It was a success during Christmas, so why not start it now and run it through until Dec.31st? Of course, we’re speaking of the Shop Alberni Campaign targeted to save shoppers money and discourage leakage over the hump. We have simplified the whole process whereby shoppers visit participating merchants and pick up their Shop Alberni card. Then they use that card to access special discounts offered throughout the campaign. Each participating merchant chooses their special discount offer and then the specials are listed on our website (avcoc.com), in the media and on posters in the shops. We ask that shoppers register with us or the merchants so we can make a monthly draw for a gift certificate. Registration cards are available at the stores, the chamber Visitor Centre and online on our website. The list of merchants is growing quickly: Treadsetter’s Shoes, Baich’s Natural Foods, Secluded Wellness, Flandangles, Westcoast Home Hardware, Alter Ego Studio, Inner Stillness Holistic Studio, Salmonberry’s, Animal Ark, Marks Work Warehouse, Sweet Avenue, Sweet Lulubell Accessories for Kids and Staples. Merchants are invited to phone the chamber and climb onboard the Shop Alberni campaign and shoppers are urged to pick up their cards and register.
The chamber is also hosting a “WorldHost” training session on June 27th in our boardroom. Trainer, Naomi Horbatch, will be the instructor for this all-day course which is ideal for front line workers; anyone who works with the public. At a time when excellent customer service may be the only ticket to success for a business, having your employees trained in WorldHost will go a long ways towards reaching that goal. The WorldHost session costs $85.00 (set by the Ministry of Tourism) and all graduates will receive diplomas. Resumes always look better if the applicant has a WorldHost diploma. Phone the chamber to register and ask about your business becoming a designated WorldHost business.
As you may have seen from media advertising, the chamber, Colette Travel and Twin Travel are teaming up to take you on the quintessential river cruise down the Danube from Amsterdam to Budapest. On Tuesday evening, June 26th at the Visitor Centre, Collette Travel will present a multi-media travelogue of what the cruise is all about, how much and exactly when in September of 2013 the cruise will take place. Not only will this be the trip of a lifetime and a luxurious way to experience old Europe, but you will be helping to support the Chamber of Commerce at the same time. Register to attend by calling Twin Travel at 724 6501.
Thought for the Week:
“When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.” Henry J. Kaiser
FROM THE MANAGER’S DESK
SUBMITTED BY MIKE CARTER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ALBERNI VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE