Wheeling
, WEST VIRGINIA –
The Oglebay National Training Center in West Virginia hosted the third year of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) Leadership School. The program began in 2008 and
consists of both distance education and on-site components to educate future leaders of state parks.
The school is a two year training program and more than 74 first and second year participants enrolled this year, up from 67 in 2009. The program is funded in part by gold-level sponsor STIHL Inc., which provides travel funds to offset expenses of attending on-site leadership school events and also sponsors the NASPD annual conference.
“STIHL recognizes the need for educational support and the
National Association of State Park Directors does a great job of providing this
,” said Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for STIHL Inc. “We have some experience with succession planning in our dealer network so helping ensure the next generation of leadership in America’s state park system receives this training in the face of severe budget cuts seemed the right thing to do.”
“America’s state parks are faced with the same budget pressures and cuts facing most businesses and families and it is vital that we seek creative ways to partner with the private sector – in this case with a leading power equipment company– to provide the leadership training state park managers need,” stated Joe Elton, NASPD President.
“The goal of the school is to educate our future leaders on the
traditions, trends, and future challenges associated with managing a state park and exchange knowledge, ideas, information, and experiences
,” said
Phil McKnelly, executive director of NASPD. “
Twelve additional students from seven states were able to attend this year, thanks to STIHL.
Their support really has made a difference to each and every one of our graduates since the program began.”
Bridget Lofgren, Tennessee state park manager, agrees. “I attended the first year of training, and it was great,” she said. “Due to budget cuts I was not able to attend last year and wasn’t going to be able this year either, but because of STIHL, I am thrilled to be here to complete my training.”
To learn more about the program, please visit
http://www.naspd.org
. For more information on STIHL Inc. and the other green industry initiatives STIHL supports, please visit
www.stihlusa.com
.
About STIHL
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 United States 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 also pleased to support the work of the Tree Research and Education Endowment Fund (TREE Fund), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), National FFA, Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), and the American Tree Farm System (ATFS).
For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to
www.stihlcareers.com
. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.
About The National Association of State Park Directors
The National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD) is devoted to helping state park systems effectively manage and administer their state park system. The mission of the Association is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation's environment, heritage, health and economy.
