NPS Eastern National Bookstores Receive Customer Service Awards

Date: April 24, 2013
Contact: Outer Banks Group, 252-473-2111

Superintendent Barclay Trimble is pleased to announce the Bodie Island Visitor Center bookstore recently received Eastern National's 2012 Customer Service Award.The award, presented annually, recognizes Eastern National staff who received the highest average score in the Eastern National's secret shopper program.The program evaluates the overall store appearance, product presentation, and professionalism of staff.

President George Minnucci and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Kissling presented the awards at a recent banquet honoring the Eastern National employees."We are proud that our Bodie Island Visitor Center bookstore received an award for best customer satisfaction of all Eastern National bookstores across the country," stated Superintendent Barclay Trimble."I was equally impressed when it was announced that Fort Raleigh Visitor Center bookstore, also operated by Eastern National, took second place in the program.All of our visitor center staff greet hundreds of visitors each day with a smile and helpful demeanor creating those lasting vacation memories for so many who come to the national parks.On behalf of the National Park Service, our many thanks to Eastern National employees for a job well done!"

Eastern National, a not-for-profit cooperating association, founded by National Park Service rangers in 1947 and recognized by Congress, is a primary partner of the National Park Service under the Department of the Interior.

Currently, Eastern National is the cooperating association for over 150 national parks and assists in the educational and interpretive mission of the National Park Service.By providing quality experiences, educational products and services to the visitors of America's national parks, they promote a better public understanding and provide support to the National Park Service.Cooperating associations provide various services, primarily by procuring, distributing and selling educational material in retail outlets located in national parks.They also provide an assortment of services including supplemental funding for land and artifact acquisitions, special events, educational and interpretive programs, and research grants.As a non-profit, philanthropic organization, Eastern National promotes the public's understanding and support of America's national parks and other public trust partners by providing quality educational experiences, products and services.

For more information, call park offices at 252-473-2111, or Bodie Island Visitor Center at 252-475-9501 and Fort Raleigh Visitor Center at 252-475-9001.

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