Red Carpet Service

Three men walk down the sidewalk in Valentine, Neb.

Red Carpet Service gives your local businesses the tools to roll out a warm, memorable welcome to visitors. In this fun, hands-on session, you’ll learn how great service boosts tourism, supports your economy, and leaves visitors with a lasting impression—helping your whole community feel more inviting and ready to shine.

Food truck worker handing out a burger and fries tray; assorted drinks displayed beside the window.
WHAT IT IS

An educational workshop that helps front-line employees:

  • Identify travelers’ needs
  • Discover tools to support tourism
  • Appreciate hidden local treasures
  • Build service skills 

As a package, these aspects translate into a quality experience for visitors and current residents when they visit your community’s businesses.

Person folding teal shirts on a wooden counter in a store with brick walls.
HOW IT WORKS

The Red Carpet Service workshops are tailored for your groups:

  • Sessions: 2.5 hours
  • Participants: Front-line staff and managers
  • Group Size: 25-30 participants (recommended)
  • Fees: Initial training, $250 + cost of travel; repeat trainings, travel costs only
  • Instructors: Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Educators

The local sponsoring organization handles promotion, recruitment, and other details. Partnering with another community is encouraged.

Child receiving a stacked ice cream cone from a vendor in a bright indoor setting.
BENEFITS IT OFFERS

Participants will walk away from the workshop with:

  • Increased understanding of how travelers and tourists benefit your local economy
  • Renewed appreciation for front-line employees
  • Improved customer service skills
  • Increased knowledge of local attractions and hidden treasures

Post-program evaluations have shown a significant increase in attendees’ knowledge and ability to share information about (1) main attractions, (2) hidden treasures, and (3) additional tourist attractions.

Contacts

NORTHWEST PANHANDLE
CHERYL BURKHART-KRIESEL

RPN Extension Educator
308-632-1234
cburkhartkriesel1@unl.edu

SOUTHWEST PANHANDLE
JAMIE BRIGHT

RPN Extension Educator
308-254-4455
jamie.bright@unl.edu

NORTH
JORDAN RASMUSSEN

RPN Program Leader
402-719-5230
jordan.rasmussen@unl.edu

SOUTH
JASON TULLER

RPN Extension Educator
402-768-7212
jason.tuller@unl.edu