Cynthia Pilcher
LSU Agricultural Center
P.O. Box 1199
Columbia, LA 71418
(318) 649-5802, (318) 649-2118 fax

Kay Tettleton
LSU Agricultural Center
P.O. Box 488
Calhoun, LA 71225-0488
(318) 644-5865, (318) 644-5045 fax

One of the keys to success of this educational effort to retain and expand rural businesses is flexibility. “Customer Relations” is an educational program that is prepared and presented in a customized manner to meet the specific needs of the participants and the community. Generally classes are two hours in length and include a variety of presentation techniques and participatory methods. Content includes, but is not limited to, lessons on business etiquette, communication skills, workplace ethics, tourism basics, stress management, conflict resolution, team building, working with difficult people, and personality assessment.

The purpose of this curriculum is to help provide a better trained workforce which will lead to business retention and expansion and stronger rural communities. The tradition of southern hospitality promises more than the expected “welcome” in regard to economic impact. Research shows that service is more important than price to 66% of consumers. Poor service is reported by 40% of respondents. This reflects a need for improved customer relations.With trends toward e-commerce, customer service skills are becoming crucial for brick and mortar endeavors in rural communities across the United States.

Program resources include power point presentations, reference sheets, participatory activity outlines, teaching plans, and resource ideas. To date, each class conducted has been customized for the particular community and the participants. Outcomes reflect improvements in customer relations skills which are being seen in business retention and expansion. Increased participation and requests for these programs indicates perceived success by participants with diverse interests and needs.

PowerPoint Presentation (PDF format, 239 kb)