AHOSKIE – Shopping locally makes good sense for local merchants, local citizens and the local economy.

However, the key to a successful business, in these economically challenged times, is how to retain its local customer base and keep them from shopping in nearby cities such as Greenville, Norfolk and other nearby larger retail markets.

Local retailers must learn how to attract more customers, build brand loyalty and distinguish their business from their competitors.

The Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce,  Ace Home Center, Roanoke-Chowan Health Center, Roanoke-Chowan Community College, Small Business Center at RCCC, Classic Party Rentals, Southern Delights Catering and the Roanoke-Chowan News Herald have teamed up and joined forces with John Formica, “America’s Customer Experience Coach” to help local businesses to attract and retain customers.

Formica, an “Ex-Disney Guy” and America’s customer experience coach, will be returning to the Ahoskie community when he presents his popular seminars on Feb. 25 and March 12.

The Feb. 25 seminar, slated for 6-9 p.m. at the Roanoke-Chowan Community College in the Community Room of the Freeland Building, is designed specifically for business owners, professionals and managers. This program is designed to demonstrate to business leaders the secrets on how to create a Disney-like customer experience culture in their business. To register contact Jim Bales, Small Business Center, RCCC at 252-862-1279.

“This is must attend event for all local business owners, said Bales.

The March 12 seminar is especially targeted for the staff and employees of local businesses. This meeting, to be held at Catherine’s Restaurant, will have two time slots for convenience – 9 a.m. until 12 noon and 1-4 p.m.

Formica will share his Disney experiences and more than 25 years of small business experience to help your business be more successful. The fee for this seminar is $10 per person. Lunch will be available for $5. Please contact the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce at 252-332-2042 to register.

Attendees of the “magical” seminar will learn the one secret Disney uses to gain employee commitment, what your customers really want, not what you think they need. He will also share strategies to attract more customers, tips on how to build lasting relationship with your customers and more. Leaders, staff and teams will be empowered and inspired during this high energy, applicable and entertaining program.

One dollar spent locally turns over three times within the local community, making an even greater impact right here at home. The taxes paid on local goods and services in the Roanoke-Chowan area are put to work immediately by supporting local schools, parks, recreation centers, libraries, police, fire departments and other things that make this community a great place to work and live.

“Small local businesses are fundamental to our community. Each small business makes our town a special place. It is of the utmost importance for our local businesses to attend this meeting and learn the secrets that John Formica is offering us” says Dan Joyner, Director of the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce.

Formica is a nationally known speaker, business consultant and author of the top selling book, “Making the Customer Experience Magical Now!-How to Succeed in Business and Beat Out Your Competition Today.” He is a leading authority on tourism, hospitality and service industries alike. He has inspired audiences with over 2,500 keynotes and seminars throughout the U.S. and successfully coached hundreds of leaders, small businesses and local retail communities to achieve the results they want.