ITODA to Hold First Training Institute Course

The Independent Turf and Ornamental Distributors Association (ITODA) will hold the first course of its newly established ITODA Training Institute on Thursday, Nov. 10 and Friday, Nov. 11 at the Holiday Inn Newark International Airport Hotel, Newark, N.J.

Chris Petersen, ITODA president, said, “The launching of this first course is in keeping with ITODA’s mission ‘to enhance our members’ profitability and advance excellence through training and education.’”

By offering this training, ITODA assumes a new role as the primary educational resource for independent distributors, with the support of other groups in the industry. It allows ITODA members to invest in their employees by expanding their knowledge and improving their skills.

The initial program is designed to build the skills of sales representatives from independent distributors. Thursday’s opening session focuses on enhancing the actual sales function. On the second day, instruction will be given on agronomics and product science/chemistry. An industry update from ITODA leadership and a facilitated open discussion will conclude the meeting.

Faculty for the course include:

• Michael McCartney, training and development manager, The Andersons
• Joel Simmons, president and founder, EarthWorks Natural Organic Products and Soil First Consulting
• Bruce Monke, research and sevelopment, Bayer Environmental Science

Attendance is limited to employees of distributors that hold Premiere or Training Memberships in ITODA. A membership application and a registration form for the Training Institute are available on the web at www.itoda.org.
 
ITODA will continue to serve as a resource on management issues through its regular meetings, such as the 2005 Fall Meeting being held in San Antonio, Texas, Oct. 19 to 22.

ITODA is a national organization representing independently-owned businesses who sell to the turf and landscape industry, as well as the suppliers and manufacturers who sell to them. ITODA’s mission is to strengthen the independent distributors’ marketing position in the golf course, lawn care, landscape and ornamental horticulture plant protection markets through education, training, and communication.