Proudly serving the industry for which it was named for more than 50 years, Outdoor Power Equipment provides dealers who sell and service outdoor power equipment with valuable information to succeed in a competitive market.
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/559325
16 SEPTEMBER 2015 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT www.outdoorpowerequipment.com COVER STORY ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GREEN INDUSTRY & EQUIPMENT EXPO (GIE+EXPO) The epicenter of the Green Industry will be Louisville, Ky., Wednesday, Oct. 21, through Friday, Oct. 23. That is where and when more than 18,000 people are expected to converge on the Kentucky Exposition Center for the ground-breaking Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE+EXPO). And there will be plenty for OPE dealers to see and do at the three-day show. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21 (DEALER DAY) For starters, the first day of GIE+EXPO will once again be designated as "Dealer Day," with the show open exclusively to dealers, distributors, retailers and media. The Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) will offer technician training — priced $30-$45 for each class — from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Dealer Resource Pavilion will be open and serve as a home away from home for dealers, with a lounge area for you to take a break, network with peers, and enjoy free Wi-Fi. The pavilion will also be the place for dealership owners and managers to attend free seminars conducted by Bob Clements and his team. The pavilion will feature a model showroom, along with a parts and service department, where Bob and his team will share best practices. The first seminar on "The Seven Principles of a High-performance Dealership" will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Following the seminar, the Dealer Day Keynote Lunch will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Steve McClatchy, president, Alleer Training & Consulting, and author of the New York Times bestseller Decide: Work Smarter, Reduce Your Stress & Lead by Example, will talk to dealers about the differences between management and leadership, and how both are vital to the success of a team. A $25 fee includes box lunch, and pre-registration is required at www.gie-expo.com. The session is sponsored by Gravely and Stihl Inc.. After the Dealer Day Keynote Lunch, you will receive exclusive access to the indoor exhibits from 3 to 7 p.m., giving you the first look at the latest and greatest products and technology, as well as a chance to meet face to face with suppliers. This is a golden opportunity for you to talk to suppliers about pricing, programs and other private matters without your customers present. A welcome reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., with many exhibitors hosting fun-filled events in their booths. Stihl Inc. will hold a $5,000 giveaway with a single winner being selected at its booth at 6:30 p.m. Following the welcome reception, the party will shift to downtown Louisville, where a pair of free concerts — courtesy of Dixie Chopper — will take place on the Nissan Commercial Vehicles stage at Fourth Street Live! From Paris will open at 8 p.m. for headliner Grand Funk Railroad. ■ BY STEVE NOE The Crashers Lyndsey Henken Kellie Pickler Grand Funk Railroad