PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. places a strong emphasis on training their employees to excel, and that philosophy was recognized recently when the San Diego Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) presented the company's Training Department with the 2001 Organization of the Year Award.
The Pet Authority Training Program and Management Achievement Program (MAP) were specifically singled out for their contributions to the company's workforce. The Pet Authority program was designed for associates who work in the PETCO neighborhood stores, to provide exceptional customer service and companion animal care training. The MAP program provides extensive management training, enabling advancement in the company.
"This is a company that believes employee development is key to their organization's success and growth," ASTD representative Phyllis Belisle said, adding that PETCO "is led by a president and CEO who has made a giant training commitment and backed the commitment with staff and financial resources."
Belisle also noted that the company's training department recently developed the two programs highlighted.
"They assessed employee and company needs, and designed and developed everything from level-appropriate written instructional materials to a variety of presentation methods," Belisle said. "This is a company that trains their associates to be product authorities so the customer is assured of buying the right product, and customer expectations are exceeded."
Fiona Forrest, Director of Training and Organizational Development, graciously accepted the award on behalf of the entire PETCO regional and national training team.
"Earning this award was truly exciting for the entire team," Forrest said. "So much effort has been put forth by so many people, from the associates and managers who helped us learn what they needed, to all the national and regional people who made this a reality. Thanks to everyone involved."
PETCO, based in San Diego, is a leading pet specialty retailer with more than 560 neighborhood stores in 41 states and the District of Columbia.
SOURCE: PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc.
Contact: Fiona Forrest, Director of Training, +1-858-453-7845,
ext. 3054, or Don Cowan, Communications Director, +1-858-657-2086, both of
PETCO
