On July 31, 2008 John Deere announced a new marketing agreement with STIHL Inc. and STIHL Ltd. as the preferred supplier to John Deere dealers for gas powered and corded handheld power equipment in the United States. Southeast Farm Equipment Co. will begin handling Stihl products at it's Laurinburg and Lumberton stores in January, 2009 and the other locations during 2009 and 2010. Clark Murphy, Southeast Marketing Manager said, "We didn't want to add all locations at once, so we can do a good job of training our sales, parts and service personnel in this new product line. When we get up to speed we will add the other locations. That way we will be able to give the same excellent service on Stihl as we do John Deere products. We are looking forward to providing this outstanding product to our customers".