"This was a relationship that evolved directly out of our European business dealings.  Because of the wide and varied cultural differences from country to country we felt Signature training could best be handled from inside the host country.  In this case, it just made better sense to license our business rather than set up a satellite location," says Steve Wolever, Co-Chairman of Signature, Inc.  

In January this past year, Signature opened a training center  � Signature International � a wholly-owned subsidiary of Signature, Inc.,  near Washington Dulles Airport in an alliance with the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Affiliate Member, the Washington Dulles World Trade Group (WDWTG).  Ms. Rita Dipaolo is the Director of Operations for the training center where she is responsible for training and supporting the new licensees.

"It was through my connection with Mike Runde, President of the WDWTG, that I connected with Nelson and Carlos," says Wolever.  Nelson is President of WTC Montevideo, WTCA Regional Coordinator for Latin America and Caribbean and also the Chairman of the WTCA's Committee on Tourism, Hospitality, and Cultural Exchange.  The World Trade Centers Association is the world's leading trading organization.  It is an expanding not-for-profit, non-political membership organization consisting of more than 300 World Trade Centers servicing 750,000 businesses in 91 countries.  

The WTCA looks for additional services to be offered through its Member World Trade Centers - training was a key area identified.  "I had the opportunity of speaking at various WTCA meetings discussing how quality customer service positively affects the business of tourism.  The feedback from those in attendance had underlined the need for customer service training in every country," says Steve.  It was then Signature needed  to develop a plan to consistently and accurately deliver their style of training in many languages and countries around the world.  They also had to take into consideration the cultural differences.  Again, this is where licensing Signature's materials and program methods made sense.

"The professional training in the areas of hospitality and customer service is an increasing need in a global economy.  World Trade Center Montevideo is proud to be the first in Latin America to arrive at a strategic alliance with Signature.  We are confident that this experience will be productive not only for Uruguay but may become a point of reference for other World Trade Centers in Latin America and Caribbeans as well as other regions of the world," says Nelson Pilosof.

Each licensee is required to attend an intense training program conducted at Signature's headquarters in Dublin, Ohio where they learn all operational systems.  They are also introduced to each of Signature's fourteen training programs.  One week is spent traveling with a regional field-based trainer to observe the program implementation, delivery technique and interaction with 'real' Signature clients.

From left to right:  Don Farrell, Founder/Co-Chairman, Signature, Patricia Olave of Uruguay, Steve Wolever, Co-Chairman, Signature, Sandra Aldan and Carlos Aldan, Signature Licensees.  Not pictured:  Nelson Pilosof, President of WTC Montevideo Uruguay, Mike Runde, President of WDWTG, and Rita Dipaolo, Director of Operations, Signature International.

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"Signature's accumulated experience of more than 15 years in customer service and sales training is a winning proposition in any market in the world.  The opportunities in Brazil for our services are not limited to the hospitality industry.  Any industrial sector that recognizes the need to establish a long term quality and profitable relationship with its customers is our target market, says Carlos Aldan.   The growth potential for Signature Brazil is enormous!"

Don Farrell, Founder & Co-Chairman of Signature, Inc. says, "It's our goal to have 50 licensees by the end of 2003.  We are currently working with people interested in
delivering legendary levels of sales and customer service in South Brazil, Bulgaria, Germany, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, China, Turkey, India and Australia."  More information can be obtained about licensing of Signature by contacting Steve Wolever, Co-Chairman, Signature, Inc. 1-800-398-0518.  

About Signature
Signature tags itself as the Legendary Sales and Service Training company.  Signature�s programs are geared toward people whose businesses depend on phone and walk-in sales.  Signature�s national office was established in 1986, and there are currently more than 250 employees in offices throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.  Visit the Web site at www.legendary.net.

More About Signature, Inc.