BCCC Briefs August 18, 2016 | Eastern North Carolina Now

    The following classes are available through the Continuing Education Department at BCCC. To register, call (252)940-6375 or email continuingeducation@beaufortccc.edu.


    These days, businesses cannot survive for long without great customer service. People have access to more and they expect more. If they do not feel that they are being treated well, they go somewhere else, according to Emily Ballance, MEd, LPC and certified speaking professional. She has owned, operated and marketed two small businesses for over 25 years.

    "Today's business owners and their employees have to constantly be on their toes," Ballance says. "They must always be thinking about how to attract new customers, keep them happy and keep them coming back. Customer service and customer loyalty are more important than ever in this economy because customers know they can go somewhere else or online for products and services if they want to."

    "Keeping in close touch with customers is essential. So is getting their feedback and quickly making necessary changes in response to it," Ballance says. "In the seminar, we'll discuss some of the typical reasons why customers leave and what you can do. The class will look at customer service from different perspectives and share stories - the good, the bad and the ugly. Participants will leave with skills to improve customer relationships, build customer loyalty and increase sales."

    Ballance speaks on business related topics at Small Business Centers throughout the NC Community College System. She also presents keynotes and workshops on generations, stress management, positive humor, networking, communication, customer service, and wellness at conferences, events and meetings across the country.

    Ballance has been awarded the Certified Speaking Professional designation, the highest earned designation awarded by the National Speakers Association (NSA). Women in NSA who have earned this designation make up less than eight percent of the association's total membership.

    The seminar will take place on Thursday, August 25 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. and is free.


    BCCC is excited to partner with the Division of Health and Human Services - Division of Social Services (DSS) to offer this two phase program.

    Phase One, "Introduction to Human Services," will provide individuals a look inside the world of DSS. Students will learn DSS terminology and the basic intake process for completing an NCFAST application. Individuals will also gain assistance in completing job applications, resume writing, and job interviewing skills. Individuals will also work towards and be required to earn a National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC).

    Students must pass this phase to be eligible to enroll in phase two.

    During Phase Two, "Income Maintenance Caseworker," NCFAST will provide individuals an in-depth, hands-on look at the NCFAST system. Through an interactive system, individuals will process applications, and make changes and updates to simulated participant accounts. Individuals will also learn how to "interview" clients they see, in order to gain the information needed for completing the NCFAST intake process.

    Students who successfully complete both phases will be eligible to apply for Income

    Maintenance Caseworker positions throughout the state-wide DSS system.

    Phase One will take place on from September 1 through October 19 on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m. The course costs $155, but this fee can be waived for individuals who meet the fee waiver criteria. Phase Two will take place from October 26 through December 15 on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m. The fee for phase two is $125, and there are no waivers for this fee.


    This class is being put on thanks to generous support from The Pamlico River Quilters' Guild. The guild wants to see more happy quilters in our area, and Debby Hodges will lead the way. Students will learn the basics of cutting, piecing, sewing seams and quilting. Hodges will address fabric choices and color combinations as students produce a wonderful sampler quilt. The class will also visit a local quilting shop. A book and supply list are available upon registration. The program costs $40 and runs on Tuesdays from 6:00-9:00 p.m. from September 13 through October 18.

• Contact: Attila Nemecz
•     (252)940-6387