Certified Tourism Ambassador: Sonoma County
Well, you can call Beth Costa, our Executive Director, Lynn Thomas, our Office Manager, and me, Tracy Logan, Wine Road Member & Guest Concierge, Madam. (Now cut that out…different meaning….) Similar to Perle Mesta (played by Ethel Merman) being appointed ambassador to Luxenbourg and garnering the title of “madam”….but more fun!
When I first enrolled to become a Certified Tourism Ambassador for Sonoma County, I was picturing this:
What I got was this:
Lynn and I are kind of middle row, two in from right….Lynn has on a dark sweater and a light scarf- I am to the left, hidden a bit….glasses.
as well as a completely enhanced set of skills for helping my guests to Wine Road-Northern Sonoma County- as well as to the WHOLE of Sonoma County.
CTA is a nationwide program- recently brought to Sonoma County by our very own Sonoma County Tourism.
Ken Fischang, SCTB’s President/CEO, is often mistaken for a young Danny Kaye, especially when I am talking about Ethel Merman and Donald O’Connor (though I bet that George Sanders cringed to be in this film, Shere Khan that he is, but I digress….), as currently we are:
Ken Fischang….
Danny Kaye.
Here is Ken’s take on the CTA Program:
The goal of this program is to showcase our region and improve visitation by inspiring front-line hospitality employees and volunteers to work together to turn every visitor encounter into a positive experience.
If front-line employees and volunteers provide quality service, visitors are more likely to have a positive experience. Visitors who have a positive experience are more likely to return. And they will share their perceptions with their friends. Everyone benefits – visitors, hospitality workers and their employers, and the local and regional economies.
Very well put, Danny, er ahem, Ken!
I am a California native and even I, history and trivia buff that you may notice I am, learned tons with this program.
Bows to program and kudos to Mo McElroy, Chief Sonomambassador, too. Ken and Mo taught me to remember to look to the stars…just like the ones on my CTA official pin.
Here’s looking at you, kids.
TR
George Sanders and Shere Khan…an informal moment.
DON’T call ME madam….
Well said Tracy and we are all so proud of you for achieving your CTA! This type of devotion to serving our visitors so well is why Sonoma County is America’s Number One Wine Destination! Thank you for all you do at Wine Road to complete us.
Appreciatively,
Ken/Danny
Dear Ken/Danny:
I blush, sir, in your warm praises.
Many thanks!
Madam TR
Just received this email and it really made my day:
Dear Madam Tracy! The remarks about treating tourists right keeps them coming back are absolutely right on. For about three years Healdsburg has been our wine country destination of choice. Along with the wonderful treatment we receive, the wine has us totally enamored.. Our faves now are mostly Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley finds and are wines we cannot buy in Austin. Thank you one and all for the wonderful experiences we have each and every time we visit. See you the 1st of March for the unbelievable barrel tasting week-end! Cathia , Austin, Texas
PS – one of our winemaking heroes, Mr. Malm, I understand “offices” right by you. (That is true, Cathia…we are neighbors!)
Well I can definitely say your prowess as the ultimate guest concierge has made me a returning fan of Sonoma. And now you’re going to be even better at it? Hard to believe that’s possible! Congrats on your ambassadorship Madam.
Thanks so much my Flirty Friend! Madam TR