JOHN DEERE LANDSCAPES UNIVERSITY
PROGRAMS TO BE EXPANDED IN COMING YEAR
March 2004

Recent Seminars Attract Record Number Of Participants

The success of recent John Deere Landscapes University seminars has ensured an expansion of the program for the coming year, reported Damian Zawacki, national training manager at John Deere Landscapes.

“High attendance and enthusiastic feedback at each event told us there is a need for more business and installation training programs for professional contractors and their crews,“ he said.

“John Deere Landscapes University events will be expanded into many more regional markets in the coming year,” said Zawacki.

More than 500 participants attended the winter John Deere Landscapes University programs at nationally-known venues, including the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Hilton Harbor Resort in Charleston, South Carolina; and the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Each location offered classes and workshops spread over three days and featured a diverse range of prominent speakers, including Jim Houston, a business management consultant who discussed bidding and estimating; Scott Evans, a specialist in H2B and foreign labor; and John Allin, who lead workshops on profitable snow removal.

“The program promised key speakers from the green industry, and contractor feedback indicates we met their expectations,” said Zawacki.

Two- and four-hour courses were offered in a range of subjects, among them: landscape irrigation, lighting and water gardening, business and management, drainage and erosion control, turfgrass maintenance, brick paving, snow removal and many other subjects.

“Participants generally signed up for six to seven classes, which was recommended in order to receive the most value from the program,” said Zawacki.

Participants received diplomas of attendance and complimentary breakfasts and lunches. The enrollment fee was $299.00 for each three-day event or 20,000 John Deere Landscapes Partners Program Points. Attendees were responsible for their transportation and lodging.

For more information on John Deere Landscapes University, visit the Web site at www.JohnDeereLandscapes.com or call Damian Zawacki at John Deere Landscapes at 248-588-2100, ext. 203.