Channelnomics’ award acknowledges the dramatic affect HTG and its founder have had on IT solution providers and the way they think about their business operations

HARLAN, Iowa – Feb. 1, 2012 – HTG Peer Groups’ unwavering commitment to provide members with peer-level support and business-development guidance has earned the organization and its founder, Arlin Sorensen, recognition as the most influential organization and person, respectively, among channel associations and trade groups in the 2011 Channelnomics Influencers Awards.

“HTG Peer Groups and its founder Arlin Sorensen seem to be at the top of everyone’s list. While there are many channel associations and industry groups to choose from, few have developed the cache and influence of HTG Peer Groups, as evidenced by its continued development this year under Sorensen’s skillful leadership,” Channelnomics said in conferring the award.

The awards honor individuals and businesses for what they’ve done to “affect change, influence strategic planning and sway markets.” Channelnomics is an online publication devoted to advancing the analysis, debate and conversation of business models, technology practices and partner relationships in the global IT reseller channel.

“It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you set a course, remain focused on the goal and just do what you say you’re going to do,” said HTG Peer Groups Founder Arlin Sorensen. “We take our role seriously in the channel – to drive business and personal growth in our members through accountability that leads to execution. We’re grateful to see that our team’s hard work and dedication is both recognized and appreciated.”

Josh Gilmore, president of Gilmore Solutions, Inc., is indeed appreciative for the impact HTG has had on his company. “HTG has been an incredible experience for me, my business and my team,” he said. “We’re stronger than ever, and set for a great 2012 and beyond!”

2011: A Year of Accolades

HTG Peer Groups was recognized throughout 2011 for its influence within the channel. Sorensen, President Scott Scrogin and Director of Operations Christy Sacco were all named one of the MSPmentor 250, a listing of the world’s top managed services experts, entrepreneurs and executives including professionals who have mastered business leadership, marketing, sales, technology, coaching and other areas within the managed services market.

In 2011, Sacco was also named to the CRN Women of the Channel list for her contributions to the ongoing development of the HTG growth strategy, including increasing the organization’s brand awareness and channel visibility.

Expanding Horizons, Still Focused on Quality

In the last two years alone, HTG has driven record attendance at its events, expanded its international membership with the formation of a second Australian peer group, created a peer group for vendors, a new peer group for larger solution providers, a leadership track for top executives and launched the IT industry’s first emergency response fund for solution providers — Hands That Give.

Hands That Give is a member-led emergency response system modeled after the American Red Cross. It provides associated small business owners with financial assistance or donated equipment and services to carry their companies through difficult times such as natural disasters or personal crises like death and divorce. Hands That Give proved to be instrumental to businesses after a massive tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri last May.

Laying the groundwork for 2011 was HTG’s 1-4-250 strategy:

• One Focus: Urging members to focus on business and personal growth driven by execution.
• Four Plans: Requiring members to develop plans for business, leadership, life and legacy.
• 250 Companies: Training members to be the "go-to" sources for the IT industry.

The 1-4-250 strategy set the foundation for HTG’s achievements in 2011 and will serve as the roadmap going forward. With continued international expansion also on the horizon, the award-winning HTG organization is surely headed for another year of innovation and inspiration for IT solution providers.

“If we all row together and work side by side to grow and touch others, we will make a lasting legacy in the channel. That is what HTG is about,” Sorensen said.

About HTG Peer Groups
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 270 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. Visit www.htgpeergroups.com or call 712-744-3619 for more information.