News Release

Release Date: _______________________

Contacts: _______________________ (with phone number)

(Date), (Township, State) -- Attention landscapers and homeowners! A new community program has arrived! (Date) marks the official kick-off date for the (Township) community cooperative "LINK." "LINK" stands for Landscapers Involved with Neighborhoods and Kids and is the result of streamlining comments on leaf blowers from landscapers and local residents searching for a reasonable yet fair compromise in residential areas.

"A compromise worked out directly with the landscaping industry is more positive than battling the issue out in court," said (Name of Resident #1). "Everyone knows the landscapers have a job to do and the challenge was finding an answer for this piece of equipment that would allow cost effective clean up while, at the same time, providing some relief in residential areas to those who are suffering. We think "LINK" is a great idea that should really help a lot of people," said (Name of Resident #1). "And the great thing about "LINK" is that any neighbor or landscaper in any township can follow a simple guideline and do a lot of good for a community.

"LINK" wants to promote using gas-powered blowers at half-throttle within 150 feet of homes.

"By positioning the blowers level at half throttle, it not only saves wear and tear on the equipment, it keeps things more tolerable for us and the residents," said (Name of Landscaper #1). "It's a matter of respect."

"The compromise is one professionals can implement without buying new equipment and provides a 'safety zone' around people's homes. The key is how the tool is used, not the tool itself," said (Name of Landscaper #2).

(Name of Landscaper #3) also recognizes that you just cannot keep moving material. "At some point, it's just going to stop moving. Reducing the throttle shouldn't make that big of a difference in performance and, if it helps people, then it's worth it." (Name of Landscaper #3) also points out the important of safety glasses as well as hearing protection. "Protection shouldn't be just for hearing. Your eyes are just as important and shouldn't be forgotten."

Some landscapers have said half throttle would increase the cost to consumers. Conversations with Echo Incorporated, the leading manufacturer and experts in the field of lawn maintenance, strongly disagree. Echo felt the "LINK" approach was exciting and gave the group a "150% endorsement."

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