February Meeeting: The future of the electric car

Nfassory Kake spoke to the Chamber at the February meeting about the future of electric cars. Kake, a native of Sierra Leone, Africa, is a mathematics instructor at James Sprunt Community College. Kake explained the new technology being used in lithium ion batteries, in which rutile, a mineral that is mined in Sierra Leone is ionized with lithium. The cars that will utilize these batteries will be superior to current hybrid auto technology- having more power, charging more quickly, and costing less to replace. There are plans currently in place for a lithium ion battery manufacturing plant to be built in Michigan.

The Heart of Customer Service

Whether your business is a store, a restaurant, or a service provider, the one thing that will keep the customers coming back is good customer service. In a day when businesses must be conscious of costs- it is the one thing that costs nothing.
You know when you have been impressed by the level of customer service someone gave you- it was the person who said they’d order something for you- and did….the person who called back with an answer when they said they would...the waitress that remembered that you like your sandwich without the pickle...the person who suggested an alternative that could save you money. It impressed you- and it didn’t cost a thing!
As business owners, the most important thing we need to do daily is service our customers at a level that exceeds their expectations. It may be staying late or opening early to meet someone’s needs, making an extra effort to find an item, or spending time training your staff to understand the importance of meeting the customer’s needs.
These days, you can’t take anything for granted, especially not your customers! Independent business owners cannot afford to be too busy to take the time to talk to their customers and cannot become complacent about keeping them. Now is the time to value your customers and keep them coming back. Maybe you can start a referral program- offering a discount for a new customer referral, or a customer loyalty program- offering a percentage off one visit after 10 visits. Maybe it is a special that goes out only to customers- not the general public, or a special preview of new items you are carrying that is by invitation only. Put on your thinking caps, and surprise your customers with an exceptional experience!
Have you been the recipient of great customer service? We want to know! Fill out the survey on the blog. (www.wallacechamber.blogspot.com) Look for results in future issues.
Marlane

Chamber of Commerce Member Directory

We will begin compiling the Wallace Chamber of Commerce Directory in the next couple of months for distribution mid-year. This will be a full color publication being printed by AdverMarket, the same folks printing our newsletter. It will be a glossy publication we can all be proud of!
All 2009 members will be listed in the directory which will be given to Chamber of Commerce members, new businesses and new residents as well as visitors to the Chamber office. You recently received information regarding the opportunity to do some extra advertising at a nominal fee. We are very excited about this venture, and want all our members to be a part of it!
Remember that the rates are lower the sooner that you commit to advertising. Call Lou at 910-285-4044 with questions or for more information.

Golf Tournament- May 8.2009

Plans are already under way for the 6th Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, being held this year on May 8th. With the earlier date, the weather is sure to be perfect for a day on the greens at River Landing! Start making your plans now for your team and your sponsorships. Call Lou at 285-4044 for more information!