A pair of popular Madera County attractions received national recognition from a popular publishing company.

Westbrook Wine Farm in O'Neals and the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Rail Road in Fish Camp were both were named Best Of The Road in Rand McNally's 87^th Edition of America's #1 Road Atlas. Both attractions beat out hundreds of others for inclusion in the prestigious publication.

According to information from Rand McNally, "Travel experts scour the country for outstanding trips and stops, representing the best America has to offer.  Of the many submissions, Rand McNally editors drive five new road trips and share their findings in the annual Road Atlas," said Amy Krouse with Rand McNally.

Five road trips are highlighted in this year's atlas, with the two businesses being included in the "Earth Tones" trip, which guides travelers from Reno, Nevada to Yosemite National Park. "To be included in such a respected and well known publication like this is very exciting," said Max Stauffer, owner of the rail road. "And to be part of this particular road trip and chosen among such other worthy attractions is a great honor. This will definitely bring us great business," he said.

 "The map and story will help drive even more people to the rail road, as they will know to look for us on their way to Yosemite."

Ray Krause, who owns Westbrook Wine Farm along with his wife Tammy, said they were excited when they found out. "When the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau suggested a Rand McNally editor's visit to our family vineyard and winery, we never imagined we would be chosen as part of the "Best of the Road 2011 alongside such scenic treasures as the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Rail Road," he said.

They anticipate the publicity generated will be very beneficial. "The inclusion of our winery and vineyard in this publication will definitely increase its visibility and raise the profile," he said. "We enjoy sharing our passion for wine and the winemaking process with wine lovers and those who are new to wine, and look forward to the opportunities this publicity will generate."

In developing the trips, editors consider locations that are lesser-known, off the beaten path, are unique or have special character, capture the region's essence, and appeal to a broad range of people.   For many travel enthusiasts, these 150-200 mile trips satisfy their search for a long weekend of adventure.  Each trip includes maps and directions and lists of "best known" spots.  In addition, Rand McNally's experts have presented stops along the route that showcase the unique aspects of each region. 

"We congratulate Westbrook Wine Farm Vineyard and Winery and Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Rail Road for being identified in our 2011 Best of the Road® listing.  While there are multiple options for planning and on-the-road navigation, Americans continue to rely upon the Rand McNally Road Atlas each year to give them the big picture and the finer details of each road they travel," said Dave Muscatel,  CEO of Rand McNally. 

Both businesses have indicated they've already seen results from the publication. "We have already had a great reaction from those who have seen it or heard about it. The credibility and quality of the Rand McNally organization makes this a prideful association, indeed. We're just going to keep on doing what works here at Westbrook Wine Farm, We grow wine and respect our customers," said Krause.

The atlas is a mainstay for a lot of travelers, and we've already received calls from people who want to go on the road trip and ride the train. It's very exciting," he said.

The road atlas is available at retailers nationwide and online at www.randmcnally.com.

Follow the businesses at:
www.facebook.com/farviewfarmvineyard and
www.facebook.com.ymsprr

The Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau 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."

Debbi 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 on each of the Chamber's websites. 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.