Aug 21, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         
August 2006

CONTACTS: Nancy Hamilton, Jessica Grace, Lee Rose  (239)338-3500
                         Judi Durant  (239)590-4854

Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau seeks nominations for annual customer service awards

LEE COUNTY, FL -- The Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau (VCB) is seeking nominations for the sixth annual Elaine McLaughlin Outstanding Hospitality Service Awards, a program to recognize employees within the hospitality and allied industries who positively influence a visitor or resident's experience in Lee County.  Sponsored by The News-Press, the "E" Awards is a community collaboration to increase public awareness of, and to encourage and support, the "above and beyond" service excellence being provided by Lee County hospitality professionals.

Anyone who experiences exceptional customer service – visitor, co-worker, friend, supervisor, or customer – is encouraged to submit a nomination.  Nomination forms can be requested by calling VCB Visitor Services at (239)590-4855, online at www.EAwards.org, or e-mail to JDurant@leegov.com .  Nomination deadline for the 2006 Awards is Sept. 22.  Winners will be announced Oct. 18 at the "E" Awards annual breakfast.
 
"Front-line employees providing high quality customer service for those visiting or doing business within our destination is critical to fostering repeat business," said D.T. Minich, C.D.M.E., VCB executive director.  "Their efforts make all the difference with repeat visitors,  as well as how effectively residents patronize local businesses."

The nomination categories include: Accommodations, Attractions, Good Samaritan, Restaurants, Retail, Transportation and Other Services/Businesses.  The Geraci Travel Honor of Distinction winner will also be chosen from the nominee list as the best overall representative of outstanding service for the year.  In addition, the Good Samaritan Award will recognize dedicated assistance during unusual situations.

The "E" Awards are named after Elaine McLaughlin, the Lee County VCB's former executive director, and exemplifies her core belief that providing outstanding customer service is one of the major cornerstones of success for all businesses. 

The "E" Awards is a project of the VCB's Guests First customer service training program.  For more information, contact Visitor Services at (239)590-4855.

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