On Track with Lifetrack Resources Spring/Summer 2001

Join the Conversation about Customer Service Best Practices with the new  “At Your Service” Blog

Lifetrack Resources’  “At Your Service” blog is a dialogue about customer service best practices and star customer service businesses in the Twin Cities.

The blog is maintained through Lifetrack Resources’ Customer Service Training program, which prepares job seekers to provide exceptional service to local companies.

Training Coordinator Laura Schwartz maintains and authors the posts.  Laura has worked at Lifetrack since 2007 teaching and developing workforce training programs and curriculum for low-income individuals, immigrants,  refugees, and people with disabilities.

Trainees in the program are also using the blog as a tool to both get experience with professional writing and explore different customer service topics.

Recently the blog has followed Linnea, a recent customer service graduate, in a 30-hour internship with Innovative Packing Solutions making outbound calls, researching potential customers, visiting customers on location and performing office administrative duties.

We encourage local employers to join us in these conversations by sharing their insights through the comments section on each post.

You can find the “At Your Service” blog at www.lifetrackresources.org/atyourservice.

Nonprofits and Nerds

Minnesota Hands & Voices (MNHV) was one of 18 nonprofits chosen to receive free website design through The Nerdery Overnight Website Challenge on March 26-27.

This was the fourth year of the event, organized by interactive development firm The Nerdery.

MNHV was provided with a volunteer team of 10 web pros for 24 hours of free service to create a new site.

Nonprofits were selected based on the case they made for themselves and their web needs. MNHV is thankful to all who left testimonials back in February that helped make this a reality!

Please keep an eye out for when the new site launches at www.mnhandsandvoices.org.

Message from the President

Lifetrack Resources’ donor Betsy Buckley shares a simple message with people she meets, “What Matters?”  It’s a powerful reminder to be mindful and intentional in how we spend our time, resources and energy.  To understand “what matters” to us requires that we must both observe and engage in the world around us.

Lifetrack Resources’ mission of strengthening lives calls together a community of engaged individuals each working to improve their lives, the lives of others and their community.   

• Our Spring/Summer On Track newsletter brings you stories of what matters and invitations for engagement:  
• The 2011 Taste of Lifetrack Resources on May 19th invites the community to engage in a celebration and giving to support children and families.
• The new “At Your Service” blog invites you to share your expertise, insights and employment opportunities with Lifetrack’s talented Customer Service Program graduates.
• You also can read about how businesses and other employers can engage through Innovative Packaging Solutions, job fairs, internships and sponsorships by following Lifetrack Resources on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

As a Lifetrack donor, business partner, volunteer, or staff, I invite you to share what matters to you by engaging with family, friends, colleagues and neighbors about the work of Lifetrack Resources and invite them to support and attend the Taste of Lifetrack Resources and any of the other volunteer and partnering opportunities you’ll find at www.LifetrackResources.org.

TrixieAnn Girtz Golberg

Donor Feature: Betsy Buckley

Betsy Buckley is the CEO and Chief Rainmaker of What Matters, a professional services firm that helps business owners and professionals grow their revenues and reputations.

Betsy was first introduced to Lifetrack this past fall when she was invited to speak at the 18th Annual Legacy Society Luncheon.

After visiting Lifetrack before planning her speech, Betsy shared, “Lifetrack has taken on an amazing challenge. By drawing on the strengths within those facing the greatest life challenges, Lifetrack is committed to insuring that all people are strong, healthy and productive members of the community.”

Betsy not only went on to give a great speech to Lifetrack Resources’ donors about What Matters and  working together, she encouraged the guests to make a commitment to Lifetrack’s mission by making a donation and introducing their friends to the organization.

Betsy’s idea was more than just words. A few months later, Betsy hosted her own birthday party at Lifetrack Resources and encouraged her guests to make a donation to support our mission instead of a gift!

We thank Betsy for her enthusiastic support of Lifetrack Resources and the people we serve.