In 2015, Our Carolina Foothills and Isothermal Community College teamed up to bring a small group of residents three different sessions of the One Minute Ambassador class.  Now, in late 2017 and into 2018, over 2,000 people will have the opportunity to attend one of many classes thanks to community partnership with Our Carolina Foothills and Isothermal Community College from Landrum, Tryon, Columbus, Saluda, Polk County, SCORE and the First Peak Visitors Center .

Spearheaded by Our Carolina Foothills Treasurer and SCORE mentor, Carol Browning, twelve classes will be offered in November and December with many more being offered in early 2018.

Our Carolina Foothills is a local 501(c)3 that promotes our area as a unique tourist destination in the Foothills through campaigns and events that enhance the life for residents and visitors so the continuation of this project seemed timely given preparations underway to welcome an anticipated several hundred thousand people to the Foothills next Fall.

What is the One Minute Ambassador? This is a class that originated as part of ICC’s Hospitality Program. It covers a lot of really basic information that anyone who works or lives in the community should know but from what we’ve discovered, do not.  A film titled, “Give ‘em the Pickle” takes a comedic look at situations we’ve all been in and proper ways to handle them.  Class instructor Beth Hartle covers and teaches us about  soft skills. A very comprehensive packet highlighting information on what to do and where to go as a local or a visitor is included.

Who should attend?  Although this class is geared towards people who serve the general public in the Carolina Foothills service area, it is beneficial to anyone who has been on the giving or receiving end of good or bad customer service. The wonderful thing about this class is that new residents and lifetime residents both will walk away with just as much valuable information that will impact both business and personal lives. We encourage business owners to attend first and then sign up your managers and staff members during one of the many classes available.

Where are classes held?  All classes will be held at ICC’s Polk Campus in Columbus.

To register for a class or for questions, please contact instructor Beth Hartle at 828 395-4294 or bhartle@isothermal.edu  Registration forms may be picked up at ICC Polk front desk.  For all other media questions, contact Mindy Wiener mindy@ourcarolinafoothills.com

submitted by Mindy Wiener