With the ever-changing economy, business owners need to be aware that exceeding customer expectations is now more important than ever. Customer service is king and to assist in that area, the Above Board Chamber of Florida will be hosting two important luncheons with expert panels offering tips on how businesses can enhance the customer experience. The first luncheon will take place in Naples from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, July 11. The Fort Myers meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 14.
Kristina Gear, Managing Director at Preferred Travel, is one of the panelists who will stress how important this area of business really is. “Relationship building is one of the most important aspects of the customer relationship,” she says. “It’s about building a connection. Many of our advisors have built relationships with their clients and that has made them lifelong clients to the agency and to the advisor.”
Jim Hudgens, Group Sales Manager at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa and another panelist, says it is important that employees understand how to give that elevated customer service.
“As far as customer service goes there are three bullet points: choosing your attitude, being present, and do they get it,” Hudgens explained. “Just make sure you are putting the right person in place and not falling subject to the warm body syndrome.”
Gear, Hudgens and an array of other panelists will highlight these tips and more at the two luncheons on the topic. The first meeting is in Naples from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, July 11 at the Hilton Naples, 5111 Tamiami Trail N. The Fort Myers meeting will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 14 at the Crowne Plaza Bell Tower, 13051 Bell Tower Dr.
The Naples luncheon will feature Vicki Thomas Tracy as the emcee. She is the Chief Operation Officer at Gulf Coast International Properties. The meeting is sponsored by Matt Moen, the owner of Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream at Berkshire Commons and M & M’s Cafe at Tin City and by Jennifer Johnson, President at True Fashionistas in Naples.
Panelists in Naples include:
- Michael DeLuca, CPA, MBA Principal, Director of HBK Healthcare Solutions;
- Ursula Pfahl PhD. Chief Operating Officer & Chief Marketing Officer from Bigham Jewelers;
- Matt Moen, Owner of Royal Scoop Homemade Ice Cream at Berkshire Common and M & M’s Cafe at Tin City in Naples;
- Kristina Gear, Partner, Managing Director at Preferred Travel of Naples and
- Jennifer Johnson, President at True Fashionistas in Naples.
The Fort Myers luncheon will feature Stacey Adams as the emcee. She is a Financial Advisor at Alliance Financial Group. The event is sponsored by Jonathan Gabel, President of Priority Business Solutions and by CONRIC pr + marketing.
Fort Myers Panelists include:
- Jonathan Gabel, President, Priority Business Solutions;
- Cory O’Donnell, Marketing Manager at Owen Ames Kimball;
- Jim Hudgens, Group Sales Manager Sundial Beach Resort & Spa and
- Lisa Portnoy, Vice President, Marketing Leader Lee and Collier Counties BankUnited.
Register for either luncheon at AboveBoardChamber.com or call Above Board Chamber CEO Jeanne Sweeney at 239-910-7426. The cost of lunch is included in event registration. Tickets purchased for the Naples event by Thursday, July 7 are $40 for members and $45 for non-members. Tickets purchased for the Fort Myers event by Monday, July 11 are $40 for members and $45 for non-members. In appreciation for the catering staff, please RSVP by the dates above.
The Above Board Chamber of Florida is dedicated to bringing people of all faiths together within the community, in the workplace and amongst one another. Their mission is to supply members with tools that allow them to take every aspect of their lives Above Board. For more information on the event or on how to become a member of the chamber, call Sweeney at 239-910-7426 or visit AboveBoardChamber.com.
