A new electric truck startup has come out of the shadows and claimed that they can beat the Tesla Semi to market. Thor Trucks’ ET-One is a retrofitted “Frankenstein” that’s built from parts of other semi-trucks, and runs on a battery.

With a range of 300 miles and a load capacity of 80,000 pounds, this electric truck may give Tesla a run for its money. Thor Trucks believes it stands apart in the currently narrow market by converting fossil fuel-burning trucks into battery- electric ones with its unique technology and in-house manufacturing.

Never heard of Thor? Not surprising. Thor is tiny compared to its multi-billion dollar competitor, Tesla, but they are using this to their advantage; working out of an LA-are warehouse to make a reasonably affordable truck that serves the same purpose.

Having the technology to convert an existing semi-truck which burns diesel into a fully electric truck which runs on batteries is a major consideration that sets Thor apart. This may be a major buying factor for some companies who don’t want to purchase an entire new fleet of trucks when they could simply have their own trucks converted into greener, electric ones.

“There’s been a lot of smoke and mirrors in this space”, said Giordano Sordoni, the co-founder of Thor. “We want to be mindful about how long it takes to engineer hardware that’s super safe and effective.”

Only time will tell if Thor can compete in Tesla’s game, but it’s competition like this which drives innovation and leads way to new technologies.

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At Davison, it’s all about finding “a better way.” Founder George Davison created his 9-step inventing method to help everyday idea people with a more efficient and affordable way to invent. However, it’s not just about creating things for the sake of creating things. It’s about finding solutions to problems. It’s about designing inventions and innovations that have the power to change lives.

Finding “a better way” to change lives is really at the heart of what we do here at Davison. How can we help and how can we give back? During the end-of-year holiday season, this concept of “giving back” takes on an additional meaning.

This holiday season, our very own founder, Mr. Davison, contributed to a notable community cause with a donation to Variety® – the Children’s Charity, which holds an annual Anniversary Gala in Pittsburgh each winter to raise funds to empower children with disabilities.

Variety Chief Executive Officer Charles LaVallee was quick to express thanks to Mr. Davison for his support of the gala in an emotion-filled letter, which noted that all funds raised from the gala help provide equipment that has the power to give children with special needs the opportunity to participate in typical childhood experiences. In particular, this year’s 89^th Anniversary Gala included the “My Bike” parade, which highlights a Variety program that grants customized adaptive bikes to children with special needs.

Tracy, the mother of a child who rode his innovative adaptive bike in the “My Bike” parade, explained what the end of year gift meant to her and her son, Gage.

“When we went to get Gage fitted for his new bike, he was truly excited and felt safe and comfortable. It made my heart smile to watch him accomplish another milestone. He is so excited about receiving his bike. He has all these plans for going on bike rides with friends!” said Tracy.

As we bring the holiday season and 2016 to a close, we encourage the innovators, inventors and everyday idea people of the world to find “a better way.” What can you do in your community? How can you give back? What can we create that makes life better for all? We hope to help you with all of your innovative and life-changing ideas in 2017.

Copyright Davison, 2016

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Innovation is all about finding “a better way.” It’s about tuning into your power of observation to open your eyes to possible improvements.

Speaking of “tuning in,” just think about the dawn of color televisions as an example of innovation. Many of us will soon be watching the ball drop in New York City’s Time Square from the comfort of our own homes. We’ll watch on flat screen televisions with such high definition that we see every glimmering color, it’s almost like we’re there to close out another year.

It’s a great improvement over the original color picture tube, of which one of they key inventors was a friend of our very own founder, George Davison. That’s innovation! It’s a natural phenomenon that occurs over time as advancements and improvements are made.

As a company, Davison is always trying to innovate and improve to better reach and serve a community of inventors. Now, Davison is on the air with our first ever 30-second television commercial. Check it out!

Have you seen our new TV commercial? Do you have an idea? Confidentially submit your idea today.

Copyright Davison, 2016

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Back in August, we shared the exciting news with you that dog food our friends’ at Hugs Pet Products, who have licensed several of our innovative pet products, created with none other than Paula Deen, was selling on her website’s General Store and the Hugs Pet Products website!

Since that time, not only has the Paula Deen Hugs Premium Select Pet Food begun selling in K-VA-T food stores throughout Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee, it recently reached a little closer to home and to the heart as Davison and Hugs Pet Products were involved in a pet food donation to Midwest Beagle Rescue, Education and Welfare (BREW).

Aside from helping beagles find a carefully-screened and loving, forever homes, BREW works with local veterinarians, trainers and boarding facilities to give these dogs the proper medical care that they need and deserve.

This all-volunteer organization also serves as a community resource for pet owners by providing them with the right education, important information, positive behavior training and good nutrition.

It was the last point that made it a no brainer for Davison and Hugs to help this great cause by donating bags of the new products.

For Midwest BREW, any size bag is appreciated but medium or large-size bags work best for their dogs who eat at least 1-2 cups per day. In receiving the donation, “Our foster homes were thrilled!”

Once a month, the Midwest BREW holds an adoption event at a PetSmart in East Liberty, a local Pittsburgh neighborhood. This great event gives this organization the chance to not only showcase their beagles, but also to raise awareness for their rescue mission.

At the event, a dog named Dandelion, whose previous owner we’re told would only feed her once per day by throwing her food on the ground, is now able to go home and enjoy a delicious meal from Paula Deen, thanks to her free Chicken and Rice flavored- Paula Deen Hugs Premium Select Pet Food.

Dandelion’s foster dad, Bill, has been a foster parent for several years and appreciates the donation.

But Bill and Dandelion weren’t the only ones to enjoy the delicious food.  In fact, six bags of the Beef and Rice flavored- Paula Deen Hugs Premium Select Pet food were sent to a Midwest BREW volunteer in Toledo, Ohio. A beagle named Beauty and her foster mom, Sarah, were the happy recipients of this donation.

Our Founder and CEO, Mr. Davison, offered his support in more ways than one. Not only did he offer his sentiments, he also wanted to donate even more to the Midwest BREW.

“It is such a beautiful thing you are doing. Please let me know when you are ready for more of Paula’s Dog Food and we will be happy to help,” said Mr. Davison.

It’s organizations like the Midwest BREW and its selfless volunteers that motivate us to continue helping others.

“Thank you Hugs and Mr. Davison for helping Midwest BREW beagles.”

Learn more about the Midwest BREW and how you too can help this great cause!

Copyright Davison, 2015

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On April 30th, the Veterans Breakfast Club is hosting an evening called “Their Stories, Our History” at the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. The event will celebrate the opening of the Veterans Breakfast Club’s new Western Pennsylvania Veterans Archive at the center and we’re pleased to say that Davison will be included as one of the evening’s sponsors.

Recently, Mr. Davison received a thank you note from Veterans Breakfast Club Founder and Executive Director Todd DePastino:

Dear George,

A belated thank you for kindly sponsoring our April 30 event at the Heinz History Center.

I look forward to being in touch with details close to the date. It will be a great event!

Todd DePastino

The mission of the Veterans Breakfast Club is to give each and every veteran an opportunity to share their unique story. If you would like to take part in an event where you can celebrate our nation’s veterans and listen to some of their stories, reserve a ticket for the April 30th event here.

Learn more about the Veterans Breakfast Club here.

Copyright Davison, 2015

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Well, now we know what the hype surrounding last month’s 59th Annual Pittsburgh CLO Guild Ball was all about.

You may recall, that our founder and CEO Mr. Davison, his mother and Pittsburgh CLO Guild member, Moira Davison, and his daughter, Morgan Davison, served as a three-generation team of co-chairs to host the magical evening. They welcomed nearly 350 guests to the Westin Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh to celebrate “A Night to Remember.”

Thanks to their efforts and the generous support of those who attended the epic event, the Pittsburgh CLO Guild has just announced that they raised $65,850 from the annual ball!

Those proceeds directly impact the arts in Pittsburgh, going toward the Pittsburgh CLO’s mainstage productions, the CLO Academy of Musical Theater, the CLO Internship Program, the Guild Scholarship Fund, CLO Mini Stars and much more.

You can read more about the 59th Annual Pittsburgh CLO Guild Ball in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette or on Triblive.com. See more photos from “A Night to Remember” in Whirl Magazine.

Copyright Davison 2014

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It’s time to get together for the sake of inventing! Inventionland is gearing up to host WQED’s Invention Convention 2013 – a day filled with invention challenges, advice from engineers and inventors and even an appearance by the cast of WGBH’s “Design Squad Nation.”

And, that’s not all. Students in grades 5-8 (and their families) are invited to the Saturday, April 6, 2013 event at Inventionland, where they can bring invention ideas, paper prototypes or models for review by Inventionland Creationeers. Students are even able to construct their own prototypes on-site.

Interested students can register for one of two sessions, which are slated from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Space is limited, so if you know a young, aspiring inventor, encourage them to attend (and to bring you, of course!)

Find out more about Invention Convention 2013 here.

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The Valentine’s Day “A Sweet Gesture: Chocolate Factory of Invention” event attracted more than 420 guests to our creative wonderland, which Whirl Magazine deemed a “magnet for inventors with a dream” in their April 2013 issue, which has just hit newsstands.

“Guests reveled in the presentation and taste of fresh fruit kebabs, displayed on giant red and white polka-dotted mushrooms, with vanilla dipping sauce and real golden eggs filled with velvety cream of tomato soup. How sweet, and scrumptious,” Whirl’s writer commented.

The magazine also published a few photos from the event in their latest issue and online at whirlmagazine.com.

The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation’s event at Inventionland was also covered in the Pittsburgh Business Times’ “After Hours” section in early March.

There, Mr. and Mrs. Davison appeared with David and Laura Mabon. Ms. Mabon co-chaired the event.

Congratulations to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation on another great “A Sweet Gesture” event! We’re so glad we got to be a part of it!

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Recently, KDKA’s Kristine Sorensen got a sweet taste of our creative workspace, in preparation for next Thursday’s Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation “A Sweet Gesture” fundraising event.

Sorensen’s tour aired during the CBS affiliate’s newscast last week and featured several sweet details not only about Inventionland, but also how the Foundation co-chairs asked Mr. Davison to host the Valentine’s Day event.

He explains how event organizers made up a chocolate prototype to ask him to host the Willy Wonka-themed evening.

“How do you turn down a request like that?” Mr. Davison asks.

Walking Sorensen through Inventionland’s secret bookcase-entrance, which will lead party-goers to the charity event, Mr. Davison explains how Inventionland is a creative mind-set that is meant to inspire inventors.

“This is the creative space that we dream everything up in,” says Mr. Davison.

Sorensen was quick to notice that the fantasy-like environment was much more than just a Disney-esque theme park.

“There’s a surprise at every turn… they’re creating, problem-solving, inventing – and, it’s working, based on the array of products floating through the building that are samples of real success stories,” says Sorensen.

After Sorensen interviews Mr. Davison, she speaks with the “Sweet Gesture” co-chairs, Tori Yoos and Laura Mabon, who explain how they plan to utilize the magnificent facility.

“The entire night is full of many surprises…” says Yoos.  “Everything you can imagine will be here:  food, music, drinks… activities… a fun, fun night.”

All proceeds from “A Sweet Gesture” benefit Children’s Hospital’s Family Life Fund.

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Most recently, our team pulled together in less than two weeks to donate toys for the 2012 Marines’ Toys for Tots drive. Thanks to our efforts, nearly 224 children were able to receive holiday gifts this season.

We’ve also just received two awesome “thank you’s” from a couple other causes we contributed to last year. And, we were so moved by the thanks, we just had to share.

Last September, Mr. Davison supported the Walk to Defeat ALS®. Walk organizers were more than grateful for the donation:

“Mr. Davison & Inventionland Crew,

Thank you very much for your generous support of the Pittsburgh Walk to Defeat ALS! Enclosed is a thank you video with scenes of Walk Day, thank you cards from some family members and walk t-shirts for the staff. This is just a small token of our great appreciation of your support! We also enclosed information about the 2013 Walk. We hope to work with you again on this great event.

With heartfelt thanks,
Jenni Franz
Another community project, the Aspinwall Riverfront Park Project, sought our help so that they could even keep their mission alive. Their “thank you” gesture was absolutely moving!

Mr Davison,

Thank you for your support and [for bringing] such creativity into the world.

“In 2011, when we decided to purchase the Aspinwall Marina to turn it into a park, many thought it impossible. Simply put, the odds were not in our favor. The facts were: the sale was complex, large and sophisticated companies had tried to buy the property and failed, and last, but not least, $2.3 million would need to be raised in a matter of months. Chances were that a small, grassroots effort, backed by the Fox Chapel District Association and Friends of the Riverfront, would be able to pull it off “when pigs fly.”

As I write to you, it’s been a little over a year since our community proved that we have what it takes to make pigs fly. Once again, what we’re trying to achieve seems entirely unrealistic to some. The odds are challenging. It takes most communities ten years to build a park – and we don’t intend to build the average park. The deadlines we have now are ones we put on ourselves. Our model isn’t typical. Instead of relying on taxpayers, we’re building an endowment and healthy business that will pay for the park’s upkeep (and we’re doing this at the same time we’re trying to build the park no less). The economy is sluggish. We all have many important things competing for our time, money and attention.

But, like you, we believe in possibility. And, big audacious goals. And, the potential to create something wonderful and lasting. When I look in the eyes of the kids who mowed lawns and sold lemonade, the hundreds of volunteers this year who planned parties, planted flowers, and removed thousands of pounds of concrete, weeds and garbage from the property – it’s crystal clear that our work is even more important this time around. We need to build Aspinwall Riverfront Park, so that kids who worked so hard can enjoy it while they are still kids. Our goal is to have some portion of the park open to the public by the end of 2013. We’re looking forward to working with you to reach it.

It’s the greatest privilege to be part of something that will be a permanent gift to this generation and the ones to come. Thank you for your on-going support that makes what seems impossible possible.

With gratitude and our best wishes for the happiest of holidays,
Susan Crookston and the Board of Aspinwall Riverfront Park (Davitt, Chip, Kevin, Tim, Trish, Tim, Scott)

Thank you to all members of the Davison Team who so willingly contribute to these great community causes! Keep up the great work!

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