Rideau = Educational Excellence

In 2009, Recognition Professionals International (RPI) developed a new recognition program to honor achievements and excellence in education. At each annual conference, an individual or corporation is recognized for their outstanding achievement in education.

I’m pleased to announce that Rideau received the Excellence in Education Award this year!

The citation read out at the conference stated, “Rideau received the award in recognition for the overwhelming ongoing commitment to education in the field of recognition and for their outstanding support of Recognition Professionals International.”

I’m so proud of Rideau’s educational efforts in the field of recognition. Almost 40 of my teammates are RPI Certified Recognition Professionals (CRP)! This is more than any other company in the world. It represents almost 16% of Rideau’s entire staff and almost 25% of all CRP graduates!

Rideau’s latest graduate is Jayanth Narayanan CRP who hails from Bangalore, India. Jayanth literally travelled half way around the world to become certified!

Two of my colleagues, Roy Saunderson CRP and Max Brown CRP from the Recognition Management Institute just finished taking an intensive two day course titled “Proving the Value of Recognition - Measuring the Application, Impact and Return on Investment for Recognition Programs/Projects.” This course was given by Dr. Jack Phillips of the ROI Institute.

We were also very fortunate to have Arne Carlson present when I received the award on behalf of my Rideau colleagues. Arne Carlson joined Rideau’s board in 2004 and serves as Vice Chairman. Arne was a two term Governor of Minnesota. I once asked Arne what his proudest accomplishment was as Minnesota’s Governor. He told me it was in the field of education where he created the nation's first K-12 school choice program and received awards for educational reform. Arne has supported all of Rideau’s educational efforts and it was a pleasure to have him and his lovely wife Susan on the podium with all my other colleagues when we received the award.

I truly believe Rideau’s educational efforts set us apart from other providers and it shows in the quality of our solutions, products and services we provide to our clients and the millions of recipients we honor.

Rideau Sets a World Record!

Our CRP graduates

Okay… it’s not in the Guinness Book of Records… yet… but our company has set a new world record for the number of employees who have become Certified Recognition Professionals!

Today, 38 Rideau and Recognition Management Institute employees are CRP grads and they come from all over the company… not just those who face our customers.

Why did Rideau make such a significant investment in Recognition Professionals International’s CRP courses?

There are a number of reasons… the first being, it is critical that we all practice what we preach and understand the importance of our daily work.

CRP has made us a better company. All our employees came away energized about recognition and what we do for our clients. It didn’t matter whether my colleagues worked in sales, marketing, IT, manufacturing, distribution or administration… everyone has a better understanding of “why” recognition is important and “how” to deliver it. I think it made everyone look at the recipient awards leaving our distribution centers a little bit differently.

Most importantly, it made us realize that our work in the field of recognition and rewards is noble… it helps builds successful relationships that are fundamental to all our lives.

13th annual RPI Conference

It may seem a little far now, however, Recognition Professional International’s 13th annual conference will be here before you know it!

It’ll be held on April 25th through 28th at the Green Valley Ranch in Henderson, NV. Also, CRP classes will be offered on April 24th, 25th and 28th.

The RPI conference is such an excellent place to exchange and learn recognition information between providers and buyers. Further, the CRP classes are one of the great ways to give your managers the tools they need to give effective recognition that accomplishes all your company’s goals.

Click here for more information.

Green Valley Ranch, Henderson, NV