Terre Haute, Ind. – The Wabash Valley Community Foundation announced that the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce and See You In Terre Haute Community Plan received $15,000 for its Business Concierge Hospitality Training Program.
Terre Haute-Vigo County is going to experience increased tourism in the next few years with the opening of the casino, convention center and more. The Economic Development Task Force of the See You In Terre Haute Community Plan is expanding Open for Tourism by developing a Business Concierge Hospitality Training Program for frontline service workers at restaurants, hotels and attractions.
It was identified through conversations with businesses that employees in these industries are missing soft skills and in-depth knowledge of Terre Haute’s assets and history. Our frontline service workers are many times the first point of contact that a visitor has within our community. Thus, employees must be armed with skills to create a positive interaction and be able to provide expert recommendations about what to do and see in Terre Haute.
There are three main program goals:
- Boost the soft skill set of frontline service workers in Terre Haute
- Enhance Terre Haute knowledge among frontline service workers
- Create a better experience for visitors to the community
Participants will complete an online course and then attend an in-person training session that will include roleplaying sessions and presentations. Upon completion, they will be presented with a certificate. This program will be offered at no cost to businesses and employees.
“We are thrilled and grateful that the Wabash Valley Community Foundation funded this unique program,” says Josh Alsip, Director of Community Engagement at the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce. “With Terre Haute expected to continue to receive more and more visitors each year, it is essential that we ensure we are providing them with a good experience.”
“The Business Concierge Hospitality Training Program will especially help small businesses,” says Courtney Chipol, Economic Development Task Force Co-Chair. “The soft skills of front-of-house employees will be greatly improved upon completion of the program.”
The Economic Development Task Force hopes that this program will begin in early Spring 2023. Businesses interested in having their employees participate can contact Josh Alsip at jalsip@terrehautechamber.com.
The Wabash Valley Community Foundation funded 13 projects in Vigo County, totaling more than $195,000.
About The See You In Terre Haute Community Plan
The See You In Terre Haute Community Plan’s mission is to develop a thriving and prosperous city, county, and community by addressing opportunities aimed at becoming more diverse through the increase of population and per capita income. The See You In Terre Haute Community Plan is an initiative of the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce.
