02 Dec Inacom’s Benson Receives Top Industry Recognition
MADISON, WI – Having customers, employees, vendors and partners feel good about doing business and working together is second nature for Laurie Benson, CEO and co-founder of Inacom Information Systems, a Madison-based Information technology services provider and solutions reseller.
Benson and Inacom were recently recognized and awarded the “President’s Award” by Ingram Micro, for the second year in a row. According to Ingram Micro, the recipient of this award is a both leader and an innovator, motivating those around them to try new things, to do better work, and to work more closely. Ingram Micro is the largest global wholesale provider of technology products and supply chain optimization services. The award and recognition were presented at the 2003 VentureTech Network (VTN) Invitational in Hollywood, California. Benson has also served as Chairman of the VTN advisory council for the past two years and serves on the U.S. Microsoft Value Added Reseller (VAR) Leadership Council in addition to her role on the Hewlett-Packard Small and Medium Size Business Advisory (SMB) Council.
“Laurie has done great job with the Leadership Council by advancing the network in terms of how we partner externally,” said Pat Collins, senior. group vice president of marketing and sales for Ingram Micro. “Laurie has helped to create practice groups and as a result we have made tremendous strides in customer facing activities.”
The Venture Technology Network, formed over 10 years ago, is a national network of technology solutions providers with the backing of a national distribution partner and technology vendors. Member organizations have achieved a high level of expertise in deploying technology solutions and services in their local markets. Through the VentureTech Network, members have created a nationwide service and support team to help end-user customers throughout the United States. These providers offer premier technology products and enhanced services, as well as receive special support from major technology vendors through Ingram Micro
There are 350 U.S. members companies that have been invited to join the VTN from the base of over 26,000 resellers that Ingram Micro supports. The VTN helps its members to stay on top of the latest trends and market analysis in technologies including security, wireless, storage and data convergence.
According to Collins, VTN brings resellers access to innovation of new business practices and solutions, relationships with major technology vendors, and a network in which resellers can share best practices. “Laurie Benson has been a great advisor and spokesperson for channel programs between vendors and Ingram Micro.” Collins added. “Laurie is a real pioneer with the VTN relationship with IBM Global Services.
“Our advisory council has worked with Frank Vitagliano, vice president of distribution channels management for IBM’s Personal Computing Unit, over the last year to grow the relationship between IBM and VentureTech Network, “ said Benson. “The relationship with IBM Global Services is one that evolved from this overall relationship. IBM has seen an increase in business from our members that are tangible and measurable.”
Benson, who is humble about the recognition, said, “Our goal was never national recognition. We want to make sure we had a solid national service network. The response from our customers has been very powerful. The greatest benefit of being a part of Ingram Micro’s VentureTech Network has been the opportunity to meet the leaders of our key manufacturer partners to drive change in our industry and share ideas with our peers in order to provide better solutions for our customers.”
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