News Release: 5/18/2018

 
Winter lasted so long this year that we all feel like we are playing catch up to get ready for the summer season.  We have to hire seasonal staff, set out the new displays, spruce up all the marketing pieces, and make sure that everyone is fully trained and knows how to give good customer service, the kind of superior customer service that will have guests, visitors and clients coming back for more.  Only you know what kind of staff will you need and what will work with the rest of your team and I know that I would get something wrong if I tried to set up a new product display for most of our members.  But, we certainly can help you spruce up your marketing and make sure you and your staff are giving great customer service as a strong team. 
 
Let’s start with customer service and team work.  We all know when we have received great customer service but it is sometimes difficult to know how to give it out.  In our Northern Michigan economy great customer service can mean the difference between a business with a long successful history or a one season flash in the pan.  To help Cheboygan businesses have some of the best customer service in the north this year, we are thrilled to have Mark O'Brien, Vice President of Lodging at Boyne Mountain come to Cheboygan to give a special workshop on Outstanding Customer Service and the Power of Team Work.  O'Brien has 20 years' experience in operating full-service, luxury and boutique hotels as a General Manager, and is accredited as a Certified Hotel Administrator. As a Michigan State University graduate, O'Brien launched his career as a front desk supervisor at the New York Hilton, advancing to Assistant Director of Front Office Operations. He continued his growth serving as Director of Rooms Revenue Maximization and Front Office Manager at Waldorf-Astoria, then earned his first General Manager role in 1996 at Hotel Wales. He has also led operations for The Maritime Hotel, Hampshire Hotels and Resorts, and most recently for The H Hotel in Midland, a Four Diamond Hotel, under the Wyndham Hotel Group. O'Brien serves on the Michigan State University School of Hospitality Business Alumni Association Appointed Board of Directors, as well as Northwood University Hospitality School's Board of Directors.  He is an experienced and trained expert in customer service and team work.  This special workshop will be on Tuesday May 22^nd at 9:00am at the Cheboygan Carnegie Building at 400 West Elm Street,
 
We can also help with sprucing up your marketing.  You know that having an online presence for your business is important, so you're online in one way or another. But are you SURE you're using the internet to realize your business's fullest potential? The Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce is also sponsoring a Grow Your Business Online workshop from 9:00 am - 11:00 am, Thursday, May 31st at the Best Western River Terrace in Cheboygan.  This workshop is actually two classes in one.


1. Get Found on Google Search and Maps -
Explore Google My Business, a free tool for local businesses, who want to connect with customers on Google Search and Maps. Get hands-on help creating or updating your listing, and take advantage of a free website.

2. Intro to Online Marketing -
Learn how customers find your business online and how to promote your online presence using search engine optimization (SEO) and online advertising. We'll also introduce tools that will help you run your business online, including Google Analytics and Trends.
 
Cost for either of these workshops is only $10 for Chamber Members and $20 for the general public.  Space is open to the first 50 people who register for either class, so book your seats now by calling 231-627-7183 or e-mailing info@cheboygan.com. 
 
Leadership, Engagement, Advocacy, Development, and Support have been key words for how we operate our Chamber of Commerce this year and going forward.  We hope these workshops will help you develop yourself, your staff and your business to have a successful summer season, and beyond.  We have more workshops that are being planned for later in the year, but if there is a specific topic that you would like us to consider please contact us so that we can pull all the right pieces together to make it successful for everyone.  So, I’ll ask the question again. Are you ready for the summer tourism season?  These workshops could help….