STIHL iCademy Logs its Half-Millionth Training Test
Brookside Equipment sales assistant wins big surprise

Release Date: September 2009

Press Contacts:
Anita Gambill
(757) 486-9151

All other inquiries:
STIHL Incorporated
(757) 486-9100

Virginia Beach, VA – The award-winning STIHL iCademy Internet-based training program celebrated the completion of its 500,000th test by presenting a pair of airline tickets and STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® 25th anniversary jacket to the lucky test taker . The site trains service and sales staff at dealers on the latest STIHL products, programs and innovations.

The lucky person taking the 500,000th test was Michael Stier, a sales assistant at Brookside Equipment in Houston, Texas. “I was shocked to learn I won something for just taking a test,” he said. “All of the sales and tech staff here are required to keep up to date on the STIHL iCademy training in order to better serve our customers.”

There is an added incentive offered by Brookside’s STIHL distributor, says Robin Hastings, sales manager for Blue Mountain Equipment. “We have developed an incentive program that rewards the service techs and sales staff with completion points for using iCademy in our territories. Beside the gifts Mike will receive from STIHL Inc., he is also earning points to own STIHL equipment of his choice.”

Store manager Raymond Krajca also likes the STIHL iCademy Web site. “It keeps our staff on top of new tools and training that benefits our customers. When we took on the STIHL line of products, we were glad to see a tool like iCademy in place to help us ramp up our service and sales lines.”

STIHL iCademy was developed by STIHL’s National Training Manager, John Keeler, who saw the Internet as a natural solution to keeping the latest technical training in front of all service and sales staff at dealers. “We are pleased beyond our wildest expectations at the success of this program. There have been more than a half million tests taken and over 30,000 dealer employees registered. Each user has their own customized site. I believe we are setting the standard for the OPE industry to follow in distance-based learning programs.”

The award-winning iCademy program was designed and built by STIHL specifically for all STIHL dealers and is offered at no charge, according to Keeler.

About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world’s largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants. STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the U.S. only. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com

STIHL is proud to support the activities of the Professional Landcare Network’s (PLANET) Student Career Days, the Tree Care Industry (TCI) Association’s Student Skills Competition, and the National FFA Organization Nursery and Landscape Career Development Event (NLCDE), as well as provide the STIHL iCademy online training program to vocational instructors.

For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to www.stihlcareers.com. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.