If you’re tooling around Wisconsin this summer, stop by Duluth Trading Company’s completely renovated 1882 mercantile store in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, to take a gander at the most incredible tool collection in the Midwest.

Only 20 miles down the road from Madison, this quaint town is home to the new “Wally Keller Tool Museum” nestled inside the Duluth Trading flagship store – a shopping experience for men and women who crave quality, rugged, and downright useful workwear. Already visited by folks from 47 of our United States, the Duluth Trading store and Wally Keller Tool Museum are drawing the traveler looking for a unique discovery experience.

Wally Keller Tool Museum 

Open to the public during Duluth Trading store hours, the Wally Keller Tool Museum showcases an extensive collection of Industrial Era hand tools, dating from the end of the Civil War through 1950-60, collected by well-known Mount Horeb folk artist/sculptor, Wally Keller. The late artist was known for the scrap metal creatures he lovingly crafted from old farm machinery, commercial and automotive parts and proudly displayed in his yard.

What people didn’t know is that Keller was also the owner of an extensive 3,147-piece hand tool collection. When Steve Schlecht, owner of Duluth Trading Company, visited Wally Keller’s home in 2009 in search of sculpture, he was treated to a peek at Keller’s tool collection - including an Alligator Wrench, a Railroad Spike Puller and a Fence Stretcher. At the request of Keller’s wife, Duluth Trading later acquired the entire collection. Today, visitors to the Duluth Trading store can read the “Whatsis” board in the Wally Keller Tool Museum to test their know-how, and try to figure out what the heck all the odd tools were used for.

Anticipating its first summer in Mt. Horeb, the catalog and online retailer (www.duluthtrading.com) opened its flagship store in November, 2010, to give customers, loyalists and locals a physical hub to browse, man-handle, and test the company’s seriously usable workwear such as Ballroom Jeans , the Longtail T, Fire Hose pants and jackets, to Buck Naked Underwear . The new 7,500-square-foot store at 100 Main Street is the former home of the popular Mount Horeb Mustard Museum.

“Not only is the Duluth Trading store ideal for folks who like to dig in and get their hands dirty, it is a great destination for folks looking for a unique, no-nonsense atmosphere off the beaten path,” Stephanie Pugliese, senior vice president for Duluth Trading Company. “As we approach our first summer season in this community, we are proud to help celebrate Mount Horeb’s Sesquicentennial this summer.”

Mount Horeb Sesquicentennial  

This summer marks a big birthday for Mount Horeb, as the town turns 150 years old. Duluth Trading is helping celebrate the Sesquicentennial all summer long with its participation in these festive events:

• 40th Annual Art Fair – July 16-17
• 9th Annual Thirsty Troll BrewFest – September 10  

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This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.

 

 

 

Designed for snow removal and general purpose use, Sno-Pro blades are ideal for pushing snow, aggregate materials, livestock feed, and silage. Built tough for farmers, landscapers, ranchers, construction companies and homeowners these unique implements give an added versatility to your bucket loader.

These blades feature 30 degree hydraulic angle for efficient and productive plowing, four heavy duty trip springs for added protection against blade damage from surface obstructions, easy-adjust depth shoes, and highly visible guide markers fro easy location of blade edge/corners. Sno-Pro front end loader blades are made with heavy-duty 11 gauge powder coated steel, an extended four foot push frame for added durability, and a high carbon steel reversible cutting edge. Blades are available in five through eight foot models and are recommended for tractors and skid steers up to 47 HP with quick-attach front mounting adapters.

Curtis Industries, LLC is the leading manufacturer of cabs, enclosures and accessories for compact tractors, golf cars, and utility vehicles. The company, which started in 1968, also manufactures truck plows and snow and ice control equipment for tractors and utility vehicles. Curtis Industries, LLC markets its products exclusively through a large network of dealers in the United States and Canada as well as Japan, Korea and Western Europe. The company operates from a modern 150,000 sq. ft. facility in Worcester, MA.

For more information on Curtis products please visit www.curtisindustries.net or call 800.343.7676. 

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This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

Calluses are a plus. Dirty fingernails a pre-requisite. Whether you spend the sweltering summer days staking tomatoes, running cows to pasture, or framing houses, Duluth Trading Company WANTS YOU to be their new catalog model. The solution-oriented workwear retailer based in Belleville, Wisconsin, is looking for hardworking women to showcase their gear on catalog and web pages – professional models need not apply.

Starting TODAY and until August 13, women can enter the Duluth Real Women search online by visiting the Duluth Trading Real Women Contest page. The winner, who will be announced at an event at Duluth Trading’s flagship store in Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin, on October 1, will receive a $1,000 Duluth Trading shopping spree and the opportunity to participate in catalog and online photo shoots this Fall.

Both in its catalog and product development, Duluth Trading is committed to ensuring its products keep up with the women who wear them. They have enlisted a Real Women Test Panel to use and abuse gear and provide feedback to the product development team. Launched in 2005, Duluth Trading’s women’s brand has experienced significant growth.

“Duluth builds products with hands-on, self reliant women in mind – women who view clothing as an asset for real life and work, not a fashion runway,” says Stephanie Pugliese, Duluth Trading’s senior vice president of product development and marketing. “We want the women who grace our pages to inspire others by photographing them in their own environment and highlighting the hard work that makes them so inspiring.”

Over the years, Duluth Real Women models have been veterinarians, produce and landscape farm owners, master gardeners, researchers and serious do-it-yourselfers who demand their clothing work as long and hard as they do. "My Duluth workwear is the best! I work outside in all types of weather and need to be comfortable and work efficiently," says Rebecca Claypool , an agroecology grad, Midwest produce farm owner and Duluth Real Woman. "Duluth Trading makes durable, rugged clothing that actually fits well. Their gear is my go-to each season."


Top Tools of the Trade from Duluth’s Real Women Models

A leader in innovative and functional products since 1991, Duluth Trading continues to add new offerings to their already robust product line-up. Duluth Trading’s Longtail Ts come in a variety of styles, including: Henley, Crew, V-neck, Tank, Longsleeves and Turtlenecks. All Longtails are made of a soft rib knit that won’t lose their shape, pill or fade – and offer UPF 35 protection. Plus, Longtails are a full two inches longer than an ordinary t-shirt to stay tucked and cover women’s assets when they bend, reach or sit. $18.00 – $29.50

The ultimate in fashion meets function, Stretch Fire Hose Cargo Pants have Duluth Trading’s contoured, Asset Management waistband, curved so it won't gap in the back. Plus, they’re made of water and stain-resistant 8 oz. Fire Hose spandex/cotton canvas that is pre-washed for softness, providing just the right amount of flex in the fabric. These pants deliver for real, hard work too, with rivets and reinforcements at every stress point and nine pockets. Women’s Stretch Fire Hose is also available in regular Pants and Shorts. $44.50 – $49.50

Meet the jeans made for women of all shapes and sizes. Duluth Trading’s Denim Boot Cut Jeans have an Asset Management waist – contoured so it won’t gap in the back – which sits comfortably 2" below the belly button. A Trim Fit through the hips and thighs closely follows curves, but thanks to stretch in the fabric, is never too tight. And a clever bonus: the middle back belt loop is shaped like a “V”, which keeps the belt from riding up when women bend, sit or crouch. Women’s jeans are also available in Original , Midweight and Relaxed Fit. $39.50 - $44.50

Women's Railroad Striped Overalls are durable, work-worthy overalls made to fit a woman. They're built tough with features like inside pouches at the knees for kneepads, triple stitching for durability, and double button side closures for a better fit. Instead of an ordinary chest pocket these bibs have an entire pocket system – cell phone pocket, pen slots and a large zipper pocket to keep things organized and within reach. There are also front slash pockets, side cargo pocket, two back pockets and hammer loop. Thirteen pockets all counted. Lighter weight fabric is perfect for the warmer months. $54.50

With an unprecedented twelve pockets, the Women’s Lightweight Utility Vest is a handy addition to any woman’s wardrobe. The pockets keep hands free while the large back mesh panel works to keep women cool and circulate air during long, hot days. “All the pockets are extremely handy,” says horticulturist and Duluth Real Woman, Ina. Plus, the two-way front zip unzips from the bottom to make bending, crouching and sitting easier. Teflon® treated for stain resistance. $59.50

The women’s Crusher Hat offers UPF 50+ protection built-in to shield sensitive skin, mesh sides to keep heads cool, a flexible brim and crown, adjustable chin cord and is completely machine washable. The Crusher can be packed, stuffed or squished anywhere and bounce right back into shape. Terrific for long, sun drenched days outside. $29.50

Duluth Trading’s No Gap Flannel Shirt (available late Summer 2011) is crafted from the softest yet most durable cotton flannel and made to fit a feminine figure. Its modern bi-swing feature, stretch concealed back panels, and underarm gussets help make movement easier for active women. Also features a wider packet to minimize gaps between buttons in the bust and maximize coverage. $39.50

Dirt-repelling Fire Hose fabric is evolutionary because it’s tough as nails, yet still soft and flexible. The Flannel-lined Fire Hose® Action Jacket (available late Summer 2011) has a bi-swing back to allow shoulders full range of movement – no straining against tight seams, and eight pockets to stow a whole bunch of stuff. Interior storm cuffs keep out water, wind and dirt. A dropped back tail offers extra protection when women bend over, and the soft cotton flannel lining is quilted polyfil insulation for warmth. Princess seams add a hint of shape too, so it’s nothing like a boxy men’s jacket. 11.5-oz. 100% cotton with Teflon® finish. $99.50   

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This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.

 

With its new Bear Creek collection, PahaQue now offers super-lightweight one- and two-person backpacking tents: Bear Creek Solo and Bear Creek 200. Backpackers can now experience PahaQue’s commitment to high quality affordable tents that campers have enjoyed for years.

“After years of developing innovative family camping tents, we are pleased to be introducing the first PahaQue backpacking tents,” said Jeff Basford, president. “And we expect to expand this line in the future.”

Both Bear Creek tents feature a full mesh body, designed to provide a wide-open, “sleeping under the stars” feeling. And if the weather is less than ideal, both tents provide complete protection from the elements, and from bugs, too.

With nearly 36 square feet of usable interior space (86”x60” floor), the Bear Creek 200 is a roomy two-person tent, but with a trail weight of only 3.1 lbs. One person sleeps comfortably on the Solo’s 86”x32” floor. It will even fit on an oversized cot for off-the-ground sleeping. The trail weight for the Solo is just 2.0 lbs.

The Bear Creek tents include a rainfly vestibule that adds an additional 6.5 square feet of protected space for gear and other items. And both can be easily set up by one person in less than five minutes. Each includes a high-quality 8.5mm T6 6061 shock-corded pole set for a strong, lightweight frame.

MSRP is $299 for the Bear Creek 200, $225 for the Solo.

For more information on PahaQue’s new Bear Creek Tents, as well as the entire PahaQue line, go to www.pahaque.com. 

  

PahaQue’s light-weight Bear Creek 200 backpacking tent comfortably sleeps two on its 86”x60” floor. Full-mesh body, show here, for a “sleeping under the stars” night. Its rainfly provides protection from the elements.

  

PahaQue’s light-weight Bear Creek Solo backpacking tent comfortably sleeps one on its 86”x32” floor. Removable rainfly, shown here, offers protection from the elements. On clear nights its full-mesh body provides a “sleeping under the stars” experience. Fits on an oversized cot for off-the-ground sleeping.

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This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.   

BOWDOINHAM, MAINE – Proclaimed as “A Very Crafty Town” by DownEast Magazine (Nov. 2008) Bowdoinham is once again showing just how crafty it can be. The Long Branch School of Maine is due to open September 2011 in Bowdoinham. Local residents Peter Feeney, John Favreau and Nanette Giacoma have teamed up to create The Long Branch School where regional experts will teach workshops that promote self-reliance and sustainability. The Long Branch School will operate at 20 Main Street in the village center of Bowdoinham. Long Branch is an L3C - a low profit, limited liability company. This is a new designation for limited liability companies that provide a social benefit from their operations.  

Long Branch offers affordable workshops that provide enrichment and learning in a wide array of skills. Reflecting the diverse gifts of the people in the region, course offerings will range from farming, energy efficiency and food preservation to woodworking, utilitarian arts and crafts, and music. Nestled on the Cathance River near Merrymeeting Bay, Bowdoinham is the perfect setting for a school that takes advantage of the beautiful, natural surroundings and will provide a venue for fun and adventure.

The General Store will be open daily and boast an eclectic blend of locally grown produce, milk, bread and eggs, as well as, Maine made products, utilitarian arts, crafts and gifts. It will be a provide a healthy option for those quick pick-up items frequently needed, as well as, support the creative economy in the region. Located on Main Street, a frequently traveled road to I-295 and Route 24, it will be a charming, convenient one-stop shopping experience.

The Long Branch School of Maine Mission is to:
• provide people with skills they need to live sustainably
• rekindle the skills and lifestyles of our heritage in a socially and environmentally responsible manner
• provide people a unique and fulfilling experience that builds community and re-localizes our economy
• incubate and grow businesses that support a local, sustainable economy

The Grand Opening will be on Saturday, September 10th as a part of the annual Celebrate Bowdoinham festivities.

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This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced approximately $10 million in funding for the Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) to help increase availability of local agricultural products in communities throughout the country.

"These grants will put resources into rural and urban economies to create and support direct marketing opportunities for farmers" said Merrigan. "Consumer and farmer enthusiasm for direct marketing has never been greater. This year we will place emphasis on food deserts because America's low income and underserved communities need greater access to healthy, fresh food."

In fiscal year 2011, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will competitively award grants to projects that develop producer-to-consumer market outlets, including but not limited to farmers markets, community supported agriculture, and road-side stands. Priority status will be granted to those projects that expand healthy food choices in food deserts. AMS will continue to target 10 percent of grant funding toward new electronic benefits transfer projects at farmers markets.

USDA, in coordination with the Departments of the Treasury and Health and Human Services, seeks to eliminate food deserts in the U.S. by increasing access to fresh, healthy and affordable food choices for all Americans, while expanding market opportunities for farmers and ranchers. Through a suite of funding options, the federal partners are targeting food deserts, or areas with limited access to affordable and nutritious foods in urban, rural and tribal neighborhoods. Earlier this year, USDA's Economic Research Service released a Food Desert Locator tool online. The Food Desert Locator is an Internet-based mapping tool that pinpoints the location of food deserts around the country and provides data on population characteristics of census tracts where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious foods. To use the Locator, visit www.ers.usda.gov/data/fooddesert.

Because of changes to the program in fiscal 2011, applicants should visit the FMPP website for full details about food deserts and assistance in applying. The "FMPP Pre-Application Guide" also helps applicants assess their readiness for implementing a federally-funded grant project, and the "How to Apply for an FMPP Grant" tutorial will guide them through completion of the application. These and other tools can be found at http://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP.

Authorized by the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976 and amended by the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (the Farm Bill), FMPP is in its sixth year of funding direct markets that benefit local and regional economies.

Since 1994, USDA has counted the number of operational U.S. farmers markets. During that time, the number of farmers markets listed in the USDA National Farmers Market Directory has skyrocketed from 1,755 to 6,132. The directory captures information about where and when farmers markets operate, if they participate in federal nutrition benefit programs, and detailed information about their seasonality and location.

Information on how to apply for a FMPP grant was published in the June 1, 2011, Federal Register, and posted to http://www.ams.usda.gov/FMPP.

FMPP deadline requirements have changed. This year complete applications must be received – not postmarked – by AMS no later than close of business on July 1, 2011. Applications received after the deadline – and incomplete applications – will not be considered.

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This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.
 

CHESTERFIELD, MISSOURI – Manna Pro Products LLC, the maker of the trusted Calf-Manna animal supplement, has just introduced Horse-Manna, a new vitality supplement exclusively for the nutritional requirements of the equine market.

According to Jason Bachert, Vice President of Manna Pro Retail Sales, the new Horse-Manna formulation is intended to complement existing Manna Pro products, but not replace them. “As we developed Horse-Manna, we started with the proven science behind Calf-Manna, and added several additional features specific to equine health,” he says. “So while Calf-Manna offers performance enhancing benefits for multiple species of animals, Horse-Manna promotes the overall health and vitality unique to a horse.”

Bachert says Horse-Manna should not replace Calf-Manna on retailers’ shelves; it simply gives them an option designed specifically for equine customers. “Our new vitality supplement offers horses what they need, and owners a name they can trust, all from one retail location,” he says.

Manna Pro says Horse-Manna provides nutritional differences that horse owners will be able to see for themselves. In addition to vitamin and mineral fortification that promotes overall health and well-being, Horse-Manna also contains flax and linseed meal for a healthy, shiny coat, and high quality proteins for optimum growth and muscle development. The formula is anise-flavored for palatability, and has yeast cultures and other microbials that aid digestion. It is formulated for horses of all ages and stages of activity, and includes supplemental fats for healthy weight gain.

Horse-Manna sells at a price that is 25% to 50% less than competitive vitality products, and contains the same or better nutrition. Each bag of Horse-Manna comes with a convenient one-ounce scoop for easy feeding, and feeding amounts range from 2 ounces per day for weanlings to 4 – 6 ounces per day for mature horses.

Horse-Manna will be available at retailers nationwide beginning in June 2011.  

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This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.  

BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA — With Toro Blue Stripe Drip Irrigation systems, homeowners now have an easier way to make watering more efficient – all while saving time and money. Toro Blue Stripe Drip Irrigation systems are now available in kits specifically designed for containers, flower beds, vegetable and herb gardens, tomatoes and roses.

Drip irrigation is the process of delivering water in a slow, steady and precise manner to the soil. Emitters, or devices that deliver the water, are placed near the plant base so water can be delivered directly to the roots of plants. Experts say that drip irrigation is more than 90% efficient because of this delivery method. There is less evaporation because the water is delivered exactly where it’s needed. Micro-sprayers work in a similar way, using miniature sprayers to deliver water to individual plants or small garden areas. Both emitters and micro-sprayers keep the soil evenly moist, reducing stress on plants and promoting a healthy, beautiful landscape.

All Toro Hose End Drip Kits easily install directly onto an outdoor faucet or hose end. Each kit features drip components and tubing perfectly suited for the specific plant type or application, as well as easy to follow 3-step installation instructions with illustrations. Each kit’s unique features include:

• Toro Hose End Drip Kit for Containers - waters six average-sized containers, and adjustable emitters enable flexibility to suit various sized containers or increased water flow as plants grow.
• Toro Hose End Drip Kit for Flower Beds - waters flower beds of up to 30-square-feet, and adjustable emitters gently water to keep small plants and flower petals clean and vibrant.
• Toro Hose End Drip Kit for Vegetable and Herb Gardens - waters up to 24-square-feet of garden space, and tubing with pre-installed emitters make installation quick and easy.
• Toro Hose End Drip Kit for Tomatoes - waters up to three average-sized plants, and tubing with pre-installed emitters loops around the plant base and eliminates potential damage due to overspray.
• Toro Hose End Drip Kit for Roses - designed to water new or mature rose bushes and includes adjustable micro bubbler emitters for slow, deep watering and increased flow as roses grow.

Look for Toro Hose End Drip Kits online at ShopToro.com.

For more information on Toro Blue Stripe Irrigation or other Toro products, consumers can contact Toro at 1-800-348-2424 or visit www.toro.com. You can also visit www.torodesign.com for an interactive tutorial on designing and installing a home irrigation system.

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This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.  

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Dickies, the leading global work wear brand, is proud to announce the five finalists in its 19th annual American Worker of the Year program. For the first time in the program’s history, the decision of who will be named American Worker of the Year will rest in the hands of the public. From now until June 27, the company’s Facebook fans may vote for one of five finalists to be named the 2011 Dickies American Worker of the Year. The winner will be announced on Independence Day (July 4).

The Dickies’ American Worker of the Year award recognizes committed workers who give their all to get the job done. Five finalists were chosen from the pool of entrants based on their strong work ethic, determination and pride. The finalists include:

· Jay Praytor, a landscaping business owner from Texas

· Jeremy Lower, a concrete pourer and volunteer firefighter from Illinois

· Dano Pressley, an auto repair shop owner from North Carolina

· Michael Mack, a U.S. soldier and factory worker from Ohio

· Travis Dawson, a pressure cleaning service business owner from Georgia

These five American workers will each receive a new Dickies wardrobe, while the grand prize winner selected as the 2011 Dickies American Worker of the Year will receive $50,000. All fans voting in the contest will receive a 20 percent off discount code to www.dickies.com.

“For nearly 90 years, Dickies has outfitted America’s hardest workers in the most durable, trusted work wear available,” said Mike Binnie, president of Williamson-Dickie USA. “We’re pleased to recognize those workers with an annual award honoring their service and dedication. And to have some of our most loyal and diehard brand fans help name this year’s winner makes it all the more rewarding.”

This year, contestants were able to enter the contest by submitting a video, a series of photos or a short essay via Dickies’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/dickies) between May 2 and May 30. Past honorees have included an oil field roughneck, farmers, builders, teachers, an electrical lineman and soldiers. In 2010, Theresa Voss, a neuro-intensive care nurse from Rockford, Ill., was selected as the Dickies American Worker of the Year. Previously, a panel of judges reviewed nominations and selected the honoree each year.

Official contest rules and additional contest information may also be found at www.dickies.com. 

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This press release is presented without editing for your information. GRIT does not recommend, approve or endorse the products and/or services offered. You should use your own judgment and evaluate products and services carefully before deciding to purchase.