EETC holds 27th annual conference

On April 5, the Equipment & Engine Training Council concluded its 27th annual educator’s conference. Held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Ayrsley, the event brought together industry experts, professionals, and educators for an exchange of ideas, innovations, and best practices. This year’s conference focused on new technology, safety, and the future of EETC, addressing key challenges and opportunities facing the Outdoor Power Equipment Industry.

At the conference, the EETC unveiled its new mission, purpose, and vision statements, reaffirming its commitment to the OPE industry and education.

Mission, Purpose, Vision

Mission: The Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC) is a non-profit association dedicated to increasing the number of highly skilled technicians in the outdoor power equipment industry.

Purpose: Our purpose is to provide comprehensive hands-on and online education, training materials, technician certification, and program accreditation.

Vision: We envision a future where the outdoor power equipment industry is supported by a thriving professional community of knowledgeable and certified technicians; ensuring the continued reliability and excellence of outdoor power equipment worldwide.

EETC leaders say the new mission statement reflects the group’s core beliefs and aspirations, guiding its actions and decisions as it continues to support and help grow the industry. These plans generated significant interest and enthusiasm among attendees, showcasing EETC’s dedication to advancing not only our own organization but also the entire Outdoor Power Equipment Industry. The conference provided a platform for discussing and refining these initiatives, ensuring that they align with the evolving needs of our industry.

Scholarships

During the event, EETC awarded six deserving students with $1,000 scholarships.

• Mitchell Gentry, College of Western Idaho – Donated by Echo
• Thomas Herberger, SUNY College of Agricultural Technology – Donated by OPEESA
• Junior Lazaro, College of Western Idaho – Donated by Kawasaki Engines
• Olivia Schiffer, State Technical College of Missouri – Donated by Kohler Engines
• Alexander Notz, Fox Valley Technical College – Donated by Toro
• Kayla Cannoe, SUNY College of Agricultural Technology – Donated by EETC

“We are thrilled with the success of this year’s conference,” said Rainy Lehman, Managing Director at EETC. “It was inspiring to see so many passionate individuals come together to discuss the future of our industry. We look forward to building on this momentum and continuing to drive innovation and excellence in our field.”

The conference was sponsored by Power Distributors, Equip Expo and KPM Exceptional, as well as Echo, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Stihl, The Toro Company, and Multiquip, Hydro-Gear, Kawasaki, Coates Landscape Supply, Tuff Torq, Alamo Group, CADCO Distributing, and Outdoor Equipment Distributors.