Edited by ReKasa Deen                                                                                                                                        May 24, 2010         
Vol. 2, Issue 20

Chamber In Motion
In This Issue
Courtesy Tip
Chamber Goes to Washington
Award Winning Customer Service Practices Shared
Valdosta Networking Professionals
Reminder: Online Billing
Member News
Courtesy Tip of the Week
Business Communication Etiquette:
Know what you want to say before you say it. If you're writing a longer memo or e-mail (more than a paragraph or two) jot down an outline, even if it's on the back of an envelope. This will keep you on task and make sure you say what you actually want to say. Read More...
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events- June
2- Chamber 101
     8-9 a.m.
     At the Chamber
 
14- Georgia Chamber Power Lunch
   11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
   Valdosta Country Club
   RSVP here by Thursday, June 10 if you plan to attend with your name, company, e-mail address and phone number. No cost to attend.
 
15-Business After Hours
      5-7 p.m.
      Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Center
      Click here to RSVP by Friday June 11.
 
 
        
Census 2010
census 2010
Census 2010
Lowndes County
Participation Rate: 71%

For more information, visit www.census.georgia.gov
Valdosta Chamber Goes to Washington
 

Washington Trip 2010

 Pictured: Front Row: Chamber Chair, Terri Lupo (Georgia Power Company) Megan Smith (SmithBarnas & Associates), Myrna Ballard (Chamber) and Col. Clarence Parker Back row: Jerry Lupo, Government Affairs Chair Paula Goff (SMITH Northview Hospital) and Jud Rackley (Brandon, Rackley & Dukes PC)
 
The Chamber made its annual trip to Washington on May 24, visiting the Pentagon, U.S. Chamber, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston and U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop to present the Chamber's 2010 Federal Legislative Principle Statement and Policy Priorities.  
 
Click here to view the Legislative Principle Statement and Policy Priorities.
Award Winning Customer Service Practices Shared
 
CIMpanelists
Pictured above: Michael Jetter (ActionCOACH), Marcie Dennard (The Park Avenue Bank), Laura Love (South Georgia Medical Center), Susan Mullis (The Flower Gallery) Jane Shelton (South Georgia Travel), Katie Hardin (Hospice of South Georgia & Langdale Hospice House), Frank Richards (Second Harvest of South Georgia), Sherry Zipperer (First State Bank and Trust Co.), Jason Bellflowers (Virtual World Technologies, Inc.), Jodi Doss (Jodi's Accessories), Rita Hughes (H & H Insurance Solutions, Inc.) and Amanda Garland (Commercial Banking Company). 
 
An esteemed panel of the Top 10 Finalists for the Members' Choice Award and Winner of the Best Customer Service in Town from the Valdosta Daily Times Best of South Georgia shared Award Winning Customer Service practices with our local workforce on May 26. Topics included:
 
  • Making your customers feel special
  • Being friendly and down to earth
  • Being community minded
  • No client too small
  • Putting yourself in your customer's shoes
  • Quality concepts for clients
  • Telephone etiquette
  • Building a customer service team
  • Properly training your employees
  • Creating an inviting atmosphere 
  • Personalizing the customer experience 
"I learned as much from the others as I'm sure the audience did," said panelist Jane Shelton (South Georgia Travel). Michael Jetter (ActionCOACH) facilitated the event and presented the results of the of the mystery shopper visit. Attendee Tina Worms (Ace Electric Inc.) stated "The most important piece of information I took out of this seminar was 'Provide a WOW Factor'. By doing the unexpected for your customer, going the extra mile and going out of your way to provide a service that doesn't necessarily cover your normal 'business as usual' your customers will be impressed with the ultimate customer service your company provides."

The S.E.E.D.S. Center's Business University will continue to present seminars throughout the year. To find out more about these seminars, contact Courtney Ruttinger , S.E.E.D.S. Center Coordinator. 
Valdosta Networking Professionals Held Weekly Meeting
VNP Leads
Pictured above: Walt Moody (Moody Law Firm, LLC), Scott Register (Comfort Keepers) and Lisa Register (Comfort Keepers).

Valdosta Networking Professionals (VNP) is the premier business networking group at the Chamber. VNP is a group of sales generators that meet weekly to exchange sales leads allowing members to build business relationships that will help grow their businesses by giving and receiving profitable leads.In addition to exchanging leads, two members share their business with the group each week. At their most recent meeting, 19 professionals attended, at least five leads were exchanged and three prospective members attended. To learn how to become part of this exciting group, contact Courtney Ruttinger.
REMINDER: Electronic Invoices and Statements
Going Green!Reminder: All Chamber members with e-mail addresses on file in the Chamber database now receive invoices and statements electronically. Please check your e-mail inboxes for all Chamber billing. If you have questions, contact Mike Stalvey. 
Member News