Council's Customer Care Accrediation - Hits the Ton!
November 3 2006
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's "Customer Care" program for service excellence is ending its first year of operation on a high note - with customers of accredited outlets nominating a wide range of providers for their professional delivery of goods and services.
One hundred businesses have now been signed up to the quality-of-service assurance program.
Council called for customers to write about their good experiences in dealing with accredited members of the business community as a way of generating feedback and raising public awareness of the Customer Care program, with a prize going to reward one nominator drawn from all responses.
The customer drawn as the winner of the competition, Bruce Thompson of Port Macquarie, nominated Trademark Building Supplies in Barton Crescent for its excellent service.
He has won a night's accommodation in a Cityview Deluxe Room at Rydge's Port Macquarie and, courtesy of Council, a Tastings of the Hastings hamper of local gourmet produce. His prize will be presented by Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor, Cr Rob Drew, at Trademark's premises at 10am on Monday, November 6.
Council's Economic Development Officer Trevor Sargeant said the prize presentation was being highlighted to draw public attention to the program and the 100 local businesses that had embraced the system. "Our thanks go to Rydges for supporting Council in this, with its donation of a great main prize for the winner. It's great to have their help in raising the profile of the Customer Care certification.
"A scheme such as this pays multiple dividends," Mr Sargeant said today. "It improves customer service standards and customer satisfaction, it pays dividends to business owners by encouraging greater patronage, and it gives our region a great reputation among visitors and tourists for service efficiency. In turn, this encourages tourism to our region and the resultant improved flow-on of prosperity.
"We now have 100 local businesses who have passed through the accreditation checks and processing - a terrific effort in the short time the scheme's been running.
"This great response demonstrates the popularity of the scheme and speaks well of our business community who clearly want to elevate service levels and reap the dividends. Participating businesses not only stand to lift their profits, but there's the prospect of a spin-off in terms of underwriting and perhaps expanding employee numbers.
"It's not generally known that accreditation is not just a matter of applying for a 'tick of approval'.
"Assessments of individual businesses are made and, if necessary, staff training programs are carried out first. Businesses benefit from a Council subsidy for appropriate training to lift service levels to meet accreditation standards.
"Assessments are carried out free of charge and there is also no charge for the shopfront Customer Care decal and other promotional material supplied to successful businesses by Council's Economic Development Section.
"Once approved, accredited entities enjoy a range of other benefits include free promotions and a direct link to their business on the Visitor Information Centre's website. There are also networking opportunities including a regular newsletter and mix 'n' mingle nights held for approved businesses - and other businesses interested in applying for certification."
- Businesses interested in Customer Care accreditation should contact Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's Economic Development Section for assistance; tel. 6581 8111
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