LAKEPORT, Calif. – MPIC Inc. A Working Connection! received excellent reviews for the customer service for tourism and hospitality training held at Mendocino College on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

This targeted training for the tourism and hospitality industry was well attended local business employees and job seekers.

Employees from businesses committed to providing great customer service included Running Creek Casino, Tallman Hotel, Hidden Valley Lake Association, California Tribal TANF Partnership, Hospice, Workforce Lake and the Lake County Chamber.

This was the first in a series of customized customer service trainings sponsored by MPIC Inc. A Working Connection!, WorkforceLake Business and Career Center and the Lakeport Chamber of Commerce in response to requests made by local employers and Lake County Economic Development Committees.

Other trainings in this series include customer service for health care; outside sales; retail; and public service.

In addition to customer service, future trainings will include fine dining service; safe serve food service; wines – how to sell and properly serve; sales effectiveness; organizational skills; teamwork; continuous improvement/total quality management; motivating employees; team management and communication skills; and a special workshop titled “Love It Lake County,” an informative seminar about the wonders of Lake County encouraging the promotion of a more positive spin on our beautiful community when communicating with visitors and customers.

Job seekers who have been laid off from local employers may receive a fee waiver to attend these classes as WorkforceLake has received a specialized grant to assist laid off employees from specific industries to get back to work.

If you have been laid off you are encouraged to come in to one of our two locations to inquire or call for more information.

Employers interested in hiring job seekers who have participated in the training are encouraged to call and ask to speak with a business services representative.

WorkforceLake Business and Career Centers are located at 55 First St., Lakeport, telephone 707-263-0630; and 14092 Lakeshore Drive in Clearlake, 707-995-9007.

Pam Harpster is program director and business services coordinator of MPIC Inc.