In preparation for what’s hoped to be a busy tourism season, the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting two separate training sessions for our frontline staff and employees that do travel counselling for visitors.
The first training session will be instructed by a licensed course delivery agent on Monday, June 25. This one-day course and subsequent three-day, on-the-job evaluation instructs new Visitor Centre employees how to professionally deal with travellers. All the many tools for directing folks to their destinations are reviewed and the intricate workings of the provincial visitor centre network are explained.
All Visitor Centre employees who work with the public must take the travel counselling course. The course that is designed specifically for the workers who deal directly with the public is called WorldHost (formerly SuperHost). This course should be of interest to everybody because trainer Naomi Horbatch will teach you how to deal with the public in all situations, how to direct them to their destinations and even dispute resolution.
The one-day session is from 9 am to 5 pm on Wednesday, June 27 at the Visitor Centre. The cost is $85 per participant and it’s a great investment. Retailers, service providers and even office workers will benefit from WorldHost. To register for this session, please call our office at 250-724-724-6535.
We have just received all our materials to start the Shop Alberni campaign. Participating merchants should register at the chamber office. To cover printing and advertising expenses the campaign will cost merchants $50 plus a $25 gift certificate we will draw for regularly.
Shoppers will be asked to register with us and carry the Shop Alberni card with them to show participating merchants. Merchants will feature special discounts on their in-store posters, on our website (avcoc.com) and through media advertising. These discounts can be anything in the store and they can be changed regularly.
Unlike our campaign of last Christmas, stores are not limited to offering percentage discounts. We are on the road now distributing the posters and cards to the businesses, so when you spot the poster or check out the discount on our website, you can show your card and rake in the savings.
Our next networking luncheon is at the Barclay on Wednesday, June 13. The CEO of Compliance Coal, John Tapics, will be the guest speaker, updating us on the Raven Coal project. You need to reserve to attend; please call 250-724-6535.
Thought for the Week
“Those who flee temptation usually leave a forwarding address.” — Lane Ollinghouse