Chamber eNews March 2010
Blue Ridge Mtn Adventure Race...
The TDS Three State Challenge
Big changes and lots of surprises are in store for this year's adventure race teams on Saturday, April 10th. First there will be a surprise start, which will challenge the teams from the very beginning. Race Director Ron Zadroga has worked triple hard this year to create a new course called the "Three State Challenge," with the finish line this year, for the very first time, at Horseshoe Bend Park in McCaysville. Join us at the park beginning at 1:00 p.m. for music by the Natti Lovejoys, food and fun, including activities for kids and adults. Expect the teams to begin to finish from about mid-afternoon until 6 p.m. Many thanks to TDS Telecom for continuing as Title Sponsor for the race. Platinum Sponsors include Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters, Fannin Regional Hospital, Mercier Orchards and United Community Bank.
Knock Your Socks Off Service
Hospitality classes by Rita Suiter were booked solid last week, with two full classes on Monday and a great showing for the lodging workshop on Tuesday morning. All participants will receive a certificate in the mail. According to Rita, today's customers are different and challenging to serve.
Rita Suiter's profile of today's customer:
Makes slower, more careful decisions;
Is angry about the economy;
Blogs or writes online reviews of experiences;
Uses a mobile device;
Expects you to be computer literate;
Expects someone to answer the phone and help;
Is looking for ease of doing business;
Doesn't want to wait;
Wants, needs and expects great service;
Wants a relationship;
Is value oriented (cheap is chic);
Researched before his/her visit;
Needs to be understood and feel your concern.
Sound familiar?
Chamber Publication Updates
The Chamber staff is in the process of updating tourism publications, including the self-guided tours and the visitor guide. The "Information Please" member directory will be updated in April. If you need to change any of your information, please let us know. Also be sure your dues are current.
New Website Specials
Our website specials and packages, which have been for lodging businesses only, are being expanded to include all types of businesses, and will include a photo and/or logo and a downloadable coupon for customers to print. In addition to our seasonal tourist e-letters, the Chamber will be sending e-postcards promoting tourist specials and packages to our 3,500+ e-mail list, the first of which will be for a "Girlfriend's Getaway." The specials featured on our e-postcards will also be featured at the top of the specials page. If you have a special package for a "Girlfriend's Getaway," please let us know soon. If you want to submit a special and/or package, please e-mail jahackett@tds.net or elainedilbeck@tds.net. We will soon send out more information soon about what is needed to post a special.
Short Subjects ...
Last Chance! OSHA Class in March
North Georgia Technical College will teach a three-session OSHA class at the Chamber on March 10, 17 and 24. Cost for Chamber members is $125; non-members’ cost is $149. participants will receive the official OSHA Blue Card, which never expires and is recognized anywhere in the U.S.
Quick Books Class in April
North Georgia Tech will also teach a second Quick Books Class in April and early May. Dates are April 13, 20, 27 and May 4th. For more information, call Jode at 706-632-5680.
Save the Date! Member/Board Lunch in April
The first Member/Board Lunch of 2010 will take place at Appalachian Community Bank on April 21 and feature a panel on the future of Health Care in Fannin County. Cost is $12. To put your name on the list, call Jode or Donna, 706-632-5680.
Thanks to Wrapsody in Blue
Thanks to Jack Morton and Michael Brunson for the great job they did on February's Business After Hours. We had record attendance of about 150 people.
