Added Values: Bobcat, Trimble, and Conexpo Give Back
There's far too much bad news in the world. If you're like me, you try to avoid news programming as much as possible.
Then there's the daily doomscrolling on the internet, of course — don't get me started.
As an alternative, I think it's high time we celebrate some of the good deeds and charitable work being done in our industry. "Added Values" will be an occasional series meant to do just that.
Bobcat and Salvation (Army)
Did you know the Salvation Army has a fleet of equipment? Thanks in part to Bobcat, it does.
Bobcat Company is expanding its partnership with The Salvation Army to further support disaster preparedness and relief efforts. Through this expanded commitment, Bobcat has donated an additional $465,000 in equipment — bringing total donations to more than $1.35 million since 2024.
In 2024, Bobcat donated 23 critical pieces of equipment, including forklifts, portable generators, and light towers, to aid The Salvation Army’s disaster response operations following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. That donation was deployed across the Southeast, ensuring faster, more effective relief for impacted communities.
Its latest donation, which includes portable generators and light towers, will support six Salvation Army locations across the U.S. — Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and New York—strengthening the organization’s fleet across multiple territories.
"The support from Bobcat enables our Emergency Disaster Services teams to respond quickly and effectively when communities face disasters,” said Commissioner Merle Heatwole, National Commander of The Salvation Army.
“With reliable equipment like generators, forklifts, and light towers, we can provide critical services meals, distribution of emergency supplies, and emotional and spiritual care—without delay. We are deeply grateful for Bobcat’s ongoing partnership and commitment to helping us serve those in greatest need across the country.”
Trimble and Skills(USA)
Because our industry is still facing a workforce crisis, Trimble is among the companies taking action.
Trimble has announced a collaboration with SkillsUSA to provide technology and training to career and technical education (CTE) students across the U.S.
SkillsUSA is a workforce development organization for students, "empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members."
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It represents more than 400,000 career and technical education students and teachers in middle schools, high schools, and college/postsecondary institutions nationwide. Those members represent more than 130 in-demand occupational areas, from 3-D animation to welding.
By integrating advanced modeling and geospatial tools into classrooms, trade training programs, and state and national competitions, the Trimble/SkillsUSA collaboration aims to help prepare a workforce capable of meeting the demand for more than 450,000 new construction professionals in 2027.
Through this initiative, Trimble provides SkillsUSA advisors and instructors with an overview of Trimble technology and multiple options to gain access for its use in the classroom. Student members can also make requests to use Trimble technology for local, state, and national competitions.
Additionally, Trimble will donate software subscriptions to SkillsUSA including Trimble SketchUp 3D modeling software, Tekla software for constructible Building Information Modeling (BIM) and structural engineering, Trimble Business Center survey CAD software and other Trimble technology solutions. These tools allow students to gain hands-on experience with the same "ground truth" technology used on modern jobsites.
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Trimble will also sponsor the National Leadership & Skills Conference, supporting competitions in drafting, drone technology, and heavy equipment operation. These programs help transition students from classroom learning to high-demand careers by fostering digital fluency early in their professional development.
"Collaborating with industry leaders like Trimble allows our students to work with the latest technology, preparing them to be career-ready from their first day on the job," said Chelle Travis, executive director of SkillsUSA.
Conexpo and mental health
As we've covered before, suicide is a problem among construction industry workers. Conexpo is recognizing three exhibitors for their efforts in advancing mental health awareness.
International Construction Equipment, Inc.,The Hose Company, and Shell Lubricant Solutions each contributed $1,000 in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) as part of the Hard Hat Courage Initiative, which focuses on addressing mental health challenges within the construction and equipment manufacturing industries.
These exhibitor donations are part of a successful partnership between Conexpo 2026 and AFSP, which raised more than $112,000 to support suicide prevention and mental health awareness initiatives.
Funds raised support AFSP’s mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide through research, education, advocacy and support for those impacted by suicide.
Pay no attention to the fact Conexpo occurs once every three years — donations for this important cause are still being accepted here.