Customer service corner: Chrysalis Awards presented;
E-Award nominations due
By Christine Davlin, VCB tourism education manager

Christine Davlin

There is so much going on! The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) just concluded its first “Celebration of Business & Tourism” event. As part of our Team Tourism program and in partnership with the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, the event was a huge success. By working together, we wish to help the business community add to its awareness of the tourism industry, and help tourism partners to better understand the needs and role of Lee County business. The collaboration will create stronger resources for the good of our diverse communities and destination.

As part of the event, the “Chrysalis Awards” were born. They signify the development of a partnership between business and tourism. Sixty nominations for the Chrysalis awards were submitted. The six categories included: Business Development, Eco-Innovation, Cultural Achievement, Education, Sports MVP and Sales & Marketing

Respectively, the winners are: Gartner, Inc.; Society for Ethical Ecotourism Florida; Edison & Ford Winter Estates; FGCU – Resort & Hospitality Program; Roy Hobbs Diamond Enterprises, LLC; and Artfest Fort Myers. The VCB’s long-standing, coveted Junonia award went to Steve and Doris Colgate, owners and operators of Offshore Sailing School, for many years of devotion to Lee County.

As we look ahead, we are preparing for our next special event on Sept. 1, the E-Awards. Named after Elaine McLaughlin, former VCB executive director, the awards exemplify her core belief that providing exceptional customer service is at the heart of all successful businesses. Here are the basics:

• Goal: To increase public awareness of the outstanding customer service being provided by Lee County hospitality professionals.

• Purpose: To recognize those employees within the hospitality and allied industries who positively impact a visitor or resident’s experience in Lee County.

• Who is eligible to be nominated: Employees who work in hospitality and allied industries in Lee County.

• Who can nominate: Anyone who experiences exceptional customer service and who wishes to recognize the individual responsible.

Nominations must be submitted by July 30, so don’t procrastinate! Visit www.LeeVCB.com for more information or to nominate by selecting the “E-Award” icon at the bottom of the page.

As many of you may have heard, I am refreshing the VCB’s Guests First customer service program. I have spent a great deal of time talking to our industry partners since I joined the VCB team last November. From the feedback I gathered, a program will be developed targeting comments from the industry. Training is much more effective when it targets real issues. If we have not had the opportunity to talk and you would like to share your ideas with me, or, if we have, but you have some additional feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact me! This program is intended to meet your needs. You can reach me at cdavlin@leegov.com.

The new Guests First program will roll out this fall. Please watch for more details and notifications. I look forward to facilitating and meeting more of the individuals that make Lee County such a special place for our visitors and residents.

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