Accolades Program Includes New Rewards

Now green industry professionals can focus more on business with the new selection of rewards offered by the Accolades Program, sponsored by Bayer Environmental Science. Equipment, training tools, and travel packages to national seminars are a few of the many additional items featured in the new Accolades lineup.

“Our customers requested more industry-related rewards that they could share with others on their staff,“ explains Bryan Gooch, Accolades program manager for Bayer ES. “We expanded our offerings to accommodate their needs. In addition to association dues and payment for educational seminars, we offer a way customers can donate the value of their points to national charities, such as The United Way or the American Cancer Society.“

Introduced in late 1999 to lawn care operators, the Accolades program allows users to earn points toward rewards by purchasing products. Rewards include turf equipment, electronic items, fishing and hunting gear, sports equipment, trips and donations to turfgrass associations.

As of July 2003, the Accolades Program allows members to achieve various status levels based on their participation in the program. Preferred members receive a 10-percent bonus on all Accolades products, while Elite members receive a 25 percent bonus. In addition, the point expiration has been lengthened from two to four years, making it easier for turf managers to save for bigger items, such as larger equipment and computers.

“In 2004, customers will no longer have to submit invoices to receive Accolades points,“ Gooch describes. “This step takes Accolades to the next level. We know customers don’t have time to collect and send in invoices and we have a plan in place to make Paperless Points(TM) a reality.“