by Colet Allen

Visitor Center Director

Ask not what the Visitor Center can do for you, but what you can do for "your" Visitor Center!

Accomplishments are made by individuals. Yes, we have support, but at the grass-root of each accomplishment is an individual, a single idea, a single thought or action that sparked or moved others to even more ideas that became something bigger and better than the individual who initiated it.

This brings me to the real purpose of this article: Volunteering.

Last year we had over 9,100 visitors at the Visitor Center. How do we know that? We know this because we had volunteers staffing the center, happily meeting and greeting guests as they came through our door. A percentage of that 9,100 left something behind -- a bit of their money in our town and area.

I need not tell you that financially, our county is not in great shape, but think how much poorer we would be without the influx of these tourist dollars.

The individual volunteers logging numbers, giving needed advice and helping visitors find the goods and services that they need while in our "Friendliest Town in Idaho" are the first face that many visitors encounter. It is that first impression that usually sticks. I can't say enough about the importance and value that these folks who staff our center provide.

The tasks are very simple and anyone can do them:

• First priority is "meet and greet" all who come through the door.

• Have them sign the guest book (this is very important as this is where we get our numbers from).

• Follow a written procedure to open and close ... it is very easy.

• Read the policies and written notes in the White Book (this passes information between volunteers).

• Occasionally answer the phone when the Chamber person is not there.

• Smile and have fun!

The Visitor Center needs more than volunteers. There will be an orientation and potluck in mid-May (date, time and location to be announced). This is a multipurpose gathering to:

• Appreciate the volunteers.

• Orient new volunteers and team them up with our long-time volunteers who know the ropes.

• Set schedules for the coming busy summer months.

• Review lessons learned from last year, update and review policies.

• Address concerns that may have arisen at the Center.

If you like to help people, enjoy talking and listening to others and can spare a few hours each week or month, please call or e-mail me, (208) 267-8130 or colet@meadowcrk.com.