Aesthetics alone will not create “The Great Canadian Main Street,” nor will it ensure Fort Frances becomes a destination place for tourists and others.
There are many things that will contribute to our Scott Street being great and Fort Frances becoming more of a destination location for people and tourists, including exceptional customer service.
The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, Confederation College, the Rainy River Future Development Corp., the Business Improvement Association, the Rainy River District Social Services Administrative Board, and NCDS have partnered to bring “Service Excellence” to Fort Frances and Rainy River District.
A recent study conducted by Development Dimensions International concluded that an investment in leadership and customer service training resulted in an average of 359 percent Return on Investment (R.O.I.) to the organization.
So, can you afford not to invest a little in yourself and or your employees?
Through this unique partnership, Confederation College is delivering the Ontario Tourism Education Corp.’s Service Excellence customer service program.
“The cost for the program is approximately $150/person for the seven hours of training,” noted Mike Cameron, campus manager for Confederation College here.
“[But] we are able to deliver the program here at a reduced fee of $75 as a result of the partner contributions,” he said. “There is an additional reduction in fees if you are a Chamber member.
“So it is definitely worth the investment.”
Cameron also noted the college is committed to providing the training to all of its local staff.
“In support of the ‘Service Excellence’ program, the Chamber is committed to training all [its] staff,” echoed Christine Denby, president of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.
“The Chamber is thrilled to be a partner in this initiative and encourages all Chamber members to take advantage of the funding subsidy to train yourself and your staff to be service professionals,” she added.
It isn’t enough today to just provide good customer service. Today, consumers are much smarter and will shop around to get great service for the money.
“Service Excellence” focuses on helping you develop your customer service strengths and how to work together to provide exceptional service for all your guests.
“There has been a great response and commitment to the ‘Service Excellence’ program so far,” said Cameron. “We are thrilled with the businesses and organizations that see the value in training staff to be service professionals.
“This commitment is coming from Gillons’ Insurance Brokers in Fort Frances and all of their offices throughout Northwestern Ontario. The Town of Fort Frances has committed to have their entire staff trained in ‘Service Excellence.’
“You will also soon see a ‘Service Excellence’ decal in the window of the Super 8 in Fort Frances who have had the training for their staff,” added Cameron.
Join the partnership. Invest in yourself, your staff, and your community by becoming a service professional.
Contact the Chamber or the college for more details.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
