02/15/16 rg
HAYS, Kan. -- The Management Development Center at Fort Hays State University will offer its workshop, "First Impressions Matter: A Customer Service Training," at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, in Stouffer Lounge of the Memorial Union.

This will be the first time the workshop will be offered to the public. Participants will learn how to enhance customer relationships while building a service culture among employees.

MDC director Sabrina William and Dr. Stacey Smith, associate professor of management and director of the tourism and hospitality management program at FHSU, will facilitate.

"Customer service is not easy," said William. "However, it is one of the simplest and most effective business functions for managers to control, yet many businesses do not take the time to develop or sustain excellent customer service practices and do not benefit from the competitive advantage those practices bring to the organization."

The workshop will include topic areas such as telephone etiquette, handling upset customers, positive communication and listening, written and email communication, time management, and follow-through. Upon completion, participants will recognize the importance of "first impressions" for successful customer service.

Each person who completes the workshop will receive a certificate. The cost is $119. Registrations prior to Feb. 19 are appreciated. Hays Area Chamber of Commerce members are eligible for a 15-percent discount.

To learn more about this workshop or receive discount codes, contact Connie Dreher at 785-628-4121 or send email to cdreher@fhsu.edu. Registration is available online www.fhsu.edu/mdc.