The Chamber is often the first place visitors come when they arrive in Cody and we have the opportunity to give them a great first impression of our community.

With that goal in mind, we're putting the finishing touches on our completely revamped visitor center, which members consistently tout as one of the most important services we offer.

Lisa Beres, our new visitor center manager, took inventory of everything we've been doing and has worked diligently since last fall to redesign the visitor experience. She's done an excellent job!

The changes we've made will connect travelers to our members better, encourage them to stay longer and spend more time and money in Cody, and provide them with outstanding hospitality.

Changes include:

- Customer service training for our team. Training includes familiarization with Cody and our members, communications tactics, consistent scripting for greetings, tickets sales and interactions, and how to mitigate problems.  

 

- Improved layout of the visitor center including positioning staff outside to greet visitors as well as dedicating a formal area for full-time ticket sales - a critical component in helping guests experience the best of Cody. 

 

- Improved aesthetics including photos, maps, an updated color palette and improved signage.

 - A member-sponsored video professionally produced by Fire Tribe Productions.

- A new high-tech "people counter" to track visitation levels accurately.

 - A new, more efficient, point-of-sales system.

 - Expanded hours. Starting Memorial Day weekend, the visitor center will be open seven days a week, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

 - Each of our staff members will wear western wear to give visitors another reminder that they're in the West!

 

As you can see, we're extremely excited about this summer season. With strong inquiries, falling gas prices, the Park opening on time and a pent up demand for travel, I'm confident that despite continuing worldwide economic challenges that we're poised for a strong year.

How visitors remember their time in Cody will only be as good as their worst experience while they're here. At the Chamber, we're going to make sure that every interaction we have - via phone, email or in-person leaves a visitor very excited about spending their valuable vacation time with us!

As you prepare for the summer, don't forget to have your frontline staff take advantage of the recommend Cody Tours - May 13th or 14th. These tours are provided by the Cody Trolley Company and are designed to give participants an opportunity to learn about Cody, so they can better serve our guests. Spots are still available, and you can sign up for get more information by calling us at 587-2777.

Join us for our next Business After Hours at SportsHQ, a new sporting goods store being opened by Wes and Melissa Allen of Sunlight Sports. It will be held next Tuesday, April 30th from 5-7 p.m. and will include a ribbon cutting by the Chamber Ambassadors.

Also, don't forget the Wyoming Business Alliance - Economic Outlook Tour 2013 coming to Cody on Wednesday, May 1st at 7 a.m. at The Best Western Premiere Ivy Inn and Suites. For more information and to register, go to www.wyomingbusinessalliance.com.

Finally, our next c2b will be held Friday, May 3rd at 7:30 a.m. at QT's. We have a great group of "regulars" who attend, but would love some new people to join us.