Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau creates Customer Service Recognition Program
Customer service is the lifeblood of business. As such, the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce, Madera Chamber of Commerce and Oakhurst Chamber of Commerce are partnering to recognize businesses and employees who go out of their way to make their customers smile. Have you experienced a person who made your day? Share your story with us, and they could earn the recognition that they deserve, and hopefully inspire others to do the same.

MADERA COUNTY, CA – The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau (YSVB) has unveiled a program aimed at increasing awareness of businesses that exhibit top customer service. 

The YSVB, which promotes Madera County as a tourism destination, will be recognizing “front line workers” for their efforts in providing top notch customer service. “Customer service is an important part of the tourism industry just like any other business,” said Dan Cunning, CEO of the YSVB.

“When you go on vacation and are unfortunate enough to deal with a rude person at a business you visit, it can negatively color your impression of that destination,” Cunning said. “We are looking to first, find the people of Madera County who go out of their way to make their customers know they are important and second, inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

The program will solicit nominations from the community and visitors. Each month, a committee will go through the nominations and choose the most deserving employee to honor. The winner will be listed, along with their place of work, on a plaque that will travel from business to business. They will also be highlighted with their photo and article in the newspapers in Madera County. The nomination forms will be available on the YSVB website and at the visitor center, as well as at the Chowchilla, Madera and Oakhurst Chambers of Commerce.

“The Chambers’ help is going to be a huge asset to this program,” said Cunning. “They can help get the businesses involved and excited. If businesses would like the forms, they can contact their Chamber of Commerce or the YSVB.

“Businesses, whether involved in tourism or not, continually need to improve and redefine their customer service,” said Jackie Flannigan, manager of the Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce.  “Customers want to feel special or important, no matter the reason they enter a business.  A smile, a greeting, a positive attitude, resolving a customer’s problem quickly all leave a lasting impression that enhances the customer’s experience, will increase customer retention, and win back customers to increase a business’ bottom line.”

Debi Bray, CEO of the Madera Chamber of Commerce, agreed that good customer service is imperative for a businesses’ success. “Customer service is the lifeblood of any successful business, it creates the foundation for customer loyalty, positive word of mouth advertising and can increase sales by maintaining and resulting in great success for your business,” she said.

The program will help motivate businesses and employees to go that extra mile for customer service, according Oakhurst Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kathy McCorry. “Acknowledging customer service is not only a great way for customers to show appreciation for the one of the most important skills in the business world; it is motivation for all of us to continually strive to excel.”

The nomination forms will be available on the YSVB website, www.yosemitethisyear.com, or DOWNLOAD FORM NOW.

The form can also be filled out online at http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22ACTE7MGSK.  

Businesses may also keep the forms on hand as well, to help encourage their staff to exhibit good customer service, and for customers to nominate those that they feel are worthy of recognition.  Forms are also available at the Madera Chamber of Commerce office located at 120 North E Street, Madera CA 93638.