“The B2C program bridges the gap between diverse consumers like myself and local businesses,” said recent CWU graduate Miraclejoy Curtis. “Because of the program, I look for the golden star outside of the shopping stores that shows they’re respectful, inclusive, and ready to serve the customer."
Rewarding good customer service is the goal of Business-to-Community Stars or B2C Stars, established last year by the Ellensburg Downtown Association, the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Ellensburg, and Central Washington University.
“B2C Stars’ goal is to provide a positive experience to all who visit Kittitas county,” said Jerry Lael, CWU alumnus and member of the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
Based on best practices essential for good customer service, the B2C Stars program emphasizes respect, honesty, trust, and integrity.
“The free B2C program is a great opportunity to assist small businesses with training they may not have the resources or time to organize,” said Carolyn Honeycutt, EDA former executive director. According to a City of Ellensburg study, one in every two local customers is a CWU student.
Undeniably, their economic impact to area businesses is significant. The goal of the program is to ensure local businesses are aware of this demographic to better serve and retain these customers.
“We want our students to feel welcome,” said Linda Schactler, CWU’s chief of staff. “We want them to have a terrific life experience while they’re here, and that includes going downtown.”
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