Irrigation Association creates mentor program

The Irrigation Association launched its new Professional Mentor Program. The IA said this program is designed to help its members and their businesses navigate and overcome some of the roadblocks and challenges to increased growth and success. The new Professional Mentor Program is being launched as a pilot program for the landscape irrigation sector.

“The Irrigation Association recognizes that all businesses face numerous challenges,” said Irrigation Association CEO Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE. “ This new mentorship program offers our members access to business leaders with a range of industry backgrounds and expertise to help develop productive solutions and turn challenges into opportunities. IA members have a wealth of knowledge, and I am excited that they are willing to share that expertise with others to help our businesses and the industry continue to grow and prosper.”

Through one-on-one mentorship, the Professional Mentor Program connects member companies or individuals in need of industry advice or ideas to overcome business challenges with mentors with expertise and a wealth of institutional knowledge in the industry. Throughout the course of the mentorship, mentors and mentees meet virtually for at least four hours and discuss specific business challenges identified by the mentee.

“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,” sid Chris Keating, CID, district sales manager for Toro and chair of the Professional Mentor Program Task Force. “It is nonthreatening, private and free.”