2025 Certified Garden Center Training Program

At Proven Winners^{^®}, plants aren't the only thing we're committed to growing. We’re also dedicated to growing your business by increasing your knowledge of Proven Winners plants, products and consumer trends. We understand the crucial role garden centers and their employees play in providing information and advice to people who love to garden. That’s why we’ve developed the Proven Winners Certified Garden Center Training Program – an ongoing partnership that offers the opportunity to learn more about our plants while building your employees' confidence to sell Proven Winners.

Why Certify? Certified FAQ

Current 2025 Season Participation in Connect+^{^®} and Certification Programs

3 Simple Steps - Get Started Today!

Manager Step-By-Step Video Instructions

Download the Manager Step-By-Step PDF Instructions

Download the manager instructions and employee how-to form
Log in and Enroll in Connect+
The 2025 Certified Training Program is part of the Proven Winners Connect+ marketing program. But Connect+ has more to offer than just certification. There are four levels of marketing/advertising services aimed at making your life easier. Check out the benefits and enroll in the level that works best for your garden center.
Complete Manager Setup
Add your store location(s), list the number of employees who will complete the training and choose your rewards.

Use One of the Three Methods to Complete Training

Individual Training

Individuals can watch the online video at home or at work and then answer the questionnaire online. All you need is a questionnaire key from your store manager.

Download individual employee instructions

Help me find my employee Individual Certification Code

Watch video and answer the questionnaire online

New for 2025, there will not be a test; simply complete the questionnaire!

Group Training

A group of employees can watch the online video together, then answer the questionnaires and send them to Proven Winners via fax, email or mail. This method is great for large groups, stores with multiple locations or those with limited internet access. If you need a flash drive with the video and forms text/call Karin at
815-991-9685.

Download group training package

Watch the video and answer the questionnaire together

Offline Training

All employees can read through the script and see the graphics from the video, then answer the questionnaire and mail it to Proven Winners. This method is great for companies without easy internet access.

Download video script
Download employee training package

Proven Winners Members, Broker Reps, Students, Growers, Media and other Interested Parties

Individuals who are not associated with an IGC can watch the online video but do not need to answer the questionnaire.

If you are NOT an IGC
watch the video here

Help me submit my pizza/donation voucher:

Log In
Go to My Locations
Locate the correct location in your list of retail locations
(Zo's Garden Center)
In the Certification box for your location, click
Get Resources - Submit Pizza Rebate
Click Submit Pizza Rebate for Reimbursement or Donate Pizza Party Rebate to Charity

Have more questions about our Certified program?
Email Karin or text/call 1-815-991-9685 and we will be happy to help!

Get Local

2025 Certified Garden Center Training Program

3 Simple Steps - Get Started Today!

Individual Training

Group Training

Offline Training

Know Your Zones

Sign Up!