Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/221076
Workforce that the interaction takes place at the right levels. This leads to the question: What are the right levels? Should dealers be interacting with college presidents? Vice presidents? Deans? Department chairs? Instructors? There seems to be no single best approach, according to the people we interviewed. The best levels of interaction are determined by the environment at each college and the arrangements they have with the dealer representatives. "I believe that dealer interaction should be at the division chair level," said Central Arizona College's Hurt. "However, when we have our advisory board meetings, I always invite a vice president and dean. I also invite a member of the college's governing board, because she has always had a strong interest in the program." Achemire in Oklahoma says dealers interact in some way with the president, vice president, and dean of academic affairs, particularly when there are advisory meetings. "They also deal one-on-one with the faculty, and these relationships are very important," he said. Bottom line, Richman says that interactions at all levels are important. "I wouldn't know of any other way to build a relationship unless dealers work closely with all levels in our college, including myself, the instructors, and everyone else," he said. For example, he meets with the college's dealer advisory committee, and the dean and vice president also attend these meetings. "I also visit owners of dealerships, as well as with corporate people," he said. "We view our customers as being the dealers and manufacturers, so we need to know what they need from us." "While we interact with representatives from the colleges at all levels, our most frequent interactions are with the instructors," said Ziegler CAT's Anderson. "I also spend a lot of time meeting with students." The AED Accreditation Program is a success thanks to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved. Still, there is some room for growth, especially as it relates to finding new schools and expanding the program's geographic influence. "There are a lot of other really good schools in California that are interested in getting AED accreditation," said Wenter at Reedley College, "and we would be willing to help them." WILLIAM ATKINSON is a freelance writer based in Southern Illinois. He can be reached at w.atkinson@mchsi.com. We're More Committed Than Ever Before. Covering more than 24 states, our commitment to the construction equipment industry hasn't changed. We're more committed than ever before. Our team of industry experts tailors nationally competitive products to meet your specific needs because we understand the unique challenges you face every day. With customized solutions, the capacity to lend and the backing of BOK Financial, a $27 billion financial services holding company, we're ready to invest in your future. So, give us a call, or better yet, let us come see you. Lending | Syndication 480.666.8993 | www.bokfinancial.com /committed ©2013 BOK Financial Equipment Finance, Inc. is a subsidiary of BOK Financial Corporation. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender December 2013 | Construction Equipment Distribution | www.cedmag.com | 51