Kevin Kane, President & CEO for the Memphis CVB, said, �More than 8 million visitors come to this area, which has been recognized nationally as one of America�s friendliest cities.  We want to make sure that we live up to that reputation and that our visitors are so impressed, they can�t wait to come back.�

The Memphis CVB hopes if visitors stop in a local business to ask a question about the city, the employee of that business will go the extra mile, using skills acquired at Signature�s service training workshops.  The program called MTAC^TM (Memphis Trains a City) is a customized program devised by Signature specifically to meet the needs of the Memphis community.  The CVB offers the training to its members as part of an ongoing membership service program. This is the first of a seminar series, with the next training date planned for July 2003.

�There was a true sense of hospitality and a real willingness to elevate sales and customer service skills from the attendees,� said Dave Hamilton, Executive Vice President, Training Research, Signature, Inc.  �Every visitor is a potential repeat visitor.  We are giving guest contact employees at area businesses the skills they need to extend generous hospitality. Plus, we enable them to present the benefits of their own business as well as their own community -- increasing the chance of visitors returning in the future.�

Understanding the importance of communication and leveraging that to build value for the visitor was a key topic of the training. Complimentary, follow-up, mystery shopping calls were offered to participants. Members of the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau can attend training programs on a quarterly basis to refresh and advance customer service skills.

About Signature:
Signature is a recognized leader in providing business-building solutions that maximize revenue and has developed the largest customer service and sales training programs for the hospitality industry in the United States and Canada. It currently serves over 5000 clients worldwide and offers one-of-a-kind reinforcement programs that guarantee each client's success on any one of its training programs. The company has a field-based training network that expands throughout the world with a centralized call center in its headquarters, located in Dublin, Ohio. Signature has Licensees in Brazil, Uruguay, and Greece. Signature was established in 1986 and currently employs more than 250 people. Signature had 2002 revenues of more than $10 million. For more information, visit the Web site at www.legendary.net <http://www.legendary.net/> or call 1-800-398-0518.

About the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau:
The Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, a private, not-for-profit membership organization, is the official marketing and tourism organization for Memphis and Shelby County.  More than 8 million visitors to the area every year have an economic impact of $2.3 billion, providing 51,310 jobs with a $1.6 billion payroll.  For more information, visit www.memphistravel.com or call 800-873-6282.

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