Chamber Newsletter

Business Review May 2008




FACT: The number one reason customers spend more, stay longer and return to most businesses is because they were pleased with the customer service they received.

But it's not just about good customer service; it is all about GREAT Customer Service!

Businesses spend thousands of dollars attracting the visitor but little time and energy training their staff to assure their return.

Businesses who say they offer 100% Customer Satisfaction may only be offering average service.

Are you building LOYAL customers or just SATISFIED ones?

The satisfied customer may tell someone who asks about your business, if convenient.

The loyal customer tells everyone, and always returns. How are you doing?

FACT: 68% of customers do not return to a business because they were treated indifferently by one of the employees.


This class offers a fun and interactive experience and enlightens attendees on the WOW Factor!

" What is the WOW and how do I get it?
" Why the customer will return.
" How important is Body Language?
" What your customers are actually thinking?
" How to deal with difficult customers and turn them into WOW's.
" It's not what you say&its how to say it.
" What makes you stand out from other businesses or areas?
" Why the visitor will spend four times the amount if they stay overnight.

Seating is limited! Please pre-register your employees by calling the Brookings Campus of Southwestern Oregon Community College at 469-5017.

FACT: This training is FREE to you! It is fully funded by Travel Oregon, Brookings Harbor Chamber of Commerce, Southern Oregon Visitors Association, and the Best Western Brookings Inn.


There will only be one session on Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 1:00-3:00 pm, at the Best Western Brookings Inn Conference Center.

Oregon Business Magazine:

Even though the economy is sputtering, the last thing small-business owners should do is panic. "You can actually take the opportunity of a downturn, when you're not as busy, and re-strategize your business looking for new opportunities." says Harry DeWolf, Portland district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Here are his top five tips small businesses should follow when economic times get tough.

Don't lose track of cash flow. Cash is king"especially in a down economy. Income statements and balance sheets are fine, but they are telling you what happened in the past, not the future. Use a cash-flow report to project your cash flows at least three months in advance.

Eliminate nonessential expenses as much as possible. Ask yourself: Is that activity necessary? Will this activity create profit? If not, don't do it. Also consider cutting personal spending.

Don't build up inventory. Don't get bogged down with excess merchandise and inventories tying up your cash. Convert overstocked inventory into cash by selling through other channels, such as the Internet.

Don't take on new debt. Think long and hard about taking on more debt, and don't be in a big hurry to pay off debt early. Instead, focus on building cash reserves.

Don't let accounts receivable get too big or too old. Get aggressive with collections. When business is good, companies tend to become lazy about collecting on receivables. Being tough with customers may be unpleasant, but it's an important safeguard against the effects of a prolonged economic slowdown.

Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament





Saturday, May 31 @ Salmon Run Golf

Sponsored by

Lucky 7 Casino
All Star Liquors
Hagadone Directories



May PM Connections





"Seasons by the Sea"


Sail into the 69th Azalea Festival in style!

Join us at The Pavilion at Salmon Run Golf Course

Meet the Azalea Court & Grand Marshal

Award for...

Business of the Year & Volunteer of the Year

Friday, May 23rd 5:30 p.m.

Sponsored by

Salmon Run Golf Course & catered by
Nautical Inn Restaurant





May Forum





Oregon Coast Community Action

Rollie Lobsinger, South Coast Food Share

NoonThursday, May 8th

Brookings Elks Lodge

Luncheon $10.00
VISA and MasterCard Welcome




Welcome New Members!


ALLIED CONSTRUCTION
Stacey Gates, Office Manager
14377 Hwy 101 S, P.O. Box 7764
Brookings, OR 97415
469-3969 (v) 469-1969 (fax)
Roofing & Construction

A WILD BIRD & BACKYARD GENERAL STORE
Merri & Jack Cook, Owners
1109 Chetco Avenue, P.O. Box 5119
Brookings, OR 97415
412-9453 (v) 412-9454 (fax)
www.awildbird.com
Retail Wild Bird & Yard Products

NEWCOMER'S WELCOMING CLUB
Bonnie Northrup, President
P.O. Box 1512
Brookings, OR 97415
541/961-6553 (v) 541/469-4710
Welcome Wagon-Welcome Lunches

EAGLE TWO DEVELOPMENT CORP.
Leroy Blodgett
16340 Lower Harbor Road, Suite 202
P.O. Box 7618 Brookings, OR 97415
541/661-0124
www.eagle2development.com
Land Development, Planning and Management

SECRET SHOPPERS NETWORK
Brenda Kessler, President & CEO
1021 Ironwood Drive
Eagle Point, OR 97524
541/826-0300 (v) 541/826-8770 (fax)
www.secretshoppersnetwork.net
Business Consulting

PIRATE ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS
Harold Bailey, Owner
99235 Winchuck River Road
Brookings, OR 97415
541/251-1323 (v) 412-8101 (fax)
www.pirateenergy.com
Alternative Energy and Batteries



Chamber Calendar May 2008


6
Ambassador Committee
8:00am @ Chamber Office




8
FORUM Luncheon-
South Coast Food Share
Noon at BROOKINGS ELKS LODGE




9
Curry County Marketing Alliance
11:00am @ Fairgrounds Gold Beach



10
Azalea Festival Coordinating Meeting
9:30am @ Blue Water



10
Second Saturday Art Walk
4-7 pm Downtown Brookings



10
Art Walk Alley Ribbon Cutting
6:00pm Art Walk Alley



12
Marketing & Promotions
8am Chamber Office



13
Executive Committee
8:00am @ Chamber Office



14
America's Wild Rivers Coast Board
9:30a, @ Flying Gull



15
E-Commerce Committee-"Look who's Online"
7:00pm Event Center (Behind Tangles Salon)



16
Student Health Clinic Ribbon Cutting
11:00am @ Flagpole, BHHS



20
Customer Service Training (Pre-Registration Required)
1:00-3, Best Western Brookings Inn



20
Board of Directors
6:00pm @ Chamber Office



23
69th Azalea Festival Kick-Off Mixer
The Pavilion at Salmon Run Golf Course
5:30pm




23-26
69th Azalea Festival
Community Wide
Noon @ Chamber Office