HTG Peer Groups, a network of IT solution provider executives formed to collaborate and share business best practices, is expanding its focus to include additional segments of the IT market. HTG formed the industry's first peer group for IT vendor executives, modeled after the communities HTG has built for VARs, MSPs and solution providers. The HTG Vendor Peer Group will meet quarterly, holding its second meeting September 1 and 2 in Chicago, Illinois. Members include executives from CA Technologies, ConnectWise, eFolder, Great America Leasing, IBM, SonicWALL, Xerox, and Microsoft.

The HTG Vendor Peer Group gives members a deeper understanding of what their channel partners need from vendors to interact more effectively, from marketing and sales programs to operational issues and personal development. Meetings are based on the successful structure of HTG Peer Groups and incorporate goal setting, best practice sharing, and driving positive change. Members also benefit from interaction with solution provider peer groups at HTG's annual Summit and other events.

At the group's inaugural meeting in June in Denver, Colorado, issues specific to their roles in working with partners were addressed, such as engaging and activating partners, effective communication, and partner program successes.

"Ever since my first ‘seat at the table' with an HTG group, I realized that working with peers is one of the best ways to learn and change," said Ted Hulsy, Director, Channel Marketing for SonicWALL, Inc. "Now that I am in the HTG Vendor Peer Group, I'm fortunate to be working with peers who have passion for their work, are trusting and are willing to share the secrets of their success."

Gary Isaacs, IBM's Director, Business Partner Sales, North America, said, "We have been very impressed with the organization, the peer group process and the accountability of the HTG members. We were glad to be able to participate in the first HTG Vendor Peer Group, and found the experience very worthwhile. We look forward to our continuing involvement with HTG."

"I am proud of every member of the HTG Vendor Peer Group for taking the necessary leap to apply the principles of the peer group model to their own companies and channel relationships," said Arlin Sorensen, founder and CEO of the HTG Peer Groups. "These vendors are to be commended not just for their commitment to solution providers but for their investment in each others' success, which can be a rare quality in such a competitive industry."

About HTG Peer Groups (HTG)
Established in 2000 by Arlin Sorensen as a business and personal development community, today HTG Peer Groups is an international organization of leading IT solution providers. HTG has more than 250 member companies throughout North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia/New Zealand. Each peer group consists of 10-12 IT company executives who work together and share resources and information to formulate and meet business goals such as strategic planning, process improvement and tools, and life-work excellence. HTG offers CEO Forums, vendor peer groups and other educational events, quarterly meetings, and an annual summit that attracts hundreds of attendees, vendor exhibitors and strategic partners. For more information, visit www.htgpeergroups.com.

Source: http://www.bsminfo.com/article.mvc/HTG-Convenes-First-Vendor-Peer-Group-For-0001?atc~c=771+s%3d773+r%3d001+l%3da&VNETCOOKIE=NO