Event Cover Image
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Join the VA AWWA Customer Service Committee for two days of learning and skill building with the newly revamped Customer Service Certification from AWWA.
FROM THE TAP TO THE CUSTOMER
 
VA AWWA's Customer Service Committee Proudly Presents the Official AWWA Customer Service Certification Program.
 
Whether you are a veteran employee or new to the utility, come refresh your skills and well-being as we practice operating from a place of respect and expertise in our challenging role as guardians of public health.  With a focus on communication and service, participants will also learn the basics of water treatment and utility operations and deepen their understanding of what it takes to deliver quality water every day. 
 
This program utilizes direct instruction, group discussions, "real life" sharing, and hands-on exercises to foster professional development, embed learning, and build a community of Water Sector practitioners. This accelerated program blends the content of 3 books in 2 days. Full participation in both days is required to earn the AWWA Customer Service Training Program Certificate of Completion. 

 

Rates
AWWA Member Rate | $150
Non-Member Rate | $200
Additional Sponsor Representative | $150

 

Focus Areas and Learning Objectives
The program is based on research for an effective foundation-building customer service training program that establishes a level of core competency for customer service representatives (CSRs). AWWA’s Customer Service Training Program addresses the challenges facing water utility organizations. The purpose of the program is to assist CSRs in being responsive to increased customer expectations and expanding global demographics. The three courses are: 
 
 
Course 1: Building Customer Relationships 
In this course, the focus is on communication and listening skills, having a great professional attitude, and improving both understanding of and skills in diversity, equity, and inclusion to support a superior knowledge of working with people in a positive, respectful, and cooperative manner. 


Course 2: The Business of Customer Service 
This course concentrates on the need for teamwork to improve customer service. There is an emphasis on the problem-solving and decision-making skills required for evaluating and effectively resolving customer service complaints, both real and perceived. Also included are explanations of the customer service cycle, terms and definitions, and/or processes common to all customer service organizations. 


Course 3: Utility Industry Operations 
The final course is designed to emphasize understanding of your role as a member of the larger community of water sector professionals who are serving the public by working for water utilities responsible for providing a safe and adequate water supply. As a result, the fundamentals and basic terminology for managing sources, treatment, and distribution are provided, as well as an understanding of applicable water utility rules, regulations, and policies. The course also includes an emphasis on the value of water, as well as some of the major issues and initiatives facing all water utilities, such as the need for water conservation, recycling and reuse, and addressing the challenges of climate change. 

 

Your Facilitator
Jim Ginley, Primary Author of the AWWA Customer Service Training Program
 
 
Sponsorships
A limited number of sponsorships are available. Please see ticket prices for details. All sponsorships include admission for 1 sponsor representative. Please register additional attendees separately as needed. Swag and raffle items are welcome!
 

Platinum | $700 
✓   Admission for 1 sponsor representative
✓   Name plaque displayed on registration and refreshment tables
✓   Recognition in the event program
✓   Recognition on web registration site

Gold | $500
✓   Admission for 1 sponsor representative
✓   Name plaque displayed on registration table
✓   Recognition in the event program
 
Silver | $300
✓    Admission for 1 sponsor representative
✓    Recognition in the event program 
 
 
Cancellations
Please view our Cancellation and Refund policy.   
Where
Newport News Waterworks
700 Town Center Drive
1st Floor—James Room
Newport News, VA 23606
United States of America
Organizers
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Cynthia Barnes
cynthia.barnes@vaawwa.org
434.238.5131

L

Laurie Abrams
labrams@raftelis.com