have the opportunity
to share their Toro story from throughout the years.
About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a
leading worldwide provider of innovative turf, landscape, rental and
construction equipment, and irrigation and outdoor lighting
solutions. With sales of more than $2 billion in fiscal 2013, Toro’s
global presence extends to more than 90 countries through strong
relationships built on integrity and trust, constant innovation, and a
commitment to helping customers enrich the beauty, productivity and
sustainability of the land. Since 1914, the company has built a
tradition of excellence around a number of strong brands to help
customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces,
commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields. More
information is available at www.toro.com.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140710006398/en/
Source: The Toro Company
The Toro Company
Branden Happel, 952-887-8930
branden.happel@toro.com
