A Sister Cities’ shared endeavor will see fruition May 7 with the successful scheduling of a jointly hired customer service workshop to be presented on both sides of the border on the same day.

The offering of this shared workshop is intended to create a better environment for residents as well as visitors, and also serves economic improvement in the development of good local service, stated Faye Whitbeck, president of the International Falls Chamber of Commerce. It resulted, in part, from the cross-border brainstorming initiatives which are ongoing.

Customer service is reportedly in need of improvement in Borderland — and employers should know that ‘Business 101’ says management is the leading model for the way a business’ employees relate to customers, said Whitbeck. To the dozens of businesses which have expressed to the Koochiching Economic Development Authority and Chamber the need for tools in staff development, here’s an exceptional chance to strengthen employees’ skills by sending them to this free, but distinguished workshop.

Ted Schick is an acclaimed speaker and comes to Borderland with a significant cost which will not be passed on to those who attend, said Whitbeck. The cost to attend the workshops is free. A $9 lunch at the International Falls workshop and $12 dinner at the Fort Frances workshop is optional.

The Falls workshop will begin at 11 a.m. at Lenard’s at AmericInn, and Fort Frances will feature an evening workshop beginning at 6 p.m. Call the Chamber at 283-9400 or email chamber@intlfalls.org to attend the workshop.

The expense for the two-hour workshop will be shared by the KEDA, the Falls Chamber, in partnership with the city of International Falls, the Fort Frances Chamber and the Rainy River Future Development Corporation.

The Four Pillars of Customer Service presentation comprises more than the usual advice on customer service – and encourages employees to use problem solving in serving, respecting and ultimately retaining a good customer, said Whitbeck. Those who attend will also hear about the 10 basic customer service behaviors.