Even though we are in the midst of summer, the Historic Uptown Susanville Association is already planning their Fall Crafters Festival. It is set for Saturday, Sept. 15 in Uptown Susanville. According to Kathie Garnier they are currently looking for vendors. If you are interested in having a booth at the popular festival, call Lisa at the Chamber of Commerce office at 257-4323.

WOW FACTOR AT YOUR PARTY

If you are planning a special event, wedding or just any occasion party and want that wow factor, call Fred "Saxman" Walton. With live music performed by "Saxman," Walton and special guest artist, "Bass D," your party is sure to be a success. Music is customized to fit your special occasion. You can reach him at 249-8299 or email saxpreacha1@yahoo.com.

NEW STYLIST AT ELITE SALON

Stylist Karen Clements recently moved to Susanville from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She offers more than 16 years of experience cutting, perming, coloring and razor-cutting hair. She only uses certified organic color. She is available at Elite Salon (across from Walmart) Tuesday through Friday, with Saturday and evenings available by appointment. You can reach Karen by calling the salon at 257-5501.

BACK FROM MATERNITY LEAVE

After having a beautiful baby girl four months ago, Naomi Crosby, of Naomi Angel Photography, is reopening her studio. She is now ready to book senior portraits, family and children’s portraits, too. She will be offering a different special every month; you can find them on her website, angelphotodesign.com, or call her at 251-8585 for your appointment.

THE CARNIVAL IS COMING!

With the Lassen County Fair just around the corner, Jim Wolcott, fair manager, would like to remind everyone to take advantage of the savings and get your pre-sale carnival one-day ride coupons now! They are available at Susanville Supermarket IGA, online at lassencountyfair.org and at the fair office at 195 Russell Ave., Susanville. See their ad in this week’s newspaper.

GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE

Ran across the following article in a magazine recently and it is definitely worth sharing…

Great customer service is the buzzword in most industries. Most of us want to receive it, some of us recognize it when we do receive it, but all of us could probably use a refresher course in how to give it. Here are some tips on ways to give great customer service.

Smile. Don’t kid yourself. Just as it can be seen in person, it can be heard over the phone.

Say something nice to someone at least once a day. People remember nice things just as they remember the not-so-nice things.

See someone walking into your store? Say hello, loud and clear. Ignoring people — even fellow employees — isn’t good customer service.

Keep the fences in your organization low. We all know there needs to be guidelines and policies. However, when there are so many of them, they can make doing business difficult. It’s not worth it.

Be a double checker. Often we can miss something or not know all the details. Most people appreciate hearing “The last time I checked, we were out of stock on that; however, let me double check it for you.” That particular statement is comforting. Everyone loves a double checker.

We cannot do two things well at once. If you are working with a customer, on the phone or in person, then focus on that person. Trying to type, file or do some paperwork while you’re communicating with a customer is dangerous — and rude.

Respond rapidly. When you receive information about a client, it’s a good thing to let them know you did receive it. That’s good communication.

Use your listening skills more often. We all like to talk, but listening to the customer is much better. Let others have the stage.

Show some empathy or sympathy when a customer complains. Doing or saying nothing when they feel they have a problem will put you in the doghouse fast.

Be prepared. If you are in customer service, or any front-line position, expect things to happen. Be prepared is not just for the Boy Scouts. It’s anyone who works with customers. Prepare for the unexpected.