NEW MILFORD, Conn. –YardApes received the best large business award from the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce at the chamber’s Crystal Winter Gala. Each year, the award is given to a business that provides outstanding service to both the chamber and the community.
“I started out with a lawnmower and a truck,” said Shayne Newman, founder and president of YardApes. “I never thought I’d have an impact on the community like this.”
Newman has supported the community by sponsoring the YardApes Quad-Am Golf Classic since 2006. To date, the event has raised $35,000 for nonprofit organizations in the region, including groups such as MVP/SOS and Literacy Volunteers on the Green.
Newman said he likes to support a group for a couple of years and then move on to another one in an effort to spread the proceeds around.
YardApes has also been involved with the Professional Landcare Network’s (PLANET) Day of Service, a program through which Newman and his staff volunteer their time and materials to revitalize civic venues such as the Creative Playground, The Pratt Nature Center, Harrybrooke Park and Sullivan Farm in New Milford.
YardApes also reaches out to the community through its participation in Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Troops, an organization matching green industry professionals with men and women serving in the armed forces while away from home.
