Resources Optimization International (ROI) Learning Programs Receive Certification from the Category Management Association

PRINCETON, N.J., April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Resources Optimization International, LLC (ROI), a leader in custom performance improvement training for the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, announced today that it is the first firm worldwide to have coursework certified by the Category Management Association in each of the three individual levels of professional certification. This certification of coursework means that the completion of the designated ROI learning program by CPG manufacturers, brokers, or retailers fulfills a requirement towards individual certification from the Association for category management professionals.

The individual levels are: CPCA – Certified Professional Category Analyst; CPCM – Certified Professional Category Manager; and CPSA – Certified Professional Strategic Advisor. Category management professionals should apply directly to the Association for their individual professional certification.

To receive the Association's certification, ROI's training programs had to meet a series of stringent criteria, as set and reviewed by the Association's Certification Evaluation Board (CEB). ROI's training materials, progression of courses, teaching format, and testing methodology were all collectively examined and evaluated.

ROI is a continuous improvement partner for Fortune 1000 corporations and mid-sized CPG companies alike. Rather than hosting generic training events, ROI's specialty is delivering custom programs designed for a client's specific industry segment challenges, business goals, and individual employee learning initiatives. ROI consultants draw from experiences on both sides of the desk – at retailers and at CPG manufacturers – spanning the roles of store manager up to Vice President and General Manager levels.  Unmatched in the industry, ROI training blends this unique in-the-trenches career experience with data analytics expertise which leverages in-depth knowledge of Nielsen, IRI, ems, and Spectra research and tools.

"Earning the distinction of being the first firm to achieve the Category Management Association's coursework certification in all three learning levels is quite an honor and is a testament to the ROI team's expertise and dedication to the CPG industry," said Ann Marie McCabe, President of ROI. "We are delighted to have received such prestigious recognition by the Association. Our clients have always recognized the impact of our custom training programs on their performance as category managers.  Now they have the added bonus of being able to submit our certified programs towards their individual Association certification and formally acknowledge their proficiencies and continued skill development."

About Resources Optimization International LLC

For more than 15 years, Resources Optimization International, LLC (ROI) has worked with top Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers, brokers, and retailers to deliver custom training and learning programs for performance improvement. The ROI team, whose senior leaders have an average of more than 20 years in the industry, works directly with category managers as well as sales and marketing professionals to empower them to turn data into insights, and most importantly – actions that get results. The firm has trained over 4,000 CPG professional worldwide for clients including: PEPSICO, Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, Colgate, Kellogg's, Del Monte Foods, Hormel, Mars, Bayer and more. Headquartered in Princeton, N.J., with staff located around the country, ROI offers on-line and personally delivered training sessions globally. Visit them on the Web at www.ROI-Training.com.

About the Category Management Association

The Category Management Association encompasses a broad range of strategic insights and planning functions and enables members to connect with peers around the world. It is an unbiased central resource for industry information and best practices, and is the only industry organization to certify coursework, as well as individual professionals. Coursework certification is based on industry-wide, learning objectives standards established by the Category Management Training Standards & Certifications Steering Committee and its specialized sub-committees. These groups are comprised of category management directors and corporate trainers from leading manufacturers, with input from several universities and industry training firms. Individuals seeking professional certification can begin the process by emailing [email protected].

All company names, brand name, and product names herein are trademarks of their respective holder(s).

SOURCE Resources Optimization International, LLC