The Staunton Downtown Development Association welcomes Dr. Vincent Magnini, author and associate professor at Virginia Tech, who will lead a seminar focused on “Delivering Memorable Experiences Downtown” on Aug. 21 at 6 to 9 PM at the City Hall Council Chambers at 116 West Beverley Street in Downtown Staunton.
The seminar is open to small business retailers and geared toward downtown business owners, managers and employees. The event is being sponsored by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) as an additional resource to communities receiving the Community Business Launch (CBL) grant. The SDDA piloted the CBL program in 2015 and was one of the first communities to receive the grant that supported the BRIGHT ReWIRED program, which funded eight start-ups.
Dr. Magnini will discuss ways to maximize long-term profitability with efficient and friendly interactions at every single touch point. Attendees will hear about the latest research on establishing and maintaining a first-class customer service culture. “This is huge opportunity for business owners and employees alike to hone their interaction skills,” says Julie Markowitz, Executive Director of the SDDA, “ Personalized service and the friendly and familiar interaction between loyal customers and small business owners is one of the many strengths and benefits of shopping local.”
Recently ranked one of the top 12 most prolific hospitality researchers worldwide, Dr. Magnini has published six books and more than 150 articles and reports. His projects typically include destination marketing plans, economic impact analyses, feasibility studies and visitor satisfaction tracking. Dr. Magnini has also been featured on National Public Radio’s (NPR) All Things Considered and With Good Reason, as well as being cited in the New York Times. Before his career in academia, Dr. Magnini worked on management teams at Marriott, Hyatt and Hilton Garden branded hotels in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern regions of the U.S.
The workshop is free to Staunton small business owners, managers, and employees. Any businesses wishing to attend should RSVP to 540.332.3867 or email BJ @Stautondowntown.org.
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