The Irrigation Association, Fairfax, Virginia, is starting the pilot of its IA Professional Mentor Program, meant to help members and their businesses navigate and overcome roadblocks to increased growth and success.
The Professional Mentor Program, a free program for IA members that will be launching March 4, includes a group of volunteer members with a range of diverse industry backgrounds and expertise. They were selected to match up with members’ specific business challenges.
The program is intended to help improve the performance of member businesses and individuals, says Chris Keating, CID, district sales manager for The Toro Company, Bloomington, Minnesota, and chair of the Professional Mentor Program Task Force.
“The chance to examine and discuss nagging business challenges with someone that has experience in those areas and understands the mentee’s professional needs will prove invaluable,” Keating says. “It is nonthreatening and private and free.”
Mentees complete an application which will be available online, where they will be asked to explain one or two business issues they’d like to discuss during the mentorship. Applications will be reviewed on the first of each month with notification within two to three weeks after. If they’re accepted into the program, they’ll complete a Business Challenge Assessment to prepare and then will be connected to an IA mentor. Each mentorship will be held through online meetings totaling at least four hours, with mentors coordinating availability.
If a business owner has been struggling with an issue, mentors in the program can help walk them through problem-solving techniques, Keating says.
Becoming a mentor can be a great way to support the industry and preserve decades of institutional knowledge and experience, and it can be professionally rewarding, he says.
“The uplifting experience of giving back and guiding someone through an issue lends relevance to a career,” Keating says. “There is nothing like helping someone avoid mistakes that a mentor has experienced. The collaboration is powerful.”
Those interested in becoming a mentor will also need to complete an application as well as provide three letters of recommendation. The program is launching with six current mentors.
“Every time a practitioner increases their success, the entire industry benefits,” says Keating. “Success is contagious. Successful businesses are models for those aspiring for the same.”
To learn more about the Professional Mentor Program, visit irrigation.org on March 4.
The Irrigation Association supports the industry
The Irrigation Association, located in Fairfax, Virginia, is the leading membership organization for irrigation equipment and system manufacturers, dealers, distributors, designers, consultants, contractors and end users. With its mission to promote efficient irrigation, the IA supports the industry through advocacy by bringing irrigation’s voice to legislative and regulatory discussions and through professional development by offering comprehensive education, training and certification opportunities.
Each year, the IA hosts the Irrigation Show and Education Week, the industry’s premier event featuring an exhibit hall showcasing the newest and best products, technologies and services available. Throughout the show week, the IA also offers its respected lineup of education courses, certification exams and unmatched networking opportunities. The IA also supports workforce development by promoting career opportunities in irrigation, offering education support for faculty and awarding student scholarships.
Join the IA and reap the numerous benefits of membership while supporting the industry. Connect with us on social media and watch irrigation.org to hear about the latest education opportunities and initiatives, Smart Irrigation Month activities in July and the 2022 Irrigation Show.
IA announces Natasha Rankin as new CEO
The Board of Directors for the Irrigation Association, Fairfax, Virginia, has named Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE, as its new chief executive officer. She assumed her new role on Jan. 10.
Rankin brings more than 25 years of experience to the IA, including nine years in chief executive roles.
New IA & IIC study shows irrigation has sizable economic impact
The Irrigation Association, Fairfax, Virginia, released its irrigation economic impact study: “Economic Impact of the Irrigation Equipment and Services Industry” Dec. 2. Produced in partnership by the IA and the Irrigation Innovation Consortium, the 2020 economic impact study focused on determining the economic impact of irrigation manufacturing, distribution, consulting, design, installation and maintenance of irrigation technologies and products in the United States, for both agriculture and landscape.
