To revive economy Cing calls for improved services

Tinian Senator David M. Cing said new Saipan Chamber of Commerce President Anthony Pellegrino got it right when he challenged the business community and government officials, to “look inward” for change in order to revitalize the economy.

“I totally agree with Mr. Pellegrino that we must stop blaming outside forces for our economic difficulties and start focusing on finding solutions and making improvements,” said Mr. Cing.

He added that the first and most obvious improvement that can be made is in the level of service provided to customers, saying that the CNMI people are tired of old excuses from businesses who have failed to provide quality products at reasonable prices through friendly and efficient services.

“Services in the CM seems to be getting worse not better. Nowadays, it is quite common to be served by someone who does not even say hello or thank you. They take your money as if the whole affair is an interruption to their day,” the senator said.

Also far too common is the excuses made by many businesses that shipping companies push up the prices, cause damage to and delays in getting products. If this is the case then what we need to know is what are businesses doing to try and improve the situation, said Mr. Cing.

Some public offices also have to learn about service according to the senator. “Government departments and offices often close their doors during the lunch hour when everyone wants to do business, staff are too quick to tell you why it can’t be done and to slow to offer assistance. ?”

He said responsibility for setting and maintaining service standards rests firmly with business owners, and heads of departments in government agencies.

The standard of service the customer receives is a direct reflection of the bosses’ performance and people should not hesitate to go to the top if they are unhappy.

“Improving business practices and the way in which staff inter-react with their customers is easier, cheaper and more effective than most other methods of economic revitalization we could employ,” he said.

“Failure to boost service standards in the CM will not only continue to frustrate the consumer but also hamper the growth of our tourism industry and slow the development of business in the Commonwealth.”