VIRGINIA BEACH , Va. – Mark Chisholm, certified arborist and STIHL spokesperson was recently named one of the “Most Influential People in the Green Industry” by Green Media, a division of M2MEDIA360. Chisholm, a spokesperson for STIHL Inc., was selected by a judging panel from Green Media for his ongoing contributions to the green industry, specifically for improving the professionalism of the industry through providing education on proper tree care to both professionals and homeowners.

Chisholm is a third generation arborist who works along side his father Steve, mother Laura and brother Stephen, for the family business, the Aspen Tree Expert Co., Inc. Chisholm has been climbing trees since the age of twelve and admits that it is still his passion today. His expertise in tree care and storm safety has made him a sought-after international consultant and industry spokesperson for the world of arboriculture, including conducting training around the country on behalf of STIHL Inc. and its distributors. Chisholm is also the co-founder of TreeBuzz.com, a website dedicated to the arborist community.

In addition, Chisholm has won every International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) New Jersey Chapter Tree Climbing Championship for the last 19 years. He has earned the International Tree Climbing championship title on three occasions, most recently in 2010.

"From his seasonal tips on tree care to how to properly and safely prepare for a storm, Mark is very highly respected in the tree care community," said Anita Gambill of STIHL Inc. “STIHL is proud to support Mark and recognize this well deserved accomplishment within the industry.”

Chisholm has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and on CNN. He has appeared on P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home on PBS and the syndicated show P. Allen Smith Gardens. The shows featured Chisholm pruning centuries-old post oaks at the Garden Home Retreat in Arkansas of TODAY Show garden expert P. Allen Smith. Mark has also appeared on DIY Network’s Deconstruction and King of Dirt, and most recently The Wall Street Journal Lunch Break LIVE.

For more information on Mark Chisholm, visit http://treebuzz.com/xpertspeakers.php. For more information on STIHL Inc., visit http://www.stihlusa.com/.

About STIHL Inc.:
STIHL Inc. manufactures the number one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment in America for homeowners and professional landscapers*, as well as the number one selling brand of chain saws in the world. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast – not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only. For more information or for the name of a local STIHL retailer, call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the dealer locator on the STIHL website at www.stihlusa.com.
 
*"Number one selling brand" is based on syndicated Irwin Broh Research (commercial landscapers) as well as independent consumer research of 2009-2011 U.S. sales and market share data for the gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment category combined sales to consumers and commercial landscapers.
 
STIHL is pleased to support the work of Independent We Stand, the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), National FFA, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), the American Tree Farm System (ATFS), and the National Association of State Park Directors.