A web-based education tool developed by CCA Global Partners to teach retailers how to generate more business from builders has been praised by a group that advocates using computers for interactive learning. Members of the e-Learning Guild-which includes designers, developers and managers working in the field- voted the course, "You Make the Call" as one of the top tutorials of its type.

The course, "You Make the Call," was one of 22 education programs presented at the Guild's recent conference. When attendees were asked to evaluate the programs, the CCA Global program tied for most votes with another program

CCA Global, which includes the Carpet One retail co-op, describes "You make the call" as an "interactive, scenario-based course that creates a real-world setting." The course is designed to help research for prospective builder contacts and to simulate "cold calls" to these contacts.

Created by graphic designer/flash developer Tanya Bottas and Bob Bryan, CCA Global University's director of organization development, the program seeks to get the learner as close as possible to the actual experience, while "presenting the material in a creative and exciting way." Although the program just recently went live to CCA retailers, they have already received a positive response.

"Many of our member retailers have not yet taken advantage of the growing builder market," explained Brian Metcalf, senior vp of training for CCA Global. "We want to make sure that our retailers have the tools they need to start developing relationships with the building companies in their areas."

CCA Global plans to supplement this course with additional online training in the upcoming months. In addition to Carpet One, the company's holdings also include FloorExpo, Flooring America, Flooring One, Stone Mountain Flooring Outlet/GCO Flooring Outlet, International Design Guild, Lenders One, Lighting One, ProSource, Rug Décor, Flooring Canada, Savvi Formalwear and The Biking Solution.