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Texas A&M University Announces Continuing Education Courses For Spring 2008

RELEASE: October 11, 2007
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: By the Center for Equine Business Studies

Meeting the challenge of employee training while staying in tune with the latest marketing, management and sales techniques can be a daunting task for almost any employer, particularly the small business owner. To answer that need, Texas A&M University, through its Center for Equine Business Studies (CEBS), brings a convenient and economical solution by offering online distance learning courses to improve practical business knowledge and skills. Distance learning replaces the traditional face-to-face classroom with instruction delivered via the Internet. This allows students to participate in classes at times that are convenient to their job and family obligations, and from any location with Internet access.

Courses to be offered online for continuing education credit in Spring 2008 include "Business Basics for the Equine Business" and "Sales in the Equine Industry."

Current Students Thrilled with Results
"Sales in the Equine Industry" focuses on professional sales techniques in the equine environment. Students in the course develop sales skills through application of sales principles and realistic selling situations. Students currently enrolled in "Sales in the Equine Industry" have the following to say about the course:

"This class is great! I had no idea there was this much methodology and research involved in sales; I'm looking forward to taking the marketing class, too."—Saddle Manufacturer Sales Representative

"In constructing my own small company's SWOT analysis and marketing plan, this course continues to focus and discipline my thoughts. I have added three important facets to my marketing and advertising plans this week."—Specialty Equine Products Manufacturing Company President

"I always enjoy expanding my knowledge of the consumer and this unit has given me more insight into the difference between the Western and English consumer. I can't wait to dive deeper into the differences in demographics and psychographics."—Major Equine Products Company Sales Representative

"Business Basics for the Equine Business" provides instruction in the basics of managing businesses that provide products or services to the equine industry. Students will be introduced to managerial decision-making and analysis in an equine environment, and develop skills that facilitate application of management principles to realistic business situations.

"The sales course is already being well-received in the industry, and we expect a full class enrollment this spring in both courses," said Clark Springfield, course instructor. "We strongly urge interested persons to register as early as possible, not just to receive the discount, but to ensure their place in the classes."

Course fees are $595 per person through December 31, and $695 per person thereafter. Group discounts are available. The courses can be taken for continuing education credit, and each course can be taken individually or as a part of a certification program. Upon successful completion of all five Equine Entrepreneurship courses, the participant will be awarded a Certificate in Equine Entrepreneurship from Texas A&M University. Courses that will be offered in the future include "Marketing and the Equine Industry," "Equine Entrepreneurship I," and "Equine Entrepreneurship II."

For additional course information and to enroll visit http://agonline.tamu.edu/equine, or contact Clark Springfield, Equine Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator, at hcspringfield@ag.tamu.edu, or call (979) 845-3805.

About the Center for Equine Business Studies
Approved in concept by The Texas A&M University System's Board of Regents, the Center for Equine Business Studies at Texas A&M University is to become a valuable and constantly avail