AMARILLO–No business today can succeed for very long without giving customers quality service. Some of the most savvy clientele a business can serve are tourists, according to Donna Brauchi, district director with Texas Cooperative Extension in the Texas Panhandle.
A new ‘Texas Friendly’ training program is available to area businesses, organizations and agencies interested in helping their employees develop the needed skills and best practices involved in outstanding customer service.
This educational program is conducted by certified instructors. The curriculum was developed by Extension and the department of recreation, park and tourism sciences at Texas A&M University.
What began as the state hospitality train-the-trainer effort in 1989, and guided by a tourism task force, was recently redesigned and updated.
‘Texas Friendly’ helps employees understand the role of excellent customer service in their jobs. The program is focused on enabling employees to acquire information and practice skills to improve customer retention and community pride. In addition, employees are encouraged to apply skills that are beneficial personally and professionally.
“Today, we have 24 new instructors in this area who were recently certified to conduct this hospitality training,” Brauchi said.
To schedule the ‘Texas Friendly’ training, contact any of these Panhandle-based instructors: Karen Brown and Rhonda Terry, National Park Service, Lake Meredith; Kelly Hamilton, Canyon Chamber of Commerce; Evelyn Ecker, City of Canyon Main Street Program; Mike Kirkpatrick and Suzie Wilkinson, Shepards Crook Nursing; Janet McCracken, BSA Hospice in Pampa; Paula Nusz, Stratford Chamber of Commerce; Billie Poteet, Carson County Square House Museum; Lana Barnett, Tulia Chamber of Commerce; Bill Hildebrandt, City of Pampa and Pampa Chamber of Commerce; and these county Extension agents: Leesa Wood Calvi, Randall County; Sue Church, Potter; Leicia Redwine, Armstrong; Beverly Harder, Deaf Smith; Dawn Watson, Donley; Joan Gray, Gray; Peggy Winegarner, Hansford Kristy Mitchell, Hartley; Angie Huff, Hemphill; Sandra Duke, Hutchinson, Susie Spurlock, Sherman; and Karen Tellman, Wheeler.
For additional information, call Brauchi at the Texas A&M University System Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Amarillo at (806) 677-5600.
-30-